Have you ever gone through an exercise craze? You worked out every day for a while and started looking really buff, lean and mean. But as soon as you stopped, well, everything went downhill.

Now, I’m not here to give you exercise tips. But I see a big parallel between strength training and life training. Many parents believe that the lessons and principles they taught their kids during their elementary years will carry them through adolescence, into high school, and beyond.

But that’s simply not the case. You have to stay in training mode the entire time! Never stop!

Remember, exercise over a lifetime yields results. Not little spurts here and there. So continue to train your child in godliness and wisdom as they grow into adults.

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Once while I was at a teaching seminar, I sat down with the parents of a girl named Anna. The people at church thought she was a wonderful young lady, and her small group leader loved her. But at home, she screamed and cussed at her parents. Something wasn’t matching up.

After a couple of hours talking, I came to this conclusion: Anna was rebelling against her parents’ strict boundaries. She wasn’t allowed to watch TV, make phone calls, or go on the Internet. And while those restrictions may have been appropriate when she was younger, by age fourteen, she’d outgrown such extreme measures of control.

Mom, dad, could high levels of confinement be pushing your teen to rebel? Keep your household rules up-to-date and age-appropriate.

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If you could change one thing about your family in 2017, what would it be? And, more importantly, what steps can you take to make that dream a reality? This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregstons offers a list of practical New Year’s resolutions to help bring positive changes in your family.

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Moms and dads may have good intentions when they offer constructive criticism or advice. But if it’s offered at the wrong time or in the wrong way, teens may take it as judgment.

Have you ever rolled your eyes at your daughter’s outfit? Or maybe even withheld a hug or smile after your son disappointed you?

We’ve all been guilty of these kinds of blunders. These belittling actions are signs of a judgmental spirit. And few things will shut down a teen faster than judgment.

Matthew 7, verse 1 says, “Do not judge, or you will be judged.”

So, let’s display grace in our actions and attitudes, and make our home a safe place for our teens to grow.

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A while back, I asked a group of teens this question: “Do you think your parents want perfection in you?”

Parents want to motivate their kids. I get it. But sometimes, our verbal teasing translates into a demand for perfection.

Here’s one of the answers I got. A teen told me “I brought home some grades I was proud of, and my mom started complaining that I could do better, I wasn’t living up to my potential, and I needed to work harder.”

Wow, those are painful words to hear. In thirty seconds, this mom took all the wind out of his sails.

Don’t allow your own expectations to infringe on your most cherished relationship. Are you communicating a perfectionist mindset?

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Sometimes our teen’s behaviors are inappropriate, but the motivation behind them is spot on.

A number of years ago, I met a 16-year-old boy named Nick. He was a good kid, but he’d become disobedient, dishonest, and disrespectful toward his parents. Mom and Dad were at their wits’ end.

When I sat down with Nick, he opened up about his life at home. His parents wouldn’t let him get a job. They told him what kind of haircut to get. They only let him listen to Christian music. In short, all this kid wanted was some healthy freedom. Nick’s exact words to me were this: “They’re smothering me and keeping me from where I want to be.”

Like I said, sometimes our teen’s behaviors are inappropriate, but the motivation behind them is spot on.

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Whether you’re admitting it to a spouse, a friend, or co-worker, they’re two of the hardest words you’ll ever say.

Two words. “I’m sorry.”

Hey, apologizing is never easy, especially when we’re apologizing to a child. But the truth is, even parents make mistakes. And admitting fault is a necessary step to restoring a damaged relationship.

So where do you start? Well, the simplest way to begin the conversation with your son or daughter is to admit where you’ve been wrong. Tell them your mistakes, and then discuss your ideas for preventing them in the future.

By sharing your own failures, you set the stage for a renewed relationship. Is it time to say those two words?

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Even the most calm and collected people get angry sometimes. So when does a teen’s anger cross the line from ordinary, to alarming?

Outbursts of anger are something that almost all teens indulge in from time to time. It’s just the nature of the beast. And while that doesn’t mean we have to accept or follow it, sometimes it’s a relief just to know that your teen isn’t the only one struggling.

So when does adolescent fury call for immediate attention? I recommend taking action when his outbursts include profanity and show extreme disrespect, if he shows defiance to the standards and values of the home, or if he gets physical with any member of the family.

Has your teen’s rage gone beyond normal boundaries? Mom, dad, don’t be afraid to take a stand.

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Student Story: Rachel

The perfect gift is one that’s thoughtfully chosen and tailored to its unique recipient. So what’s the best gift a parent can give their teen? This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston offers four gift ideas to fit your teen’s needs and encourage meaningful time together over Christmas break.

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We all know that holidays are supposed to be a time for relaxing, but they always have a tendency to end up being more crazy than our normal lives, don’t they?

Really. How often do hanging decorations and cleaning house steal our joy? And how many fancy meals just stir up family tension? Yeah, sometimes the holiday season can be a nightmare.

No matter what Christmas looks like for you this year, though, here’s one thing I want to encourage: Don’t let it pass you buy without carving out some time to spend one-on-one with your kids, or do something all together as a family.

I know it’s easier said than done. But believe me, you and your family will be glad for the meaningful time you got to spend together.

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.