Parenting Teenagers

It’s one thing to parent your children when they’re young and dependent, but it’s completely different to parent them when they become independent teenagers. It can be discouraging, frustrating, and overwhelming. Here’s the thing: your teenager is probably feeling those things, too. To help you parent them well through life’s difficult situations and seasons, check out the resources below.

(C) indicates a Christian-based resource

Anxiety/ Depression:

• A Small Book for the Anxious Heart by Edward T. Welch (C)
• Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness by Edward T. Welch (C)
• Prayer Journal for Teen Girls: Guided Prayer Journal by Shannon Roberts (C)
• Grace for the Afflicted: A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness by Matthew S. Stanford (C)
• The Place We Find Ourselves – Podcast

Abuse / Trauma:

• Securely Attached: How Understanding Child Trauma will Transform Your Parenting by Mike & Kristin Berry (written for foster/adoptive parents, but useful for any child that’s been through traumatic things) (C)
• Video: How trauma and chronic stress impacts brain development & cause mental health and relational problems
• Video: Examples of coping skills for chronic stress
• Trauma Recovery Workbook for Teens: Exercises to Process Emotions, Manage Symptoms, and Promote Healing (to be done alongside therapy)

Grief/Loss:

• What’s Your Grief?
• Someone I Know is Grieving: Caring with Humility and Compassion by Edward T. Welch  (C)

Healthy Sexuality:

• Christian Sex Education (C)
• What’s the Big Deal: Why God Cares about Sex (for ages 8-12) (C)
• Facing the Facts: The Truth about Sex and You (for ages 12-16) (C)
• Christian Sexuality (website, podcast, interviews, and resources for parents) (C)

Parent/Child Relationship:

• Behind Closed Doors: A Guide to Help Parents and Teens Navigate Through Life’s Toughest Issues by Jessica L Peck (C)
• Grace for the Children: Finding Hope in the Midst of Child and Adolescent Mental Illness by Matthew Stanford (C)
• Mindstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Daniel J. Siegel, MD
• Resource Sheet – Daily reminders from the “The Power of Showing Up” by Daniel J. Siegel, MD

Pornography:

• Defend Young Minds: Resources for parents with guides on preventing sexual abuse and pornography use
• Protect Young Eyes: A wealth of information and free webinars for parents 

Self-Harm/ Suicide:

• Can I Tell You About Self-Harm? by Pooky Knightsmith, PhD 
• 7 Questions about Suicide and Christians by David Murray
• Reframing Self-Harm or “Attention-Seeking” Behavior