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Parent Guide – Febuary/March – 2019


WEEK 1

MATTHEW 7:24-27

Strong faith is about doing,
not just knowing.

WEEK 2

 PROVERBS 13:20

If you want a faith of your own,
you can’t build it alone.

WEEK 3

MATTHEW 14:16-20

There’s a direct connection
between growing and serving.

WEEK 4

 JOHN 11:11-15

In tough times, God works in you so that He can work through you.

WEEK 5

MARK 9:21-24

Dealing with doubt is part of growing your faith.

TALK ABOUT THIS:

WEEK 1:

Ask your teen to think of some things they know about that they’d love to experience in person. Be prepared to hear everything from seeing the latest movie to traveling to a faraway land. Then ask them which one they think is better, knowing about the thing or actually doing it, and why. Continue by asking if they think the same could be true about faith, that doing is better than just knowing.

WEEK 2:

God uses people to grow our teen’s faith. Sometimes it looks like, “So-and-so said I should be careful about who I hang out with.” Other times it looks like, “Every time I’m around that person it really tests my patience!” This week, ask your teen who has, or is currently, helping grow their faith. It could be a positive investment or a challenging relationship. Either way, God can use them.

WEEK 3:

Ask your teen how it makes them feel when others serve them. Then ask about some ways they can make others feel the same way. Whether it’s staying behind to pick up the soccer balls or going on a short-term mission trip, something special that happens to your teen’s faith when they serve others—it GROWS.

WEEK 4:

This conversation will be best when your teen is NOT going through a tough time. Why? Heightened emotions can be a roadblock to your words. Talk with your kid about potential hurts by saying, “What if (tough time) happened? How do you think God could use that to work in and through you?”

WEEK 5:

Have you ever doubted God? Been mad at God? Disappointed in God? This week, talk with your teen about one of those times. Hearing you share about your own moments of doubt will help your teen better understand that they’re not alone and that dealing with doubt is a part of growing their faith.

REMEMBER THIS:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
James 1:22 NIV

DO THIS:

MORNING TIME

Give your teen tons of grace this week. When you’re tempted to nag them about the wet towel on the floor or lose your temper because they’re late—again—hold your tongue (walk away if you have to) and choose to dish out grace—lots and lots of grace. Make it your goal to send them to school with both of you smiling. (You can address that wet towel after school when emotions aren’t at peak level.)

MEAL TIME

Let your teen prepare one meal this week. True, it takes more work on your part, as the parent, to let them cook than if you just did it yourself, BUT the feeling of accomplishment and being affirmed for serving others is worth it. Sometimes teens need to experience doing something firsthand before they see the value in it. (And hey, they may appreciate how you serve them daily even more!)

THEIR TIME

Be on the lookout for any “tough times” your teen may be having this week—hard test, bad attitude, physically sick, or trouble with a friend or teacher. Be ready to text these words of encouragement: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

BED TIME

Teens tend to open up more about their feelings and what they’re really thinking about late at night. It’s a great time to ask, “Hey, how’s your heart these days? Everything good?” Make sure you have nothing else to do but listen when you ask. And really, all you need to do is just listen.