Topic: Child’s Training (3)
Dear Reader,
I welcome you to another edition in our series on Child Training. This week and the next, by the enabling power of the Holy Ghost, we shall be examining the various developmental stages in Teenage Children, for example puberty, adolescence etc., and to see how you as a parent can guide them.
The teen years are the most demanding years for many children and parents alike. A lot of prevalent challenges stems from a basic lack of understanding of this phase of life. Most parents are puzzled by the swings in the mood of their teenagers. One minute they are excited, next minute they want to be alone. What used to excite them before, like certain types of clothes, is now regarded as childish. “Who can cope with it?” many parents seem to be asking.
I would like you to know that teen years need not be so frustrating, it can be one of the most interesting periods of your life. All that is actually required is knowledge and understanding.The Bible says: “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established. Proverbs 24:3.”Now, let’s see what happens at various stages of your teenage children’s development.
Puberty: The first phase children pass through is known as puberty. Puberty is a phase of sexual awakening in the life of a child. This is when the sexual organs and the reproductive system of a child begin to develop, in preparation for adulthood, reproduction and child birth. The age it begins differs from one child to another.
a) For boys:
Puberty starts from the age of twelve. Rapid growth begins to take place in their bodies. At this stage the pituitary gland is activated. It produces hormones, which bring about changes in the body and the ability to produce a child. As a result, hair begins to grow and concentrate in certain parts of the body, like armpit and the pubic region. Also beards begin to form on the face. The sexual organs also begin to enlarge, the voice deepens and becomes steadier. There might, however, be some children whose voice don’t deepen. Feelings of fatigue and tiredness occur once in a while. When this begins, assure your children that there is nothing to be afraid of, nor be alarmed about; heis simply growing up. Encourage him to take plenty of rest and sleep. Ensure that he eats balanced diet for proper body building.
b) For girls:
Puberty begins between the ages of 10 and 11. It begins earlier in girls than boys. At puberty, the female body begins to equip itself with the ability to produce a child. Also, at this stage, menstruation begins. Some other changes occur, during menstruation. Her body becomes more rounded and curvy, her breasts begin to enlarge, and may become sore or slightly painful. She might experience slight pains in her lower abdomen, hair begins to grow in armpit, legs and pubic region. She becomes very much aware of and sensitive to the regions around her private part. At such times she begins to wonder what is happening to her body and why the changes are occurring. This can be avoided, if you as a parent, especially mothers, will ensure that you fulfill your responsibility toward your children, by creating time to educate them on these stages of development to avoid confusion and unnecessary concern. Educate your daughters on the use of sanitary towels, to ensure hygiene during these periods. They need proper sex education. Please understand that they are not too young to be told these things.
Mothers have a greater share of this responsibility. This is so because among other things, mothers have a lot of influence over their children. The Bible records the influence Timothy’s Mother and grandmother had on his life and ministry. It is written: When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also (2 Timothy 1:5).Timothy became one of the most respected Bishops in the New Testament.
Let us also take a look at these scriptures addressed directly to mothers:
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother (Proverbs 10:1).
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame (Proverbs 29:15).
I believe that though child training is a joint responsibility of parents, mothers have a greater share of the responsibility. For your children not to give you heartache tomorrow, it is a must for you to sow seeds of proper upbringing in their lives.
As you work on your children, I pray all your efforts over them shall be rewarded in Jesus mighty name. However, to get good rewards for your labour, you must be born again. You do this by accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour of your life. If you want to make this decision today, then say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.
Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Raising Godly Children, Understanding Motherhood, Building a Successful FamilyandA Living Witness.
“Please click to read other inspiring articles by Pastor Faith Oyedepo”
Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.
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