Waverly

Parents often make decisions out of fear, trying to protect their teen from "the world," and may blame the culture for the problems in their family. Engaging Your Teen's World encourages parents to move past unhealthy "us vs. them" mentalities and lead their teen to redeem the culture instead.

This conversational book guides parents to become a greater influence in their teen's world without squelching their child's individuality. It reveals which values drive a teenager's motivations and offers practical ideas on how families can together engage the world through service and love.

Engaging Your Teen's World includes discussion questions for each chapter, making it a useful resource for small groups or for youth pastors who want to lead parent discussions.

An expert on youth ministry shows how to guide and parent your teens in today's popular culture without being a nag or a naysayer.

Parents often make decisions out of fear, trying to protect their teen from "the world," and may blame the culture for the problems in their family. Engaging Your Teen's World encourages parents to move past unhealthy "us vs. them" mentalities and lead their teen to redeem the culture instead. This conversational book guides parents to become a greater influence in their teen's world without squelching their child's individuality. It reveals which values drive a teenager's motivations and offers practical ideas on how families can together engage the world through service and love. Engaging Your Teen's World includes discussion questions for each chapter, making it a useful resource for small groups or for youth pastors who want to lead parent discussions. EXCERPT I've heard many exasperated parents say to me, "If I can just get my kid through their teenage years then they'll be okay." There have been many tiring and frustrating days where I could agree with that sentiment. But I think you would agree with me that "just making it through" wouldn't exactly qualify as a lofty goal. As if somehow the goal of parenting is just to protect or tolerate and then hope for the best. That goal doesn't take into account the sponge effect. Last year, our daughter got a package of animal bathtub sponges as a gift. Each sponge was the size of a large multi-colored vitamin. She dropped one in the sink and we all watched as it started to grow. Within a few minutes it was the size of her hand. The sponge seemed to just keep soaking and soaking. Once it grew to its full size it never shrunk back again. After we drained the basin, we set the sponge animal on a towel and the water slowly seeped out of it. It took a long time for it to dry out because it had taken in so much. Teens are like those sponges. They're not just trying to "make it through" these few years. They're soaking up everything in their environment. And they learn first and foremost through their experiences with you. If you have always responded to people in our culture out of fear, your teen will generally tend to do the same. If you respond with anger, so will your teen. If you model a disdain for the people that make up your culture, your teen may also.

When it comes to relating to your teenager, it's normal to feel tension and confusion. Parents may feel like blaming the culture for family problems or may be tempted to make decisions out of fear, trying to protect teens from "the world." Brian Housman encourages moving past unhealthy "us vs. them" mentalities and leading teens to redeem the culture instead. He helps you become a greater influence in your teen's world, reveals which values motivate teens, and offers practical ideas on how families can together engage the world through service and love.

"No one has done a better job than Brian Housman of helping parents think carefully about the culture their teenage children live in. He shows parents how to turn their hearts toward the hearts of their teenagers so they can respond to the culture together rather than as adversaries. Busy parents only have time for a few key books on parenting and Engaging Your Teen's World should be one of them."--Richard Ross, professor of student ministry, Southwestern Seminary; founder of True Love Waits

"Brian helps parents engage--not avoid--the issues teens face. Whether you're a Christian, Jew, Muslim, or agnostic, this is an excellent book that can benefit all."--Judith Sachs, former editorial director, ParentingTeensNetwork

"Brian Housman has done an excellent job navigating the pop culture that surrounds all of us. This book challenges preconceived notions, brings fresh insights, and is a treasure chest of practical ideas. Readers will be enriched and enlightened."--David Bruce, editor, HollywoodJesus.com

"Brian's message hits home with great clarity. If you read, listen, digest, and put into practice the principles Brian offers here, your relationship with your teen may become what you never dreamed was possible."--Ryan Fontenot, founder, RAGE Ministries

"Recommended to anyone looking for a guide to connecting with and empowering teens. Brian's message is profound in its simplicity: as we walk through life honoring others and ourselves, we also honor God."--Harriet Turk, director, PowerChoices, Inc.