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Teenage girls are some of my very favorite people. They are in the stage between child and adult- trying to navigate that difficult road of becoming their own person and making their faith their own. I have learned a few characteristics to be true of them:

• Want permission to be themselves
• Need their dads like crazy
• Need to be affirmed in who they are
• Want attention from older caring adults
• They want to laugh during this time of transition from child to adult
• They thrive when they are given individual attention
• Are each individuals that need unique care
• Need the permission to dream about what God has planned for their life.
• Need a listening ear
• Need their parents to say I love you to them
• Want to accomplish big things for God

Practical tips:

• Take your daughter on a date
• Have a meaningful conversation with her
• Tell her you love her
• Talk to her about her relationship with God- ask her the tough questions
• Wait up for her to get home and have cookies and milk waiting for her (take some time to sit at the kitchen table and talk about her night)
• Go on a walk through the neighborhood
• Work through a devotional book with her- (suggestion: The Way I’m Wired by Katie Brazelton)

Parents, you have a difficult job. You are raising your kids in a time where they can so easily become distracted from their faith. They need you. They need your attention, listening ear, counsel, correction, guidance, encouragement in their faith and most of all, your example. I am praying for you.