re: 12 Year Old Girl with BPD

A positive church environment can help for some kids, especially ones suffering from a lack of social skills who really need a sense of belonging and community or for kids struggling with overwhelming feelings of guilt and/or shame.

For some kids, however, church will simply feel repressive and represent yet another “out of touch authority figure “ to rebel against.

Prayers alone fix nothing. Praying can help find the clarity to make wise choices, and church can provide the right mix of guidance, community, responsibilities, incentive structures, and forgiveness to help one improve their own situation. In fact, teaching the art of prayer to someone with bpd can be a huge benefit to them. It’s a great way to quiet the riot of intrusive thoughts and emotions and effectively meditate.

I find that church never works if it is forced upon the child. However, it can work wonders if they choose to participate themselves.