grandchildren and just don't know
how to relate to them. Sugges-
tions?
-- Out-of-Touch
is such a crucial stage in a child's
life. This is a time of transition
from the simplicity of childhood
to the responsibility of adulthood.
Teens are changing in ways that
can be both exciting and confus-
ing. For years the teenager feels
the impact of continued physical
and emotional transformation.
They may be surprised them-
selves as they discover yet an-
other difference has surfaced in
taste, interest or relationship.
squeals of delight, may feel that
they are no longer relevant in
their teen grandchildren's lives.
This couldn't be further from the
truth! Teenagers need their fam-
ily relationships and grandpar-
ents have a special position in
the family. They have the advan-
tage of experience, perspective
and age. But they need to make
some adjustments to keep that
vital connection with their devel-
oping grandchildren.
is not for them to become like
their teenagers in order to relate.
They are not the parents either.
There is a great deal of freedom
with that reminder. While grand-
rules or take action when the
teen's best interest is at risk, over-
all they are free to be loving, lis-
tening, encouraging and
nurturing.
standards for the sake of relating.
Don't put down the parents or un-
dermine their authority. By the
same token, keep the confidences
of your grandchildren unless their
safety is in jeopardy. Show an in-
terest in their world. Ask about
their classes, activities, friends,
goals. Choose one of their favorite
TV shows to watch with them.
Learn a favorite song or band.
Share a hobby, watch a movie to-
gether (current or past). Learn
about technology. Yes, this could
be a challenge. But it could be a
precious bonding experience as
your grandchild happily teaches
you about their world.
reminded that their grandparents
love them, are interested in them,
and will be there for them.
buy a Bible, but don't know which
one. The number of different ver-
sions is just too confusing. Do you
have any suggestions?
-- Need Help Deciding
right about the numerous versions
of the Bible that are available!
in a Bible. Are you reading it for
informational purposes, to learn
just what the Bible is about? Will
you want to add a second Bible to
compare verses from different
versions as you start to explore
the Bible more closely? Are you
looking for a study Bible that can
be useful as you delve deeper into
the mysteries of God's Word?
nal documents that were written
in other languages so translations
had to be made. Basically, there
are three types of Bibles. One is
"word-for-word," where each word
in the original language is trans-
lated to an English word, as much
as is possible. Examples are:
King James Version (KJV) and
New American Standard (NAS).
thoughts in the original lan-
guages are translated into Eng-
lish. Think New International
Version (NIV) and New Living
Translation (NLT).
interested in what was meant by
the authors than their actual
words, and are not close transla-
tions of the original documents.
They are a very easy read. Exam-
ples are: The Living Bible and
The Message.
non-Christians are the English
Standard Version (ESV) and the
New International Version (NIV),
as they both combine accuracy
and readability.
of subjects. Need help with relationship
problems, spiritual questions, parenting
situations? Ask Aunt Sally!
Sally via email at [email protected]
tionarmy.org or by regular mail at Ask