I thought I would share the book that I am reading right now. This book is very insightful to what our teens are going through in this day and age.
The truth of the matter is, is that it is certainly a different world than 1983/1984 when I was a Senior, when the biggest issues I really faced were hand-me down clothes and pining over a certain boy....
Yes there were certainly other issues, but not nearly as prevalent as today. Today it seems that kids can get anything they want. The internet has made this a much different world for our kids.
So I am reading.........
And this book is really good. I'd like to "read" an exerpt:
"My effectiveness seems to be wrapped up in two challenges: creating a safe environment for discussion, and asking questions and listening without passing judgement."
I'm finding that this is so very important to my teen; to create a safe place for him to talk to me. When it comes to asking questions, it is asking the RIGHT questions, not just probing to get answers, but rather asking questions to keep in tune with your child, to give them a safe place to talk. And it is SO important that I must listen without passing judgement on him, and certainly keeping in mind that before I try to take the speck out of his eye, I must first get the plank out of my own.
In another place Mark writes: "Approach is everything. The demeanor of your approach will determine the demeanor of your teen's response. How do you approach your teen? With gentleness and humility..."
Right on Mark.....this has been an area that I have been lacking in at times, but I am understanding how important the approach is. It often times determines how the entire conversation goes....it is just that important. And approaching my child with gentleness and humility, even in the most difficult of conversations, gives him a safe place to discuss even sensitive issues.
This book has been really good so far.....next on my list is: "The Five Love Languages of Teenagers" by Gary Chapman. I'm looking forward to it as well.
Do you have any book suggestions for me? If so, please let me know. I'd love to hear your insight.
Have a Blessed day ~~
