How Should We Deal With Our Teenage Daughters?

Q: We don’t understand our teenage daughters. Their moods swing back and forth — happy and carefree one day, sullen and moody the next. One day they’re bubbly and talkative, and next day they’ll barely talk to us. How should we deal with this? — Mrs. M.C.

A: I’m sure many parents of teenagers could echo your comments; the teen years can be very confusing — not just for teenagers but for their parents.

I’m not a psychologist, of course, but as you look back over your own adolescence you know these can be difficult times. On one hand teenagers yearn to be free and have all the privileges of adulthood. But on the other hand, they’re beginning to realize that adulthood also involves responsibilities — and they find that scary. They also are dealing with a host of other issues and temptations, from peer pressure to a new yearning for love and acceptance.

God has given your daughters to you — not just for your enjoyment, but so you can guide them and help them make the transition to adulthood. Thank God for them, and ask Him to give you the love and patience and wisdom you’ll need for this stage of their lives. Someone once half-jokingly said to me that James 1:5 must have been written especially for the parents of teens: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God … and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

Go out of your way to let them know you love them, no matter how they’re acting at the moment. Learn to be a good listener also, and to know when to give advice and when to keep silent. Learn too from the experience of other parents. Most of all, encourage your daughters to put their lives into Christ’s hands, and to seek His guidance for their futures.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.