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
The Strong Legacy of a Weak Father by Jon Bloom, Desiring God. “Don’t underestimate the powerful influence a debilitated father can have on his children. Remember, even in the worst of times, that God’s grace will be sufficient for you — in ways you may not yet see and perhaps may not live to see. Steward your weaknesses as faithfully as you’re able.”
Three Words for Christian Parents by Rebekah Matt, greatandnobletasks.com. “…God is playing the long game. He’s not concerned so much with telling us how to deal with the day-by-day, minute-by-minute challenges of parenting; he’s concerned instead with the much larger goal of raising up people who will love and serve him all their days…”
How to Not Exasperate Your Children by Hannah Carmichael, TGC. “After years of conversations with adolescent and adult children raised in Christian homes, I’ve noticed three parenting behaviors that, whether intentional or unintentional, commonly exasperate children to the point of anger and discouragement.”
Navigating Your Teen’s Mental Health Struggles by Julie Lowe, New Growth Press. “This does not mean you can catch every abnormality in their behavior or mood, nor does it mean you always know the reasons why a teenager may be “off.” It simply means you often sense something before you are able to articulate the reasons why—and you shouldn’t be afraid to take notice. It also doesn’t mean a parent or youth worker should take the blame for missing a teen’s behavior. Kids who really want to hide or deceive can do so. No matter how in tune you are, you could miss what they’ve kept deeply hidden.”
Dad Jokes, Grill Tongs, and the Restraint of Heaven by Bryan J., mbird.com. “As Father’s Day approaches, then, it is good to remember the God “whose white New Balance Shoes we are not worthy to untie,” whose embrace of the uncool saves the world, and whose power and might is only rivaled by his love and compassion.”
Youth Culture
Big News: The Surgeon General Calls for a Warning Label on Social Media by Jon Haidt and Zac Rausch, After Babel. “One of the most important lessons I learned in medical school was that in an emergency, you don’t have the luxury to wait for perfect information. You assess the available facts, you use your best judgment, and you act quickly. The mental health crisis among young people is an emergency — and social media has emerged as an important contributor.”
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains by Terry Ward, CNNNews. “The acronym BORG stands for “blackout rage gallon,” according to the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, DC. The term refers to a concoction often prepared in a gallon-size plastic jug that typically contains vodka or other distilled alcohol, water, a flavor enhancer and an electrolyte powder or drink.”
What Is ‘Sadfishing’ and Why Are Teens Doing It? by Kristina Behr. “… using social media in lieu of establishing deep and meaningful relationships in the ‘real world’ can also create a dangerous sense of isolation and disconnection.”
How internet addiction may affect your teen’s brain, according to a new study by Kristen Rogers, CNN. ““Similar to substance and gambling disorders, internet addiction rewires the brain, making it harder to resist internet related stimuli… However, unlike gambling or substance usage, the internet is an important part of our lives. Balancing the usefulness and dangers of the internet is a field that is very crucial going forward in adolescent development.”
To Share with Your Teenager
Don’t Fall into Glory-Days Syndrome this Graduation Season by Vince Greenwald. “During graduation season, it’s tempting to make an idol of past accomplishments and memories, to let them distract you from what’s most important. I call it glory-days syndrome. But the reality is that the glory days for those of us in Christ are ahead of us, not behind us.”
On Rooted
Tether to a Tree: Finding a Mentor to Guide Your Parenting by Katie Polski
Mom and Dad, Nothing Can Separate You from the Love of Christ by Dan Hallock
Parents, Value Expository Teaching at Youth Group by Jennifer Kvamme
Helping Your Child Through a Big Life Change by Bethany McIlrath
Fatherhood Between Cultures: Lessons Learned and Shared by Sherene Joseph
Our Father Loves Us Because We Are His by Anne Sanford
One Dad and Three Kids in a Minivan: Evidence of the Indwelling Spirit by Joey Turner
Breathe In, Breathe Out: How the Holy Sprit Refreshes the Weary Parent by Dawson Cooper
