Impacting the next generations is a natural part of any parental legacy. While I didn’t fully think through all the reasons why blogging is an essential part of inspiring other parents to engage with their children in a deliberate and challenging way, I saw the impact of the 12 Tasks on my own children.
Hopefully, by providing a diversity of resources through these regular bits of communication, we can open up sources of hope and help for each other. We would love to invite you to contribute your experiences and knowledge for others to learn from.
These blogs are designed for all parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, coaches, pastors, friends, teachers and supporters of young teens ready to engage in the 12 Tasks. Your questions will help direct our responses.
Perhaps, one day, we will set up a Facebook group where a group of us can gather and share life together. There may be hobbies or special skills you have which can be of encouragement or help to others who are looking for ideas to share with their children. Let us know if this interests you. My hobbies are simple. I raise tropical fish, write books and read a lot. Perhaps you are a woodworker, hiker, athlete, mechanic, artist, chef or someone with a unique skill you can share.
Shel works on magazines out of Kenya and has a retreat center. I pastor in Vancouver in a multi-cultural church with 63 different nations. I write for magazines but also focus on short stories (jackataylor.com). I was the founding chaplain in a hospice for children with life-limiting challenges. I started a society which has offered housing for over 850 refugees from over 65 countries. I’ve lived in Ecuador, Texas, Kenya and British Columbia. I’ve travelled to places as diverse as Mexico, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, England, Scotland, Alaska, Alberta and Holland.
Focusing on the lifestyles and experiences of those in your social circle can stimulate ideas for tasks that will expand the vision and strengths of your young teen. Think broadly and take advantage of all that the world has to offer.
First, get to know your son or daughter – their strengths, interests and needed areas for growth. Then, scan your world and social circle to get ideas which you can use, along with your child, to build a list of tasks which will build a legacy for the next generation.
A conversation you can have might include a series of questions: What do you hope to be in 5 years; 10 years; 15 years? What don’t you want to be in that time? What kinds of things interest you? Music; art; food; people; gardening; building; writing…? Be intentional in your world building and the results will leave you a legacy you can be proud of.