09/07/2026
๐GIANTS OF MY TIME-GOMT PARENT AND GUARDIANS ARTICLE AND PRAYERS JULY EDITION 2026๐
๐TOPIC: WHY EVERY PARENT, TEACHER, AND TEEN MENTOR MUST LEARN TO BALANCE FRIENDLINESS WITH FIRMNESS๐
๐ In 2016, I was assigned to the teenagers' class at Living Faith Church, Rumurulu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. It became one of the most impactful seasons of my life because it taught me a leadership lesson that I still apply today.
I had a wonderful relationship with almost all the teenagers in the class. They loved me, and we were quite close on.
๐ However, there was one particular teenager who constantly challenged my instructions. He was taller than I was and would often argue whenever I gave him responsibilities or corrections.๐
๐ One day, I corrected him firmly and stood my ground. I didn't insult him, neither did I lose my temper. I simply stood my ground and insisted that he follow the instruction I had given and this taught him something that changed him๐
๐ Years later, that same teenager reached out to me on Facebook to greet me. Looking back, I realized something very important.๐
Here are the lessons every parent, teacher, and guardian should learn:๐๐
โช๏ธ1. Friendship should never remove boundaries.๐
๐ You can be warm, approachable, and loving without losing your authority๐.
The moment children stop seeing boundaries, they begin to test limits.๐
โช๏ธ2. Teenagers naturally test leadership.๐ค
It is part of their growth and development.
๐Don't take every act of resistance personally. Instead, use those moments to teach respect, responsibility, and accountability.๐
โช๏ธ3. Consistency earns respect.
๐ Not everyone will like your rules or corrections. However, if your standards are fair and you consistently stand by them, respect will eventually follow and everyone will align ๐
โช๏ธ4. Correction does not require humiliation.๐
Firm correction given with love leaves a lasting impact. ๐Children may forget your exact words, but they will remember how you corrected them.๐
โช๏ธ5. ๐Being liked or trying to please people should never be your primary goal.๐
Many parents and teachers are afraid of upsetting children, so they avoid setting boundaries.
๐ Remember this: ๐your assignment is not just to be liked; it is to help raise responsible adults.๐
One lesson I have carried with me over the years is this:โฌ๏ธโฌ๏ธ
๐บ Friendliness without firmness produces indiscipline.
๐บ Firmness without love produces resentment.
๐บ But friendliness balanced with firmness produces responsible, confident, and respectful children.
๐ If you are raising or mentoring teenagers, never neglect either side. Love them deeply, listen to them sincerely, but don't be afraid to set healthy boundaries๐. One day, they will thank you for it.๐
I am Mrs. Glory Nnaji, Child and Teen Coach๐ผ and Founder of Giants Of My Time (GOMT) Group.
๐ We are committed to raising responsible, purposeful, and godly children and teenagers through life-transforming seminars and mentorship programmes that helps them stay away from social vices ๐
Connect your children and teenagers to our programmes this summer. For more enquiries, please contact us.
โโ๏ธ08136509801
โ๏ธ: [email protected]
Giants Of My Time-GOMT, Parents Teach For Nigeria Teachers Pay Teachers