top of page

Ready for Adolescence

AGE 8-11

Coaching Your Child Through New Stages​

​

The best way to prepare your child for the changes and challenges of adolescence is to set the stage. Mom with daughter, dad with son, or a single parent with either sex should spend time giving their preadolescent child a basic understanding of what’s coming before the transition begins. Help your child prepare for coming changes in a proactive and positive way.

When

Often parents are concerned that they will overwhelm their preteen or encourage premature curiosity if they jump the gun in preparing them for adolescence. A greater concern, however, is the likelihood that someone else will beat you to it. Children are typically ready before their parents are. Of course, not all children are the same. That’s why it’s important to spend time with your preteen getting a sense of where they are developmentally. Ask God for wisdom about the timing of your conversations.

What

You should plan to address the many areas of change your son or daughter will encounter during the transition to adulthood, especially bodily changes, decision-making, and the changing relationship to you.

 

  • Body: It’s important to frame the physical changes ahead as much more than a plea for sexual abstinence. Your son or daughter needs a vision for how these internal and external changes will prepare the body for the joys of marriage and the miracle of creating new life. Be honest! Bodies are normal, beautiful, God-given creations. Don’t shy away from talking about what will really happen as your child’s body begins to change. These changes are normal, and these conversations do not have to be uncomfortable or awkward. As you talk about the physical changes that will begin to take place, this is also a good time to talk about God’s design for physical identity - male and female. Our next Faith Path step will take discussions on Identity in Christ to a deeper level.

  • Decision-making: Increasingly, your child will need to make and assume responsibility for his or her own decisions. As you maintain your overall family values in media choices, individual responsibilities (chores, homework, etc.), drugs and alcohol, you also need to direct your son or daughter in how to make wise decisions in areas of health and integrity. The first nine chapters of Proverbs can help guide an early teen on choosing wisdom over folly.

  • Relationship to you: Consider explaining to your preteen that over the next decade your role will progressively change from a teacher to that of a coach. You will begin to guide him or her in the transition toward independence. It is also a great time to intentionally foster relationships with other godly adults who can influence your child’s life.

How

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Set aside a special time or trip with your child to go through on of the recommended resources for joint discussion.

  • Create an environment for open communication for your child to share, talk, and discuss with you.

  • Listen! Allow your child to share thoughts and questions without being judgmental or quick to give a lecture.

  • Have fun! Your child is much more likely to listen and be open with you if you have established a good relationship by creating fun times.

Let our Faith Path team know how we can support you in this process by texting FAITHPATH to 317-483-1525.

Intentional Faith Path Plan

How will you be intentional this next year?

  • Pray daily for and with my child.

  • Consistently spend time in God’s Word.

  • Bless my child daily.

  • Attend church regularly.

  • Schedule and have regular family time.

  • Create a habit of worship with my child.

  • Serve together as a family.

  • Schedule a special time to discuss upcoming changes.

  • _____________________________(add your own)

The next step on the Faith Path is Identity recommended at age twelve. We will offer an Identity kit to guide you.

Resources

  • The Talk: 7 Lessons to Introduce Your Child to Biblical Sexuality by Luke Gilkerson

  • Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens by Paul David Tripp

  • Preparing Your Son for Every Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn

  • Five Conversations You Must Have series by Vicki Courtney

  • Passport2Purity by Family Life

  • So You’re About to be a Teenager by Dennis & Barbara Rainey

bottom of page