Parenting Today's Teens

When a teen’s behavior is way out of line, it’s easy to think he or she doesn’t deserve grace. But that may be exactly the right time to give it.

Hi, I’m Mark Gregston … with Parenting Today’s Teens.

A biblical definition of grace is this: God’s undeserved favor and forgiveness when we’ve chosen to do the unforgivable. In human terms, grace is an act of kindness, love, and forgiveness in the face of bad behavior, poor choices … and yes, even a teen’s outright rebellion or rotten attitude.

So the next time your teen messes up … take a moment before you respond. Extending grace might not make you feel good. But grace given at just the right moment has the power to change the course of any struggle … and bring healing, peace, and restoration.

When life is spinning completely out of control … sometimes you wonder if God has overlooked you.

Hi, I’m Mark Gregston … with Parenting Today’s Teens.

Most of us would rather avoid pain than embrace it. But at the heart of every struggle, there’s something we can gain. For instance, the problems you face in your home right now might give you a whole new empathy for others. Maybe God’s using this season to humble you … and to reveal areas in your life that need to change.

Psalm 139 says, “Search me, O God, and know my anxious thoughts, and see if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in paths of righteousness.”

Are you and your teen in a difficult place? Remember … in God’s economy, there’s always a purpose to the pain. Even in your darkest hours, He hasn’t overlooked you. He’s right beside you.

If you could ask one question about teenagers, what would it be?

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston answers commonly asked questions about raising teens from moms and dads.

Then, Mark and Wayne reflect on another great year of ministry and look ahead to what the future holds.

Parenting teens is tough work, even when parents agree on how a child should be raised. But the job gets even harder when moms and dads can’t seem to get on the same page.

Hi, I’m Mark Gregston … with Parenting Today’s Teens.

Kids desperately need a cohesive and focused team approach from Mom and Dad. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to change your personality. I parent differently than my wife. My wife parents differently than me. And our two styles combined provide a varied approach to our kids … who in turn have their own personalities.

What matters most is that my wife and I work together for the same purpose, and that’s to raise healthy and mature kids.

So, are you functioning as a team? Moms and dads will never see eye-to-eye on every issue. But working together and remaining on the same page will help your kids grow up!

Are you living an “either/or” kind of life? Or “both/and”?

Hi, I’m Mark Gregston … with Parenting Today’s Teens.

After decades of working with troubled teens and their families, I’m convinced that life is rarely an either/or thing. It’s rarely easy or difficult, fun or challenging. It’s always both at the same time. The trick is to keep the good and bad in their proper perspective. Too often, we allow the painful situations to overshadow the good times.

So don’t let your short-term struggles eclipse reality. Remember, challenging issues are just a normal part of everyday life, and tough times won’t last forever.

Be on the lookout for things to enjoy and reasons to laugh. When you learn to smile … even when you have reasons to wince … you’re choosing to live a “both/and” kind of life. And that’s a far better choice!

The adolescent years aren’t just hard on teens—they’re hard on the whole family.

Hi, I’m Mark Gregston … with Parenting Today’s Teens.

If your own family isn’t currently struggling, chances are you know one who is. And if you’ve ever been in their place before, then you know what it’s like to feel worn out and beat down by teenage troubles.

So if you know a hurting family down the street or at your church, invite them over for dinner. Or grab a coffee together.

Family struggles are rough … and they’re even rougher when it’s feels like you’re facing them alone. Your simple friendly gesture, your listening ear, could be a lifeline to someone who feels like they’re sinking.

Take a risk. Make a call. Reach out to someone who needs you.

Do you have an aimless teen at home who lacks motivation and drive?

Hi, I’m Mark Gregston … with Parenting Today’s Teens.

Many of today’s parents are facing a generation of high school graduates who can’t seem to find direction or purpose. They won’t get a job and don’t plan to continue their education. And in their eyes, the future is just one, big, scary unknown.

So if your recent grad seems to be stuck in a rut, it’s time to get him going again. Require him to search for a part-time job or take some classes at a junior college. Encourage him to discover new interests and hobbies.

It’s okay to wander aimlessly for a while. But at some point, you need to insist on taking steps forward. Before long, he’ll be off the couch … and back on track to finding his way.

When was the last time you and your family laughed so hard you couldn’t control yourselves?

Hi, I’m Mark Gregston … with Parenting Today’s Teens.

Most of the time, teens are like an emotional time bomb. They walk around with a short fuse and a matchstick … just ready to explode. So if you don’t want your home to feel like a minefield of tension, try finding ways to laugh a little more.

For example, ask everyone in your family to come to the dinner table with a joke to tell. Even if they sound awkward or hokey, at least you’ll get a good laugh!

Everybody needs a little break from the pressures of life. So have fun, lighten up a bit, and quit making every conversation so serious.

The old proverb is right … “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength."

Maybe it was something your son said. Or perhaps it was something your daughter did.

Whatever the mistake, there are times when letting go of a past fault is the hardest thing we can do.

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston explains why forgiveness is a constant necessity in a home with teens.

Do you have a comfortable prodigal living in your home?

Hi, I’m Mark Gregston … with Parenting Today’s Teens.

I find it interesting that the prodigal son in the Bible came to his senses only when the consequences of his rotten attitude left him eating with swine … far away from his mother’s home cooking. But today, many teens are living a prodigal lifestyle … while still enjoying the comforts of home! They get what they want and do what they please, all at Mom and Dad’s expense. And as a result, they never grow up.

Mom, Dad … it’s okay to give your teen what he truly needs, but don’t let your generosity facilitate his laziness! Instead, take some risks … and give your teen some personal responsibility.

One day, he’ll be fully prepared to live on his own.