As our girls enter the tween and teenage years, it can be hard and beautiful. They are discovering who they are, finding their independence, and developing their own faith walk.

As my triplets have just turned 15, I find myself thinking back to the beginning. When they were younger, I spent a lot of time helping them grow in character and develop a heart for the Lord. 

But as my own children have walked through the tween years and into their teenage years, I am learning to quiet my voice and listen to theirs more, which is something I’m still growing in. 

I’m learning to slowly loosen my grasp and open my hands. To keep speaking life into them and guiding them, while also giving them room to think, make decisions, and discover what they’re capable of.

These years are a time for our girls to learn who they are and how others should treat them. 

When we respect them, 

they learn that they are valuable enough to be respected by others. 

When we listen to their opinion on things, 

they learn that what they think matters. 

When we give them space to come up with solutions instead of jumping in, 

they learn they can do hard things and grow in confidence. 

As we listen to our girls in the coming days, seeking to understand them instead of always trying to be understood, we will not only grow closer to them, but we will also help them feel loved as they continue growing into the women God has called them to be.

Cheering you on!

Linsey Driskill
Director of Development and Partnerships

Linsey works in donor and partner relations at FOR GIRLS LIKE YOU and is the author of “Beautiful Hearted Women of the Bible, a mother-daughter devotional for girls ages 6–10”. It is designed to help you and your daughter connect with the Lord and one another while having fun.