Ladies In Fellowship Together: February 2015

"Surviving the Teen Years" with speaker Danny Reed

One of the LIFT founders, Rosie Gingrich,
spoke about starting the group and about
raising children to adulthood.

February 18, 2015

"Surviving the Teen

and Tween Years"

Devotions were led by founder Rosie Gingrich. She shared about started LIFT (formerly called MOMS). Rosie gave us encouraging words about raising children to adulthood.

Beth W. provided yummy favors, ice molds were centerpieces, and ladies enjoyed chatting with each other.

Central PA Youth Ministries

Danny Reed of Central PA Youth Ministries gave helpful tips to ladies of all ages. Reed has been in youth ministry for 21 years and says what kids want the most is to be loved. Some kids scream out for attention, look for love in bad places, form bad habits, or harm themselves to dual their pain. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8

Danny Reed of CPYM

“The internet and smartphones let teens escape and create their own world,” Reed explained. Spending too much time online can develop an unhealthy lifestyle. Online there is an unrealistic mindset where teens can feel popular. The web offers nearly unlimited freedom, but teens do not know how to handle that. “Parents need to talk to their teens about online dangers just as much as they do about drugs and alcohol,” Reed pointed out. Kids are addicted to their phones. They can go farther on their phones than they can outside their house.

There are many temptation online that teens do not know how to handle. Filters are good, but not full proof. Reed noted that a lot of problems can be tracked back to a lack of love or a lack of communication within the home. Counselors and pastors may be able to help teens in unhealthy addictions.

Limit teens time online

“Teens feel like they can say anything without repercussions,” Reed warned. Drama at school does not end when teens arrive at home. With smartphones, teens never have a chance to unplug from their friends. God created us to be social creators, but not constantly. We need time away from each other and teens do too.

Reed suggested that parents limit phone and computer time.

Drama at school does not end
when teen arrive home.

Homework being done first, no phones at meal time, and parental controls are ideas that Reed offered. He even pointed out that apps like “Yik Yak” should be avoided altogether because teens can post anonymously. Bullying can occur online that can lead teens into loneliness, depression, and cutting. Again Reed suggested seeking the help of counselors and pastors.

Reed asked the group, “How can we keep teens away from all this?” He gave seven points.

Get teens involved with church and youth group, but make sure they feel like they're connecting.
Get teens physical. This does not have to be a sport, but it can mean any outside activity.
Communicate. Talk while in the car together or ask your teen what you can do together today.
Show Love. Never be afraid to give a hug. Showing love to your spouse also displays a positive example of love to your teen.
Establish boundaries and stick to them.
Discipline. Don't be their buddy, you're not their same age.
Give freedom and choices. “Give them some rope so they can stumble, but be there to pick them up. Teens need to learn consequences,” Reed added.

Proverbs 22:6 was read, “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Reed closed by saying, “God needs to come first in all our lives. If God stays in the forefront, there is less chance your teen will stray.”