David C Cook COVID-19 Response

Understand or Not

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Materials Needed:

  • Internet access

It’s normal for kids to get frustrated by their families or parents sometimes. Even when we really love and get along with our parents, we will sometimes have misunderstandings or disagree with the things they say or decisions they make.

Share the following video [5:14]:
How to parent a teen from a teen’s perspective | Lucy Androski | TEDxYouth@Okoboji

  • What could you relate to from what the speaker said? (Allow your students a chance to share some of their own experiences but be sure to monitor the conversation to keep it kind and light-hearted.)
  • Which of her points did you agree with? What did you disagree with? (Accept all reasonable responses.)

Although we probably all have ideas for how we wish our parents related to us differently, most parents are trying really hard to listen to us, understand us, and do what’s best for us—even when we may not agree with or understand their decisions.

Misunderstanding in these relationships can be a two-way street. You think your parents don’t understand you? What about you understanding them? Even the speaker in the talk acknowledged at the end of her presentation that, “Wow, it’s really hard to parent a teen.”

  • What are some of the things that kids may not understand about their parents? (Try to guide them toward a deeper perspective. Examples: most middle-schoolers don’t realize what it’s like to go to work, raise children, pay bills, repair a car, etc. Allow students to think through some of the things they may not understand with regard to current situations in the world right now.)

Sad but true, parents and kids don’t always understand each other perfectly. But even when they miss connections, they still have responsibilities to each other. For example, your mom and dad have a responsibility to feed you and give you a place to sleep. And you have responsibilities to them which begin with showing them honor. Let’s take a few minutes to explore what the Bible says about honoring Mom and Dad.

Looking for Steps 2 & 3?

You can find Steps 2 and 3 in your teacher’s guide. To purchase a teacher’s guide, please visit: Bible-in-Life or Echoes.

Materials Needed:

  • Index cards
  • Pens/pencils

Spread the word

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Share This