When a Supersonic Lifestyle Runs out of Gas

Being a parent in today’s world can be exhausting.  Up by 6am, home by 6pm.  And then the day really begins as kids are herded from one activity to another in a variety of places.

Gone are the days of sitting on the porch swing, sipping ice tea and watching cars go by and waving at the neighbors walking their dogs.  With today’s supersonic lifestyle, what happens when the well of energy runs dry?  Here are some suggestions:

Renew faith.  Take a spiritual break.  Ask if you can spend some quiet time in your church’s sanctuary early in the morning or later in the evening-when no one else is there except you and God.

Strengthen relationships.  Physical and mental exhaustion increases the risk for health problems.  Take a few moments this month to rest and draw closer to your loved ones.  No one died saying, I’m sorry I spent too much time with my family.

The Difference Between Yes and No

Anyone can be pressured into doing the wrong thing.  Your teenagers can learn how to avoid bad choices by learning the difference between yes and no.  Have them respond to the following situations by saying yes or no and thinking about the consequences of their choice.

· “C’mon, your parents won’t care if we drink a beer at the party.”

· “Everyone has a tattoo somewhere, and what’s wrong with a little tattoo on your neck?”

· “Want to come over to my house?  My parents won’t be home for a few more hours.”

Main Points for Each Week

· Christians sometimes experience times of doubt and insecurity, though reassurance is found in God’s Word and His Holy Spirit (Romans 8:12-17, 22-25, 37-39).

· Christians can affirm the common beliefs they share with all Christians (Ephesians 4:1-6, 14-16).

· Christians need to understand their Hebrew heritage in order to fully appreciate their faith in Jesus (Deuteronomy 6:1-6; Matthew 22:29-40).

 

Something to Think About

Youth gang membership numbers 650,000 in North America.  According to an article in Atlantic Monthly (March 2002), Ron Powers gives three reasons for the allure of criminal gangs for teenagers.  Youth gangs offer community with “worth-proving rituals,” “meaningful action in service to a cause,” and “psychological intimacy.”  Isn’t this the same mission as Sunday School and youth ministry?

Homework Helps

Here are three ways you can help your teenager benefit from homework.

Organizational skills:  Give your teenager the responsibility to finish the task.  Parents can help students find a regular place to study with the resources on hand, such as pencils, pens, paper, calculators, dictionaries, even a computer.

Time-management skills:  Work with your teenager to set a predictable study time.  Allow your teen to complete work without pressure and to have free time afterwards.

Active study strategies:  Help students to achieve better outcomes from studying.  Parents can write questions they think will be on a test and then recite their answers out loud.  Being involved helps you know what your teenagers are doing, and shows them you care about their efforts at school.

 

“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people”.

- G. K Chesterton