Parenting Today's Teens

As parents, we want to see our kids to be themselves and express their unique personalities.

But sometimes, the ways teens choose to express themselves can make us uncomfortable.

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston coaches moms and dads on how to respond to their teens’ self-expression.

It’s all too easy for parents to get sidetracked right when their child needs them most.

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

During my high school years, I don’t remember engaging much with my parents. But families should be spending more time together as kids get older … not less! Unfortunately, the teen years are when things get busy with school and extracurricular activities … and when parents hit the peak of their demanding careers.

Are you checking out of your child’s life in a critical moment? Well, today … spend some quality time together. Insist on taking your teen out for breakfast or lunch … and make it a habit.

When you do, it tells him, “You are worth spending time with … and I will always pursue you, no matter what.”

When was the last time you used a pager? A cassette tape? How about a dial-up modem?

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

We live in a world where things become outdated fast. The latest and greatest technology one day … becomes a pile of obsolete junk the next. And today’s teens are conditioned to think the same rule applies to our values.

That’s why we see so many young adults leaving the church. They just don’t see how biblical values hold any relevance today.

Parents need to show their children that this two- thousand- year- old Book can still get them where they want to be … and keep them from ending up somewhere they don’t want to be.

When they understand these principles are timeless, they’ll realize that God’s Word never goes obsolete.

When your teen’s life starts spinning out of control, you’re undoubtedly thinkin’, “How am I gonna survive this mess?”

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

The book of Psalms is filled with beautiful songs of praise and thanksgiving. But it also includes some heartbreaking laments. The Psalms teach us that there is a pathway to hope, even in the midst of despair.

If you’re dealing with misery at home, start by having an honest conversation with God about your sorrow and suffering. Don’t sugar coat it. Spit it out. He can handle it.

Then, look for the silver lining. Look for the ways He’s actually working in your life. Could He be stretching you? Or teaching you to trust Him more?

Your circumstances may not change. But you can find hope in knowing this … God is near.

[announcer type voice] This Friday night … at the dinner table … don’t miss an important lecture from mom and dad on your latest big mistake!

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

If you invited your teen to attend a lecture every time she did something wrong … do you think she’d ever show up? Yeah right!

Parents tend to function in non-stop correction mode. But there’s nothing more destructive to your relationship with your teen than constant lecturing, nagging, and soap-boxing. So today, I urge you to take the “Shut Up” Challenge.

Now, at the risk of sounding rude … parents need to know that they can still teach vital lessons … without saying a single word.

So take a step back. Give your child some space. Watch how the “Shut Up” Challenge can help your teen to Grow Up!

Your teen’s life may be filled with activities. But is he missing out on valuable time with mom and dad?

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

We push our teens to work hard at piano lessons, soccer practice, church events, and whatever else we cram into their 24-hour day. But rarely do we create time to simply sit down and have a real conversation.

This week, try making a pie chart of your time with your teen. Is most of your time spent shuttling them from activity to activity … or speed-chatting at the dinner table?

The fact is, kids these days are over- committed and under- nurtured. So if your teen feels constantly tired and worn out, it’s time to intervene.

Slow down, back off … and make your home a healthy place for restoring the soul.

Is your teen depressed, withdrawn, or isolating himself from friends and family?

Don’t miss the telltale signs of emotional pain!

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston discusses what to do when you see the warning signs and how to restore hope in a suicidal teen.

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

All sweet, docile children … eventually turn into these scary things called teens. So parents need to start preparing now by outlining a belief system for their family. I’m talking about a set of convictions, boundaries, rules, and consequences that govern the discipline in your home.

So let me encourage you to write down some of your personal beliefs. Think about why they’re so important to you. Pretty soon, you’ll be on your way to creating an effective belief system for your family. And you’ll define your limits before your teen begins to test them!

Establishing your family’s belief system today can help prevent chaos tomorrow.

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

It may sound good in theory. But in reality, kids base their habits and attitudes on what they see, not on what they hear.

For example: If parents aren’t grateful, their children won’t be, either. When moms and dads don’t know how to handle conflict, neither will their kids. And if parents never demonstrate self- control … well, you get the point.

Hey, I know that nobody’s perfect. But this week, take my challenge to reflect on the kind of legacy you’re leaving. Do you practice what you preach? Or is it all just talk?

As parents, let’s be godly examples to our families … and both say and do what’s right.

According to a recent survey, 39% of high school students admitted to drinking alcohol within the last thirty days.

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

Parents can’t afford to ignore such staggering statistics. So how can we prevent our teens from experimenting with booze?

First, start a candid, ongoing conversation about drinking. Ask your teen to help you understand what motivates someone to grab a bottle in the first place.

Then, communicate your beliefs on the subject and set concrete boundaries. Your teen needs to know the consequences well before he’s ever tempted.

You may think that your son or daughter would never drink. But we’re past the point of passive assumptions. It’s time for parents to be proactive … and help their teens say “no” to alcohol.