• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Troubled Teens

  • Home
  • Submit Questions
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy

Can You Laugh Out Loud During Difficult Times?

Last updated on February 27, 2014 by TT Staff Leave a Comment

There’s something that almost always accompanies a troubled teen, and that’s a troubled parent. It makes sense, doesn’t it? It certainly would be troubling to have someone in your home who is dealing with issues ranging from anger and rebellion to addictions and depression.

But once in a while, we see a parent of a troubled teen who seems somehow resilient to the kinds of oppressive emotions that threaten to eclipse their joy. What’s the deal with these people? Are they simply in denial? Don’t they care about what their kids are going through — or putting them through? I’m sure there is the occasional parent who’s emotionally disconnected entirely, but generally speaking, there’s another reason some people can remain calm — and can even laugh out loud — during difficult times.

They Expect Difficulties

This isn’t a cynical view, but it is realistic. In John 16:33, Jesus Himself tells us that we will have “tribulation” as long as we’re here on this earth. “Tribulation” is another word for trouble, or difficulties. Unlike all the good things we hope we’ll experience this side of eternity, troubles are promised; we can be sure they’ll come. When trouble on the home front is met expectantly rather than with shock or disappointment, parents can more confidently deal with even the most difficult situations.

They Prepare for Difficulties

Going into this difficult time, the resilient parent probably became practiced at the spiritual warfare they’re encountering, allowing them to be well-equipped to face the challenges they’re facing (Eph. 6). Like the woman described in Proverbs 31, these parents can actually laugh at the future — not because they’re lighthearted about hard times, but because they have a confidence that transcends temporary circumstances. Just like the virtuous woman makes sure her family has cold weather gear in place before the first snow hits, the spiritually prepared parent has Scripture and biblical virtues at-the-ready before spiritual battles arise (Eph. 6).

They Manage Difficulties

The word “manage” carries the idea that the resilient parent is in control rather than helpless victims of circumstances or emotions or decisions of others. Did you know that someone can’t actually “make” you angry (or emotionally hurt or any number of other feelings)? Your emotions are your own reactions to circumstances or situations, and they’re based on what you believe about any given situation.

For instance, if you see someone approaching you with a gun, you may (understandably) feel afraid. Your emotional response is, of course, based on your knowledge that guns can be used to kill people. You would probably feel that way even if your best friend were nearby. If, however, you knew that your best friend was a trained sharpshooter with his sights set on your attacker, your fearfulness would not be nearly so intense. So it is when we fully realize Who God is.

Filed Under: For Parents of Teens, Promoted

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Struggling with Your Teen?

Have a question about something you're facing with your teenage son or daughter? Ask us! Just click here and share your question.

Boarding School Reviews

Get your boarding school or youth residential treatment program reviewed here. Looking for a marketing agency? Contact us.

Popular Posts

  • Causes of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • Controversy Surrounds "Bully" Movie
  • The Risks of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • Signs and Symptoms of Huffing
  • Teens and Rape Victim Blame

Recent Articles

  • Teen Shoplifting
  • Is Scripture Irrelevant to Contemporary Teens?
  • Fostering Academic Success at Home: Structuring Study Schedules and Spaces, Part 2
  • Underage Drinking: More of a Problem Than You May Think
  • Communication Overload
  • Combating Teen Obesity
  • What Technology Reveals About Today’s Teens, Part 2
  • What’s Your Excuse? Don’t Pretend, Be Real
  • Why “Fifty Shades” Is Dangerous (For You and Your Teen)
  • Parents: Look to Hollywood Movies for Parenting Tips

Reader Feedback

  • Tara on Causes of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • TNH on Causes of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • Sharaaz Khan on Causes of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • Dionne Duarte on Causes of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • Clarice A. on Teen Bedwetting
  • Margaret Campbell on Causes of Sexual Promiscuity in Teens
  • Elizabeth on The Sexting Problem
  • Lisa Arquette on Handling Hard Questions: Having Empathy for the Ache
  • L. C. H. on 3 Reminders for Dealing with Rebellious Teens
  • Peter D'Angelo on Which Kids Stay in the Church?

Copyright © 2023 TroubledTeens.biz · All Rights Reserved