How to Prepare for Parenting Teens

Kristen Hatton – counselor, author, and mom of three children – says there are two types of parenting:

Reactive Parenting. Mom and Dad respond to situations as they come up, without forethought.
Proactive Parenting. Mom and Dad seek to identify and prevent potential issues before they happen.

Number two is the best approach.

But how can parents intentionally influence their teenagers with biblical wisdom in the face of a culture whose values contradict God’s word?

Kristen is joing me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to help parents better understand how to convey God’s truth through everyday encounters. She shares how to adopt a long-range “redemptive” parenting approach that keeps intentional, long-term parenting goals in focus when you inevitably grow weary with the day-in-day-out struggle of parenting.

To learn how to invest into your children’s spirituality throughout their teen years, listen to my full conversation with Kristen Hatton on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or on our free phone app.

While you’re online, I encourage you to spend a few minutes taking our free parenting assessment. It will quickly give you an overview of how your family is doing in several key areas. It also offers suggestions for improving the relationships in your home.

I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Kristen Hatton’s book Parenting Ahead: Preparing Now for the Teen Years as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).