Hanging on the wall in my office is a plaque I received back in 1975. The now yellowed and worn certificate was given to me by one of the first groups of teens I counseled … and it simply says, “Thanks for caring.” To this day, it remains one of my most prized possessions.

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

That plaque is a regular reminder that there’s no such thing as too much gratitude. But we seldom hear those encouraging words from our kids.

When was the last time you heard, “Hey, Dad, thanks for helping me with my school project.” Or, “Thanks so much for dinner, Mom. It was delicious!”

Well, we can’t exactly demand gratitude. But we can model it. So this Thanksgiving, and in the year to come, let’s live in a way that shows what it means to be thankful.

Does your son refuse to spend any time with your family? Does he go out of his way to avoid family dinners? Would he rather spend time alone in his room than with his parents or siblings?

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

As kids mature … it’s natural for them to spend more time away from home with friends. But when a teen suddenly refuses to spend any time with his or her family, it could be a red flag. Maybe there’s a bigger problem.

So if you’ve got a nagging feeling in your gut that something isn’t right … don’t ignore it! A little intolerance for parents or family is normal in every teen’s life. But complete rejection isn’t.

Take some time to investigate … and get your teen the help he needs to cope with whatever he’s facing.

Does your teen know that he has your unconditional love?

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

Teens are naturally immature and selfish … and prone to making lots of mistakes.

Most times, their goof-ups aren’t a huge deal, like when they flunk a test or miss curfew. But when your daughter wrecks the car, or tells you she’s pregnant? Or when your son is caught dealing drugs at school, or gets busted for drunk driving? I hope you never have to face those situations. But they can—and do—happen every day.

So … are you willing to love your teen, no matter what? They need to know! Tell them this: “There’s nothing you can do to make me love you more … and nothing you can do to make me love you less.”

When your teens mess up big time, they don’t need your scorn. Your teens need your unconditional love.

I get this line from young people all the time. They say … “I wanna be able to make decisions for myself … and be in control of my own life.” My response? “Hallelujah!”

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

Surprised by my response? Well, most parents seem to think that their teens need less control … not more. But gradually handing over responsibility is the only way to turn a child into an adult. The key, though, is balancing new freedoms with appropriate boundaries.

For example, teens should be able to wear whatever they want. But as soon as that clothing becomes immodest … they cross a boundary and face consequences.

So … is your daughter ready to take complete control over her life? Probably not. But if you give her the freedom she desires … within the boundaries she needs … she’s one step closer to becoming a responsible adult.

You set down rules and guidelines for your teen, but they continually blow through the boundaries. Sound familiar?

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston explains that you don’t have to compromise your convictions to be compassionate. Learn how parenting with conviction and compassion can build a healthy relationship with your teen.

When your teen is struggling … it’s easy to start losing hope for a better future.

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

Maybe your daughter hasn’t spoken to you in weeks. Maybe your son just came home drunk for the second time this month. I don’t know what crisis you’re dealing with today. But I do know this: God can use any conflict or struggle to bring about positive change.

Galatians 6, verse 9 says this: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

We may never know exactly how or when our struggles will end. But until then, we can continue to trust in the One who promises turn our ashes into beauty … and make all things work together for good.

I can remember when I bought my very first GPS. Wow! And to this day, I think the GPS may be man’s greatest accomplishment since the invention of the wheel.

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

I don’t know where I’d be without a navigation system in my car … or an app on my phone. It always knows right where I am. It never judges my ability … or inability … to navigate. And more importantly, it knows how to get me where I need to go.

Likewise, parents need to be like a GPS in the life of their teenager. When your teen begins to strike out on his own, he’s bound to get lost a few times. So when he does, be ready to hold back the judgment … reach out in love … and gently guide him back home.

Even the most calm and collected people get angry sometimes. But with some teens … it seems like the smallest thing can ignite a firestorm!

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

When it comes to teens, anger is usually an emotional response when they don’t get something they want, or when they lose something they once held dear. And I’m not talking about cars or laptops … but deep-felt emotional needs.

So if your teen is constantly popping off with anger, don’t get distracted by the behavior. Instead, with love and patience, try to uncover what’s causing it.

Most teens can’t really identify the source of the anger. But once you get to the root cause, you’ll have the tools you need to help him get to a better place.

Are you shielding your teen from outside influences? Or are you preparing them to live in the real world?

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston helps moms and dads train children to maneuver through the jungle of today’s culture without succumbing to its negative influence.

Mom … Dad … what’s the one thing your teen needs from you that she can’t get anywhere else?

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

The answer is value. And these days, far too many parents try to substitute money or privileges for true love and affection. So what are some things you can do today to show your teen how much you care?

First, listen to what she has to say … even if you don’t agree.

Second, take a break from your busy schedule … and spend some quality time together.

And finally, tell her that you’ll always love her … even when she messes up.

A sense of value is the most meaningful gift a parent has to offer. And it doesn’t cost a thing! So be sure to give it … both freely and generously.