Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

Is There a Rebel in the House?

The Secret of Family Happiness
- TALK IT OUT
  
  Adolescents will experience doubts and anxieties connected with increased independence. They may feel a little shaky about their ability to handle themselves in the world. It is as if they were trying to walk on a slippery road. You young ones, confide in your parents about your fears and the apprehensions you are experiencing. (Proverbs 23:22) Or if you feel that your parents are holding you too tightly, talk with them about your need to be granted more freedom. Plan to talk with them at a time when you are relaxed and when they are not busy. (Proverbs 15:23) Take the time really to listen to each other.

Is There a Rebel in the House?

The Secret of Family Happiness
- Likely, children will grow up to be more stable if their parents help them to cope with their teenage problems
  
  14, 15. How should parents view the development of their child?
  
  ¹⁴ Although parents rejoice to see their youngster grow physically from babyhood to adulthood, they may feel disturbed when their adolescent child begins to move from dependence to appropriate self-reliance. During this transitional period, do not be surprised if your teenager is occasionally rather stubborn or uncooperative. Keep in mind that the goal of Christian parents should be to raise a mature, stable, and responsible Christian.—Compare 1 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 4:13, 14.
  
  ¹⁵ As difficult as it may be, parents need to break the habit of responding negatively to any request from their adolescent for greater independence. In a wholesome way, a child needs to grow as an individual. Indeed, at a relatively young age, some teenagers begin to develop quite a grown-up outlook. For example, the Bible says of young King Josiah: “While he was still a boy [of about 15 years], he started to search for the God of David.” This outstanding teenager was clearly a responsible individual.—2 Chronicles 34:1-3.