What to do if your teenager does not want to follow your religion

It is already known that politics, football and religion are the 3 most controversial topics in society. Perhaps your family has always attended a place of worship regularly or perhaps it has never established clear religious practices or even you do not follow any religion … But your teenager probably wants to test a faith on his own. You may have heard your friends talk about religion and want to fit in or just explore an alternative spiritual practice, because you are curious to know more about this topic.

Exploring new religions, spiritual practices, and different religions during adolescence can be quite common. Exploring new things and gaining independence is part of becoming an adult, which is why many teens are interested in learning what other people believe about the universe, a higher power, or the meaning of life. Within a healthy development in adolescence implies asking who you are and this implies spiritual beliefs.

This can cause parents some discomfort, but instead of immediately prohibiting what your children may or may not believe, you need to have a conversation with your adolescent so that they can better understand things, feeling that they respect at all times.

TALK TO YOUR TEENAGER

This desire to try a new religion or spiritual practice came from somewhere. Ask him about it: Do any of his friends talk about this other spiritual practice?  Did your son find out after doing some research on his own? What sounds attractive to you about it?

I will ask if there is something in the spiritual practice of the family that you do not like and that I mention it to you, maybe it is too traditional or boring ? Are your values ​​too old-fashioned or oppressive for you? You may be looking for a way to connect with your own beliefs a little more deeply,or in a way that you can relate to a little better in everyday life.

It is essential that you have an attitude of listening without judging him. Knowing that you are interested in their point of view can be very reassuring for a teenager who feels insecure in some respects. Talking things up will help you understand your beliefs and what you feel is important as a person.

EVALUATE YOUR CONCERNS

It is important to examine your concerns about allowing your child to explore a new religion or a religion different from the familiar one. Are you worried that he may abandon all the beliefs that you have tried to instill in him for so many years? Do you think their curiosity is due to the wrong reasons? Perhaps there is a more serious reason?

Perhaps the religion your teen wants to explore has certain beliefs or encourages specific practices that are in direct contradiction to what you believe. Clearly, if another faith runs counter to your values, you need to talk to your child about their concerns.  You may need to set some limits on what you allow him to do.  It is important to show him that his values ​​are important enough that you have to live harmoniously.

If you don’t know much about the spiritual practices your teen is expressing interest in, be open to learning more. Some of the stereotypes you thought were true or some of the things you heard may not be accurate.

YOUTH GROUPS

Many churches and spiritual organizations have youth groups designed to make spiritual practice more attractive to teens.  If your own place of worship has a youth group, your teen may be willing to give it a try to see if it helps them explore their own faith a little more deeply. Or maybe a friend at school invited you to a youth group meeting at another church. Ask your child’s friend what they find interesting about the group (if your teen is open to the idea), or call the group’s youth leader for more information about the group if you are concerned.