Student Story: Camille

Disrespectful acts and entitled attitudes don’t just go away—they only get worse. And they will test the fabric of your family!

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston gets to the root of those tendencies and shows how loving parents can counteract selfish thinking in the home by cultivating thankfulness.

 

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

Have you ever heard your child say… “I can’t wait to leave home”?

If you’re listening to your teen announce that she can do it on her own… if your son doesn’t want your help or input… it may be a healthy sign!

Don’t be so quick to interpret these passionate comments as a cheap shot at your competence.  Don’t internalize it.  These might be verbal affirmations that you’re raising an independent child!  So don’t miss the opportunity to affirm your kids desire to break out on their own.

Your son or daughter needs to prepare for independence.  And sometimes …their expressions are blurted out in awkward and even painful ways.  Don’t take it personally!  You’re only doing your job!

 

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

A week from today we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving.  It’s one of my favorite holidays!

Though we’re not officially on holiday break, or cooking the turkey quite yet… I like to look ahead and anticipate Thanksgiving.  With a little extra planning on my part, the gathering of family that day can be everything I hope for.

Take a moment with me and think about what you want the holiday to look like in your home.  Prepare a few well- phrased “thank you’s.”  Figure out a creative way to show how much you love each of your children and grandchildren.  Determine not to be shy about showing affection and value for others.

Then, start praying for God’s hand on your time as a family this holiday.

 

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

Think of parenting teens like traveling down a tunnel through a mountain.  There’s light at either end… but in the middle it often gets very, very dark.

The teenage years often bring a season of struggle.  Moms and dads feel like they’ve lost the lovable little girl they used to know.  And when you’re in the tunnel, the outcome is unclear.  You wonder… will your son or daughter emerge as responsible adults?

Hey, if you’re in the teen years, sometimes you’ll feel lost in the darkness.

In this season of hard work, tension and exhaustion …remember… it’s worth every minute.  There’s light at the end of the tunnel, friend.

And when you reach the other side… you’ll thank God for His faithful Hand …even when you couldn’t see His plan.

 

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

It’s scary to give our kids the freedom to make their own choices …because at some point, they’ll make some colossal blunders.

Rest assured… every kid will make mistakes.  Including yours!  No matter what you do, you can’t alter reality.  Your child is human… and fallible.  He’ll mess up.  When he does, it’ll give you plenty to talk about …in a safe place where there’s no shame.

Step out of your comfort zone and allow your child to make a few choices.  Celebrate the good decisions and work through the missteps.  Your child will begin growing into an adult when he’s given a chance to succeed …or fail.

Mom, Dad… let out the rope.  You’ll be glad you did.

 

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

What would peace look like in your home?  Would it be a string of days without conflict?

Peace isn’t the absence of strife.  Peace isn’t perfection.  It’s not that simple.  No… peace is having a calm heart in the midst of imperfection and conflict.  It’s a miracle, really, because only God can supply your heart with clarity and patience… when you’re in the middle of a mess.

And you know what?  That’s good news.

Life is messy.  We can’t control our circumstances.  So ask God to supply peace and patience.  Ask for wisdom with your kids.  You’ll be surprised how this kind of focus on God gives you an anchor for your soul.

He’ll give you everything you need… even when life is messy.

 

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

Student Story: Sophia

Adopted kids tend to struggle with unresolved issues until their mid-20s. And that calls for parenting with a long-term view!

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston offers adoptive parents a preview of what to expect and a solid strategy for preparing to love their kid through the rough patches.

 

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

I’m not here to flatter your self- esteem… but Mom, Dad… there’s no one quite like you.

As a parent … NO ONE can take your place!

Dad, you can validate your child’s value like no one else in the world.  Your engagement with your daughter will likely determine the kind of man she’ll marry.  Your input in your son’s life will shape his convictions and character.

Mom, you instill a sense of value in your children.  The way you nurture your son or daughter will help them show compassion to others.  They need you, your thoughts and your support.

If God blesses you with children… He’ll use you in remarkable ways to shape your child’s life.  And He’ll equip you with everything you need to raise happy and healthy kids.

 

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

If you have a teen living under your roof, you know that friends can have a powerful influence on your teen’s behavior.

Do you know your son’s friends?  Do you know who your daughter is going to parties with?  I meet a lot of over- protective parents who are clueless about the crowd their child spends time with.

Take some time to ask your son about his friends.  Start a conversation with your daughter about her favorite activities.  Don’t be judgmental… just open the conversation, ask meaningful questions and wait for answers.

And if it’s possible, make your home the place where kids like to hang out!  Make your household the hub of activity.

Mom, Dad …there’s no better link to your child’s heart than through their friends!

 

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

If you have kids at home… you’re probably doing a pretty good job of teaching them what’s right and what’s wrong.

I applaud you for your commitment to giving your kids a moral compass.  Your convictions provide a map that’ll guide your kids throughout their lives.

However, I often meet well- meaning parents who are so devoted to pointing out right and wrong… their over- the- top instruction becomes a painful source of judgment.  Kids begin to feel defeated.

Next time you’re pointing out what’s right and wrong, remember this:  Truth with judgment pushes kids away.  Truth with relationship draws them in.

In your good intentions to instruct, make sure you don’t crush their spirit.  Mom, Dad …don’t sacrifice your relationship with your child!

 

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