Parents, listen to your children

Adolescence is the in-between stage of rapid physical, mental and spiritual growth and a time during which young people begin making more of their own choices.

As parents see their children growing up, the understanding and forgiveness is usually free-flowing as is the affection. They give their children love, but are firm, expecting and demanding appropriate respect.

It doesn’t matter the age of a child. The parent should never be so busy they don’t stop and listen to what their child is saying. A child needs to not be afraid to open themselves up to their parents knowing they won’t be condemned or criticized but listened to and understood.

You, the parents, are stewards of your children of which God has so graciously blessed you. Your teens will have to make choices and you will watch your teens move from parent-control to self-control and then hopefully to God-control.

God created each child uniquely; each must be reared with loving attention and encouragement to his/her particular talents, gifts and personality with consistent discipline to lead the child God’s way.

Be faithful and consistent. Live Christ-like, giving children godly counsel, advice and always praying for them.

Graduation will be May 28 and there will be a time of joyfulness, yet sadness. A time for them, as young men and women, to take their place in the world. Most importantly and prayerfully, they will be guided by the hand of almighty God.