Parenting a Teen can be full of peaks and valleys. Some days are filled with laughter and connection. Then there are the days when I feel like I am barely making it and anything but triumphant. The challenges, the back and forth, and the difficult moments where I am unsure how to respond can easily become overwhelming. I want to say the right thing in the right tone and time. Then I remember, I have help . . . sister circles, divine appointments throughout the day, a praying mother, a loving mate, and THE WORD. A bible verse that gets me grounded is Matthew 5:37 TPT: “A simple “ Yes” or “No” will suffice. Anything beyond that springs from the deceiver.”
It sounds simple. However, are you familiar with the feeling of wanting to explain yourself a hundred times over when your child/ children challenge you? I surely am, but this verse amplifies how surprisingly powerful a “ Yes” or ‘No” can be when communicating with my teen. It reminds me to be concise and direct to limit confusion.
This verse offers a practical application with profound results when communicating with my teen. Here’s how the verse aids in my journey to parent triumphantly:
The Power of “ Yes” and “No”
Saying “yes” and “no” may seem basic, but making clear, confident decisions is power. It lets my teen know where I stand on an issue and whether she agrees or not. Teens require structure and clear boundaries as they are in the process of forming their independence. These interactions will enable her to create healthy relationships in all areas of life.
2. Stop Over- Explaining
As a parent, I often want to explain myself to enable my daughter to understand my reasoning. However, I have found this does more harm than good, creating a space for arguments or negotiation attempts. A succinct answer and explanation help demonstrate my confidence in my decision-making. Of course, I will explain things in depth as needed to foster engagement.
3. Boundaries with Love and Confidence
“ Keep it simple, Sweet Baby,” the words of Mama Ruth, my late grandmother, remind me to say it plain but be loving and mindful of my tone while communicating.
4. Simplicity Builds Trust
Today, teens deal with a plethora of “noise” and distractions. Peer pressure, social media, academic success, and extracurricular activities may sometimes make life feel chaotic. The last thing I want to do is exacerbate the situation by responding with lengthy answers. My “ yes” or “no” answer lets my daughter know she can count on me to do what I say I will or will not. Even if she does not always agree, she knows I am honest, and this fosters trust in our relationship.
I’ve learned that being a parent is not about being perfect but being present with love and clear guidance as the Lord directs my path. Simple and firm decisions provide the structure my daughter needs to thrive and transition to her next phase. I do my best to eliminate overthinking and answer with genuine “yes” or “no” while leading in the power of God. Triumphant parenting is not easy, but it is a worthwhile journey.
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