I've found myself nodding in agreement and bowing in shame to much of the parenting advice I’ve ever received — feeling emboldened and inadequate all at the same time. There has been one piece of advice, though, that came like a refreshing drink of water (or maybe a slap in the face). It’s equal parts simple and overwhelming. It’s advice that continuously causes me to re-think my habits and makes obsolete many of the strategies and tips which tend to paralyze us.

In Part 2 (of 3) of my "High School Survival Guide," I share some thoughts on the power and influence of the culture around us, as well as an embarrassing story from my own adolescence. In addition to the question, "What is wisdom and truth and where do we find them?", I also encourage my students to ask themselves...

I have taught hundreds of seventh and eighth graders over the last 15 years. I love getting to know my students, watching them grow in their knowledge of the Bible, and seeing them spiritually mature over time. As I prepare to send my eighth grade students off to high school at the end of each year, I finish the school year with three questions I want them to carry. I call it a "High School Survival Guide," but you won't find a road map to picking the right classes, earning top academic honors, who to hang out with, what extra-curriculars to join or how to determine your future career. While all those things certainly have value, what I want my students to take with them is something on a deeper level.