There is a great deal of complexity to shepherding kids through the teen years. The kids themselves can be insecure and unstable, often influenced by a culture that is not easily quarantined. Parents are commonly fearful of the problems (actual and potential) during these years and can be unsure about how to proceed. Rather than disengaging and giving
up on being a nurturing influence in the life of their teen, parents must see that the opportunity to shepherd is actuallyin the problems that arise.
Rather than living in fear and dread of the teen years, we must see them as years that are tailor-made for shepherding.