Joey & Carla Link
March 18, 2026
In Spring, we see plants and flowers popping up, making the land look fresh and bright with color. It’s also a time where our kids can start blooming in ways we may or may not be expecting or ready for.
They can surprise you with a deeper understanding of things they used to resent, showing as a growing maturity. Or they can show you an unwillingness to grow in maturity, meaning they do have deeper understanding but just don’t want to take the responsibility on that comes with it, so they stubbornly resist that growth.
Parents, at times, tend to forget that there is still a lot their pre-teens don’t know because although they may understand the “why” of things better, they don’t yet have the experience to go with it. Understanding the “why” plus experience equals maturity. So, you need to look for or create opportunities for them to get the experience they need.
For example, we think all kids should work for someone other than you before they leave your home. They need to learn how to work for an employer under your guidance rather than try to figure it out on their own. Employers sometimes tell us they don’t hire teens anymore because they don’t have time to deal with the common excuse of “I don’t feel like coming to work today”, their consistent lateness and sloppy work habits.
Another thing that blooms with the coming of Spring is girls’ bodies start showing curves and guys start noticing them in a different way. Dads, have you started working with your pre-teen boys (10-12 yr. olds) on how to control what they are looking at, and what to do when temptation hits them hard and fast? Moms, have you worked with your pre-teen girls on being modest in the way they dress and how to deal with changes in their bodies and what that does to their emotions?
We are often surprised when we see photos of girls from strong Christian families in their prom dresses or bridal gowns. There isn’t a lot left to the imagination. They need to understand what the visual picture they are intentionally creating is doing to every teen male and man that sees them. Plus, in this way Christians are showing the world that they would rather live by their standards instead of God’s.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing
of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is
– his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2
The Middle Years Transition – When your kids are 10-13 years old they are in the “Middle Years Transition” which is often the trickiest transition in parenting. This is when the world and friends are really starting to influence them and they start showing it in their attitudes and actions. If you have a preteen you’ll want to check this Mom’s Notes presentation out!
Use code March22 at checkout by 3/22/26 for $1 off the MP3 and PDF
Parenting Made Practical Podcasts
#50 Do Your Kids Have Time for God?
Ever Christian parent wants their child to grow up to believe in God, but 85% of kids don’t! Learn practical ways to help your kids grow in their faith and be one who sticks with Jesus.
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