Parenting Today's Teens

Grandparents are a wonderful treasure and can influence children in ways that parents can’t. Your voice of wisdom in your teen’s life can speak volumes!

So, how can grandparents make the most of this special relationship?

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston shares how grandparents can be superheroes in the eyes of their grandkids.

When it comes to TV, the Internet, and advertisements, sex sells. And there’s a pretty good chance that your teen is buying!

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston sits down with moms and dads to offer advice about handling teens who are caught up in sexual activity.

When parents struggle over the behavior of their teen… I encourage them to step back and take a look at the bigger picture.

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

No matter what’s going on in your home today… it’s not the whole story. The whole story is what God is up to… His “bigger picture”… which involves plans, people and purposes beyond your imagination.

I know it’s hard to do… when you hurt for your child. Your struggle isn’t any less important. But use this difficult season to deepen your relationship with your child… instead of simply trying to “fix” their behavior.

Place it all in God’s hands. He’s the one who promises to cause all things to work together for the good of those who love Him. And that’s a pretty good “bigger picture”!

Ever had that awful moment… when you bark out a command at your kids… and realize you sound just like your parents?

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

No matter how much we vow to parent differently than our mom and dad… we tend to perpetuate their style. But things are different these days. The world has changed. And parents… we need to change with the times.

You and I need to move from controlling… to coaching… without surrendering our core values. We need to meet our kids at their level… and respect their individuality.

Parents who dig in their heels and don’t adjust… tend to push their teens away.

So shake off the negative habits of generational parenting. It’s a new day. Shake up the family tree… and adjust to meet the needs of your family!

There’s an enormous wave of disconnectedness sweeping across our culture… especially affecting our teens. And the sense of not being connected is having a dramatic impact on relationships!

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

You’re probably thinking… Yeah, but my teen is connecting with people all the time! I can’t get him to stop texting!

Texting, tweeting, posting on Facebook… are actually hindering real connection… instead of promoting it. It’s impersonal. Erratic. Alienating. But …you and I can’t “fix” the culture… and we can’t force our kids to start connecting.

What you can do is take steps to ensure they have at least one meaningful relationship. With you!

Spend time together. Face to face. Share your own struggles. Ask thoughtful questions. They’re all good steps to connecting with your teen!

Often parents wonder if they should shield their teen from hearing about their own mistakes. Because, of course, as moms and dads, we don’t want the kids to say, “Well, you did it, Dad. So I can do it, too!”

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

Honesty with your teen takes guts. But teens need to hear that they’re not the only ones struggling. They’re looking for honest authentic answers… emotionally, spiritually, physically and intellectually.

So, open up a little. A parent’s gotta be prudent about what’s shared and when. But the discussion about life- choices and mistakes is important! It’s part of your child’s process of discovery and growth.

Are there mistakes in your past… that might help someone else make a better decision?

Kids are bound to make some poor choices and foolish mistakes. So, the next time your teen blows it, how can you offer him grace without letting him off the hook?

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston explains the delicate balance between grace and consequences.

Years ago, I met a high school boy who’d kept a secret about an inappropriate relationship with an older woman. The personal shame and the pressure of keeping the secret drove him to give up everything he loved… and to hurt his closest relationships.

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

When the boy’s secret was finally exposed, his parents couldn’t believe he didn’t confide in them sooner. He said, “You never asked.”

Mom …dad… there’s power in asking questions. No matter what inappropriate behaviors your teen engages in… you can connect with your kids by asking insightful questions. Then… wait for the answer! Don’t try to fill in the awkward silence with more words.

You’ll be surprised how much you learn about your teen… because you ask… and because you listen.

Conflict comes in many forms. Sometimes it explodes in boiling bursts of anger. Other times it comes over the house like a sheet of ice… sending a chill across your relationships. So… what’s the temp in your household today?

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

I’d challenge you to take a positive view of conflict . Whether it’s heated debate with your teens… or awkward silence… consider this ...

If you’ve ever prayed to be the parent God has called you to be… that’s what He’s doing. Right now. The process may throw you off balance… but conflict with your kids may be refining your character in ways you never imagined.

So …no matter the temperature in your household …trust God to guide you… and help you make the most of His refining work in you!

I once had a teenager tell me… “My parents held me to high standards… so they’d look good… not because I was good for me.”

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

It’s tragic that some parents place more value on looking good… at the cost of actually being good moms and dads. And when that happens, the world may applaud them. But let me warn you… your teen can sniff out a phony parent a mile away! They know when you’re performing for the crowd… instead of investing in the family.

Hey, if you’re afraid your kids’ mistakes will be an embarrassment to your reputation… you should probably sit down and examine your motivations.

Let go of the pretense. Let yourself be the imperfect… but authentic… parent your kids need!