Parenting Today’s Teens

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: I have a lot of parents tell me that anger is common in their home.  It seems like every conversation with a teen ends in yelling or slammed doors. Anger is an emotional response to not getting what you want.  When your daughter gets angry, what is she not getting that she craves?  Though many moms and dads see anger as an obstacle to healthy relationships at home… I think it can sometimes be the first step in the right direction to much- needed transformation. Anger’s not always a bad thing.  Being disrespectful and physically aggressive are wrong.  But you, as an intuitive parent, can look beyond the symptom to what’s really going on in the child’s heart. Don’t rescue your teen from anger… but help her find the source!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: Is your teen a low achiever?  Maybe he doesn’t make the grades you’d like… or never remembers to do his chores around the house. There are certain situations in the home where I’m in favor of offering rewards for accomplishments.  Now… I’m not saying you should have a performance- based relationship… where you retract love when your child makes a mistake.  Instead, I’m advocating a little motivation for your teen. Chances are you know what your child wants and what he’d like to own.  You also know his areas of underachievement.  So… connect those two.  Offer financial rewards for meeting goals.  You may as well take what you would’ve given at birthdays and Christmas… and spread it out over twelve months in order to help your child reach his goals!  Motivate your under achiever!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: In your home and mine… respect is a key issue! If disrespectful comments are the norm in your household… something’s gotta be done.  Because relationships won’t be healthy unless there’s mutual respect. So here’s what I challenge parents to do.  First, admit that you may be contributing to the disrespect in the home.  If that’s the case, admit it and apologize for any belittling or bitterness you’ve added to the equation. Then, call a family dinner… and announce that you’re making some changes.  You’ll make an effort to be different… and you expect the same from your teen. You might be surprised at the outcome when you have the courage to take the first step!  Remember… disrespect will slowly disintegrate your relationships.  So don’t let it happen.  Take care of it right now!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: Teens today feel a sense of entitlement.  They want more, demand more, and expect more than any other generation I’ve known. My friend, Dr. Tim Kimmel, puts it this way:  “The problem with kids brought up in our typical middle class home is this…  they’re born on third base but are under the delusion they hit a triple!”   It’s this platform of unbridled entitlement that causes young people to remain immature, neglect responsibility and treat people disrespectfully.  Basically… they’re refusing to grow up. Sadly, I often see moms and dads fostering these attitudes in their children.  There’s nothing wrong with wanting to give your child things, and put ‘em on third base… but consider how withholding privileges might teach your child much more than hitting a grand slam!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)// PODCAST SCRIPT: Someone once said, “Children seldom misquote you.  In fact, they usually repeat— word for word— what you shouldn’t have said!” You probably know what I’m talking about.  When your kids were little they blurted out things in public that you said in private. Well, that might not happen when the kids turn into teenagers.  But be assured that they’re still watching you.  And… in more ways than one… mimicking what you say and do. So, if that’s the case… how are you teaching your kids to live?  How are you teaching them to talk?  These are questions that moms and dads like you and me need to think about! “Children seldom misquote you.  In fact, they usually repeat— word for word— what you shouldn’t have said!”   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)// HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY: In this generation, more and more guys are growing up with “Peter Pan” personalities—they’ve never grown up!  How does a mom or dad help their son move past prolonged childhood?  On this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston shares practical advice on training boys to become men. Special Guest:  David Thomas ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: I know something about you.  You’re pretty good at listening… when something is important to you. I find that moms and dads have forgotten that fact.  They don’t listen any more… partly because they’ve gotten so good at talking.  And… a few years ago when the kids were little… talking worked! But now… when teens want to spread their wings and figure things out on their own… the time for lecturing has come to a close.  Now’s the time to rest your voice and use your ears.  It’s the perfect opportunity for you to show your teen how important you think he is. When your teen shares his heart, don’t ruin the moment by interrupting.  If you do …he may quit sharing altogether! So stop talking.  And start listening!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: If your teen is like the kids I know… she’s an expert on this year’s trends.  She knows all about the latest fashions. The latest fashions for teens don’t matter that much to you and me.  Until they cross the line.  I deal with parents all the time who worry about their daughters’ outfits …especially the seductive ones.  These parents catalogue every piece of clothing… and assign strict rules about each one. But part of me just wants to give these girls some clarity.  See… I hope you’ll draw the line when it comes to modesty for your girl.  But when it comes to the latest fashions?  Don’t micro-manage. Allow for a little freedom of expression!  Let your girl be the expert she desperately wants to be.   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: Do you have a teen living at home?  Then you know what it’s like to watch mistakes happen. It’s inevitable.  Kids make dumb choices.  They’ll say silly things and make a fool of themselves in front of a crowd.  But you have a powerful opportunity at that crossroad.  You can step in and crush them… or step in and build them up.  In fact… what you say at that moment of failure describes a lot about you… and a lot about what your teen will grow up to be. Mom.  Dad.  A well- timed word of encouragement in the midst of failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success. Don’t over react when your teen blows it.  Be the one who holds them up when they fall.   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: Not a day passes without an opportunity to help a neighbor, friend or relative.  When was the last time you volunteered as a family? You might have a few good excuses as to why it doesn’t happen.  I mean… when can you actually get the entire family together at one time?  And it’s obvious that your teen would roll his eyes at the mention of volunteering! But think about it.  When you serve and care for others, you’re not only helping someone in need… you’re also passing on a tradition to your teenager.  Times volunteering as a family will instill character and build lasting memories. So why not make the effort?  Carve time in your schedule… gather the kids.  And find a way to serve someone else.  Start the tradition!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY: When our children were little, we managed their lives to keep them safe.  But now that they’re teenagers, that same level of control can actually cause damage!  This week on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston encourages parents to release their grip on authority in order to help their kids grow.  The dangers of over-control and the benefits of freedom… on Parenting Today’s Teens with Mark Gregston. ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: Parents often worry about connecting with their struggling teen.  But the more I hear their stories… the more I worry about their marriage! When your child is in pain …it’s tough on mom and dad.  In fact, it’s exhausting …emotionally, mentally and physically.  But in the midst of all those struggles, I hope you’ll protect a very precious relationship.  Your marriage. When disagreements over discipline begins to infringe on your marriage relationship, take action.  Immediately.  Take time to get on the same page with your spouse.  Remember …you are not enemies!  You’re working toward a common goal… and that’s to move your family in a healthy direction. So step back and take some time for your marriage.  You might be surprised how it helps your struggling teen!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: Parenting isn’t what it used to be!  Things have changed in the last few decades.  Have you noticed? It used to be that you did what Dad said… just because he said so.  But I find that teens today don’t share that immediate sense of respect.  They don’t obey just because they have to.  They’ll even put your authority to the test. But as a parent, don’t be intimidated by your teen’s pushiness.  No… just be yourself and stick to the beliefs and rules you know to be right.  Your consistency in boundaries and consequences… along with a relationship built over time… will stand far longer than a “just do what I say” mentality. Hey, if parenting has changed… and it certainly has … you might have to change with it!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: How does your teen see you?  Does she know you love her?  Does he get that you’ve made mistakes, too? It’s not uncommon to find a mom or dad who wants to come across to their teen like they’ve got it all together.  They don’t want to be seen making mistakes… or having to apologize. But one of the things I think is healthy for parents and teens… is honesty.  In fact, let your teenager see that you have shortcomings and setbacks.  It’ll cause two things to happen.  First, they’ll cut you some slack… because no one is perfect.  Then, they’ll be more realistic about themselves. I hope that together… you and your teen can give each other grace.  You’ll both have your mistakes.  But admitting your weaknesses only deepens your relationship!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: I have a lot of parents ask me for practical advice… steps they can take right now to relieve the tension at home. If you’re living with a struggling teen… you may feel the same urgency.  Maybe you’re looking for a quick fix. Well, there isn’t a magic potion you can ingest that’ll bring instant peace to your home.  Tough problems take time to resolve.  But let me suggest a couple steps that’ll help you right away … First, when your teen acts up … stop lecturing and start listening. Second, stop worrying and start praying.  Include God in the process. And finally… stop frowning and start laughing.  Lighten up a bit. It’s not a cure- all.  But it’ll give you a new perspective on your life with a struggling teen!  Listen.  Pray.  And laugh!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.