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

Part of the reason my oldest daughter would rather stand than sit right now is due to how she feels church is a "waste of time" and "borning". Up till this year she loved going and liked talking with her friends but now she just feels like it's not something that connects with her. She doesn't get to not go but I wish it wasn't a battle each Sunday!

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beckychandler · F

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 [b]MOST IMPORTANT[/b] 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.

Kathryn05 · 41-45, F

@beckychandler I've told my girls the very same things and I tell them life isn't fair and it's not fun all the time so you need to take the good with the bad.

Oh you'd like her to be a nun? Seems rather extreme to me but I guess it's not a bad choice. I bet high school changes her opinions but guess we'll see.

As for my daughter we resolved it pretty simply, like you all of the church things including study at home and at church and school are non-optional. So we gave her a choice either she participates and has a good attitude or I spank her bottom ever time she doesn't cooperate. She's stubborn but her bottom gave in eventually.