Parenting Today's Teens

A few times every year, I gather the Heartlight staff, teens, and parents to celebrate.

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

Our graduations at Heartlight aren’t like your typical ceremony. No flowing robes or funny hats. No diplomas or special awards. Instead, we simply come together and reflect on how far a student has come.

In the end, Heartlight graduations are raw and unfinished. They’re not something you can wrap up and put a bow on. And that’s okay. Because we realize our graduate’s problems aren’t gone forever. But we send them off with tools to handle whatever the future holds.

Maybe it’s time to hold a celebration with your family. Even though everything isn’t perfect … you can still look back and celebrate how far you’ve come. Let your sons and daughters know you’re equipping them to handle whatever the future might bring.

There’s a high chance that your teen will drink at some point during their high school years. Most moms and dads don’t expect it, but that doesn’t mean your family is immune!

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston explains how to respond when your teen experiments with alcohol.

His theory led to heated controversy. Copernicus was convinced that the earth revolved around the sun—and not the other way around. And for teenagers, the news that the world doesn’t revolve around them can be just as shocking!

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

We’ve given birth to a narcissistic “me first” generation. Today’s teens sometimes believe the balance of the universe hangs on their every want and need. And they need to know that’s not the way it really works.

Mom, Dad … correcting this self- centered mindset begins at home. Does your life revolve around your teen? If so, it’s time to put that practice to rest.

Parents should be coaches … not butlers, servants, or chauffeurs. So stop doing everything for your child … and start training them to have a selfless spirit. The world does not revolve around our teens!

When your child was younger, helping him with homework was no sweat. But have you taken a peek at what they’re learning now?

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

Supposedly, I knew this stuff at one point in my life. But some of today’s subjects are way over my head. Chemistry, Geometry, A.P. World History … kids are brainiacs today.

That’s because they’ve spent the majority of their school years being taught. And really, they don’t need any more lectures or facts. What they need, though, is a place to practice what they’ve learned.

Are you the kind of parent that goes around thinking, “What lessons am I going to teach my child today?”

Try this far better approach … “What questions am I going to ask my child t

The five things teens can’t get anywhere else except from Mom and Dad.

Sure, not every kid is destined to rule a country or run a Fortune 500 company. But every kid can be a leader.

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

Leaders are those who govern themselves. They’re not mindless followers. They’re secure in what they know is right. And they walk in the truth, regardless of whether others come with them. Now that’s the type of person we want our sons and daughters to become.

But how can parents raise leaders in their own home? It all starts with setting the example.

Mom, Dad, show your teen how to do the right thing even when it’s hard, to persevere when the chips are down, to stay calm under pressure, and to treat others with respect.

Leadership is caught, not taught. So if you want to raise a leader, you have to be one first.

Can you remember the last time you had a meaningful conversation with your teen?

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

Hey, teens aren’t exactly the easiest people to talk to. Sometimes, getting even two or three words out of ‘em is a rare feat. So if you could use some help, here are some basic dos and don’ts for connecting one- on- one with your teen.

Do ask thoughtful questions.

Do spend more time listening than talking.

Do give them your full, undivided attention.

However…

Don’t turn your conversation into a lecture.

Don’t give your opinion, unless they ask for it.

And don’t shut down their response with critical words or body language.

Starting a conversation with your teen won’t always be easy. But with smart techniques and a humble heart … you can make a meaningful connection.

Every teen is going to face the struggles of adolescence. But in some cases, life becomes so unbearable that teens start to shut down. This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston helps parents uncover the deep and painful reasons why teens shut down—and how to respond.

The rules you set for your first child worked like a charm. But when child number two has reached adolescence … and nothing’s working at all. What’s gone wrong?

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

No two people are the same. Each person has his or her own likes, dislikes, learning styles and development levels. So every teen should be considered individually when it comes to making rules. And whatever their needs, remind your teen that rules are all about shaping their character.

As Chuck Swindoll said recently, “Kids long to know how [rules] are going to benefit them … rather than why they’re important to you.”

I have complete confidence that you can establish a working system of rules and consequences appropriate for your household. Just keep your teen in focus … and always be ready to adapt to their unique set of needs.

You want a better relationship with your teen? Well here’s a tip you might not expect. Embrace conflict!

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

Now hear me out on this one. When you acknowledge tension and work through it, this communicates to your teen that you’re willing to take risks for their benefit. And it shows that you’ll always love them, no matter what.

Now, that doesn’t mean you should stir up trouble where there is none. But here’s the point … ignoring unresolved conflict can cause tremendous damage to any relationship. Don’t become passive, or evasive, when your teen’s emotions flare up.

Remember that God is directing your family. He can use this unwanted moment of conflict to strengthen your relationship with your teen. In fact, this could be the unexpected answer to your prayers.

Mom, dad … embrace conflict!