Welcome to the Rooted Parent Top Ten, a curated list of resources from across the web that we believe will be helpful to parents raising teenagers. Here you’ll find articles, podcasts, and videos to support you in gospel- centered discipleship and interpreting youth culture. While most are gospel focused, others are included because they include a message of common grace. (The opinions presented in these articles do not necessarily reflect the position of Rooted Ministry.) At the end, you’ll find Rooted resources compiled from the last month’s new offerings. We hope this resource is helpful!
Gospel-Centered Parenting
As Parents, We’re Called to Catch and Release by Aimee Joseph. Core Christianity. “When my teenage son comes to me with a soul caught in an emotional squall about grades, sports performance, or the acceptance of friends, I have a choice: I can either catch it, drag it onto the boat, and try to carry it or I can catch it, care for him, and release it back to the sea of God’s sovereign care.”
The Best Parenting Advice I’ve Ever Gotten by J.D. Greear, jdgreear.com. “When we’re in situations where resolution seems impossible, we may be tempted to think like mechanics, rolling up our sleeves and getting to work. But more often than not, God wants us to think like farmers, patiently waiting to see what he will do.”
Is ‘Gentle Parenting’ Biblical? by Bernard Howard. “But when you dig more deeply into the underlying concepts of gentle parenting, you find at least two that stand opposed to the Bible’s teaching about parenting.”
Shepherding Children through Hardships and Trials by Scott James, Ligonier.org. “A wise shepherd knows when it’s time for faithful presence to step forward into active assistance. Sometimes that means being a guardrail while still giving our children the space to work through challenges on their own; sometimes it means stepping in to give hands-on support.”
Walking with Children and Teens Through Doubts About Christianity by Faith Chang, SOLA Network (originally published on Westminster Kids blog). “As we pray and trust God to do the same in the lives of young people we love, he frees us from teaching them from a place of anxiety.”
Who’s Afraid of the Teenage Years? by Tim Challies, Challies.com. “So for those who have been warned only of the trials to come, let me recount some of the joys.”
Youth Culture
As Kids, They Thought They Were Trans. They No Longer Do. by Paula Paul, NYTimes. Keep in mind as you read that this is not a Christian article. However, the perspective is an important one to consider. “Parents told me it was a struggle to balance the desire to compassionately support a child with gender dysphoria while seeking the best psychological and medical care. Many believed their kids were gay or dealing with an array of complicated issues. But all said they felt compelled by gender clinicians, doctors, schools and social pressure to accede to their child’s declared gender identity even if they had serious doubts. They feared it would tear apart their family if they didn’t unquestioningly support social transition and medical treatment. All asked to speak anonymously, so desperate were they to maintain or repair any relationship with their children, some of whom were currently estranged.”
It’s Time to Pass the Kids Online Safety Act by Michael Toscano, ifstudies.org. “Rothwell’s work bolsters the conclusions of scholars like Jonathan Haidt and Jean Twenge, who have convincingly shown that addiction to smartphones and social media have been the primary driver of a profound mental health crisis among Gen Z, which is wracked by unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide attempts.”
Got advice? Here’s how to get teens to listen by J.D Warren, UCRiverside. “Past research has shown that unsolicited advice, generally, is less likely to be perceived as effective.”
Understanding the Importance of Sleep for Teens: A Guide to Healthier Sleep Habits by Anthony Raphael, medriva.com. “According to research, more than 70% of teenagers do not get enough sleep during the week, with 30 to 40% getting less than 6 hours of sleep each night. This lack of sleep can significantly affect their mental health, increasing instances of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.”
On Rooted
Encouragement for the Parent of a Child with Learning Differences by Christine B. Gordon.
When a ‘Challenging Child’ of God Parents Her ‘Challenging’ Child by Grace Rios.
How Can I Connect With My Distant Child? (Ask Rooted)
Take a Deep Breath, Parents, and Let Go of Self-Reliance by Chrissy Trapp.
God Gives Solid Ground: Encouragement for Parents at the Start of an Election Year by Joey Turner.
Parenting, Technology, and the Truth: Justice for Our Children (Rooted Parent Podcast)
Matthew 6:25-34 with Daniel Yang (Rooted 2023)