By Aaron Earls
Father may know best, but mom knows their teenager better and is more likely to be a spiritual influence on them.
For many significant activities in the home, Barna Research found teens say they spend more time with mom than any other member of their household or extended household.
Eating meals together (85%), watching TV or movies (81%), and talking about God (70%) are all things teens are more likely to say they do with mom than anyone else.
Practicing Christian teens say they more likely to turn to their mother for advice (78%), encouragement (75%), and sympathy (72%).
Dads are the first choice for teens seeking money (74%) and logistical help (63%).
Almost 7 in 10 teens (68%) say their mom was the one who was there for them in their last personal crisis.
When they want to talk about questions about their faith, something that bothers them, or the Bible, more than 8 in 10 Christian teenagers go to mom.
Teens are more likely to go to their father with political questions and their friends to talk about sex.
Teens are also most likely to say mom is the one who most encourages them to go to church, encourages them in other ways, sets an example, talks with them about God’s forgiveness, and teaches them about the Bible.
“Over and over, this study speaks to the enduring impact of mothers—in conversation, companionship, discipline and, importantly, spiritually development,” said Alyce Youngblood, the managing editor of the report.
Aaron Earls
Aaron is a writer for LifewayResearch.com.
