Parenting Today’s Teens

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereDAILY RADIO PODCAST: Men and women are very different creatures.  We see things differently, we respond to crisis differently… and we often parent differently. After several decades working with families, I’ve seen a huge diversity in the approach moms and dads use …when it comes to dealing with their teens.  Moms tend to talk more… and want to fix everything in a single conversation.  Dads tend to avoid working through conflict… and don’t say enough.  Sound familiar? Well, even though we wrestle with different issues in the home… there’s no substitute for the viewpoints we bring.  Use your distinctives as an asset.  Celebrate the unique relationship you both enjoy with your kids. The best homes are those where moms are moms and dads are dads. You can find video messages of Mark’s at www.youtube.com/MarkGregston. ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereWEEKEND RADIO PODCAST: When your teen blows it big time, it can be difficult to hold on to hope.  How will your child recover from this mistake?  What will his life be from now on?  On today’s edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston is joined by Eric and Stevi, who continue their story from last week of God’s work in their lives.  Find hope for a bright future on Parenting Today’s Teens with Mark Gregston! Don’t forget to tune in and listen to our Parenting Today’s Teens radio program this weekend. Visit www.parentingtodaysteens.org to find a station that broadcasts in your area. ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereDAILY RADIO PODCAST: The teen years always bring with them a measure of turbulence.  But as a parent, you need to discern when the bumps are a passing inconvenience… or a major warning sign. When your son or daughter struggles for more freedom or makes mistakes that put you on edge… that’s entirely natural.  But if they’re causing harm to themselves or those around them, it’s time to get help. So watch for signs such as marks on their body.  Or take a look at the interactions they’re having online.  When you come across dangerous behavior… don’t be afraid to call in the experts. When your gut instincts are shooting off flares …don’t wait.  Get help.  Right away. Does your local radio station carry the Parenting Today’s Teens daily radio program?  It’s a 60 second short feature program heard on weekdays.  If you’d like to encourage your local radio station to carry the program, please click here. ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereDAILY RADIO PODCAST: What do you want your kids to be like in ten or fifteen years?  What qualities are you hoping they’ll acquire?  With that in mind… how should you train your child today… to reach that long- range goal? As a mom or dad of a teenager, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day pressures of managing a family.  Your target should be to raise a responsible adult… not necessarily a compliant teenager. So when you’re in the heat of the battle …keep your eyes on the horizon.  A weak and docile teenager might simplify your life.  But becoming a responsible adult is far better.  And some days … it may get messy. Hang in there.  Your hard work will deliver rich rewards! No matter what struggles or triumphs your teen is going through now, as parents we must always pray for our teens. Our pocket-sized book, Prayers for my Teen proves that great things come in small packages. Each page includes a heartfelt prayer and a verse of Scripture that focuses on the important issues for families today. Click here to order, only $6.99! ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereDAILY RADIO PODCAST: I hear from a lot of concerned parents who feel their teenage girls dress too seductively.  They wonder how to deal with the issue of modesty when young ladies are pressured to show off their physical attributes. Teens today live in a world of sexual innuendo… where outward packaging and presentation is all important.  And if your teen jumps on the bandwagon, it doesn’t mean that her character is flawed.  Maybe she’s following a fad. My advice to parents is this:  Don’t flip out when your daughter is just trying to fit in.  Rather, calmly and consistently address the more important issue of modesty.  Then, make sure she understands that your family values won’t be compromised.  No matter how cool the fad! Download free parenting resources today by visiting and “liking” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/parentingteens. ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereDAILY RADIO PODCAST: It’s a topic many of us would rather dodge.  It can make both parents and children alike squirm. I’m talking about our sexually- charged culture.  The temptations for inappropriate sexual expression and experimentation abound.  And though it’s easier to assume that your kids are making right choices… there’s no substitute for a healthy one- on- one conversation. Mom.  Dad.  Take some control and have the conversation!  Empower your kids to make wise choices by opening up the dialogue at home.  No subject should be off limits. How soon?  At what age to you broach the subject?  That’s a question you have to answer.  But I’ll tell you this.  It’s probably sooner than you think! Learn a little about Heartlight, founded by Mark Gregston and his wife Jan, on www.heartlightministries.org. ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereDAILY RADIO PODCAST: Mom …dad …let me guess… if you have teens under your roof, I’ll venture to say that conflict is a regular part of your home.  Right? Whether it comes in the form of intense debate … or even prolonged silence… there’s no getting around the natural tension in any family.  It’s just part of life. So every parent needs to decide ahead of time …how will you respond when things get messy? A good intentional plan will help you keep your cool …and also help your kids learn to deal with inevitable conflicts that await them in the real world. Make no mistake.  You don’t do your kids any favors by teaching them to run from disagreements.  When you disengage from conflict… the greatest agent of change has just left the building! If you’re in the Tulsa area this Sunday, make time for our Tough Guys and Drama Queens seminar, hosted by South Tulsa Baptist Church. For more information, call Brian Baldwin at 918.299.0904. ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereWEEKEND RADIO PODCAST: When teens engage in dangerous behavior, the consequences of their actions can range from mild to severe!  Be sure to listen today to Parenting Today’s Teens, as Eric Jones sits down with Mark Gregston to share his story of reckless behavior, a tragic accident, and time behind bars.  Every teen and parent needs to hear this description of consequences and grace!  Make it a point to tune into Parenting Today’s Teens with Mark Gregston! Mark is in Tulsa this weekend speaking at one of our Tough Guys and Drama Queens seminars, hosted by South Tulsa Baptist Church. ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereDAILY RADIO PODCAST: If you have a teenager living in your household, you know what I mean by this one word:  drama.  Yep …drama comes with adolescence! When you were a teen… you had lots of ups and downs.  Relationships, hormonal changes and general turmoil… it made for some volatile years! Well, that roller coaster ride of yesteryear has only intensified today. But as a parent, you can counteract those forces. Look for ways to ask relevant questions that don’t come across as judgmental.  And don’t be a “buddy” to your kid.  You’ll only add to the drama! Absorb the highs and lows of adolescence.  And be a stabilizing force in your home! Today we will be welcoming families from all over America who are seeking advice, wisdom, counsel, and encouragement from our dedicated staff and other families with the same struggles as them for our Families in Crisis Conference. If you missed this weekend’s conference, plan to attend our next one, February 27th through March 1st. Sign up at www.FamilyCrisisConference.com, or call us at 903.668.2173. ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereDAILY RADIO PODCAST: Would you describe your home life as chaotic?  Perhaps a little confusing at times? Let me ask another question.  Do you have clear boundaries in your home?  And if you do… does every member of the family know where the lines are drawn? I’ve met a lot of moms and dads who want rules and boundaries enforced, but the kids aren’t clear about the expectations.  That simply leads to confusion and chaos. Teens need boundaries explained to them.  And they need the consequences for crossing those boundaries laid out on a regular basis.  So here’s the equation I’d recommend for your home:  Add clear boundaries… and subtract the strictness.  Loosen up a little. It’s a proven formula to drain the chaos from your home! This is the last day to sign up for our Families in Crisis Conference beginning tomorrow and lasting through Satuday. It’s still not too late! Visit www.FamilyCrisisConference.com, or call us at 903.668.2173 to sign up! ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes herePODCAST SCRIPT: Every day around the world… thousands of teens run away from home.  No two cases are the same… but all parents who’ve been abandoned feel a deep sense of pain and failure. If you’ve ever had a child run away from home, you know the heartache that consumes you.  There’s nothing like the loneliness of a quiet household… and the unanswered phone calls. Though I can’t bring your child home… I can encourage you with this:  the principles you’ve instilled in your teen have not been wasted.  The seeds you’ve sown in his life will come to fruition… just as the Bible promised. Waiting for that return on investment… and the homecoming of your prodigal… will never be easy.  It’s your choice to wait patiently for the runaway… and cling to hope. We are still taking last-minute sign-ups for our Families in Crisis Conference in Longview, Texas beginning this Thursday. Register at www.FamilyCrisisConference.com, or call us at 903.668.2173. ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereDAILY RADIO PODCAST: I once heard my friend Jim Burns say … “listening is the language of love.”  I couldn’t agree more. If you have a teen who’s struggling, it’s likely you’ve given him some advice… or even explained the right direction to go.  But if he’s like the teens I’ve met …he isn’t really paying attention to you.  Am I describing your son or daughter? Mom.  Dad.  I know you have good intentions.  And you’re not trying to lecture.  But you need to figure out how to communicate your love in a different way.  Love your teen by listening! It won’t be easy.  And you may hear some things you don’t like.  But by sitting down and opening your ears… you’ll say more to your son or daughter than you ever dreamed! Here at Heartlight, a residential counseling center for struggling teens, we serve as the “emergency room” for families who have nowhere else to turn. Don’t let it get to that point. Come to our Families in Crisis Conference here at Heartlight this weekend. For more information and to register, visit www.FamilyCrisisConference.com, or call us directly at 903.668.2173.   ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereWEEKEND RADIO PODCAST: The greatest joy for any parent is to see a son or daughter walking and growing in the Lord.  But when our teen’s faith begins to fade—or disappear altogether—what can mom or dad do to stoke the fire once again?  Today on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston offers practical and biblical advice for nurturing faith in our teens, along with special guest, Dee Dee Meyer. How to model and talk about a relationship with God … on Parenting Today’s Teens with Mark Gregston! It’s not too late to sign up for our Families in Crisis Conference, here on Heartlight’s campus in Longview, Texas, January 9th -11th. One indispensable weekend of Biblical teaching, family and group counseling, and encouragement from us and other parents who are going through the same types of issues as your family. It’s a small price to pay to change your family’s lives forever. Sign up at www.FamilyCrisisConference.com, or call us at 903.668.2173. ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereDAILY RADIO PODCAST: I meet a lot of parents who wonder why their teen is so irresponsible.  Hey, teens will always act immature …because they’re still growin’ up.  But sometimes… mom and dad are getting’ in the way. Are you an overly responsible parent?  Raising an irresponsible teen?  Mom …dad… when you do everything for your kid… it does nothing more than postpone his or her potential to grow up.  In fact, when you step in and protect them from the natural consequences to their behavior… you’re actually stifling creativity and limiting motivation! So take a step back.  Let go of all the stuff you’re doing on their behalf.  Quit trying to rescue your teen from the hard knocks of life.  Who knows?  If you step out …they just might step up! Come to our Families in Crisis Conference, next weekend, January 9th – 11th to receive Biblical teaching and encouragement for parents struggling with their teens and pre-teens from teen-expert, Mark Gregston. He shares his insight and expertise gained from his 38 years of experience working with struggling teens and their families. It’s not too late to register at www.FamilyCrisisConference.com. Or you can call us directly at 903.668.2173. ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264

Click To Hear Podcast via iTunes hereDAILY RADIO PODCAST: Most of us have the luxury of walking away from tough situations or people who tick us off.  We can quit our job… or bail on a relationship.  But teens under our care don’t have the same freedom. For the most part… teens are a captive audience.  At least when it comes to attending school and living under our roof.  When they get frustrated or angry… they’re forced to live with the person who caused the disruption. For many teens, that means they’ll choose to fight.  Lash out.  When backed into a corner, they’ll attempt to inflict pain on their offender. So next time your teen gets hot … try to give them grace.  It’s quite possible they feel stuck.  Don’t get sidetracked by their outbursts.  Help them work through the pain! We have heard nothing but praise from parents all over America who have come to our past Families in Crisis Conferences. Because of this conference’s continued success, we are having another one next weekend, January 9th – 11th. If your family is struggling after the holidays, sign up for this indispensable conference at www.FamilyCrisisConference.com, or call us at 903.668.2173. ©2014 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264