Your Teen's Friends

By Kimberly Snider
Missionary to the Philippines

CBN.com - Friends are one of the most important parts of any teenager's life. A teenager's main source of self-esteem and confidence comes from friends. Even more than parents, friends are a stronger influence in molding the thought patterns and actions of a teenager at this stage of life.

How do you handle it when your teen's friends are not good for him or her?

You realize that if you forbid your son or daughter to see close friends, it will probably just force them to see this person secretly. Here are some things you can try instead:

Make it easy for your kids to see the friends that you think are good for them. Always say yes when your kids want to be with these young people. For instance, make sure your teenagers have pocket money for youth group at church. Give them more freedom when they are with this kind of group.

When your teens are with the friends you do not like, be certain that all of their activities take place in your home or someplace where you have control. Maybe your influence will encourage this teenager to change, or your son or daughter may finally see your point of view as they watch you being kind to their friends.

Pray that God will direct your child's relationships.

The Bible acknowledges how important the right friends are. The verse in Proverbs 13:20 states it plainly: "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."

From "Moments for Moms," a free email subscription. Copyright (c) 2002 Women's Ministries of the Assemblies of
God. Reprinted with permission.

"Moments For Moms" is written by Kimberly Snider, a missionary to the Philippines and host of the radio program "Moments for Mothers." The radio program is produced by Asia Pacific Media Ministries. The online edition, "Moments for Moms," is produced and distributed by Media Ministries of the Assemblies of God, Springfield, Missouri.