It’s not a made-up story. It’s a growing trend. And it raises a critical question for parents, teachers, and mentors: What are we really teaching our kids about health, discipline, and identity?

As children transition into adolescence, the dynamics of parenting inevitably shift. This stage presents both challenges and opportunities for deeper connections.

Let’s reframe it together. Encouraging your kids to read this summer isn’t just about avoiding the “summer slide” in academics. It’s about helping them slide into wonder, dive into imagination, and explore who they are, one page at a time.

When we pay attention to what naturally lights our kids up, we can help them name those strengths. That “naming” is powerful. A child who hears, “You’re really good at explaining things—have you thought about teaching?” begins to see themselves with purpose.

Have you ever watched your child ask Siri or ChatGPT a question and wondered, “Where are they learning this from?” Whether it’s “What’s the capital of Peru?” or “What is a woman?”, our kids are asking big questions, and often getting answers from voices we didn’t invite into the conversation.

When 50% of teenagers say they feel anxious without their phone, it’s clear we’re not dealing with a casual hobby. For many teens, their smartphone is their connection to the world—a world where being offline can feel like being invisible. This connection may look social, but emotionally, it often leaves them isolated.

As parents and mentors, we can celebrate that deeper question. A “good job” still matters. Work funds groceries, missions trips, and the occasional extra-large pizza can be part of the adulting equation. Yet Scripture reminds us that life is “more than food, and the body more than clothes.” The good life God designed includes purpose, relationships, growth, and joyful service. Our challenge is to help kids see how careers and calling fit together rather than compete.

Ever had one of those moments when your child asked, “How much money do we have?” right in the checkout line… in front of everyone? Or maybe they’ve offered to tip the barista your last $20. Kids and money—funny, curious, and a little nerve-wracking.