Nurture Your Faith-Filled Family

Is your family living in faith from Sunday to Sunday?  Do you notice when the Holy Spirit makes opportunities to strengthen your faith?  God is all-powerful and ever-present.  He will show you how to live like you believe, every day of the week.

Visit this site to get reminders and tips on how to encourage faith-filled living in your family. 


Featured Article: 

Checklist:  What Teens Need to Know Before They Leave the Nest

Don't let your teen leave the house before they know how to do these things.  Struggling is a part of being on your own for the first time, but let's not handicap our children unnecessarily.

Teach your teen to

l        Do laundry.  Show them the basics like how and why to separate colors, how to use detergent and fabric softener. 

l        Clean and repair around the house.  I'd suggest buying them a book that hits all the basics, if you can find one.  Even though they probably won't own a home for awhile, it is good to know how to change a lightbulb, paint a wall, clean carpet stains, etc.  Have them help out at home as much as possible before they move out.

l        Cook.  Give them a basic cookbook like Betty Crocker.  She tells them how to boil eggs and prepare the basics.  Even if they watched you cook for 18 years, they won't remember all the details.  Go through a few recipes that they can do quickly for little money.  Those cooking lessons will be appreciated the most.

l        Budget.  Talk about a basic budget so they know what to expect.  Encourage them to save some money and give some to charities.  Discuss what will happen when they fail to pay their rent or car payment.  What will your role be?  Are you there for a one-time loan, a place to stay when they are out of rent money? 

l        Balance a checkbook and debit account.  If they don't keep track of their account, they will have countless overdrafts.  Show them the basics and double check their math after a couple of shopping trips.  See that they know how to do it, even if they choose to ignore you later.

l        Think and question.  Remind them that all adults do not act like parents.  They are not looking out for their best interest, in many cases. Hopefully they know not to trust everybody, but now is the time to remind them.  Make sure they know they can call you if they aren't sure (like the first time they buy a car.)

l        Get a job.  Even if you pay for college, they need to learn how to get and keep a job.  Be sure they need to make money and thus need a job.

l        Volunteer.  Remind them not to always think about themselves.  Even when money is tight, they can give their time and talents to others.  Reaching out helps grow character and compassion.

Although there are other things teens need to learn, these basics will go a long way.  People who exhibit these skills learn all the others on their own.  They grow and contribute to society.  Pass these skills on to your children before they leave home.

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More great family-oriented articles:

Twelve Things to do at Christmas

Bring Epiphany Home

Seven Quiet Activities to Keep Young Children in Church

How to Survive the First Day of School - A Survival Guide for Parents

Back to School Routines for
Parents

The Mentoring Mom

Deciding to Home School

Help Your Kids Learn All Summer

Faith-filled Summer Fun for Christian Families

Suggestions for Building a Strong Christian Family