Give Your Teen a Book of Wisdom

‍Do your children know where you stand on life’s most important issues?

Do they understand your beliefs about family, faith, work, relationships, or how to navigate the big decisions ahead?

Most kids pick up bits and pieces over time, but a powerful way to communicate clearly is by putting it in writing.

One father chose to do just that. With two teenagers—one beginning to drive, the other entering her first dating relationship—he wrote a personal book for his kids. It was about 80 pages, filled with heartfelt guidance and firm convictions on key topics teens face, such as:

• Drugs & alcohol
  
  
• Driving
  
  
• Sex
  
  
• Faith and God
  
  
• Family and marriage
  
  
• Education and ambition
  
  
• Integrity and honesty
  …and many more.
  
  

Each child received a copy as a Christmas gift—something permanent, personal, and deeply meaningful.

Why It Mattered

1. It communicated love in a lasting way.

While verbal affirmation is essential, written words carry a weight and permanence that children can return to throughout their lives. A book like this says, "You matter enough that I took the time to think, write, and share my heart with you."

2. It provided guidance for real-life decisions.

Conversations may happen in the moment, but written words are always there to revisit. When questions arise—especially ones teens may hesitate to ask—having clear, accessible wisdom from a parent can make a huge difference. Whether about relationships, faith, or big life choices, kids can find answers in a voice they trust.

3. It left a legacy.

Parents won’t always be around to give advice. A book like this becomes a treasure when a child faces life's milestones or hard moments without a parent’s immediate voice. It becomes a legacy—a way to pass down values, beliefs, and even humor to future generations.

Want to Write One? Here Are Some Ideas to Get Started

For any dad considering this powerful gesture, here are a few tips:

• Organize thoughts by topic. Creating chapters makes it easier to share insights in a way that's clear and focused.
  
  
• Add personal touches. Include stories, favorites from your teen years—music, movies, hobbies. These create connection and help kids see that their dad once walked a similar path.
  
  
• Include old photos. A few pictures from your youth—especially the ones with wild hair or funny outfits—can lighten the mood and build a bond.
  
  
• Make it age-appropriate and relevant. Keep the tone real, practical, and accessible for the child’s current stage of life.
  
  

Some dads have even gone on to create websites or tools to help other parents do the same. It’s a growing idea—one worth sharing.

Final Thought: A Gift They’ll Treasure

Even if a child doesn’t respond immediately, or the book sits unopened for a while, its value only grows with time. When life gets tough, when they’re making big decisions, or when they just need to hear a loving voice—this kind of written legacy can be a lifeline.

And someday, they may read it to their own kids.

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