3. Respond in Love

Slide 3 of 7

Now that we have a handle on our emotions, we can begin gracefully processing emotions and problems with our teens. Jesus continually expressed God as Father, and through our inclusion in Christ, the Son, we have him as a loving Father. As Christian parents, we should endeavor to respond in God’s love. God forgives us and seeks the best for us in this life and eternally. He brings us comfort and compassion as he leads us into transformation.

When we approach our teenagers with empathy and compassion, we help them feel understood and supported. Ephesians 4:2 encourages, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” This verse further highlights the importance of patience and gentleness, crucial in navigating adolescence’s emotional ups and downs.

When our teen experiences a mood swing, we should acknowledge their emotions without dismissing or minimizing them. Saying things like, “I can see you’re frustrated right now,” or “It sounds like you’re feeling scared about this,” validates their feelings and shows that we care. This affirmation helps them feel seen and heard, which can diffuse tension and open the door to more constructive conversations.

Offering reassurance and solutions, when appropriate, can further support them. For example, saying, “I’m here for you, and we can work through this together,” reassures them that they are not alone in their struggles. After this affirmation, we start asking questions to understand further.

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