I DON'T DO TEENAGERS â—½ HOME
In our panel of women last month (on the TIPS page), we included a 12 year old and asked her thoughts on being 12 – what she liked and disliked. Her answer was enlightening and such a fun read! It made me think how we don’t know so many things about our teens that they just might be willing to talk about, if we just ask them! Of course, it has to be when they’re in the mood to talk, but when they are…let’s seize the opportunity!
And of course, parents ask common questions like,
“How was your day?”
But what if we asked more specific questions? And what if we wrote down their answers in a journal, to use for prayer and encouragement for them later!
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Hint: Be sure you just ask and listen, not criticize and respond. And be sure to affirm.
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Here are some thought-provoking questions you might get some interesting answers to, if you just ask:
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What do you like/dislike about being your age?
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If you could change places with one of your friends, which one, and why?
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What’s one thing you’d change about your body if you could?
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Are you jealous of anyone right now? Why?
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When do you feel the closest to God?
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When do you feel the most grown up?
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What are you looking forward to most, this summer?
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What does your dream vacation look like?
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Is there a song that you listen to the most? What do you love about it?
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What advice would you offer a kid before they become a teen?
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If you could donate $1000 to someone or someplace, who or where would it be?
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What’s your biggest fear right now?
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What’s the most challenging part of your life right now?
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When you lay in bed at night, what do you think about the most?
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Describe what a perfect day would be like.
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What’s the worst thing that has ever happened to you? Did you learn anything from it?
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What’s your favorite Bible story and why?
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What do you love about our family and why?
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What accomplishments are you most proud of?
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What is one thing you own that brings you joy, and why?
Print out the above list and keep it for reference, because their answers are sure to change as your teens change and grow. In fact, you could ask your own self these questions, too! Bring the questions and the answers to Jesus. He listens. He cares. And he shares himself with us all.