I DON'T DO TEENAGERS ◽ HOME
Teenagers are really interesting, aren’t they? I think the teenage years are when all of the talents and skills start to take shape and really emerge in their own unique showcases among our almost grown children. Just think back when the teens were toddlers. Some were the messiest “artists” and now they’re putting out paintings like these pictured. Others never picked up their rooms and left toys everywhere, only to now be the most organized person in the home. And then there’s the occasional child that turns out to be a writer, and they used to hate to read!
So, how do we help develop and encourage our teens as they start to take up the brush, grab their boxes, or sit and type out their thoughts?
Teens need lots of affirmation. These are the years where comparison battles for courage. Comparison keeps our kids from trying new things or showcasing their strengths, because they always see someone better than they are. If our teens do something creative or turn out something they worked on but are afraid to share, we can affirm them in so many ways.
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Hang the art (if they will let you)
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Really listen to the music (even if it’s not your cup of tea)
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Try the snack they thought up (and be careful with your critique)
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Notice the efforts (praise that organized drawer)
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Pray for them through the fear (right before an audition)
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Make sure they know the B team is not second best. Hey, Best starts with B!
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Don’t compare them with their siblings. They are uniquely and wonderfully different.
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Read the story, or listen to them read, and encourage them to continue writing.
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Create with them, when they ask. This offers them a hand up.
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Recognize that they are not you. They may have a talent no one else has!
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Help them sell their creations (if they want to)
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Encourage siblings to praise and compliment each other.
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Allow for grace when they fail miserably at their creation, and offer them a hug.
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Pay them for their work, as an artist! Ask them to create more!
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Guide them and lead them, in gentleness and care.
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Give them the freedom to cook the family a meal or try something at home, first…
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Make family time a priority where everyone has time to chill and think creative thoughts.
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Use meal time to talk about skills and talents, to offer words and prayers.
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Start something with them: a bake sale, a YouTube channel, an Etsy store, etc.
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Supply the supplies…as money affords…and pray for wisdom…always.
Ayla, age 13, is painting me new scenes for my entry wall, since the last ones I had were from about five years ago. Aren’t they pretty?