Parenting Today's Teens

Dealing with conflict in your home is all about timing and approach. If done correctly, it can usher in a new day of hope! If done poorly, it can take you years to mop up the mess.

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

I know a Dad who held everything in… and then exploded in when problems piled up. He had a short fuse. Mom, on the other hand, nitpicked and nagged on every little thing. So the son gave up! He couldn’t win. And he clammed up, as well. Simple normal problems caused devastating dysfunction.

Hey, if this family sounds like your family, step back, take a deep breath, and make some bold changes. Your normal daily conflicts can turn into giant problems if they go unresolved.

So don’t ignore… and don’t nag. Instead, work through conflict like grown-ups and pave the way for deep satisfying relationships.

No relationship lasts very long without forgiveness. And this is never more true than at home!

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

I believe that forgiveness is one of those things that isn’t taught… it’s caught. Your kids will only learn how to ask for and offer forgiveness if they see you do model the process. This is often hard for parents. It doesn’t flow naturally. Parents don’t want to admit their failures. But let me help you out here… no one is perfect!

So next time you step over the line or say something that hurts someone else… whether inside or outside the family relationship… ask for forgiveness.

Saying two simple words, “I’m sorry,” restores relationships and allows for a new beginning.

When you model forgiveness you prepare your kids for healthy relationships.

In life, you’ve got to pick and choose your battles. It’s not worth winning every skirmish if it means you end up losing the war!

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston defines the issues really worth fighting over and presents a case for letting go of the small stuff.

When it comes to speaking less and listening more… sometimes parents need a little practice!

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

Here’s a simple exercise you might try at home today. When the family is sitting down to dinner together, ask this question: “What’s most important to you?”

The ground rules are simple: Everyone must answer. And dessert isn’t served until each person gives at least five important things. If you need to motivate the kids… offer a reward for answering thoughtfully. It’s well worth the investment to hear what’s on their heart.

Now, Mom, Dad …here’s the deal. Do not dominate the conversation. When they answer, listen! Don’t correct their response or steer their words. Don’t judge their comments.

I guarantee you’ll hear something brand new. Ask the question. Then …listen.

Ever come to a place where nothing at home seems to work? Your teen is repulsed when you walk into the room. It’s like every conversation disintegrates into a yelling match.

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

When we feel like we’re failing at home, we need someone to come alongside and give a listening ear.

Proverbs 11, verse 14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.”

Hey, you’re not waging a literal war, of course… but you’ve probably suffered a few battle wounds at home. So the principle holds true. When you’re in the thick of it… reach out and get some help. Don’t attempt to win the war alone.

Surround yourself with godly people who can listen and point you in the right direction. When nothing works… find a friend who can make the victory sure!

Teens always go through ups and downs. It’s a natural part of growing up.

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

The emotional roller coaster for teens is normal. But when the lows become so low, and so long- lasting… we need to pay attention and take intentional steps.

If you hear your son or daughter talking about suicide, take the warning seriously. Don’t sluff it off.

If you see the signs, take action …

First, if you think a son or daughter is suicidal, don’t leave them alone.
Second, seek immediate help from a doctor or go to the emergency room.
Third, eliminate access to firearms or other harmful tools… including unrestricted access to medication.

No one thinks their child will get to the point of contemplating suicide. But when the lows of life lead to despair, parents need to take action!

Suicide isn’t easy to talk about. It isn’t easy to think about! But parents need to know it’s real… and watch for the warning signs.

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

Most parents cannot possibly fathom this ugly tragedy will ever occur in their family. But the statistics prove that suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds. That’s a staggering number. And please hear me …as a parent… we need to be watching!

If your teen is talking about death a lot …if they give hints that they might not be around much longer… even if they pull away from friends and family or display signs of hopelessness… take action! Ask questions and get professional help.

Suicide is an awful choice. But it happens. Mom, Dad, don’t ignore the warning signs.

You’ve got a million things you’re trying to teach your kids. But don’t miss one of the most important skills in life!

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

When they were little, you taught them to write their name or ride a bike. In the next few years, you became the math tutor and showed them how to throw a curveball. In the teen years, you were the unofficial driving instructor. But there’s one thing parents often forget to teach. It’s how to struggle. You heard me right. How to struggle.

The life ahead will be full of ups and downs… and you won’t be there to coddle your son or daughter.

Before your child leaves your nest, they need to become champions of adversity. Teach ‘em how to push through the tough stuff. Some day … they will thank you!

Most parents tend to run at full speed in a million different directions. But it’s hard to step back and look at the big picture when you’re stretched too thin!

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston gives moms and dads seven critical level-setting family values that are too important to miss.

Granting amnesty, giving grace, isn’t easy. And forgiveness is hard work!

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

We love to talk about God’s grace. We sing about it… we thank the Lord for mercy in our own lives… but when our kids mess up in a huge way, it’s hard to offer forgiveness!

Grace is a costly gift, and it’s most needed when it’s least deserved.

Parents, we can extend grace even as we enforce the consequences of our teen’s inappropriate behavior. We do it by affirming the relationship at a time when they might be afraid that relationship is in jeopardy.

Hey … if our teens never experience grace from their earthly fathers, how will they ever recognize or learn to receive grace from their Heavenly Father?