The Russell Moore Show

A Christian Response to Gen Z's Mental Health Crisis

Jun 26, 2024

Melissa B. Kruger discusses raising teens with grace and Jesus-centered relationships. Topics include mental health, smartphone usage, and preparing kids for real-world risks. Kruger and Moore offer hope and practical advice for struggling families.

42:05

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Episode guests

Melissa B. Kruger

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Focusing on relationships over formulas in parenting is crucial for teens' mental health.

Parents should set boundaries on smartphone usage and educate themselves on its impact.

Deep dives

Importance of Balancing Parenting Advice

Balancing between abstract parenting counsel and overly specific directives can be challenging. Understanding that each child is unique and that practical application of broad principles varies from family to family is crucial. To navigate this, relying on God, seeking guidance from Scripture, and fostering a relationship with Him are emphasized by the podcast.

Intro

3min

Challenges and Guidance in Parenting Teenagers

12min

Prioritizing Family Dinners and Meaningful Time Together amidst Busy Schedules

4min

Balancing Priorities and Nurturing Teenagers' Mental Health

11min

Navigating Adolescent Friendships and Sexuality Conversations

5min

Parenting with Hope in Uncertain Times

7min

“There is so much grace.”

That’s what Melissa B. Kruger, Bible teacher, author of several books including Parenting with Hope, and vice president of discipleship programming at The Gospel Coalition wants families with teens to know. Not only that, it's what she hopes all who care about the next generation will bear in mind.

On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Kruger shares insights gained from her years of raising three now-adult children. She talks about the importance of emphasizing relationships with Jesus and one another over a formulaic approach to faith or parenting. Moore and Kruger discuss practical issues in teen life, including mental health concerns, smartphone usage, and how families may be unintentionally raising young people to be “curated…rather than dearly beloved.”

Kruger and Moore offer hope for families that are struggling and encourage parents to think about preparing their children to encounter risks in the real world with wisdom and hope.

Resources mentioned in this episode include: