Here we are coming to the end of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. We talked about many facets of staying safe in our relationships and learned that it is TIME TO TALK about teen life in 2025.
As parents, we love our teens and want only God’s best for each of them. What a daunting task to raise children and guide them through the rough waters and into adulthood with as few scars as possible. And yet, God has blessed parents with wisdom, discernment and love to do His will even in this! How amazing that the Lord entrusts these precious souls to us!
But how can we help them to navigate the days, one day at a time and also with an eye to the future? Several strategies come to mind…
Keep communication open. Yes, how obvious is that, but still it is the biggest challenge with students, teens and our youngsters. Be open and honest. Listen carefully. Express your expectations clearly and be ready to hear their complaints with a cheerful, wise heart.
Stay on your knees praying for them everyday. There’s power in prayer. We know this, and yet we get frustrated with the day to day issues and forget the amazing gift we have. Keep comms open with God! Reach out to our heavenly Father with ALL the troubles – He really does want to hear from you.
Teach your kids about healthy relationships. Model them if possible! Boundaries teach teens about how to treat others and how others should treat them. Boundaries can help to establish respectful treatment in friendships, romantic relations and other social interactions.
Setting boundaries teaches teens that they are valued, but even more importantly, that they should value themselves. They are beautifully made in the image of a loving God. They are priceless in His eyes and also in yours.
Help your teens to be aware of the “red flags” and the “green flags” in relationships. What is acceptable and wonderful, as well as what is totally unacceptable and even dangerous. Be honest with them – they really do want to hear the truth.
As with every other relationship in our lives, pour grace into the times when you can share the love of Christ with your teens. Grace like gravy! Forgive and offer second chances. Discipline with love and with an eye to repentance and true heart change.
Rejoice in the wonder of parenting teens and expect miracles as the Lord works in their hearts to say and do the things that bring Him glory and keeps them safe. Be blessed – soon they will be all grown up. Remember, February and TDVAM (teen dating violence awareness month) comes and goes, but the love of God never changes and He is with you to help you everyday.