Being a teenager can be overwhelming, but for Ashley Taylor, it was the beginning of a deep and confusing pain that she didn’t understand. When Ashley was younger, she engaged in self-harming practices that some may have trouble understanding. She explains that self-harm is an indication of pain in the heart and soul, and as a method kids use to try and escape their suffering. Parents should address it immediately without condemnation and take practical steps to protect their child and create an environment that cultivates healing. Ashley discusses the impact harmful media, particularly secular music, can have on a teenager’s psyche, and how self-harming has the same effect as a drug: teens will always chase the same high they got the first time they experienced it. Thankfully, Ashley heard about salvation through faith via Christian music.

TAKEAWAYS

Parents should be alert for signs of self-harm in their teens and maintain healthy communication with your kids at all times

Some signs include: wearing long sleeves in hot weather, being secretive, dressing differently, and finding sharp objects in their rooms

Lots of modern, secular music can trigger dark and depressing feelings

Most self-harmers will try to hide what they’re doing but simultaneously hope that someone will also find out and help them

Sometimes the most helpless feeling in the world is watching someone you love suffer, but thankfully, there are many ways we can minister to them in times of need and show the love of Christ. Christine Chappell has a lot of experience in this area. As a survivor of self-harm and other severe emotionally painful issues, she is now a Biblical counselor who encourages those who are suffering to engage with God amid emotional pain. Christine's struggles began during her senior year of high school when she was in a major car accident and her world turned upside down. She talks about the intrinsic importance of having friends and family who are there and sympathize rather than condemn or distance. Just addressing self-harm is not enough - parents must engage their children in loving conversation and create open lines of communication.

TAKEAWAYS

Cry out to the Lord in your distress and He will be faithful to you

Self-harm shouldn’t be a silent struggle

Self-harm is not merely an external problem, it is indicative of a deeper problem

Self-harm may be defined as a sort of unhealthy “self-soothing” behavior

Nina and Michelle teach on what it means to be in God's favor.

House of David is an upcoming American historical drama series developed by Jon Erwin for Amazon Prime Video. On this show, we are joined by creator Jon Erwin and cast members, Michael Iskander, Martyn Ford, Stephen Lang.

There’s an epidemic of self-loathing in society today when it comes to young people, and it manifests in terrible ways. So many kids misunderstand their identities and suffer from an extreme lack of self-worth, which results in bad habits like self-harm. Dave Glander is a former atheist who now proudly follows Christ, and he is an apologist with Reasons for Hope. He frequently teaches and preaches to youth and spearheads the life-changing Equip Retreat camp for kids, which helps young people learn how to live out their faith in Christ. Dave discusses the root core of the self harm epidemic stemming from a lack of understanding of their identities in Jesus Christ. Why do kids hurt themselves? Because they don’t see themselves as valued and loved as God does.

TAKEAWAYS

Self-harm comes out of a lack of understanding of who you are in Christ

Parents play a vital role in building their children’s self-esteem and sense of identity

Make time to be with your children, even if that means going without glamorous things which will free up the longer work week

Never underestimate the power of a loving, faith-based parental figure

Nina and Michelle teach on how God meets us wherever we are in life.

Washington Watch with Tony Perkins

How effective is a prayer? How can a prayer change and shape the lives of our children? Jodie Berndt is the proud mother of four, and after 40 years of marriage and the blessing of many grandchildren, she knows first-hand the importance of praying for her kids and waiting patiently in the moments between. As an author and Bible teacher, Jodie shares well-earned wisdom about praying daily for our children at every stage of life, whether they are toddlers, teens, or adults with families of their own. Praying is a form of acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers, she says. Prayer doesn’t have to be mysterious or inaccessible. Prayer is about having a relationship with the God of the universe and bringing our everyday life challenges and joys to Him. Let’s model this wonderful practice for our children!

TAKEAWAYS

It’s good for our kids to see us mess up and go to God to ask for forgiveness and guidance

God cares about everything in our lives, both the big and small details

Our children are never out of God’s sight or away from His protection

Check out Jodie’s book, Praying the Scriptures for Your Children: Discover How to Pray God’s Purpose for Their Lives

Washington Watch with Tony Perkins

What’s the difference between assisting and enabling an adult child? Jill Savage has the answer! Jill is an author and marriage coach who discusses the encore season of parenthood: empty nesting! She describes the difference between the years of day-to-day child rearing and the season of life where children are grown and need to make their own decisions. Learn to lovingly and appropriately detach from the details and let your kids spread their wings! Empathize and validate their concerns, and share wisdom if they ask for it. Jill also talks about how important it is to base your self-worth and identity in Christ - not on how well your children are doing in their adult lives. Good communication is key to maintaining a solid relationship with your adult children.

TAKEAWAYS

As our children grow, we should solve their problems less and less as they become more independent

If you continue to solve problems for your child when they are adults, you’re enabling them

Don’t hesitate to help your adult kids during times of great need, but avoid controlling the situation

Make sure you are empathizing with your children before you comment on their situation