Living for something bigger than the next time he can get on his device.
From soup kitchens to scrubbing toilets, give him something to do that matters.
4. Freedom (within boundaries).
With freedom comes responsibility, but also proving yourself trustworthy earns freedom around our house. As your son proves himself to be trustworthy, give him more freedoms. Freedom also looks like adventure. Give him lots of time to be a bit wild especially in the wild outdoors. There is nothing quite like fresh air and God’s creation to feel really free.
5. Friendship.
Be the one who wants to hear about the Minecraft world, the girl he’s crushing on, or how the plays his basketball team is using this year. Hang out with him, show him you like to be around him and do stuff. (It should usually involve food. See #2) Go on adventures with him, climb to the top of the hill with him if that’s what he’s into. Just be there. That’s what friends do. (Proverbs 18:24)
And the bonus round:
6. A Classy Example.
Be the woman. Teach him how to treat a lady. Show him how to respect and honor you. Be the person you want him to become or marry one day. Feeling discouraged about this one? Go back to #1 and give yourself some grace. Because ain’t no one perfect, but we can pray and by God’s grace we can grow.
So there you have it. My prayerful list of things your teen boy needs from you. What would you add?
With Love From Uganda,
Joy
