1. TANGLING WITH TEENS IS THE BIBLE ANY PRACTICAL HELP?

3. Page 3 A Few Personal Disclaimers 1. A Good Job in Parenting Teens 2. A Deep Understanding of Teens A Formal Definition  No Longer Children but are Still Short of Adulthood [Douglas Powell, Harvard University]  Age Wise: 13 to 19 Years Old Approximately A Psychological Definition  Becoming Less Ego-Centric  Engaging in More Perspective- Taking

4. THE CHALLENGES FOR TEENS They Go Through the Following: Page 4 Summary A Bewildering Stage of Transition A Period of Emotional Volatility [Columbine High School Shootings] Individuation/ Separation Leading to the Formation of Personal Identity & Values Questioning of Authority Figures and Social Norms Personal Struggles Indulging in Masturbation, Pornography or Drugs [Timothy 2:2] Testing the Boundaries of Parental Authority & Toleration Hormonal Changes Resulting in Physical and Psychological Development Becoming Moody & Withdrawn at Times

5. THE NEEDS OF TEENS The Fundamental Needs are: Page 5 Unconditional Love & Acceptance Teens Need the Above More than Expensive Toys (2) A Personal Bonding With Parents & Others (3) Teens are Looking for Meaningful and Intimate Relationships A Sense of Belonging (1) The Family and Church Should Become the Communal Support Group Otherwise, They Would Succumb to Peer Group Pressure

6. THE PARENTING OF TEENS The Most Practical Advice from Scripture: Page 6 Don’t Exasperate or Embitter Your Children [Ephesians 6:4] Low Control Low Support Permissive Parent Permissive Parent Authoritative Parent Authoritative Parent Neglectful Parent Neglectful Parent Authoritarian Parent Authoritarian Parent High Support High Control The 4 Styles [Adapted from DL Thomas and AJ Weigert] Wrong Parenting Styles can Lead to Serious Consequences

7. A TEENAGER’S PERSPECTIVE ON PARENTING Page 7 Can I Get My Own Way? Am I Loved? Spoilt Stable Anti-Social Guilt & Rebellion Can I Get My Own Way? Am I Loved?

8. CONCLUSION 1.Psychological and Spiritual Maturity is a Journey 2.A Mutual Understanding is Essential in Parenting Teenagers Page 8