No parent is the perfect parent. In fact, most moms and dads need to relax a little and cut themselves some slack.

Imperfect parents are healthy parents. They know they’re gonna mess up, and they’re not surprised when their teens mess up, as well. They’re aware of their shortcomings, so they trust God for grace and wisdom. They love their children and don’t attach affection to performance.

Imperfect parents focus on what’s right in front of them, live in the present moment, without worrying what others think.

So, have you been caught up in trying to be perfect? Let it go! In case you have any doubt, you’re not perfect and never will be!

So Mom, Dad, cut some slack. Rest in God’s grace. Relax!

If you listen on a mobile phone or tablet, please download our Parenting Today’s Teens app available for Apple, Android and Window users. If you listen on a desktop or laptop computer, press the “play” button above to enjoy daily parenting advice.

There’s no feeling more desperate than watching your child spin out of control.

Imagine a plane in a downward spiral. The pilot can’t seem to pull out of the steep descent and the co-pilot can’t stop the chaos either. They’re both assuming it’s all over, lights out, see ya.

Well, in your family, your teen is the pilot, responsible for controlling his or her life. And you, Mom or Dad, are the co-pilot. But in this scenario, sometimes you feel completely helpless. Your kid is accelerating toward earth and a disaster is only moments away.

If you’re in that tailspin right now, don’t sit there and watch the crash happen. Act on your instincts!

Ask for help. And stop at nothing until you find answers that’ll avert a devastating crash and get your family flying in clear skies once again.

If you listen on a mobile phone or tablet, please download our Parenting Today’s Teens app available for Apple, Android and Window users. If you listen on a desktop or laptop computer, press the “play” button above to enjoy daily parenting advice.

When our kids grow up, when they leave the house, there’s a relational shift that needs to happen. Parents often ask me, How do I relate to my adult child?

Mom and Dad, when you have a twenty-something in your life, it’s time to take stock of the relationship. Now’s the time to make a few changes. Be sure to set aside time for your son or daughter. You aren’t protecting them or disciplining them like before, but you’re still a primary source of wisdom and love!

Then, be a servant to your kids, but don’t be a doormat. Keep your boundaries!

And finally, pray for your child daily. Go to God on his or her behalf, and let your needs be known!

Parenting children never really ends. It just changes.

If you listen on a mobile phone or tablet, please download our Parenting Today’s Teens app available for Apple, Android and Window users. If you listen on a desktop or laptop computer, press the “play” button above to enjoy daily parenting advice.

Student Story: Megan

In a world obsessed with pop culture and social media, looks and appearance are more important than ever before. How can parents teach their teenagers that there’s more to life than just looking good? This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston helps parents and teens navigate an appearance-driven world.

If you listen on a mobile phone or tablet, please download our Parenting Today’s Teens app available for Apple, Android and Window users. If you listen on a desktop or laptop computer, press the “play” button above to enjoy daily parenting advice.

Forgive and forget. Is that happening in your home?

When it comes to parenting teens, I’ve learned some things about forgiveness:

First, forgiveness is more about you offering it to your kids than them asking forgiveness from you. Your kids won’t automatically come to you, explain their wrongdoing and ask your forgiveness. That’s a learned skill and has to be developed over time. For now, you’ll need to model it and offer forgiveness.

Second, forgetting is essential. Make sure your kids know that you not only forgave, but you won’t hold the wrong against him any more. Bringing up the past destroys any element of hope for change in the future. Don’t undermine the process by digging up old dirt.

Mom and Dad, choose to forgive and forget.

If you listen on a mobile phone or tablet, please download our Parenting Today’s Teens app available for Apple, Android and Window users. If you listen on a desktop or laptop computer, press the “play” button above to enjoy daily parenting advice.

Hey parents! What’s one question you hope your teen will never ask?

Would you seize up if your kid asked you about the mistakes in your past? Would you draw a blank if your son questioned your faith? What if your daughter wants to date another girl?

There are a lot of things that parents might fear in this world. But I’d encourage you to face hard questions with unflinching courage. Begin to appreciate how your child is learning to think for himself. And give honest answers in every situation.

Many times your child is simply exploring different ways of thinking, and they’re verbalizing their process. Eventually they’ll settle on their own answers to mistakes, faith and sexuality.

Your job is to stay steady in the journey.

If you listen on a mobile phone or tablet, please download our Parenting Today’s Teens app available for Apple, Android and Window users. If you listen on a desktop or laptop computer, press the “play” button above to enjoy daily parenting advice.

If your teen is becoming someone you don’t know—or even like—do something about it.

When teens spiral out of control and take the family down with them, moms and dads can start with the simple message of truth and consequences. Let your son or daughter know that negative behavior will no longer be allowed or tolerated at home.

Don’t expect your teen to like the fact that you’re calling a halt to inappropriate behavior. In fact, their first response will likely be anger or resentment. But your job, Mom and Dad, is to stand your ground. The time your child will spend hating you is short, but the foundation for peace in the home will last for years.

So, hey. When things are going south at home, take action!

If you listen on a mobile phone or tablet, please download our Parenting Today’s Teens app available for Apple, Android and Window users. If you listen on a desktop or laptop computer, press the “play” button above to enjoy daily parenting advice.

I was always told to hate the sin but love the sinner. That worked well as long as the sin wasn’t one that bothered me and the sinner had already changed his ways!

For those of us who have teens at home, it’s obvious that keeping sin at an arms’ distance isn’t an option. We live day in and day out with other sinners at home. And most of the time the culprits haven’t conveniently moved past their sin! We’re right in the thick of it.

So, what does this mean for families?

First, we need to acknowledge our imperfections and lean on God for help.

Second, offer grace—even in the midst of sin.

And third, ask for, and give, forgiveness at every turn.

If you listen on a mobile phone or tablet, please download our Parenting Today’s Teens app available for Apple, Android and Window users. If you listen on a desktop or laptop computer, press the “play” button above to enjoy daily parenting advice.

Walk on to any middle school or high school campus and you’ll find an undercurrent of violence. Not physical fights between boys, but emotional battles between girls!

Understanding the world your daughter lives in goes a long way toward helping you respond to her needs. Whether she’s the aggressor or the recipient of another’s aggression, be prepared! Consider these practical tips:

Let your daughter know you will monitor her texts, email, Facebook and camera. She’ll live up to what you inspect, not what you expect.

Report any harassment or Internet bullies to school officials or other parents.

Talk to your daughter! Share your concern for what goes in her ears and out of her mouth.

Mom and Dad, let’s work toward stopping emotional violence among our girls.

If you listen on a mobile phone or tablet, please download our Parenting Today’s Teens app available for Apple, Android and Window users. If you listen on a desktop or laptop computer, press the “play” button above to enjoy daily parenting advice.

Student Story: Olivia

Has your teen lost interest in the things he once loved doing? Has he stopped trying in school and taking part in extracurricular activities? Does he seem unfazed by discipline? On this weekend’s edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston explores the reasons behind apathy in adolescents.

If you listen on a mobile phone or tablet, please download our Parenting Today’s Teens app available for Apple, Android and Window users. If you listen on a desktop or laptop computer, press the “play” button above to enjoy daily parenting advice.