Parenting Teens by with the Rod of Correction 3B
New Parenting or Step Parenting Teens
Disciplining a teen, especially when you’re new to parenting, can be difficult, but the Bible provides wisdom to guide you. Here are the rest of the five of ten practical tips, along with scriptures to support your approach
6. Model the Behavior You Want to See
Teens are highly observant, and they learn from what you do more than what you say. Be a positive role model in your actions.
Example: If you want your teen to be responsible with their time, show them how you manage your own responsibilities well.
Scripture:
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)
7. Offer Choices and Responsibility
Allowing teens to make decisions helps them learn responsibility. Give them options for how they can correct their behavior.
Example: If your teen misuses their phone, give them the choice of losing phone privileges for a week or doing extra chores to earn it back.
Scripture:
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)
8. Be Patient and Forgiving
Teenagers are still learning and will make mistakes. Be patient, forgiving, and give them grace as they grow.
Example: If your teen is disrespectful, after addressing it, offer forgiveness and help them understand how they can improve.
Scripture:
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
9. Pick Your Battles
Not every issue is worth a confrontation. Focus on addressing significant issues like respect, safety, and responsibility, and let minor infractions slide.
Example: If your teen leaves their room messy, it might not be worth a fight compared to issues like lying or failing in school.
Scripture:
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”(Ecclesiastes 7:9)
10. Pray for Guidance and Your Teen
Parenting can be overwhelming, but prayer brings wisdom and peace. Pray for patience, wisdom, and guidance, and for your teen’s growth and development.
Example: Start or end your day with a prayer asking for strength in disciplining and guiding your teen, and for their heart to be open to learning.
Scripture:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)
These tips aim to combine practical parenting advice with biblical principles to foster both discipline and growth in your teen.
Hopefully, we as parents can raise teens who grow up to become better parents through our modeling! It starts at home with us!
