The Space Between: A Parent’s Guide to Teenage Development - Part 1

I am really excited to introduce you to this great book by Dr. Walt Mueller called The Space Between: A Parent’s Guide to Teenage Development. The title says it all. For over 30 years Dr. Mueller has studied not only adolescents, but also the culture in which they live in. He knows his stuff, and he has lived it out. Mueller has four children and has graduated three of them out of adolescents. This book is short, full of practical information for parents, and it is biblical. Dr. Mueller loves God and knows that what teens need the most in their lives is a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The chapters of this book are full useful information for you as a parent. Allow me a few minutes to explain one of the many highlights we will talk about throughout this blog.

1. Discovering adolescents all over again!

Mueller quotes Earl Wilson as defining an adolescent as “an adult trying to happen.” I can’t help but to agree with him. This in between stage from childhood to adulthood is filled with great opportunities and challenges. However, you may find it interesting that not long ago there wasn’t such thing as a teenage culture. You were either a child or an adult. It wasn’t until 1941 that the term teenager was used as a result of a “social and economic invention.” (Mueller, pg. 17) Since that time rapid growth has taken place which as resulted in great opportunity and confusion. The current adolescent culture is complex, and teens are growing up faster with each passing year due to what they experience. “While most kids experience puberty between ages 11 and 14, it can occur anywhere from the ages of 10 to 17. In recent years research has found that both boys and girls are entering puberty at younger ages.” (Mueller pg. 37) Yet, there is no need to fear. This is just a great opportunity for us to learn and grow in order to discover adolescents all over again. Below you will see some great questions that Mueller believes every parent should be asking themselves in order to learn more about their teen.

1. What is their world like?

2. What makes them tick?

3. What changes are they experiencing?

4. Why do they think and act the way they do?

5. How can I begin to facilitate a smoother adolescent period for my teenager-supporting, loving, and leading my teenager in a way that brings honor to God?

6. How can I begin to break through the walls of confusion, fear, frustration, and misunderstanding?

7. How can I be a positive and proactive bridge-builder into the life and world of my teenager?

These are some great questions in order to study your teen. Learn about them, and really listen. Think of creative ways you can discover the answers to these questions. Your teenager is a gift from God entrusted to your care. As parents we are called to model and speak truth into our kid’s lives, while trusting in the Holy Spirit to do that work that only he can do. Take some time this week to learn, and know that we are diligently praying for you all.