Parents what tactics do you use to help a young teen not resent attending church?

First off I think there is a flawed assumption that there is something inherently wrong with them not wanting to attend. Second trying to coerce them will only make resentment worse. And last depending on where you live it might be illegal to force a minor to attend church against their will.

Your daughter seems like a bright young lady. I think she'd be fine to stay home for solitary bible study.

I've only just spotted this post - so I'm guessing your daughter is now an adult. Sadly I suspect your motives of coercing her to go to church: it seems to me your battle was more about your family appearing to be cohesive in front of the congregation than anything else.

Bible says there will be a turning away. My son is a prodigal. Left a note,and left.
" Remember me and I will always love you " he says in the note. Grew up in church. Knows the word or at least how to speak christian-ess. Tell you what you want to hear. But gone. No number or address. 19 he's an adult,no crimes committed so nothing cops can do.
I feel for you

Remind her that a bunch of boys are also forced by their parents to go to church too.

I have no choice bout church at all with my stepmom

You epitomize the evils of christianity.

As I just wrote on another post I rejected Catholicism at 14 and became an atheist.Your daughter is old enough to know her own mind and you should respect that.Punishing her for this is ridiculous and will be counter productive.

I know others have already said similar but forcing her to go and trying to make her believe what you do is the sure fire way to make sure she has nothing but negative associations with church and will not only resent church but resent you for forcing it upon her. And well if you lived in Canada you would probably be getting yourself in some trouble too trying to impose it. But that is another matter. You want her to get something good out of church lead by example and show her how it is a positive influence for you. She may find the same or she might not. But right now you are shooting yourself in the foot and defeating your own goals with your tactics.

That is a tough one, which I have not had to face --and hope I don't have to. At this point it does not look like it will with my oldest (age 13)--baring any changes (which are entirely possible). She is seriously considering becoming a nun!!!!! They have many camps and things for young girls to take on the journey of discernment. This summer mine went for two weeks with the principal of her school (who is a Sister) to one in Wisconsin. At this time she is considering a very traditional order. This is exciting. But I am not pushing either way.

To answer your question --in our home this is not optional --in fact it is the MOST IMPORTANT thing -- you go to weekly Mass and participate in family prayer, rosary, study at home, school and other Church activities through the week.

One thing I have told them from time to time is that this is not suppose to be the most exciting thing always -- sometimes it is boring and drudgery -- but we do it because we must.

Maybe having a friends who will invite her to go to church every sunday

Shouldn't have to use 'tactics' let them make their own choices

Perhaps she can have a role in the Sunday School helping out. Is she old enough for mire grown up dresses and nylons to help her feel it's a special occasion?

There is a fine line between guiding your kids to a proper, respective and beneficial life .. .. and forcing them into something they won't accept .. .. that said a child's life has 7 days .. .. .. exchange more freedom on Saturdays and week nights for willing participating in Sunday events .. .. let her know you are not forcing her to believe but asking her to learn and share .. .. allow ber to include friend in sunday events and the attebd some Sunday events with her friends .. .. But more then be patient with her .. ..

Good luck

Don't force her. She's clearly smart enough to know it's a waste of time. Some people don't find out until they're much older - if at all. :(

Hmm, my mother and father let me and my brother choose not to go, but a few years later we came back on our own. Maybe youre pushing them away by forcing them, try to find other means to talk to them about God, it doesnt have to be church every time, youre a teacher as well.