loving?
encouraging?
a joy to be around?
A resounding YES!
My oldest is about to leave his teens—only 2 more months. #2 is in the middle teen years, #3 will become a teen in December & #4 isn’t quite there yet.
I posted on Facebook on Wednesday that I spent the evening with 25 AWESOME teens. We had a lot of fun and there were NO discipline issues. Usually there are closer to 40 but this is summer and many are unable to attend. NO this is not a church sponsored YOUTH group.
Sound amazing? I think it is and that is why we are a part of this group.
Some would tell me that we are crazy to spend time(lots of it) with the teens that are involved in our kids lives.
They are LOUD.
Sometimes they hold opinions that are VERY different than mine.
There are moments when they make BAD decisions.
But I see those situations not as times to avoid but times to get involved. My kids have made choices on who their friends will be. For the most part those kids are great but they are KIDS!
Moldable, teachable and they are loved by God--just as much as me or you. So anytime that there is a child placed in my path, I see that as an opportunity to invest in their life.
By investing I mean that I try to do 3 things.
1. Love them in a way that they know it. A hug, a smile, a word of encouragement and sometimes a word of discipline.
2. Challenge them. See where they are at & what things they need to grow in? Suggest, prod, push and get in their face(at times) are the tactics I use.
3. Spur them on. No one is a lost cause. Everyone deserves a second, third or millionth chance. Sometimes encouraging someone is hard but it is always worth it.
Steve & I have never given our kids a choice on whether we are involved in the activities they attend. They just know if they are a part of something that we will be around. It isn’t a topic for discussion. I think for the most part it makes them feel safe, loved & encouraged.
What ways are you involved with your kids friends?
How do you interact with them?
