Spiritual Adolescent Development
Spiritual development is often one of the hardest—and most important—parts of growing up, especially during adolescence. Stories from real life, along with research studies, show that when teens are able to develop spiritually, they tend to have a stronger sense of self, cope better with change and difficult experiences, feel more emotionally balanced, and even engage more deeply in their learning at school. Despite how important this is, spiritual development is often pushed aside or overlooked altogether in schools, communities, and sometimes even within families.
There are several reasons for this. For one, people often struggle with the difference between personal spirituality and organized religion. Cultural and legal concerns can also make adults hesitant to address spirituality at all. On top of that, helping adolescents grow in any area can feel overwhelming. Rather than revisiting debates about spirituality and religion, or diving into cultural and legal issues I’m not equipped to resolve, this discussion will focus on practical, realistic ways to support spiritual growth during the adolescent years.
So, what does the Maverick Minister know about Spiritual Adolescent Development?
First and foremost, I raised five of my own children through adolescence (which seemed like it would never end). Additionally, I have spent the better part of my almost 50-year career in the area of Spiritual Adolescent Development through teaching, counseling, designing spiritual and character education programs, and working with adolescents and elementary age children. Perhaps most important, at least to me, is that I truly love to work with the adolescent age group. Ages 11 through age 14 (Middle School Kids) are my favorite.
The Primary Realities We Need to Know About Spiritual Adolescent Development
The First Reality - Any kind of learning or development—especially during adolescence—works best when it happens within a guided and nurturing environment. Teenagers are starting to think more independently, but their brains are still developing, and they’re not quite ready to function entirely on their own. Because of this, they need encouragement and support as they learn how to process ideas and make sense of the world for themselves.
In other words, don’t try to tell an adolescent what to believe or what to think. Instead, guide and encourage them to find the right questions and then help to facilitate ways in which they can formulate their own answers to those questions with your loving and positive support. I remember reading once that adolescence is the journey from childhood to adulthood, and that parenting is the privilege of being their companion and guide on that journey.
From my own experience, helping young people develop values and character, navigate relationships, explore new ideas, set meaningful goals, and gradually become more independent is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. When we approach this role with joy and patience, the journey becomes more fulfilling for everyone involved—and the rewards are well worth the effort.
The Second Reality - Guiding an adolescent into adulthood is never easy, largely because no two adolescents are the same. Even within the same family, each child brings a unique personality, set of challenges, and path forward. Just because an older sibling managed to navigate rough patches and difficult moments doesn’t mean the next adolescent will be any easier. Each young person must walk their own road and make their own choices. What matters most is that parents remain present and engaged, offering the same consistent, loving support—even when personalities and approaches differ.
Every adolescent needs—and despite what they may say, truly wants—a kind, warm, and steady relationship with their parent(s). They want to feel respected and to know that their parents are genuinely interested in their experiences and growth. At the same time, they need clear, loving boundaries. While some destructive behaviors may come up in conversation, they should never be presented as acceptable options. Above all, adolescents need an environment where they are seen, valued, and supported—never ignored, overlooked, or left entirely on their own.
I will touch more on the how to specifics of Spiritual Adolescent Development in the pages that follow.
Sensible Spirituality
A down to earth, non-religious, how-to-guide for living with your whole heart and mind
While there are a multitude of books about personal development and spiritual growth, author and storyteller P. Michael Davis goes down a different path by offering a real-life conversation about how to build and maintain a positive and spiritually healthy life.
His approach is thoroughly non-religious, entertaining, and devoid of jaw clenching seriousness. He will walk you through the whys and how tos of spiritual awareness, spiritual relationship building, spiritual love, and spiritual parenting for children and adolescents.
Sensible Spirituality is available, by clicking the book cover above, in kindle, paperback, and audio book formats at Amazon.com.
Life Lessons Stories for Kids Young People and Grownups Who are Young at Heart
By P. Michael Davis
This original collection of enjoyable, entertaining, and inspirational stories communicates positive values and principles for happy and healthy living without being preachy, teachy, or boring. By bringing an assortment of unique, interesting, and appealing characters to life in these delightful tales, P. Michael Davis opens the gate into a world where things like kindness, compassion, hope, and perseverance live and thrive. He also clearly communicates important truths about how kids, young people, and grownups can build positive relationships and live in a meaningful and fulfilling way.
Please click the image above for more info and to buy this book.