Parenting Today's Teens

One day, Jesus was invited to visit the home of Martha and Mary. And while Martha spent the whole time running around and serving guests … her sister Mary sat and listened at Jesus’ feet.

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

Let’s be honest: we’ve all had our “Martha moments.” Our modern lives get so jam- packed that a quiet, uneventful evening has become a rare luxury. And our families suffer because of it.

In the end, Jesus told Martha, “You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her.”

Mom, Dad, is your life moving so fast that you’re missing out on the best part? Take some time to slow down … and enjoy a meaningful relationship with your teen.

Have you ever had an old picture come back to haunt you? You know, the one where you’re wearing moon boots and a pair of really, really tight high-waist jeans?

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

Our parents tried to warn us … but some lessons can’t be learned any other way. And today’s teens aren’t any different. They still adopt peculiar fashions and listen to questionable music … all in the name of fitting in.

So if you’re perplexed by your child’s goofy hairstyle or crazy outfit … take a deep breath. It’s probably nothing more than a healthy pursuit of independence and personal validation.

Just be sure to take lots of pictures. Then some day, they can look back … and realize just how dorky they really looked. Some day … you’ll both be laughing!

Videogames can be a healthy form of entertainment for teens.

But what should parents do when fantasy worlds and online games become a child’s obsession?

Today on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston explains what to do when video games become all-consuming.

For most parents, the thought of giving their son or daughter more control is absolutely terrifying. But it’s the only way to help teens develop into mature adults!

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

Kids these days are fighting for control. They’re longing to take the principles they’ve learned and apply them to their own lives. But when parents are unwilling to let go … teens feel as though they’re left with no other option than to take control by force.

Now I’m from Texas, so I like to think of it this way. When you’re sitting on top of a horse that’s out-of-control, you’re supposed to let go of the reins … not pull back.

So are you giving your teen control of his life? Don’t wait until he starts fighting for it. Instead, begin handing over the reins today.

Moms and dads have heard that sooner or later, they’ll have to show their teen a little “tough love.” But what exactly does that mean?

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

Tough love isn’t making her suffer consequences, or holding her to a strict set of standards. That approach is actually pretty easy compared to what I believe it really is.

Tough love is loving your teen when she says she hates you. When she violates the very core of what you’re all about. When she’s intent on going against what you’ve taught her. And when she purposely pushes you to your limit and beyond.

I know it’s tough to love someone who’s acting like that. But trust me when I say your long-term reward will be worth the effort. Ready to use some “tough love”?

Is your child getting close to his thirteenth birthday? Mom, Dad, get ready for a major shift in parenting!

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

For the first twelve years of your child’s life, you teach them. Then, it’s time to train them. For twelve years, you give them lectures. Then, you have conversations. For the first twelve years, you convey information. Then, you impart wisdom.

As your child becomes a teenager, his needs will change. He’ll need training, not teaching. Conversations, not lectures. Will you adjust your parenting style to meet the demands of each new season? Or hope that the same old tricks will still work?

Updating your parenting habits may be uncomfortable … and even a little bit painful. But make this birthday a turning point … for you and your teen

We live in a world of criticism. And thanks to the internet and social media, this culture of negativity is only getting worse.

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston discusses how parents can make their home a place of love and encouragement rather than criticism.

Throughout the course of my life, I’ve attended more than four-hundred weddings. And after a while, you start to notice some similarities.

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

At weddings, people are always making speeches. And in four hundred ceremonies, I’ve never heard a mom stand up and say, “Oh, I love my daughter because she remembers all the things I taught her in life.” I’ve never seen a bride get up and say, “Mom, remember when you used to correct me all the time?”

But you know what I do hear? “Mom, Dad, I’m so grateful for the time we spent together.”

Ten years down the road … what will your child say about you? At the end of the day, they’ll remember the time you spend … more than the words you say.

When we hold our newborns for the first time, all the possibilities for their lives flash through our minds. Then, when they become teenagers, reality hits.

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

Parents dream about their children becoming dancers, football players, and rocket scientists … pop stars, journalists, and politicians. Then one day Mom and Dad wake up … and realize their teen didn’t turn out the way they always imagined.

Have your dreams gotten way off course from reality? Maybe that’s not such a bad thing!

Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts, humans plan their course … but the Lord establishes their steps.”

God may have a different path for your child than the one you imagined. So trust in Him … ‘cause chances are, His plans are a whole lot better than yours.