i have a niece who is going thru a hard time - drugs/step-parent issue/ step-little sister issue...she's so angry all the time...
so TEENS, what can i do as an aunt? if i want to talk to her, how do i begin the conversation?
if NE TEEN has experienced any of these and you've overcome it, please share - how does a teen want to be reached

i wish i have something to say!!! is she really into drugs??

Have no fear Jesus is near!!!!!!!!!!!
First of all, tell God to touch her heart, and tell God to place the words in your mouth that will bring her to Christ.
I have a friend who was a drugaddict, but he came to my pastor's office asking for Help , because he was tired of the situation he was living.
But the most amaizing thing is that her mother prayed for years so that he can come to God, but she always remind her son that God loves him.
Prayer is really important too in this cases..
Now my friend is so happy and he is the lider of the youth of our church.
ALSO REMEMBER:IS NOT BY POWER OF BY MIGHT BUT BY HIS SPIRIT

I so agree with Toby Mac's views. Prayer does things that humanly we can't. That's because we've got a God who knows all things!
Take her to God in prayer SMILIE. Cover her with prayers. Maybe get some friends to pray together with you believing that her life will be touched.
By reading your post, I can see that she's trying to fill a void in her life with stuff that ain't gonna help. Just show her that you care. Don't tell her what she should do and what she shouldn't - unless she will listen to you. But just show her love and unconditional love. Show her that you care and love her with no other motive. I tell you that breaks the hardest heart cos that's showing AGAPE love and that's what moved us in the first place right? Jesus loving us uncontionally!
Hope this helped
I'm also facing some young people in my church who are going through some phases and it breaks my heart to see them become this way but it also drives me to pray for them more!

Thank you for your advice - i know to pray, i know how powerful that is...and u r right, God will place HIS word to come thru me. mel_08, yeah, my niece went from smoking to pot and who know's if she's drinking or into NEthing else.

thanks for letting me know that i shouldn't tell her "what to do or should not do"...i think that's the last thing a teen wants to hear.

what kind of things can i do to show her that that is not the way to go...i mean i don't want to take her to get nails done (don't u think thats like rewarding her behavior)??? HELP!!!!

Hey there SMILIE!
I used to be real hard on the young people in my church - that was like years back. I meant well but I was leaning too much on the spiritual and not being aware of their physical, emotional and mental needs. I had to learn things the hard way. They hated me! Hahaha.
But then God began to teach me that in order for me to be able to influence them and be a voice in their lives..I had to be friends with them. So I had to learn the stuff that they liked. Fashion, hair, nails, music...whatever!
Although I didn't approve of some stuff that they took interest in, I didn't show disgust to it either. That would really raise a wall between the two of you - showing disgust of the things that they do.
Look beyond their outward looks and the things that they do and find out what's on their heart. Once I got into their flow...they considered me a friend and was very open to whatever I had to say. They thought that my opinions mattered and my advice carried weight - to my surprise!!! Hahaha.
I don't see why taking her out to do her nails would be adding to the problem...you don't have to paint them black do you?? Hehehe. It's getting into their world that will help. It's hard for us - but it'll build a bridge to reach out to them!
Hope this helped!

I have been pretty much in your niece's same position and now, I am out of it...I can tell you two things that are going to help more than you can imagine - prayer and persistance..tell her you love her and that you are there for her on a daily/hourly/minutely basis, as often as you can and stress that NOTHING she could possibly do could stop your love and your caring. You and her can get through this, it takes time and patience and with God's help, anything is possible. Keep praying!

Your sister in Christ, Kiersten

I'm so glad you shared this Kiersten! Coming from someone who's been there and done it...you're the best person to seek advice from on how to be a friend to someone's who's going through rough times.
Keep on posting girl! I'm sure you've got loads to share and bless the folks here.
God bless girl!

Thank you so much!!!!
this has helped me much - i can tell u (in all honesty before God) as i read i felt God's presence...again thanks!
if u have any more thoughts, comments, please share - i can always use different tools to reach a teen.
LOL...LOL i told me 2yr old daughter that she could not grow up, momma wants her just like this...LOL oh boy!