Some say, “Teenagers. That’s normal.” It wasn’t “okay” for youth in the Bible. Deuteronomy says if your son or daughter won’t listen, take them to the village elders where they can be stoned—can you believe it? Sometimes out of frustration we wish we could take our kids to the village elders, don’t we? Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to do the obvious like, “Keep your cool and be patient.” Do something different. Go fishing, hunting, or if you’re car shopping, take your teen on a test drive of a new car. Who doesn’t like the smell of THAT? But the excitement about something NEW can open communication doors closed by conflict. Paintball can also help.

Suggested Reading: Philippians 2:14-15