Milestone #5 - Preparing for Adolescence
Age: 10-11 yrs. old

Adolescence is a season of life filled with all kinds of excitement, changes, pressures and choices that can have life-long affects. I recall being 11 yrs. old playing baseball with a good friend of mine. At that time, we talked about sports and fun. Four years later, at the age of 15, this friend of mine had gotten his girlfriend pregnant and she had gone through an abortion. A lot changed in four years time. That's the reality of adolescence - Change!!

It's our hope that parents will take a proactive approach to these turbulent teenage years by preparing their kids for this season of change and growth. Even Jesus went through this season of life. We find in Luke 2 that when Jesus was 12 years old, his focus in life shifted from being a child to fulfilling the work God had planned for Him (Luke 2:41-52). Luke 2:52 says, "Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people." 

In the early years parents teach their children by instruction. By the age of 12, kids begin to move from instruction to independence. Parents must begin equipping their kids to grow as young adults so they can be responsible, mature adults when they leave the nest.

There are 6 key areas parents must discuss with their preadolescent:
1. Physical - greatest physical growth takes place since being 1 year old.
2. Emotional – cover in Milestone #7
3. Social - friends become signficant source of influence on decisions. Pray for a great circle of friends for your kids.
4. Sexual– cover in Milestone #6 
5. Financial - must begin teaching kids how to be fiscally responsible.
6. Search for Identity – cover in Milestone #7

At LifePoint, we plan a Preparing for Adolescence Retreat for all kids completing 4th or 5th grade and their parents. This is an overnight retreat designed to prepare both kids and parents in the six areas listed above.

The most highly recommended resource for this milestone is Preparing for Adolescence by Dr. James
Dobson. The book should be read by both child and parents. There is also a family workbook that goes
along with the book that is a fabulous resource.

See the Resource Page for a list of resources for all milestones.