One of the most powerful influences on young people today is their need to belong… to fit in and to be accepted by their peers.

Research shows that the need to belong is growing… but a sense of true belonging can’t be bought. You don’t get it from Facebook or texting. A sense of community is taught, nurtured and modeled. And if teens don’t find a sense of belonging in their own family… they’ll start looking in all the wrong places!

I’ve worked with thousands of kids over the years and most of them are acting out of some kind of loss… or a need to belong that was unfulfilled.

Make sure your home a place where the entire family knows they have a place. Give unconditional love and encouragement… making sure your teen doesn’t go elsewhere to find acceptance!

 

 

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Hey, mom and dad. Are you holding a grudge against one of your kids? Did your son or daughter mess up …and you’re still holding their mistake over their head?

No relationship can thrive without a spirit of grace and forgiveness. As parents, we need to acknowledge the pain that comes when our kids fail to meet our expectations. And we need to realize that withholding forgiveness builds a huge barrier between us …and those we otherwise love.

Do some inventory today. Think about the ways you might be causing your child to pay for the pain they’ve caused. How ‘bout burying the hatchet? Don’t you think it’s time? Let ‘em know that it’s over …and you love them unconditionally.

God did it for you. Let’s do it for our kids!

 

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When it comes to taking drugs, most parents never envision their kid will drink booze, smoke pot …or take pills.

I’ve seen too many unsuspecting parents… moms and dads convinced their teen’s not the type to try drugs… discover just the opposite. Experimentation is no longer just something the bad kids do. It’s everywhere. So you need to know how to spot whether your child is using drugs.

Watch for sudden and drastic changes in your teenager’s honesty, grades, behavior, attentiveness or friends. And the substance abuse may start with things you have in your kitchen, medicine cabinet or garage.

Even if you have the best kids in the world… stay alert! Keep your eyes wide open. And don’t be naïve. let your naiveté keep you from being Be the protective parent your child desperately needs.

 

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Student Story: Rachel

There’s no better time than the New Year to make a fresh start! If the past twelve months were rocky for you and your teen, get 2018 off to a good start by taking time to reset and readjust your goals.

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston presents practical parenting resolutions that’ll help you grow together as a family.

 

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 your teen dishes out disrespect… or blatantly disobeys your rules… there’s conflict comin’!

When we’re in the middle of a stand- off with a teen and the emotions are raging, it’s hard to keep your cool.  Yet, despite the turmoil, conflict can actually strengthen your relationship.  If… you handle it right!

Here are some rules to keep in mind for having a good healthy fight …

First, focus on the big picture.  This argument can serve a greater purpose.

Second, try to learn something about yourself… instead of just lecturing your kid.  So listen carefully!

And third, keep the conversation two- way.  Don’t insist on having the last word.

In the coming year… plan in advance to have healthy arguments.  You’ll be surprised how everyone wins.

 

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.

As you’re flipping the calendar… it’s the perfect time to think through your goals and desires for the family.

What do you want to change in your family in the coming year?  Do you need to rearrange your schedule in order to have a weekly one- on- one time with your teen?  Or maybe… it’s time to get some outside help for your family.

Take a moment today to think through the tangible positive steps you can take in the coming year.  Then… sit down with the kids and ask them what changes they’d like to make in the family dynamic.  You might be surprised by their response!

Here’s your chance.  Be intentional.  Get a fresh start!

 

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 experienced that knee-jerk reaction… when your child has done something goofy …unacceptable …and your first reaction is to pull away?  Sure you have.  I have, too.

We’re human.  And when someone hurts us… especially someone we love… it’s natural to clam up.  But avoiding the issues can have a disastrous impact.  In fact, we become the consequence for their actions… when we pull away.  That’s entirely unproductive.

Mom.  Dad.  Though it’s hard, decide right now that you’ll continue to move toward your child whenever they disappoint you.  Reinforce that there’s nothing they can do to make you love them less… and there’s nothing they can do to make you love them more.

Don’t pull away.  Draw them in.

 

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 it comes to your teen’s behavior… how’s a mom or dad supposed to discern what’s normal … and what’s abnormal?

That may seem like a loaded question.  But let’s take a minute and separate the two.

It’s normal for teens to fail to do their chores without ten reminders… to put off homework… to get emotional and to listen to music that’s too loud.  It’s normal for them to question authority, even though it drives you crazy.

But abnormal behavior needs to be addressed.  It shows up as sudden and profound personality swings… extreme disrespect for people and things… eating disorders or self harm.

If your teen falls into the “abnormal” category… I’d encourage you to take action.  And it all begins by seeking professional help.

 

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In his Gospel account, Matthew called Jesus, “God with us.”  Have you ever thought about His name?  God is the “with- us” God!

Today, as you celebrate the birth of Jesus… think of your family, where you are in life and how God has led you.  Think of Jesus, the One who came to earth to be with us.

He is with us in our struggles.  He is with us in the joy.  He is with us when things seem harder than ever before.  Whatever you’re facing this Christmas Day… whether it’s joy or pain… go back to Matthew chapter 1, verse 23:  “…they shall call his name Immanuel, which translated means God with us.”

God is near, my friend.  Merry Christmas …from all of us at Parenting Today’s 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.

Student Story: Sam

Do you know what your teen really wants for Christmas? The answer might surprise you!

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston suggests five tangible ways to delight even the most distant teen.

They may not be able to articulate these heartfelt desires, but you can bet they’ll be delighted to receive them.

 

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.