I sit down with Dr. Kevin Carson to discuss what it looks like to actually understand the world of the Teenager.

1.  Consider the parents: age, position, lifestyle, friends
Possible idols – comfort, respect, appreciation, success, control, independence

2.   Consider the teen: age, position, lifestyle, friends
Possible idols –
1)   Material possessions
2)   Relationships / acceptance / approval
3)   Appearance
4)   Pleasure
5)   Comfort / laziness
6)   Control
7)   Sexual satisfaction
8)   Selfish (vs. serving)
9)   Self (vs. trusting God)

3.   Three obstacles to life as a teen:
1)   “God isn’t playing my game.”
2)   “My family is so not perfect.”
3)   “The world around me is hard and dangerous.”

Foundational Issues for Wise Parents to Teach Their Teens

1.   God’s opinion matters most – the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). 
2.   Children need to listen to their parents and remember the wise things they say (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20). For each parent, the challenge is to make wisdom attractive. 
3.   The teen must be careful in choosing friends – abstain from the wicked (Proverbs 1:10-15; Psalm 1). 
4.   Be sure to help your teen understand the difference between a wise and foolish son. The way both the parents and the teen handle conflict identifies often who is wise and who is foolish. Be aware of both characteristics (Prov 26:4-5; 12:15; 18:2; 19:1; 20:3; 26:12; 28:26; 29:11; James 3:13-18).

More about Kevin:
 Kevin N. Carson, D.Min. 
Sonrise Biblical Counseling Ministries, Ozark, MO 
www.kevincarson.com