In a way, for a teen to know that their parents are attending a PARENTING CLASS, it's a bit like knowing they are attending a RAT SESSION. Like, whose the rat that is going to tip them off and reveal all our secrets? Kids may feel a little intimidated or vulnerable at times. But, what if you made it fun and liberating for both parents and kids?

The best way for kids to learn self-control, discipline and independence is to be trusted with choices (within pre-set boundaries) and given a chance to show what they can do with that trust. Even given a chance to fail without condemnation and learn some valuable life lessons at the same time. 

Trust and forgiveness goes both ways. It's important to know that, ultimately in easy times and hard, we have each other's backs. We can be mad at each other, we can fail each other but in the end, our hurt feelings and disagreements are superseded by God's Word which says forgive and heal.

God is the final authority and parents must submit to His authority. Kids come under the umbrella of God's protection and authority as they show proper respect for their parents. Some teaching on how this is successfully done can be valuable.

HOW TO PARENT YOUR PARENTS would be a fun and enlightening addition to a parent's PARENTING CLASS. A little healthy competition is ok. Giving teens the opportunity to see life from another perspective. The idea that we are all learners in life … nobody is perfect all the time and we all need borders and guidelines. Adults and kids alike. Good communication in relationships make all the difference.

Then, when it is all said and done, bring the two groups together for a forum and a healthy debate based on what has just been learned. If you really want to have some fun, have the teens present the parent's side and the parent's speak up for the teens. That would probably be a hoot. It would also hopefully promote understanding on both sides and the strengthening of relationships.

All in all, it has to be stressed that whether we are adults or teens … God sets the rules. In a respectful way, we all need to be held accountable to Him. We can do this for each other. It requires great humility on the part of both.

I think that everyone's story is worth listening to.  Nobody's story should cancel out anybody else's. It's true though that what is important to you may require sacrifice from me and I may not be willing to make it. This goes in reverse too. As with politics, there is a cost for most everything. What's valuable to me, I am willing to pay for. Not so willing though to put my money where your mouth is. But, how can I expect you to pay for my ideas if I am unwilling to do the same for you? It's at this place where division gets started. But that is also where true unity can begin. Learn to listen as much as you talk. Do not demand from someone else what you are not willing to give. Hypocrisy cancels out your message. There is no greater yoke than unforgiveness. Pride keeps you from the truth and isn't truth what we should all be about? Pride and confidence are two different things. One puffs up while the other builds up. Pride is something we have to constantly feed and maintain. It is expensive but often scratches an itch on the inside of us. Confidence grows when we allow it, during times of unpredictability and pressure. Confidence seals and heals the thing on the inside of us causing the itch. Confidence is rooted in strength. Pride is rooted in weakness. Pride is a pit, easy to fall into to. Confidence is the way out.