Reopening Tips For Parents
Parents of Verge Students,
Ahh, yes…businesses, barbershops, and restaurants are starting to open up! This week Bethel Church will begin to open up on a limited basis. I know that some of you are saying to your students, “Yes, get out of here – go hang out with your friends,” while others are a dreading to see this quarantine end. These are two wide-ranging views on the reopening of life as we knew it.
Some families are experiencing a real appreciation for one another as never before, while others are struggling with being together 24/7! This brings up a great question: as life reopens, what does that look like from a parent standpoint?
Boundaries
As Christians, we know that in normal life, the way we parent should be different from the way the world parents. This is not easy, but it is our calling as followers of Christ. As a result, I would encourage you to set some expectations and boundaries before things open in earnest. Asking the question(s): what are the government guidelines as opposed to the guidelines coming from our personal opinions or those of other parents?
We are entering a time when I believe this will be more difficult. I have firsthand awareness that several students have been hanging out and doing sleepovers during the quarantine. This did not follow the government’s guidelines. If you feel I am out of line, please consider Romans 13:1-2 or Titus 3:1-2.
Romans 13:1-2:
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment” (ESV).
Titus 3:1-2:
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
Let your teens know that if they feel that their personal “rights” are being taken away, the Bible rules over all constitutions and other documents. Even recognizing this, it is likely that some will be pressured to go beyond the parental limits I am encouraging you to consider. So the point I am trying to make is that when we address our students with the correct expectations ahead of time, they can strive to understand, know, and accept the boundaries that God commands us to honor. Will they try and test those boundaries? YES. It is likely some will—this is a tale as old as time! However, preventing overreaction is always better.
Here are some governmental tips that coincide with Scripture and what Bethel Church has laid out:
Parents, I want you to know that all of your Verge Leaders miss their students. This is what we do, and we love doing it! I CANNOT wait until we resume regular Verge meetings—where we can give high fives and talk with students about life. But for now, that will have to wait.
If there is any way that we as Verge Leaders can help you navigate this time, please feel free to email us and ask questions. We are here to walk alongside you as you guide your students to love and follow Christ.
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