Gospel-Based Conversations to Have With Your PreteenSample

Day 2: Your Purpose

Think back to your preteen years, teenage years, and young adult years. How many changes did you go through? Chances are, too many to count!

As you physically, emotionally, and spiritually changed throughout your young adult years, your purpose in life most likely changed as well. Your preteen will go through ups and downs, and at times, it may be overwhelming as a parent who wants their child to pursue Jesus.

As the parent of a preteen, your primary purpose in life is to point them to Jesus as much as you can. Just as you were once reminded that God works things together for His purpose according to those who love Him and follow Him, you can also remind your preteen of this truth (Romans 8:28).

Kids naturally view their parents as the ones who can fix everything, say the right things, and will always be there. Though most of those are (hopefully) true, preteens may seek advice and counsel from friends, adults, or the internet because no parent is perfect. In Romans 12:2, we read of the “renewal of the mind” as an essential part of a relationship with Jesus. So when you fail to be there when your child needs you, or you can’t fix the pain they are going through, they have Jesus to place their purpose in, and so do you.

As your preteen finds their purpose in life, whether they know Jesus or not, continue to point them to Him and help them take the next steps in sharing that Truth with others (Matthew 28:19-20). It may be tough at times to live this out daily for your preteen, so encouragement and excitement are key when helping them discover and live out their purpose in life.

Go Deeper With Your Preteen: How do you feel about your purpose in life? Is it hard to share your faith with others?