When your family is struggling, it’s easy to lose hope for a better future. So how can parents remain hopeful and positive, even in the midst of a storm? In this article, I’ll provide hope and help to parents of hurting families for overcoming difficult times and restoring relationships.

Encouragement #1: There is Still Hope
Here is some real, reliable hope: God is involved in your situation. Even though your child is going through a tough time, God has not abandoned, ignored, or neglected your family. No matter what you’re struggling with right now, God’s plan for your family is not thwarted because of your child’s choices or because your plan is not working out the way you hoped. We all know the verse from Jeremiah 29:11: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Don’t give up on your family. There is still hope because God has not given up on you.

Encouragement #2: You Are Right For the Job
You may feel inadequate to handle the problems in your family, but the reality is that you have been chosen by God to be in your teen’s life. You are just what they need. As the parent of a teen who is struggling, you have undoubtedly prayed, begging for wisdom, guidance, and help to become a better parent. Well, that is just what He is doing now! Lean into your parenting role during this difficult time. I encourage you to see this time as a tremendous opportunity to build into your child’s life. No matter how you feel, don’t back off from the role God gave you and that He is empowering you to do.

Encouragement #3: Help is Available
We want to encourage and support you to do all you can to help your teens, but there are times when the problems need outside help. Yes, your teen needs you right now. But he may also need other people to step in as well. The good news is that you are not alone. Help is available! There are programs and people who have experience dealing with the problems facing your family. Consider getting coaching by phone through Heartlight to identify the problems. Consider finding a counselor for your teen, for you, or for the whole family. Join a support group for you and your spouse. And if necessary, consider putting your teen in a program outside the home to get the help he needs.

Encouragement #4: Relationships Are Worth It, Even When They Are Messy
Have you noticed that going through tough times together can create deep bonds of trust? Working through the struggles with your teens during this season will lead to a deeper relationship with them and with God. As you remain engaged with your child, even when it’s painful, you are building a relationship that endures. Let your teen know that you want a better relationship and show your teen that you will be with them through the messy process of healing for you and your family.

A Path to Restoration:
When teens break your rules and your trust, it takes time and effort to repair that relationship. Rarely is it an easy process. But don’t give up! Every difficulty can be overcome, and every relationship can be restored. As you work on your relationship with your teen, keep a proper frame of mind. Remember that what is happening right now is not the whole story.
You probably feel alone in the mess and hurt. But don’t panic. I can assure you, you’re not. Now is the perfect time to put the heavy and painful things you’re dealing with in God’s hands, trusting He will cause all things to work together for good. When I need encouragement, I often think of the words of the Apostle Paul from Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Conclusion
Hey moms and dads … going through a tough time with your teen is never easy. Sleepless nights, worry-filled weekends, random outbursts, and verbal shutdowns are never welcomed in this parenting thing. But it’s a part of adolescence for many families. So hold tight, stay the course, and do what you know is right. These times are producing something in you and are giving you an opportunity to enter into the most hurtful parts of your teen’s life. So, take advantage of your presence in the midst of the situation. Don’t walk away or ignore what’s before you. Instead, walk toward those issues believing that God is going to show up in a very special way. Don’t grow weary in doing good. At the right time, your family will reap the harvest of your efforts, if you don’t give up.