Faith Church student ministries believes that parents have the potential to have the strongest voice in their teen’s life. That belief is driving us to find new ways to minister to you the parents. In that effort, this page is designed to help parents better interact with their son/daughter.
Here are 8 ways to support your teenager's abstinence decision.
- Talk and communicate openly with your child about his/her abstinence decision.
- Support you child's commitment. Remember, however, it is THEIR decision, THEIR vow, not yours.
- Set standards (age to start dating, curfew, etc.) and stick to them.
- Know that your sexual past does not "disqualify" you from setting standards. There is no such thing as a "perfect parent". Remember, we all make mistakes and we all can be forgiven.
- Meet the person your child is dating. Inform both dating parties what will and will not be acceptable....Be brutally honest with them.
- Provide dating alternatives. Help your kids work out the details. Be the first to volunteer to drive.
- Open your home. This allows you to control activity, encourage fellowship, and set values.
- Put on the Silver Ring yourself. There are three reasons for parents to wear the ring: to remind you to pray for your child's abstinence everyday, to remind you to pray to protect your child's future spouse everyday, and to remind you to pray for yourself and the temptations you will face everyday. Parents, are you missing your student while they are away in Philly? You can get updates on Philly and lots of other insights by checking out The Garage Door, the Student Ministries blog.
Questions? Contact Stephanie Kreykes, Director of Connections, Student Ministries Intern.