Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens

Just finished reading Paul David Tripp's Age of Opportunity... and my biggest disappointment is that I didn't read it sooner! My kids are 15 & almost 13... I wish I had this information when they were a few years younger to be better prepared for this stage. But that won't stop me from implementing the ideas NOW- right away.I'm not going to lie... this book is going to cut you to the core... it's going to convict you as a parent in a way you've likely not been convicted before. This book has truly helped hubby & me (he read it, too- which I HIGHLY recommend- BOTH parents need this information)... it has helped both of us recognize that many of the problems we face when parenting our teens are due to our *own* sin. And yet... God's grace abounds through Christ... and it is NEVER too late to correct our parenting path and reestablish our parenting priorities, goals, and techniques.Are we trying too hard to control our kids... or are we pointing them to Christ so they will learn to make their own wise decisions? This book will cause you to do some soul-searching and give you practical ideas for implementing strategies that help with our number 1 goal as parents... to prepare our children to leave the home to live as Christ-honoring adults in this fallen world.I actually think this book would be beneficial to any reader- whether or not they have children/ teens- because the wisdom contained in the book is applicable to *all* human relationships. The difference with teens is... just 5 seconds ago these were little people who did everything we said just because we told them to. Now, all of the sudden, they have their own ideas and own agendas. The problem many parents of teens have is coming face-to-face with this lack of control over their aging children. Enter... our sin. But dealing with our sin in human relationships is not limited to raising teens. Again, I think this book would be helpful for *all* relationships... but especially parents of teens... or better yet... parents of pre-teens in preparation for the inevitable.Most importantly, I love the thesis of his book which he introduces early on... parenting your teens doesn't have to be something you "survive"... the teen years can be wonderful, beautiful years... you just have to recognize the opportunity. These years truly are "the age of opportunity."Do not wait... read this book now! Be convicted. Be encouraged. Be blessed. And embrace these amazing years with your kids!

Great biblical resource for parenting teens!!

One of the best, Biblically sound and most thoroughgoing explorations into the teenage mind & heart I've ever read. Tripp is a heart surgeon when it comes to analyzing the thinking that leads to certain behaviors. He skillfully shows you how to develop a loving, uplifting, lifelong relationship with your teens and set them on a path of continual growth and service. Highly recommended!

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We've used Paul's methods over the years and now with a 15 and 13 year old, life with teens has been a breeze. We are so thankful for the methods taught in this book.

Love this book.

I was able to listen to this book via Hoopla, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

How can we speak the truth in love to our teenagers? In Age of Opportunity, Paul David Tripp provides a Biblical guide to parenting teens.Part One: Clearing the Debris takes an honest look at the family. While the world would tell us differently, God’s Word says that parents are God’s primary teachers. As a theological, sociological, and redemptive community -- parents play an irreplaceable role in discipling their children.Help Them Develop a Heart for GodPart Two: Setting Godly Goals focuses on our spiritual struggles and the need to develop a heart of conviction and wisdom. Parents must teach their children to have thoughtful, redemptive interactions with culture. I was most interested to see how culture impacts the life of the family in strong yet subtle ways. It sets the pace of our life, it dictates our agendas, it reconfigures our relationships, and it shapes our spiritual lives. I was encouraged that even in the midst of a crooked culture, we are to shine the light of Christ.While we cannot force it, we can still help our teens develop a heart for God. But before we begin, we must first examine our own. Familiarity, lifestyle, and hypocrisy are reasons as to why our faith fails to transfer to our teens. I was most encouraged to see that as parents must make our pursuit of Christ our priority. Even in our imperfection, our modeling of a hunger for God can go a long way.Presenting Them Mature in ChristThe book concludes with Part 3: Practical Strategies for Parenting Teens. I learned that I need to evaluate the “voices” in their life. Musicians, movie stars, and social media influencers all have a role in shaping their hearts and minds. Wise parents will do their research and have conversations that help them evaluate their influences.Originally published in 1997, this revised and expanded edition features discussion questions for each chapter as well as a bonus Q&A section. I highly recommend this book for parents and pastors who want to better shepherd their children. It’s tough to parent teenagers. My children are still young, but I feel better prepared. And as I minister to the teens at my church, I am reminded of the privilege and opportunity I have to steward. I am eager present them mature in Christ.I received a media copy of Age of Opportunity and this is my honest review.

Muy buen libro, práctico y profundo