Partying - Part 1

We apologize for the earlier send out that wasn't quite ready to rumble.  Now you can soak up the real deal...
 
Jenna partied too much. Her experimentation with alcohol led into parties that involved behavior that she never dreamed she would get caught up in. When Jenna arrived at our residential youth counseling center, she was just as embarrassed as her parents over how the past year turned out. During lengthy counseling sessions with Jenna, we discovered “warning signs” all along the way – indicators that she was on a slippery slope. While her parents wanted Jenna to learn through trial and error, they came to see some points where intervention may have stopped the slide. Christian parents carry many different convictions about teenage partying, so let me simply offer you a few warning signs that may help you know when to be concerned. 
 
1.      Increased risk taking – Growth comes through the struggle and strain of trials. Most of these carry short-term consequences that allow kids to learn without inflicting permanent damage. The “hand on the hot stove” kind of learning. Some behaviors risk life and limb, or could result in permanent damage. The “play in the street” kind of danger. While allowing your son or daughter to learn experientially, be ready to intervene when their risk-taking moves into the dangerous zone.  Carefully note the difference between tasting alcohol at a party and getting behind the wheel of a car. 
 
2.      Disinterest in spiritual growth – If your child is a follower of Christ, then you can be assured that the presence of the Holy Spirit will bring conviction for sinful choices. Conviction can lead to repentance – even as the hot sun melts the butter. But watch carefully for signs that the conviction is leading toward a hardened heart – as the hot sun hardens the clay. If he or she drops out of spiritual growth activities, or grows cold toward spiritual discussion, you may be compelled to dive deeper into your child’s choices. Look for both the cause of their conviction (such as drug abuse), and what motivating forces are keeping them involved (such as acceptance by their peers). 
 
Distance from Christian friends – Distance from God can also been seen in one’s distance from God’s people. If your son or daughter no longer wants to hang out with church or camp friends, it may indicate a lack of desire to hear what those friends have to say. In this case, again, open the door of conversation about friends, and without dictating who your child will hang out with, affirm those peer relationships who exert positive pressure. You are not alone in shaping your child’s posture toward partying. In fact, you might just find that his or her Christian friends speak with more volume than you can, and keep your child moving forward toward Christ.