Use Story of Noah’s Ark to Talk to Teen
When talking to your teen son about peer pressure, read the story of Noah and his family. (Genesis 6-8) Then, say to your son, “Think about having to build an ark on the high plains of Texas, an area much like the Holy land. How do you think those young men felt when Noah told them that he was going to build an ark, and – they had to help? What do you think they felt about being obedient to their father?”
After your son tells you how Shem, Ham and Japheth might have felt, say, “I can just see their friends standing to the side making fun of them while they helped their dad. They must have been really embarrassed.”
Ask Questions to Teach about Story
Ask your son questions that will help him understand the concepts: “What could Japheth have said in response to his friends’ teasing and pressure to skip out on the work?” “How would you handle a situation in which you’re teased for doing something you know is right?” “How can you know what God wants you to do?”
Apply Bible Story to an Incident in Teen’s Life
Finally, apply the concept to something specific in your son’s life: “You told me you were pressured to leave with your friends last Saturday before you finished the lawn. How would that be similar to what happened to Shem, Ham, and Japheth? Are you okay with how you handled the situation?”
Use Bible Stories to Teach
Just like this example, Bible stories are a great way to get conversations going and teach values.
Question…Have you solved some of your parenting challenges by using Bible stories? Why not share them with our other readers?
Permission granted by LaVista Church of Christ (www.lavistachurchofchrist.org) for use of image.
January 23, 2012
Blog, School and Peers