Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Have Teenage Sons or Students?

7 Things Teenage Boys Most Need



Interview With Spiritual Director of Adolescents



WASHINGTON, D.C., JAN. 13, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Being the parent of an adolescent boy is legendary for its difficulty. But according to one priest who acts as a spiritual director and confessor for high school boys, just keeping in mind seven points can make for a better relationship with adolescent sons.

Legionary of Christ Father Michael Sliney suggests the following seven necessities for parents of adolescent boys:


1. Clear guidelines with reasonable consequences from a unified front; cutting slack but also holding boys accountable for their actions.

2. Reasonable explanations for the criteria, guidelines and decisions made by parents.

3. Avoiding hyper-analysis of boys' emotions and states of mind: avoiding "taking their temperature" too often.

4. Unconditional love with an emphasis on character and effort more than outcome: Encourage boys to live up to
their potential while having reasonable expectations. To love them regardless of whether they make it into Harvard or become a star quarterback.

5. Authenticity, faith and fidelity should be reflected in parent's lifestyles.

6. Qualities of a dad: Manliness, temperance, making significant time for family, putting aside work, and being a reliable source of guidance.

7. Qualities of a mom: Emotional stability, selflessness, loving service and extreme patience.

3 comments:

Dawn said...

Thank you for posting this Father. As mom to one teenage son and a preteen son this is a great reminder for me and my hubby. I am going to print this out and keep it handy.
Blessings!

Sarah - Kala said...

I needed this! Thank you!!

Maggie said...

This is wonderful! Coming from a family of all sisters, I'm often at a loss for how to minister to young men. Thanks so much!

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