Developing Godly Character by Vinnie Carafano makes an excellent parent-child Bible study. This is an intense 12-week study that will take your teen through the New Testament and give you plenty of opportunity to discuss scripture, character traits, and stay accountable. It is by far one of the best Bible studies we’ve found for teens! You can find Developing Godly Character here.
Purity isn’t a topic for one season of life, nor is it only in regards to the sexual side of life. Purity is essential in heart mind and body, anytime, anywhere, in any context. A pure foundation is essential to the building of anything for the kingdom. My favorite ring is the Language of Love ring because it reminds me that purity doesn’t have a language or a category it fits into – it is universal and essential for all.
How are you doing modeling a healthy marriage relationship to your teen? Even if you aren’t currently married, what impression does your teen get from you about being married? Parents, you are your teen’s role models when it comes to healthy relationships. That doesn’t mean they can’t ever see you have a disagreement (teens have an uncanny ability to spot insincerity a mile away), but it does mean you should examine the over-arching impression you give your children about marriage. Is it positive? When was the last time you said something positive about your spouse or about marriage in front of your teen? The point is, teens need to know that marriage is something to look forward to and that it’s worth waiting for.
What is your teen dwelling on in their heart and mind? What are their thoughts caught up in when no one else can see inside their head? Have your teen track their thought patterns this week and see what is dwelling on Christ and what is way off elsewhere. Have them meditate on scripture that you pick together to bring their thoughts back around to God and held captive in Christ.
If you need to open lines of communication with your teen, we would suggest the book Age of Opportunity. This is a wonderful book about parenting teens. Click here to view the book on our web-store.
If you allow your teen to play video games, the number one best thing you can do (besides keeping rules on the content of the games) is to put time limits on play time. And be firm with the limits. If you say half an hour – it’s half an hour and then the game goes off. Remember: You are the parent!
Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot. Dubbed the “original purity book” by many, it’s an absolute must read. Elliot brings the beauty of God’s idea of love so clearly into her story that it leaves you without a doubt that real love is worth waiting for.
I even give a purity ring to my younger kids. I might not have done “the talk” with them yet, but I let them pick a small ring like or to wear as a reminder that they are to be pure in heart and mind. In this culture, it is never too young to start! Click here to see our exclusive line of purity jewelry.
Get in the know. Part of keeping your kids safe in this technology era is to know what that really means. Spend some time getting to know the tech gear your kids are using, if you don’t have the time or ability to do this – hire someone to know the ins and outs and educate you on the specific uses and dangers.
