Most parents today are told to brace themselves for the teenage years. “It’s going to be tough,” they hear. “Just survive it.” But deep down, many of us suspect something different—that our teens are capable of more than the world expects.

And we’re right.

Teenagers don’t have to be reckless, self-absorbed, or lost. History proves otherwise. Some of the greatest minds, leaders, and innovators took on real responsibility as teens. What if, instead of lowering the bar, we raised our expectations? What if we equipped them to step up, take charge, and lead?

We never expected to test this theory in our own home—until we had no other choice.

The oncologist looked at Hal skeptically.

“Well,” he conceded, “if you feel up to it, you can travel. And you can speak from the platform. But you can’t stand around shaking hands afterward—your immune system is going to be completely shot.”

The biopsy results were in: advanced lymphoma. Hal was about to start chemotherapy. Travel was a concession; avoiding crowds was non-negotiable.

We barely had time to process the news before our teenagers spoke up.

“Don’t worry, Dad—we’ll take care of the book fair!”

They were 16, 14, and 12. Could they really handle it? We weren’t sure. But at that moment, we didn’t have a choice. Hal was sidelined, and I would be busy counseling and praying with parents. If our teens were willing, then our teens would take the lead.

And it made all the difference.

So many parents brace for the teen years like a storm. Batten down the hatches! Duck and cover! But history tells a different story.

Laura Ingalls Wilder was teaching school before she turned 16.

The question isn’t why should we expect more from teenagers—it’s why aren’t we?

That book fair became a turning point in our family. What started as a necessity turned into a tradition. Ever since that day, our teenagers and their younger siblings have run our booth and many aspects of our travel.

They shoo us into the aisles: “Go talk with the parents that need help—we’ve got this.”

And sometimes, they challenge us.

One of our sons made it a personal mission to master driving our 15-passenger van and trailer—threading through night-time traffic in Phoenix, backing into tight spots, and maneuvering one-lane roads. Hal had to step up just to keep from calling his 16-year-old for help!

Over time, our teens became more than just helpers—they became partners in our ministry.

Because they were involved, they saw needs we hadn’t considered.

“We need something to keep younger kids occupied while you talk to their parents,” they told us.

The results?

Our 13-year-old who played the biggest role at our booth? He majored in entrepreneurship and secured venture capital before graduating college.

What made the difference?

We didn’t just give them responsibilities. We encouraged them to step up.

By the time they left for college, they weren’t starting to take on responsibility—they’d already been leading for years. The result? They were confident, capable, and unafraid to seize new opportunities.

The world will tell you that teenagers are a liability. History—and experience—prove otherwise.

If we give them the chance, they’ll take ownership, develop skills, and step into adulthood ready.

Want to see how?

Want to read more? CLICK HERE!

Judson College offers biblical and practical training wherever a student is called, equipping them to live all of life for Christ.

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