We get to live in a world where we not only have all the “normal” teenage stuff to deal with, but we get to add in all the things that revolve around technology and social media. Isn’t that fun? We have to decide things like when (or if) our teens get a phone. I’m going to assume that most of you have already landed on the fact that it’s hard to totally avoid providing a device for your teenager. It seems like the smartphone has become a necessary tool for them to have as they learn to live and thrive in the world.

One of the biggest issues in raising kids today is setting healthy boundaries around screen time. Parents love their kids and want to do what’s best for them. They know having rules in this area is very important, but they don’t always know the why, the when, and the how. For this reason, your godly support in these areas is invaluable.

In the fast-paced world we live in, technology seems to be more and more at the center of what we see, think, and do. This is certainly true for the teenagers we lead, and Christian parents find themselves facing several challenges in this area of life.

Each child develops at their own pace and displays each skill at different points throughout each year of their life. Our job is to support and guide their learning, providing opportunities for them to practice their emerging growth. Let’s look at some of the main characteristics of development for each elementary grade and how we can encourage and nurture children’s new-found skills.

I need to find ways to grow and learn as a parent if I’m going to both maintain my sanity and help my kids grow into the man and woman I pray they will become. If you can relate at all, I would encourage you to consider doing a few things that will help you be a better parent and help your family step into all that God has for you.