| We live in a very secular society. It's not | | | | teenagers feel as though their potential is limited |
| surprising that we usually reach for secular | | | | and experience a sense of low self-worth, it |
| solutions when a problem presents itself. This is | | | | contributes to self-destructive behavior. Religion |
| true in a variety of areas, including efforts to help | | | | can bring them a positive message about their |
| struggling teens. Many families will deal with an | | | | value as individuals in the eyes of a loving God. It |
| at-risk child via the utilization of any number of | | | | can remind them that they have unlimited human |
| techniques, strategies and programs designed to | | | | potential and that all things are possible. These |
| modify behavior. While it would be ludicrous to | | | | positive messages can certainly influence thinking |
| maintain that these approaches can't produce | | | | and behavior. |
| positive results, it is worth noting that religious | | | | Additionally, when families practice their faith |
| options can also contribute a great deal to the | | | | together, it builds a new line of commonality. While |
| process. | | | | communication with teenagers can be difficult, this |
| We'll start with the basic presupposition that | | | | shared experience creates an opening. Shared |
| anyone considering faith-centered approaches to | | | | faith creates a "we" and room for real interaction |
| dealing with the problems of troubled teens | | | | that may be missing when that sense of |
| believes in the power of God and faith to do | | | | connection between parent and child has been |
| tremendous things. This alone may be sufficient | | | | strained by prolonged difficulties. |
| motivation for many to look toward religion-based | | | | There's nothing wrong with looking for secular |
| strategies as a way to effect change. Outside the | | | | solutions to our problems. However, that doesn't |
| ideas of grace and faith, however, there are a | | | | mean we need to overlook faith and the power |
| series of compelling logical reasons to include | | | | we believe our religious views may have to |
| religion in the life of troubled teenager. | | | | produce happier, more meaningful lives. Struggling |
| Experts will tell you that one of the primary | | | | teens can find help in a number of ways and |
| reasons for aberrant behavior in children is a lack | | | | locations. Religion can be one of them. |
| of self-respect and/or self-esteem. When | | | | |