Quotes from Episode 6 Parenting Middles & Teens, Negative Self-Talk, What Teens Aren't Telling You:
"We can either fight the reality that they're starting to look more outward now for their influences rather than toward us, or, we can face this reality, decide to be intentional about it, and get a game plan for the teen years."
"What they're struggling with on the inside, these are the more critical things than the things that they're struggling with on the outside."
What I've Observed in the middle years
1.They're figuring out social skills about themselves so be sure to be teaching them people skills.
2. They're being absentminded for a reason - have grace and try the two techniques mentioned.
3.They're turning more outward for their influences so pray for their influencers and build bridges with their influencers. Also
- Watch carefully the different ways your introvert or extrovert teen or preteen handles this time.
-Be a visionary to help them see what they don't see in themselves (learn about being a Visionary Parent in my book, Wearing All Your Hats without Wearing Out or the Ebook version - the Ebook is an affiliate link).
-Be their biggest cheerleader as you help them find something to win at, which volunteering can be a great way to feel like they're winning!

Val and youth director, Tori, on how to parent Gen Z'ers:
-Middle Schoolers, "Do you like me?"
-High Schoolers, "Do I like you?"
The world is telling them, "If you perform well, if you bring something to the table, if you have something to offer then you're worth something."

Val shares some lessons she learned the hard way in parenting teenagers including applying Mercy Seat Parenting to the teen years -  and they discuss how to get teens to open up with parents about the hard things.
Resources Recommended:
Techwise Family by Andy Crouch 
www.Axis.com especially the Culture Translator Newsletter

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"May the Words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, oh Lord, my Roc...