Teens and Low Expectations?

August 31, 2009

This weekend our girls attended the Rebelution Conference put on by Alex and Brett Harris, the authors of Do Hard Things.

The Rebelution is all about encouraging teens to rebel against low expectations. I believe that our culture has lowered the standard so much that we actually expect very little from our young people, not just academically, but also morally. What we expect from them concerning character, manners and skills is at an all time low. There are several reasons why we have come to this place, which you can read about in the book .

Think about the typical teenager of today, then think about the teenager of just 100-200 years ago:

George Washington – Official surveyor for Culpeper County at age 17.

David Farragut - Commanded a ship at age 12.

Clara Barton - Caring for smallpox patients and teaching in a classroom at age 17.

Laura Inglas Wilder – Received her teaching certificate and started teaching at age 15.

The word "teenager" wasn’t even used until 1941. In the Bible you are either considered a child or an adult.

We have got to live counter-culture. We have got to raise the bar of what we expect from our kids. Parents, make it your purpose to equip your children with what they need to do the hard things; academically, morally, and physically (practical skills)! It is our responsibility to make sure our children are trained, and to expect them to step up to the task. Remember we are raising up adults. Where are you investing your money and time to train up these young people?

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young,

but set an example for the believers

in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations

Topics: Parenting, Rebellion, Responsibility | 1 Comment »