Connecting with Teens: Navigating Anxiety Together
Episode Overview
Be slow to correct and criticise; create a loving space for teens. Inquire about their lives beyond school and church. Lead by example rather than preaching. Be authentic; teens appreciate honesty. Spend quality time and laugh with your children.
Your teens are going to say a whole lot of things that you probably don't agree with.
In this episode of 'Health and Healing Dealing with Trauma and Addictions', Michael D. tackles the pressing issue of teenage anxiety, offering practical advice for parents eager to support their children. It's a rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of adolescence, with Michael sharing tips that might just help you connect better with your teen. The episode emphasises the importance of building genuine relationships, not just with teens but also within the family and church community.
Michael encourages parents to be patient and understanding, suggesting that slow correction and inquiry into their children's lives can open doors to deeper connections. He stresses the value of being an example rather than just preaching, urging parents to live authentically and share their faith in tangible ways. Michael doesn't shy away from the reality that teens can see through any façade; he calls for honesty and authenticity, acknowledging that none of us are perfect.
Through anecdotes and relatable stories, he paints a picture of how vital it is to laugh with your kids and spend quality time with them. The episode is a heartfelt reminder that while parenting is a challenge, it's also a ministry where being available and present in your child's life can make all the difference. With a mix of humour and wisdom, Michael inspires parents to be firm yet loving, encouraging them to be both a parent and a friend.
If you're seeking ways to better understand and support your anxious teen, this episode offers valuable insights wrapped in empathy and warmth.