Hey parents, I know it might not seem like it, but your teenager is watching you.
I know, I know, you probably feel like they’ve never looked up from their phone long enough to watch you do anything, but it’s true!
They’re watching the way you react in tough moments and they’re listening to what you say. You were their first ever role model and you continue to be the person they look to, even now.
This is never more true when it comes to matters of faith.
So think for a moment about your relationship with God. Your teenager is watching, so what are they seeing?
Are they seeing a person who is perfectly imperfect and in need of God’s grace? Or do they see a person who’s trying to attain the unrealistic goal of perfection? Or worse, are they seeing a complacent approach to faith, only calling on God when you’re absolutely desperate?
Now imagine the kind of faith you want your teenager to have — what does that look like? Get clear on it. Then start modeling it.
Here’s a tip: the best place to start is to begin spending some daily, one-on-one time with God first thing in the morning, before you do anything else, before you wake up the kids, and before you start your morning routine.
Alone time is the best, intentional way to connect with your Creator without distraction. Then, be transparent with your kids about how your spiritual journey is going, what situations you’re waiting on God to see you through, and what you’re praying for. With consistency, your kids will remember what they see happening in your life.
They might even begin developing the kind of faith you want them to have.