Paul David Tripp on parenting teens

I don't pretend to know a lot about parenting. And I have yet to parent a teen myself. But as a student pastor, I often think about the parents and families of the students I have the privilege of pastoring. One of the ways I seek to come alongside them is finding good resources to encourage and equip them.

​This year, Paul David Tripp released an updated edition of Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens. I highly recommend this book.

He encourages parents to view the teenage years as a great opportunity. Teenagers are experiencing big struggles and making big decisions. And God desires to use them in big ways for His glory and their good.

The book emphasizes how biblical parenting is shepherding hearts rather than merely regulating behavior (p. 45).

Just because the parent prevents (or stops) bad behavior doesn't mean there is a change of heart in the teenager.

Only God can change a heart. Tripp writes, "Change in the hearts and lives of our teenagers is always the result of the gracious work of God" (p. 228).

This book reminds parents to pray for their teens and cultivate godly habits (like constant conversation).

If you're parenting a teen, this book is worth the read.

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way" (Ps. 139:23-24).