Who are your teens spending the bulk of their time with? And not only that, but who has the power to speak into their lives right now? Friends from social media? Peers at school? Teachers? Coaches? Be aware of who has the ear of your teenager. Those voices can be thunderous and they are not always healthy nor profitable. Encourage your teenager to environments that will complement and uphold the truths given in Scripture. If your teenager isn’t in a church youth group, consider finding one for them to join. There is no shame in having your teen engage with a Christian counselor or therapist. Sometimes, frankly, parents can only take these conversations so far, and your child needs not just a safe outlet, but also a professional one. Especially if there are other factors affecting their depression such as health or mental illness.
It is important for both you and your teen to remember: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
This world is going to continue to come at your child. It is ignorant of us, as parents, to assume depression or anxiety is “just a phase” or that they’ll “grow out of it.” Numerous challenging issues are being presented to our teens. It’s no longer just “am I pretty enough“ or “am I popular enough.” There are significant questions confronting them that pertain to their gender identities, ideologies, ethics, politics, and faith. Being a teenager in the world today carries with it a burden that is a wide-open world. When we were teens ourselves, we were limited to local newspapers and the 5 o’clock news. Information overload is stealing peace and joy from our teens at a terrifying rate.
As parents, it’s crucial to be there for our kids. They need to know we are a safe place to fall. That we will listen and we will hear them. That we can be trusted to walk with them and to help them carry their fears and anxieties.
So open that door with your teenager right away. Come alongside them. Invite them into your life as much as you knock to be invited into theirs. Be a comrade, a parent, and most of all, be there. Just simply be present.
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