Let's face it, there are no perfect families!
Are you one of the most influencial people in your children's lives?
I truly hope so, because much of their growth and safety depends on it.
Regardless of how much your teenager or young adult seems to reject or fight your opinion and views, your presence in their lives continues to be one of the determining factors for their health, growth, safety and sense of confidence or personhood.
Grandparents, relatives, pastors, teachers, mentors, the goverment and every other person in authority over their lives is part of their "support system", part of the group cheering them on or making them feel that they are part of a larger community. However, non of them have the same influence and responsibility over your children's lives. I'm not talking about sick, controling, kind of perverted power. I am talking about the kind of power that lets an insecure adolescent know, I don't have to do ... with this guy. I know I'm worth more than that. It's your approval that helps your sons feel they are growing up to be the men that can take on the world.
You've gotta hear me on this. Your children have a better chance of living happy, meaningful lives if you parent them with the right tools. They have a better chance of fulfilling their purpose and of making their personal contribution to the human race... if they are approved, disciplined and loved by you. I know, I know... You came to this page to look for strategies to help you with the "stuff" that are happening right now. But what if the right strategies (tools) can help you with both your short and long term goals?
As parents, we have the awesome responsibility to create the ambiance that will allow our kids to be nurtured, disciplined and loved. God entrusted YOU with those precious, bright, stubburn and amazing gifts of yours.
You can make the difference on them becoming the best they could ever be!