5 Helpful Tips To Raising Millennials

When my oldest daughter was probably about nine or ten, she asked a question that startled me. The question made me feel old and made me realize the next generation is here. It dawned on me that she is being raised in a technical, social world. The question she asked me is: “what is a cassette tape?”

I felt so old, lol! Then I started thinking, she will never experience life without a cellphone, discs, iPods or computers. The world is different from when I was a child. My mom would tell me come in when the street lights came on and don’t go in anyone’s house. Besides those two rules, I was free as a bird to roam our neighborhood, walk to the corner store and just enjoy life. The temptations I dealt with were things like smoking and making out with a boy during a game of hide-go-get-it. 

These days our children have a whole lot more to deal with. They have to deal with not just bullying but cyber bullying which is bigger and worse than the bullying we grew up with. They have to deal with their sexuality, period. They don’t just deal with smoking cigarettes but other drugs kids sale as a way to get high. 

How do we protect our kids from these things with out making them feel like they live in a house with nuns? 

1. Build a foundation 

A strong foundation is hard to break. Jesus said when you build a house on a rocky foundation the house won't sink and this is how having faith in Him does our lives. Teach your children to always trust in Jesus. The best way to teach them this, is to live by example. You can't tell your kids not to do the things you're doing. It leads them to confusion and pushes them to be more inquisitive about what you are trying to keep them away from. Practice what you preach.

2. Spend quality time
There is a difference between spending time and quality time. Quality time is actually having a conversation with your children, not just being in the same room.

3. Get to know their friends
Don't always send your kids over someone else's home but allow them to invite kids into your home. When their friends are over, don't just send them to a room by themselves but find an activity to do with them.

4. Honesty
Be honest with your kids. This generation has so much access to so much information. If you don't tell them the truth, they are going to find out from somewhere. It is better for them to hear the truth from you so they will trust you and build a relationship with them. There's no more sugar coating things about topics like sex, drugs, drinking and other things they deal with. Take a deep breath and tell them straight forward.

5. Love
Last but not least, love your kids. I know this seems to be obvious but go deeper. We all have needs also know as love languages that helps us to feel loved. Our children have those needs too. Find out what fills your child/children's love tank and do it. For example, your child might need a hug every day to feel loved, well give your child a hug every day for as long as they need you too. It is better for you to do it then strangers. Another example is gift giving. It doesn't have to be a major gifts but buy their favorite snacks or food. If your child needs words of affirmation, send them text just show them how much you care. No one should be loving your children more than you, until they are ready to be married. 

I hope these tips help. No parent is perfect however, we should try to do the best we can to teach our children the way should go. God blessed us with them and the most important thing you can do to help you as a parent is to have a relationship with your heavenly Father.