Change

Development must include not just material growth but also spiritual growth, since the human person is a ‘Unity of Body and Soul’, born of God’s creative love and destined for eternal life. Prayer is simply talking to God. You don’t have to use big fancy words. There are no right and wrong words. Just be yourself. Give thanks to the Lord daily for your salvation. Pray for others in need. Pray for direction. Pray for the Lord to fill you daily with His Holy Spirit. There is no limit to prayer. You can pray with your eyes closed or open, while sitting or standing, kneeling or lying on your bed, anywhere, anytime. So begin to make prayer a part of your daily routine.
Change, an amazingly powerful and often times emotionally charged word. Change can be a word that seems like such a great idea when directed toward someone else; i.e. how "they" can change in a way that will make your life better. At the other end of the spectrum, the word "change" can trigger fear and resistance in a nanosecond if someone says you need to do it. Or, it can be embraced and welcomed by choosing to move forward with an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities change can bring to the quality of your life.

Whether you're toying with the idea that something different needs to be done, have already made the decision things must be done differently, or moved to action to create a different outcome, change becomes part of the equation. Change happens in all areas of life. No area of change is seen more intensely then with families of struggling teens.

Needed change seems obvious in teens whose lives have gone off the tracks through poor choices and behaviors becoming a risk to themselves and/or others. When it's determined that intervention placement in a private residential school or program is the responsible, loving decision needed, it is important to remember that your child's true and lasting change will not happen fast, or on your timeline.

It is the key to remember that your teen is just one member of your family system. For the optimal outcome, the entire family needs to be committed and open to change. For starters, what's going on in a teen's life affects all members of your family. Your teen has done a very good job of signaling "this system is not working," waving a very large, very scary red flag. Wise parents will step up to the plate and willingly be part of the solution.