Watch video HERE

Part 1

The season of parenting you probably now find yourself in may not feel so amazing some days. There are changes and shifts happening around your home, I am sure.

One of the changes that happens in this new season of your family is what your teen needs from you. It is a time where you are changing from a season of control to a new season of advice. As your child turns in to a teen, they are becoming more independent and confident.

This is not a bad moment of life, but it is something to think through. That is why I am excited to share this month’s Online Parenting Class. It is all about how parents can make the shift from being in complete control to being a Godly adviser for your teen.

Give it a quick watch. Let me know what you think and if you have any questions. I would love to help you walk through this process and season of life.

Part 2

As your teen grows up and matures, there is a shift that should be happening in the role you play in your child’s life. You go from “controller” to “adviser” as they are earning more and more freedom and independence.

Give this month’s video a watch, and then consider a few additional reflections I have added below:

• Is my parenting approach shifting and changing from when my child was younger? If not, why?

• What are the ways that you are allowing your teen freedoms in order for them to learn Godly independence?

• How do you see your parenting going from controller to adviser?

• Have a conversation with your teen and ask them in what areas of their life they would like you to be less of a “controller” and need your advice instead?

Watch video HERE

Part 1:

I hope you and your teen had a great summer. I have heard some of the students talking about summer jobs and making some money this summer. This month’s short Online Parenting Class is perfect! It is about “Helping Your Teen Handle Money.”

It is that time of year, whether it be helping your child handle the money they made this summer or thinking through how to manage the money your family is going to spend on back to school clothes and supplies. It is a perfect time to have open and honest discussion about money.

Each of the four hints are spot on to help you and your family think about the topic of money connected to your teenager. I hope it helps you and is some quick inspiration to create a philosophy and approach to money.

Part 2:

There was some good solid thoughts in there for parents and families to consider.

Encouraging Work Early. Is your tween/teen ready to take on a job? Even during the school year, could your child pick up a few hours at a local business on the weekends to make a little money but also learn some responsibility?

Open a Checking Account and Get a Debit Card. Even if you are not sure about opening a full checking account, would a pre-paid debit card work to teach your child how to better manage money?

Don’t Pay for Everything. Have you had a talk about the difference between “needs” and “wants”? Are you paying for everything, including the new version of things your child already has? What is that teaching them about money management?

Teach Generosity and Saving Early. When was the last time your child saw you stop and help someone in need? What conversations have you had about tithe and offering?

Watch the video HERE

Part 1

This month’s class is “Parents and Prodigals.”

We all know the story or at least pieces of the story. Even if we didn’t grow up in church, we know about “the prodigal”. It has even become a phrase that is now part of our culture. It is used to refer to any wide variety of struggles or rebellion.

If we are a parent, we know the struggle is real. Even if we have “good” kids, there are always moments and seasons of feeling like we have a “prodigal”. As our video referred to, Solomon, one of the wisest people to ever live, struggled with his own children. It is not a matter of how smart we are or how loving we have been when it comes to having a prodigal.

In those moments and seasons, we must also consciously choose to pursue our own spiritual health. Maybe even finding someone to help you process and talk through what is going on in your home. I (and our staff) would love to be those people if you need it. We are here for you as a community to walk life with you in those difficult moments. There are even people in our church that have been in similar seasons. Please do not hesitate to contact me and let me know how I can come along side of you now or in the future.

Part 2

Are you in the season where you feel like your pre-teen/teen is running away from a relationship with you more than toward one? Do you feel like it is the same with their relationship with God?

This month’s Online Parenting Class is just for you or will be for you at some point, believe it or not. Every child will go through a prodigal season; for some it is not as tough, while for others it is a long season for a family.

Here is the powerful Biblical advice, based on the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke in our video, along with some additional reflection questions for you to think through and/or discuss as parents.

1. Fight for influence more than control.
– How are you fighting for influence more than control with your child right now?
– In what ways did you see or not see your parents live out this idea when you were a teen?
2. Build relationship bridges
– What are the things that your child likes to do that would allow you time to hang out and talk?
– What ways are you intentionally trying to start positive conversations with your child?
3. Let go of the grudge
– What is a grudge you are holding right against your child you just need to let go?