Ask a Teenager!
 

I've been on AFF for a bit and have noticed that I'm one of the younger ones here.

My 18th birthday was this past Tuesday and I'm heading off to the University of Florida in August (Go Gators!). I was raised in a UPCI pastor's home from birth and have spent the majority of my life in church services.

That being said, I also spent the past thirteen years of my life in a public school system - from kindergarten to high school. I've noticed that a lot of the forum members are parents / youth leaders / etc., so I figured that I'd open it up for questions since I've seen a lot of what works and what doesn't in both the home and the church.

If no one's interested, that's fine too. :D

Re: Ask a Teenager!
 

Kewl. This could be a great thread!

Question #1

Like everyone else, I want my kids to be well-balanced spiritually and socially. What helped you most during those early and mid teen years to keep your perspectives right?

Re: Ask a Teenager!
 

Has having such incredibly handsome and brilliant uncles been, in your estimation, a hindrance or a help to this point? :)

Re: Ask a Teenager!
 

:bubble

Re: Ask a Teenager!
 

Bro. Tstew,
Do you happen to be one of SoldoutoChrsit's incredibly handsome and brilliant uncles! LOL!

Falla39

Re: Ask a Teenager!
 

soldout, I'm a big fan of ihop and jesus culture, so I'm accepting your recommendation of deluge. just downloaded their 2 cds. I hope they're good or else I won't listen to anything else you have to say! haha j/k

Re: Ask a Teenager!
 

Happy Birthday soldoutochrist!

Re: Ask a Teenager!
 

Ok! How would you characterize your social intergration or lack thereof with the general population of students and teachers in your high school? Did you have a circle of like-faith friends to make it easier, or were you a "pilgrim and a stranger (key of G) marching through this wearisome land..."?


PS, no sarcasm intended in above, it is a real question.

Re: Ask a Teenager!
 

The first thing that I emphasize is staying involved with a local youth group or having friends who are strong in their walk. I strayed some, as most people do, but when I really plugged in to a group of fellow Christians - both at school and off campus - I had people my age who would keep me accountable.

Another thing that my parents emphasized is that I'd never be in trouble for asking a question or telling them something - whether it was theological or something else. Having an open relationship made it easier for me to approach them when I was confused or felt guilty about something.

Lastly, I highly recommend family Bible studies. I'll admit, sometimes I huffed and puffed, but when we all sat around the Bible and really dove in, it helped us grow as a family and individually in our walks with Christ.

Re: Ask a Teenager!
 

If I'd had incredibly handsome and brilliant uncles, it may have been a help. I guess I'll never know. :tease