Student Story: Jerod

Your kid is a “chip off the ol’ block!” So what kind of character do you see developing in your son or daughter?

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston reveals how imperfect moms and dads can teach strong character through authentic relationships and affirming conversations.

 

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.

Parenting demands faith.  Raising teens is where the rubber meets the road in trusting God!

Faith isn’t isolated to a Sunday morning church service… or prayer right before a meal.  No… faith comes into play when your teen walks in the door after curfew … with alcohol on his breath.  Trusting God is displayed when anger flares … and the shouting match begins.  Faith kicks in when your kid doesn’t meet your standards … that’s when believing God is all important.

Remember … God loves your child even more than you do.  He’s never left her nor forsaken her.  So… next time the tension rises at home… renew your faith in an ever-present Heavenly Father.

He’s not giving up.  Nor should you.

 

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.

No matter what you’re going through, God can bring beauty from ashes.

The Old Testament prophet, Isaiah, first used those words:  “beauty from ashes.”  Perhaps that’s exactly what you need to hear right now in your personal journey.

One of our darkest seasons as a couple came as we worked through the abuse my wife suffered as a child.  Counseling, God’s grace and a commitment to work through the tragedy has moved Jan to a life surrounded by restored relationships.  What I love more than anything is the beautiful character that emerged from the ashes of abuse.

Nothing is too far gone for God’s redeeming hand to lift up.  Remember Romans 8:28… that “God works all things together for good.”  God can take any situation and bring beauty from ashes.

 

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.

There are times in a parent’s life when, secretly, we want to run away.  Sometimes it just seems easier than stickin’ around.

Whether you’re in a good space right now, or a bad space, it’s the perfect time to engage with your kids.  When your teen does something dopey… when the majority of your time is spent in conflict… you must stay engaged.

So, here’s where you can start today…

Build a solid foundation during the good times.

Find something your child likes to do and participate together every week.

When conflict erupts, move toward your child.

And… on those days when you feel like escaping it all— don’t cut ‘n run.  Show your son or daughter they truly matter to you… by hangin’ in there … in good times and bad.

 

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.

When moms and dads are in the thick of it… when every day brings up a new conflict and teens seem to change personality by the week… it’s hard to keep the goal in mind.

The goal is this:  Mom and dad, you are preparing your child to function independently in the world!  [[You’re giving her the skills she needs to live an autonomous life.]]  So… how do you reach for that goal today?  Well…

Don’t be afraid to let disappointment and rejection into your child’s life.  They’ve got to face it sometime!

And talk through the conflicting messages of our culture… don’t isolate them to a protective bubble.

Finally, demonstrate commitment and character in your personal life.  You’re a bigger role model than you think!

Take a positive step toward your goal every day… and begin releasing your child into the world as a healthy, balanced adult!

 

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.

No two teens are alike.  They’re designed by God to be unique and dynamic.  Even two teens, under one roof, sharing the same mom and dad… will be radically different from each other!

There are external differences, of course… blue eyes versus brown.  But I’m talking about personalities.  What works for one teen won’t work for all the kids at home.  When one feels comfortable in a new situation, another might shy away from it.  One kid may explode in anger… the other might comply silently.

It’s important to know the differences in your kids… and adapt for each one.  You need to employ different techniques.  Ask questions… so you know how to tweak your parenting style to fit.

It’ll take a extra effort … but it’ll be worth it all!  Celebrate that no two teens are alike!

 

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: Camille

Have you ever caught your teen lying? Or do you feel like he or she might be hiding something from you? Deception begins early. And the way you handle it now is critical for the future!

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston examines what’s at the core of lying and how to confront your teen in a way that restores mutual trust.

 

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 been in public and noticed a parent who was disappointed with his child?  You don’t even have to eavesdrop.  You can read the emotion all over their faces!

The dad’s eyebrows are furrowed.  The child’s lower lip is stickin’ out.  It’s a showdown of wills between father and son.

Hey, a parent’s attitude toward his child is publically known.  There will always be times when you and I are frustrated or disappointed with our kids.  But too many moms and dads have adopted a disappointed vibe.  And it’s like nothing the kid does can bring a smile.

And you know what?  That’s not only clear to the people around you… but it’s abundantly clear to your teen!  So… what are you broadcasting?  What’s your attitude toward your 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.

Scripture describes God as our Heavenly Father.  And I find great comfort in that for many reasons …

Teens are wired to be selfish, untrustworthy and are prone to make mistakes.  But the most God-like response to that side of your child’s character is to continue to love them unconditionally… just as God loves us unconditionally.

Let me be clear … loving a teen doesn’t mean letting them run wild!  Appropriate consequences are needed.  But no mistake or blunder or selfish act should lessen your love for a son or daughter.

Hey, it comforts me to know the Heavenly Father models parenting in perfection.  His grace, His mercy, His love … is a model for moms and dads … and supplies us with strength to meet the challenge.

 

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: Heather

Dealing with a struggling teen can leave you relationally fatigued, emotionally beaten up and personally worn down.

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston offers words of encouragement for embattled moms and dads to keep going when the going gets tough. There’s hope and help in your time of need!

 

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.