Major Mistakes Parents Make
- CRITICIZE THEIR POOR CHOICES.
Kids will rise to your level of expectancy of them. Find one positive thing they are doing and brag, brag, brag.
- COMPARE THEM TO “SPIRITUAL SUSIE.”
When you compare them to someone, they hear, “My parents aren’t proud of me. I’ll never be good enough. Why even try?”
- WATCH ONLY CHRISTIAN TV.
Select some good, secular shows that can blend a family and spark terrific discussions. Great bridge building occurs.
- CRITICIZE CHURCH LEADERSHIP.
It is most difficult for teens to respect and receive from them after they’ve heard you criticize them.
- PREACH TO THEIR FRIENDS.
How embarrassing. Don’t. Just don’t. Buy pizza, instead.
- DON’T SUPPORT YOUTH FUNCTIONS.
Youth ministry is positive peer pressure. Every time they miss, the others socially bond. If they get grounded, don’t include youth group as part of the punishment.
- LABEL EVERYTHING “EVIL.”
Instead of forbidding all cartoons and secular music, train them to make good choices and emphasize the rewards of godly living.
- LIVE AN INCONSISTANT, UNJOYFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE.
Do they see you reading your Bible? Do you have anything (spiritually) that they would want? They’re watching and deciding.
- DON’T SEND THEM TO DISCOVERY CAMP.
One touch from God can change their life forever. Camp is eternally significant and allows them to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
