Is There Such a Thing as a Fun and Wholesome Party for Teens?

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

— Matthew 5:13-16

As a parent of two sons who are now adults, I understand the dilemma that Christian parents are in when it comes to allowing their teenage children to throw parties. I am a strong proponent of offering our children alternatives, always remembering that we are called to be the salt and the light where ever we are.

What does it mean when Jesus said that we are the salt of the earth? Salt has been used for centuries as a preservative for food. As Christians, we are called to be preservatives of men – to show the world what it means to live a godly life. Also, salt enhances the taste of food. We are called to be influencers in the world.

What does it mean when we are called the light of the world? We are to have our lives shine forth as examples of what it is to be believers and followers of Christ. We are not to conform ourselves to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of our minds. Romans 12:2. We are to set the examples!

How do these scripture verses relate to teenagers and parties? In many different ways. As I mentioned in the introductory paragraph, I am a proponent of offering our children alternatives. When it comes to throwing parties, we should encourage our children to do so in godly ways, always being mindful that we are the salt and light of the world. So, instead of discouraging them from parties, consider the impact of a wholesome party on all those in attendance.

Teens can have a great time in a wholesome environment but it takes a lot of planning. Remember that at this age, they are social beings and love to have fun and interact. Of course, food is critical. Have a variety of delicious snacks available. Even consider an ethnic theme. For example, I found Mexican food easy to cook and a hit with teens. Instead of offering alcoholic beverages, have other choices, such as a tasty punch. Teens love to play games, so have your children search the web for fun games to play. They know what games they and their friends would like to play – do not force them to play a game that they do not want to.

Your goal should be to make such an impression on the teens that they will realize that wholesome parties can, indeed, be a lot of fun and want to throw more. Support your teens to be the salt and light of the world!

Websites where you can find great suggestions for games for wholesome parties:

Throw a Fun Book Swap Party for Your Children and Friends

Book swap parties have become popular events for children and promote reading at the same time. They are simple to organize and fun to participate in. And, they are a wonderful way to add new books to your children’s collection without having to pay the cost.

If you’ve never been to a book swap party, here’s how they usually go. Pick a date that will work for you, your children, and others. Have your children select the books that they have already read and would like to swap with other children. Be sure to explain to them that once the book is swapped, it no longer belongs to them but to the other child. That way they understand that the book will have a new home.

Encourage your children to write a couple of sentences on an index card or post-it note as to why they liked those books. This will encourage other children to read the books too.

The children who are invited should also bring their books to swap. Plan refreshments and snacks, just as with a regular party. During the party, the children look at all the books and swap for the ones they want. For those books that are left over, donate them to your children’s school’s library or the public library.