Parenting Today's Teens

When parents split up, it can cause serious issues for their children. And while there’s no real way to fix the problems that divorce brings, you can certainly do some damage control.

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

After a divorce … if your teen feels isolated or disconnected, make an effort to include her in as many things as possible. If you have the freedom to do so, take her to lunch or attend her games and school events. Make sure she knows your desire to remain involved in her life.

Though divorce was never God’s plan for marriage, it’s a harsh reality in our fallen world. So if your teen is reeling from the after-effects of a recent split, be very intentional about damage control.

Your child may feel wounded. Abandoned. So go the extra mile … and draw near.

The scars we receive from bullies never fade … even as adults.

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

I’m convinced that the escalating conflicts with bullies will never end … until parents step in and model what’s right. And right now, I’d like to pray for all of us … as we guide our teens.

Father, show us how to help our kids. Teach us to intervene. Like You … allow us to become their great protector. We want to walk beside them if they’re being bullied … and we want to rebuke them if they dare offend others.

Sarcasm and biting criticism are never part of Your character. It’s never Your will that we would willfully offend or hurt the innocent. So help us to become models of Your mercy, love and grace.

Father, empower us to engage our kids as never before. In Your Son’s name we pray. Amen.

When disrespect in your teen rears its ugly head, it’s time to make sure everyone understands the rules for fighting fair.

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

Disagreements are a natural and important part of healthy relationships. But teens need to learn how to argue with respect. So if you’ve got a disrespectful teenager at home, here’s the kind of message you can deliver:

“We love you, and that will never change. But we won’t allow you to talk to us that way anymore. We understand your need to argue your opinion, but there’s a better way to do it. So from now on, disrespectful words or actions will not be tolerated. And we’ll throw in some extra consequences to boot.”

Make sure your teen clearly understands that you’re willing to listen … but you’re not a punching bag.

Some day … he will thank you.

If the paint on the side of your house began to peel … or the roof started leaking … or your porch light burned out … would you just sit around and do nothing? Of course not!

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

When things start to fall apart around the house, we instinctively grab a screwdriver, reach for a paintbrush, or do whatever it takes to get things back in order. And in like manner … our relationships need maintenance, too!

Has your relationship with your teen become damaged by conflict, tension, or poor communication? Sounds like it’s time for a little home improvement!

Take on this important do-it-yourself project … before it’s too late. Read a good book. Attend a helpful seminar. And above all … keep reaching out to your teen.

When every conversation with your teen about rules and boundaries turns into a battle of wills … it’s easy to feel like tossin’ in the towel.

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

Teens are known for testing boundaries. But it is possible to handle their moans and rolling eyes in a way that maintains relationship … without backing down. And one of my favorite ways to do that is with the word “nevertheless.” Here’s how it works.

Instead of saying, “No, you can’t go see that movie.”

Say, “Sweetheart, I’m aware your friends think it’s a great movie, and they may be right, nevertheless … our rule is that we don’t watch R-rated movies.”

So the next time you get pushback from your teen over rules or curfew … try responding with “nevertheless.” You’ll be amazed how one simple word can turn the tide.

A stepparent’s job is never easy. And unfortunately, it only gets harder when your stepchild hits adolescence.

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

No matter how much loving care you give … all too often stepparents experience rejection and anger from their stepchild. A stepparent becomes the target of the teen’s regret.

It might come from her sense of loss. She might even believe—incorrectly—that her life would be much happier and problem-free if you’d never come along.

So if tensions are high right now between you and your step-teen … take heart. Though you can’t force her to stop thinking the way she does … her feelings of loss won’t go on forever.

And one day, she’ll understand the other side … and see you as her solution … not her problem.

Summer is nearly over and a new school year is just around the corner. So, what’s your game plan for making it the best school year yet?

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston offers five ways to develop a meaningful relationship with your teen over the upcoming school year.

Some families let arguments and fighting tear them apart. But in reality … conflict can pull a family together!

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

When handled properly, conflict can actually improve relationships. People who stick together through thick and thin become closer by the end. In fact, some of the teens I recall most fondly are the ones who made me want to pull my hair out!

Engaging, rather than avoiding, will teach your teen how to manage conflict well years down the road. Rest assured, the day will come when they have their first fight with a future roommate, employer, spouse … and child, too!

So don’t shy away from conflict with your teen. When it’s time to get in there and fight for something you believe in … create a model for resolution they will never forget.

I can still remember the day I brought home all A’s on my report card—except for one B—and my dad wanted to know, “Why isn’t this one an A?”

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

Man, my dad’s comment really took the wind out of my sails.

Hey, it’s only natural for parents to want to see their child excel in academics. And there’s nothing wrong with encouraging them to do their best. But no one needs to feel like their grades are the ultimate measurement of their worth.

Mom, Dad … make sure your teen knows she’ll always be loved … whether she brings home A’s and B’s … or C’s and D’s. Don’t belittle your son for missing the mark.

Ten years from now, no one will ask to see your teen’s report card. But your teen will forever remember your love.

According to a recent study, nearly thirty percent of kids in middle and high school are bullied. But only fraction will ever report it.

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

I’ve talked to students who were bullied for being adopted, for struggling in school … even for having a mom or dad pass away. There’s truly no wound too deep for a bully to avoid. They spot the pain … and go right for the target.

Yet most kids rarely report getting bullied. Sometimes they’re too ashamed to admit it … or they’re afraid of looking weak. Other times, they fear retribution and ridicule.

Parents and teachers should be on the lookout for bullies. We might never suspect what’s going on … unless we ask.

Find your son or daughter clamming up? Going into isolation? Ask the question. It’s our role to protect our teen.