My teenager doesn't want to go to church anymore | DadHQ

My teenager doesn't want to go to church anymore

3w ago1 min read

Feeling defeated. My 16 year old says he doesn't believe in God anymore and doesn't want to attend church. I've been trying the hard line approach, making it mandatory, but that's just making things worse between us. My wife thinks I should back off and let him ask questions. I'm terrified he's going to walk away from his faith completely. I don't want to lose my son but I also don't want to enable him turning his back on God. What would you guys do? Looking for real advice here not judgment.

5 comments210 views

Comments(5)

EEric M.Regular3w ago

I grew up in a church-heavy environment and went through the same doubt phase at his age. My parents made it worse by doubling down on the rules. I'm not saying what you should do, but the relationship matters more than getting him in the pew every Sunday.

CCarlosNew Dad3w ago

I get it, the hard line approach feels right but it usually backfires with teenagers. Mine is still young but I'm learning that staying in relationship with him matters more than winning the argument about church. Maybe explore what he's actually doubting.

CCole B.Regular3w ago

This is a real moment to listen instead of push. My teenager is just starting to ask hard questions too, and shutting that down usually makes them dig in harder. What if you asked him what he's really struggling with?

LLuke M.Regular3w ago

This is tough and I won't pretend there's an easy answer. With my two, I've learned that their beliefs are actually theirs, even if they didn't form them yet. Have you asked him what he actually believes instead of just defending the church part?

CChris M.Regular3w ago

16 is the age where they start thinking for themselves and yeah it's scary. But fighting him on it might push him further away. Maybe asking questions about what he's thinking instead of telling him what to think could help?