“Forget the lecturing. Let’s move to listening. Forget the accusations and the assumptions. Let’s move to asking questions. Rather than taking things personally, let’s talk about what is the process underneath there.” – Lori Wildenberg.
Once a month, Lori and Lee Ann will discuss complex topics regarding parenting and disciplining. Lori Wildenberg is a national speaker, a licensed parent-family educator of over 25 years, and an award-winning author of six Christian parenting books. Lori also leads the popular Moms Together Facebook Community Page and Group.
During this episode, Lee Ann and Lori explore the critical issue of teens feeling heard and loved. They discuss how anxiety, depression, and bullying are affecting teens and the importance of parents being attuned to their children’s struggles rather than taking their behavior personally. They share practical tips for fostering open and respectful communication with teenagers, emphasizing the significance of genuine connection over daily tasks. They also highlight the impact of social media and peer pressure on teens, suggesting family strategies and the power of prayer and faith to navigate these challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- How to recognize the underlying causes of disrespectful or rude behavior in teens.
- The importance of fostering open communication and understanding the emotions underlying their behavior.
- The impact of parental behavior on a teen’s conduct.
- The significance of initiating genuine conversations and being respectful towards teens so that they will mimic that same respect.
- The benefits on teens’ behavior when parents create a loving and respectful atmosphere at home.
- How small gestures like physical touch and active listening can make teens feel heard.
- The importance of spending quality time and being present for teens.
- Nurturing a deeper understanding of a teen’s interests and preferences.
- Implementing limits on social media usage and organizing family-based activities to reduce social media impact.
- Assisting teens in coping with peer pressure and promoting self-assurance and familial support.
- Encouraging teenagers to seek solace in prayer to address stress, worry, and anxiety.
- Instilling the concept of God’s sovereignty to help teens handle external influences.
- Encouraging long-term perspective and empowering teens to release themselves from negative influences.
Resources: Raising Big Kids with Supernatural Love, by Lori Wildenberg & Becky Danielson, and Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation, by Lori Wildenberg.
Lori’s Website, Facebook, Moms Together Facebook, Moms Together Facebook Group, and Instagram.
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