Student Story: John

We all made mistakes when we were young. But many parents fear that sharing their mess-ups might diminish respect and destroy their credibility.

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston discusses how admitting imperfection in an appropriate manner can open new doors to connecting with teens.

 

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.

You wouldn’t spend all day in the sun without putting on some sunscreen, right?

You’re taking preventative measures now … so serious skin damage doesn’t happen later.  Well, for parents of teens, that idea needs to translate to your marriage!

I work with a lot of moms and dads who have an out-of-control teen at home.  And couples who don’t prepare for the struggle often suffer a lot of damage in their marriage.

Parents with kids approaching the teen years would be wise to prepare ahead of time!  Get on the same page as your spouse … and make sure the foundations are strong.

It’s like applying sunscreen.  You can’t see it.  But your investment today could save your marriage tomorrow!

 

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’s your perspective on discipline?  Are you trying to uphold the rules?  Or … keep your kid from getting hurt?

Think of it this way … discipline is helping your child get to a place where they want to be … and keeping them from a place where they don’t want to end up.

Before you get embroiled in a big blow-out with your teen, make a plan ahead of time.  It’ll help you keep your cool and stay focused on the goal.

Don’t lose sight of the underlying purpose.  Remember … discipline is helping your child get to a place where they want to be … and keeping them from a place where they don’t want to end up! 

 

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 I was a kid, the biggest altercations occurred on the playground.  Bullies.  King of the hill.  Reputations were destroyed between swing-sets and jungle gyms.

It’s different today.  The threat to your kid’s ego is invasive and pervasive.  I’m talking, of course, about the Internet.

Cyber-bullying runs rampant, and without supervision, in the form of hateful FaceBook posts … texts … or anonymous comments in chat rooms.

Moms and Dads … be aware of the bullying that happens online.  If you see evidence of it against your child … or, worse, from your child … take immediate action.

Rescue victims from the damaging effects of bullying … whether in person or online!

 

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.

Are you having a tough time connecting with your teen?

Your son or daughter is communicating with people all the time … with text and IM and FaceBook.  But my question is this … are you connecting with your teen?

Take the initiative to spend time with your child … to engage in a way that goes deeper than their mobile device.  Don’t wait for them to pursue you.  It may never happen.  Take the initiative.  Make a date to have a conversation.  The time you spend together … though it won’t always seem like it’s profound or life-changing … it will have a lasting, positive impact.

So make it happen!  Today.  Choose to connect with 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.

Do you have video games at your house?

It’s not bad to have video games in the house.  Most likely it’s a lot of fun for the kids … and maybe you jump in from time to time, as well.  But what happens when gaming becomes an obsession?

It started out as a way for your teen to hang out with friends … but it’s become all-consuming.  Even addictive.  Mom.  Dad.  Don’t let it slide!  As a parent, you need to set up healthy boundaries that are age-appropriate.

Like everything else that goes on in your house, keep your eyes open.  Don’t check out.  If your teen can’t balance his life on the console … help him find healthy alternatives.

 

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: Blake

Everyone loses their temper once in a while. But if it’s become the new normal in your home, you’ll want to find out why!

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston discusses how to handle a raging teen, when to set boundaries, and what to do when yours crosses the line!

 

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 don’t know about you … but with a smart phone and a laptop, I’m virtually online all day long!

Just as adults like instant access to the Internet, our kids have grown to demand it, too.  But as parents … how do we let our kids use this great resource without abusing it?  How do we effectively balance a teen’s privacy while protecting them from dangerous world online?

Well, let your son or daughter know that you respect them enough to occasionally dig into their personal online activity … in order to protect them from danger.  Don’t allow them to have free reign on the worldwide web.

Teach your kids that respect and safety go hand in hand.

 

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 grew up in a day when rules were strict, beds were made and lectures were delivered.  And ignoring the rules wasn’t an option!

Whether or not your home was like mine … you’re probably well aware … it’s not like that anymore.  These days, lecturing doesn’t snap a kid back into line … it simply causes him to shut down.

I’ve found that constant advice on how to do things “right” or “better” … only serve to create distance.  In fact, mom and dad, when all you do is lecture … your teen will begin to see you as judgmental.

And, of course, that’s not what you’re trying to communicate!  So learn new ways of engaging.  Cut the lecture.  Start the conversation!

 

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.

Kids make mistakes.  Sometimes really stupid mistakes.  But when your teen messes up … do you come unglued?

I find that too many Christian families have a love affair with perfectionism.  And that means when a teen does something wrong … it either ignites an ugly altercation … or … worse yet, it gets silently swept under the carpet like nothing happened.  Sound familiar?

When mistakes are made, how ‘bout saying something like this:  “Son, you don’t have to perform for me.”  Then, say this … “Son, I won’t leave when you do something wrong.”  They’re some of the most healing words spoken in families today!

Next time your kid goofs up … try practicing grace.

 

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.