The teenage years are important ones. They’re not a time just to “get through” as fast as possible. Especially when it comes to spiritual things!

It’s easy to wish away the turbulent teen years. But I wish I could show you what they’ll look like twenty years from now… when you and your child will fondly remember these days. You’ll see that God was doing great things. He was teaching your son or daughter to think, to understand, to trust and to take risks. He was molding them just as He wanted.

And beyond that… He was teaching you to let go. And to trust Him. These lessons in spiritual growth are too valuable to wish away!

 

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When I was a kid, the music I liked drove my parents crazy. They couldn’t understand why I liked what they called “noise.”

You might not like the music your teen listens to, either. But I meet a lot of parents who make a big deal out of a small issue. They major on the minors. Even though you may not like a particular type of music… step back and take stock. Is the choice of music… or whatever else you’re dealing with today… the thing that should fracture your relationship?

It’s amazing how your teen’s taste will change over time. Before long, they might even like much of the same music you and I do. So… make sure you’re focusing on the majors. Not the minors!

 

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Student Story: Blake

As a grandparent, you might be removed from the day-to- day aspects of raising your grandchild. But you can still play a unique role in your grandchild’s life that mom and dad can’t!

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston discusses how lovingly involved grandparents can offer a soft landing spot when times get tough.

 

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Has your child ever said this to you: “I don’t need any help!” “I can do it on my own!”

If you have a teen living under your roof, chances are you hear those words all the time. And if

they aren’t saying it with their mouths, they’re certainly saying it with their actions! But rather

than viewing such communication as a slap in the face from an ungrateful child… I’d encourage

you to take it as a compliment!

What I mean is this. Disrespect should never be allowed… but your goal as a mom or dad is to

raise healthy, independent children. Right? Well then …why not celebrate when the kids start to

spread their wings? Let them strike out on their own! Let them “do it all by themselves”!

 

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While at the airport recently, I watched a dad snap at his 14- year- old son. They had spotted a

famous football player on the concourse and asked for a photograph with him. But the whole

time they were with the athlete… dad publically criticized his son.

I’m sure that father was trying to get his son to “shape up.” He acted embarrassed… rather than

show pride in his son. But as I watched that scene, I could see the anger and poor self esteem

emerge from that teenage boy.

The lesson here is easy. Compliment your teenagers often in front of others, and you will give

them a reputation to live up to.

 

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Kids need boundaries. No matter how hard they try to tell you they don’t need rules… it isn’t

true!

A lack of limits has the tendency to produce a child that’s selfish, demanding and aggressively

controlling. Here’s an analogy. A glass of milk is a good thing… healthy and drinkable. But

take away the limits of the glass… and all you get is spilled milk. All that good stuff is wasted!

Take a look at the limits around your teen. Are they sturdy? Are they fair? If the rules are too

confining, your teen will push right through them. If they’re too weak, you’re training your child

to be selfish and demanding.

Spilled milk, anyone?

 

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Bullies have always been part of the playground politics. Most likely, you remember a few of

those tangles out on the schoolyard.

Though we’ll always find a handful of mean-spirited kids in class… the bullies today are using

new weapons. The Internet, texting, blogs and Facebook all provide creative new ways to beat

up on others verbally …for all to see.

As parents, we need to be aware of the damage inflicted by digital bullies… and step in to stop it

whenever we can. Go the extra mile to protect your kids. Or… if the bully actually lives under

your roof… take away the tools of the trade!

Just because the bullies look different… doesn’t mean they’re any less dangerous!

 

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Know that saying… the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree? Well, it’s probably describing your

family!

Though the culture and friends greatly influence our kids… there’s actually a stronger and more

consistent force on their lives. YOU. Yes, you. The principles and behaviors your teen

eventually adopts are mostly learned from observing mom and dad.

So… if that’s the case… what are you communicating? Do your actions express kindness

toward others? Can your teen tell you value God and His Book? Where have you taught your

kids to go for help and comfort?

Take a look at what you’re teaching your kids. ‘Cuz the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!

 

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Student Story: Meredith

Cutting, overdosing and playing risky games aren’t just dangerous—they’re a teen’s desperate cry for help. So what should you do when your teen is driven to these extremes?

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston offers helpful guidance for discovering what’s going on inside the heart of your teen.

 

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 eaves dropped on a typical household… one with a few teens, a mom and a dad…what

noises would you hear?

The more I meet struggling teens and their panicked parents, the more I find that the four walls

of their home encompass arguments. A lot of arguments. Some are loud and include shouting.

Some are hushed, but filled with anger. Sound familiar?

Though I’d never want any families to avoid conflict… in fact, I think it’s an important part of

growth… I’d want them to cut down on needless verbal battering. Is there an argument that can

be turned into a discussion? Do you need to stop contributing to the yelling- match and start

listening instead?

 

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.