As a teen-ager, however, you may feel that opportunities to make decisions and to do what you want seem limited. It may even seem that restrictions are placed upon your ‘having a good time.’ Your parents may try to cultivate in you other interests besides engaging in various forms of recreation.

Your parents may recognize how various forms of physical recreation can help in your development and therefore allow time for you to enjoy these things. (1 Tim. 4:8) However, it is not play that will particularly prepare you for adult life, with its usual responsibilities of providing for a family. Rather, it is proper guidance and instruction in maintaining a home, and in feeding and caring for a family that does this.

So can you see why your parents may try to control your recreational activities? They want you to spend time in really worthwhile activities that will prepare you to handle adult privileges and responsibilities.