Raising godly kids in a culture that doesn't want them to be

May 121 min read

My 13yo is starting to push back on church and asking questions about why certain things are sin when everyone at school does them. Part of me respects that he's thinking for himself but part of me is worried he's pulling away from faith. I don't want to just shut down the conversation but I also need to stand firm on what we believe. His mom and I have been praying about it and trying to answer his questions honestly instead of just saying because I said so. Started taking him to a men's Bible study where there are older teen guys he respects and they're having better conversations about real faith than I could force. Wondering if anyone else has navigated the teenage years of faith with their kids. How do you balance letting them develop their own faith without pushing them away?

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Comments(4)

SSean M.New DadMay 13

My daughter is starting to do the same thing and honestly I think it's healthy. Pushing back doesn't mean he's lost his faith it means he's thinking critically about what he believes. That's actually what good parenting produces. Maybe listen more than you teach right now.

CChris R.RegularMay 12

Been through this with my oldest. Hard to accept that your kid is going to have to figure some of this out for themselves even if they come to different conclusions than you. Still worth having the conversations though.

RRob T.New DadMay 13

I feel this one. Thirteen year olds questioning everything is part of growing up. The culture thing is real but I'd say meeting him where he is and having conversations rather than laying down rules might go further. They need to own their beliefs not just inherit yours.

JJakeNew DadMay 13

This is tough because you want them to have their own faith journey but also want to guide them right. Thirteen is when they start really thinking for themselves which is good and hard at the same time. What kinds of questions is he asking specifically?