Parent’s Page

Providing you with information and support as you raise your children to be

 happy, healthy, and holy.

by Dr. Joneal Kirby, LMFT

Teens and Their Siblings

 We have discussed on this webpage the important role that parent’s involvement, monitoring, and relationship mean to a healthy and safe lifestyle of a teenager. Other people impact a teen’s life in positive ways.  Research has shown that a teen’s brothers and sisters have a significant influence on decisions and behavior that they may choose. Siblings can act as role models for positive behavior, and provide good training and experience for relationship skills such as conflict resolution and negotiation and communication. A teen’s siblings may also influence negative behaviors such as drug use or sexual behaviors. Because of the strong bond of brothers and sisters, this relationship appears to be one of the more intense and important influences in a teen’s life.

But research also has proven that the influence of adult role models, mentors, and teachers has a major impact on a teenager’s life. Groups such as activity clubs, sports, and church youth groups where adults teach and demonstrate positive and appropriate social behaviors can provide reinforcement for what is being taught in a teen’s home, or as support for what is lacking in the home. Many adults can reflect on their younger years and know that a teenager’s church youth ministry taught them important life skills that helped them to make good choices when a decision had to be made. Studies have shown that teens who have been closely associated with a group such as our own WFR youth group, tend to have lower use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and sexual behaviors. These same studies say that teenagers involved in a church youth group are better able to resist negative peer behavior and risky and dangerous situations.

Parents, on Sunday night when the teens meet together, do you know where your child is?  Hanging out with Christian teens for a couple of hours has to be better than what a lot of American teenagers are doing most nights of the week. Spending that time praising God, praying for each other, and developing that bond in Christ may be just what your teen needs to get them through a tough and tempting week. Check out your teen's activities, friends, and encourage them to do the right thing. Your influence is huge in influencing what, where and who are their friends.

For more help with your teen or your family, contact the

family counselors at:

The Christian Counseling and Resource Center

3201 N. 7th Street

West Monroe, Louisiana

318-396-8152