Here are some key principles from Ellen White's writings on parenting a teen: 1. Ongoing Guidance Is Needed: Even after teens choose to follow Christ, parents must continue to counsel and watch over them, as they are just beginning their spiritual journey and face many temptations (CT 327.1). 2. Restraint and Supervision: From ages ten to eighteen, children often resist restraint and want independence. Parents, with their greater experience, should lovingly guide and sometimes restrain their teens from harmful influences and amusements (CT 326). 3. Empathy and Firmness: Parents should remember their own youth, show sympathy and love, but also require obedience. Discipline should be firm but always mixed with love (4bSG 131.1). 4. Guard Associations: Parents should carefully monitor their teens’ friendships and associations, ensuring they are not exposed to negative influences. Teach teens to trust parental judgment (CT 120.2). 5. Blend Justice and Mercy: Parenting should combine justice, mercy, patience, and self-control. Many problems arise when children are left undisciplined (5T 305.2). 6. Prioritize Character Over Worldly Success: Surround teens with influences that promote true success and character, not just worldly prosperity or pleasure. Overindulgence in amusement can lead to idleness and spiritual weakness (COL 53.4, 54.1). 7. Teach Cause and Effect: Help teens understand the consequences of their choices, especially regarding health and happiness. Persevere in teaching, even if progress is slow (MH 386.1). 8. Early and Consistent Discipline: Discipline should begin early, but it’s never too late to guide teens with firmness and love. Avoid both indulgence and harshness (1T 218.2, 4T 201.2, 4T 313.2). 9. Counteract Negative Tendencies: If children have inherited or developed negative tendencies, parents have a solemn responsibility to counteract these through diligent training (CTBH 46.2). 10. Spiritual Focus: Make the conversion and character development of your teen the central goal. Model simplicity and godliness in your own life (TSS 103.1). 11. Health and Character: Teach self-control, especially regarding appetite and habits, to help teens resist temptation and develop strong character (CE 175). 12. Natural Growth: Cultivate your teen’s character so they develop appropriately at each stage, like plants in a garden (Ed 107.1). In summary, Ellen White emphasizes a balance of love, firmness, supervision, and spiritual focus in parenting teens, always aiming to develop their character and prepare them for a life of usefulness and faith. If you would like more specific advice on a particular aspect of parenting teens, please let me know! References: - White, E. G. (1913). Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students (CT). - White, E. G. (1880). Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4 (4bSG). - White, E. G. (1882). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5 (5T). - White, E. G. (1900). Christ’s Object Lessons (COL). - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing (MH). - White, E. G. (1870-1881). Testimonies for the Church, Vols. 1, 4 (1T, 4T). - White, E. G. (1890). Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene (CTBH). - White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies on Sabbath School Work (TSS). - White, E. G. (1893). Christian Education (CE). - White, E. G. (1903). Education (Ed).