Note to parents from Mary Ann Jenkins:

In youth ministry it is essential for the church to partner with parents.  Raising teens is one of the most challenging times for parents and we all need help.  Over the years I have read some very valuable resources for parents of teens that I consider outstanding and I would highly recommend them for all parents to read, listen to or watch.  I have a number of these resources available at the youth ministry office and would be happy to lend them to you anytime.   

Author and speaker:  Dr. Meg Meeker

In addition to her books she also has a great website (www.MegMeekerMD.com) that I recommend that parents visit.  Specifically she has a media section which has a number of interviews and her DVD posted for your viewing.  Not only is Dr. Meeker a pediatrician but also a wonderful faith filled woman which makes her an even more valuable resource for us. 

Epidemic:  Raising Great Teens in a Toxic Sexual Culture by Dr. Meg Meeker

This book is not long but it is filled with hard core medical facts about the reality of the sexual culture our teens are living in.  Doctor Meeker offers tools for parents who are trying to help their teens.  I found great hope and encouragement when she stated that parents are the single most important influence in young people’s lives.  Parent can and do make a huge difference in teens’ decisions.  She gives particular advice on how and when to guide our teens.  This is a must read for every parent.  Our greatest defense in this cultural war is to be informed.

DVD “Teen Sexually Transmitted Disease:  The Rules Have Changed”

This is an outstanding film that has been created for teens but I believe it is also a film that every parent should watch as well.  It is only 21 minutes in length but packed with stories and medical facts that are necessary to enable and equip teens to make the right and safe choices in life.

Strong Fathers Strong Daughters:  10 Secrets Every Father Should Know by Dr. Meg Meeker

Father (and mothers) could benefit greatly from reading this book.  She points out that a father’s relationship with his daughter is far more important than we ever realized.  Dr. Meeker shares information to help father strengthen or rebuild bonds with their daughters.

The Five Love Languages of Teenagers    by Gary Chapman

Gary Chapman acknowledges the dangers that exist in society but he also recognizes the fact that parents have a dramatic impact on their children.  It is parents – not peers- that have the most significant influence on their teens.  He gives us very specific tools on how to love our kids in a way that makes sense to them.  He shows us why and how teens need to be loved differently than preteens.  He states, “When teens are secure in love of parents, they will have confidence to face the negative influences in our culture…”  It is his opinion that nothing is more important than the parent learning how to effectively meet the teen’s emotional need for love. 

Building Better Families:  A practical guide to Raising Amazing Children    by Matthew Kelly

Having read many of Matthew Kelly’s other books, this book follows the reoccurring theme throughout his works, to become all that we can be physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.  He has amazing insights and very practical advice and strategies for transforming the family into what it should be:  a place where each of us can become the best version of ourselves.  Highly inspirational and practical.

The Dream Manager     by Matthew Kelly

Even though this book is a parable about how companies can achieve remarkable results by helping their employees fulfill their dreams, it has proven to be a great resource for me in working with the youth group.  We have applied the concepts with the teens as well as with the adult core team.  My next adventure is to apply the same concept to my family.   Do you know what your dreams are?  Do you know what your children’s dreams are?   

Romance without Regret- by Crystalina and Jason Evert DVD

Jason and Crystalina speak powerfully about chastity.  I have had the privilege to see them speak personally.  They use humor and are very blunt but they always use a reverent approach.  They both give their testimonies, which the teens admire and are inspired by their stories and courage.  I strongly encourage teens to watch this DVD, no matter whether they are in a relationship, looking for love or just trying to understand God’s plan for properly using the gift of sexuality.

How Great is Our God- by Louie Giglio DVD

This is a great DVD!  Louie is talking to an auditorium of 20,000 teens and he moves you beyond words with his illustration of the magnitude of God, the creator of the universe.  You will be awestruck with the images, examples and techniques he uses to help us to begin to understand our amazing God.  I don’t have words to express the impact of this DVD, it’s a must see!