What is your definition of peace? Is it a house with no yelling? Maybe a few quiet moments without the kids making a mess?

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

The world’s definition of peace is the absence of conflict. But God’s definition of peace is hope in the middle of conflict. When you struggle as a family… when there’s tension and disappointment in your relationships… you have the choice to trust God, and to see that the hardship will lead you to a deeper relationship with your teen.

If you sweep struggle and conflict beneath the carpet, you’ll keep your family relationships from growing. In fact… requiring a non- conflict home will only atrophy your family muscles!

Today, view peace from a different perspective. Let God bring peace in the middle of conflict!

No matter how much we want to believe it… we aren’t perfect. Dad… you’re not Superman! Mom… you’re not Wonder Woman! Are you ready to admit your weakness?

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

Your teens already know you’re not perfect… but when you’re finally up front about your faults, you’ll actually build your relationship. Your son and daughter are daily surrounded by voices that tell them they don’t measure up. And when you get on his or her level and admit your own imperfection… you’re doing two things.

First, you’re helping your teen feel comfortable in his own skin. And second, you’re teaching him how to have a confident, but realistic, assessment of himself.

Being imperfect is okay. And it doesn’t hurt to admit it!

Are you rested? Refreshed? If you’re the parent of a teen, you may not know what those words mean any more!

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

In Matthew chapter 11, we read these comforting words from Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” That’s a warm invitation, isn’t it?

When you’re exhausted emotionally, physically and spiritually, you can find refreshment in God’s embrace. And… as He’s designed you to be a parent to your teens… you’re also called to offer that rest to them!

Jesus said, “Come to me, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Well, traditionally January is the month when we make resolutions to live better, eat better, turn over a new leaf. So… now that we’re nearing the end of the month, how ya doing with all those promises?

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

On New Years Day, you might have dreamed about making this a better year for your family. You wanted to take time for family dinners… maybe you decided to give your teen a little more responsibility.

It’s common to arrive three weeks later … miles away from your good intentions. Is that you?

Hey, this parenting thing isn’t a one- resolution thing. Start over today. In fact… start over every day. You can choose right now to spend time with your family… to encourage responsibility… and to do whatever necessary to help your family grow strong.

Go ahead. It’s not too late. Make an end- of- January resolution!

Ever feel like having a conversation with your teen is as painful and slow as pulling teeth?

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston discusses a new strategy for getting teens to open up.

Hear why the power of asking a good question is remarkably effective in the hands of a forward-thinking parent.

Learning the hard way. Most likely, when you were growing up you did a lot of that!

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

The school of hard knocks isn’t easy… you were probably hurt by a lot of the mistakes you made in your own teen years. So, naturally, you’ll want to save your kid from encountering those same pitfalls.

I’ve learned, however, that the hard way is sometimes what a teen needs. One of the best ways to teach your child about the realities of life is to allow her to make choices and suffer the consequences. It teaches her responsibility and discernment. How will she learn to recognize good decisions unless she makes a few bad ones?

Next time you see your kid learning the hard way… allow it to happen!

My good friend James MacDonald says this all the time: There’s no pain like family pain.

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

Pain in family relationships will always be tough to endure. There’s no magic cure. But when you pay attention … and don’t avoid the suffering… you can start to see benefits of hangin’ in there.

Here’s what I’m getting at. The family that faces its pain together stays together in the long run. Unfortunately, some parents won’t discipline their teens because they’re afraid of causing pain. But wouldn’t you rather tell the truth now and face temporary pain… than live with a sense of regret later?

The temporary pain caused by discipline will subside… and leave behind it a growing, maturing and strong family. Mom, Dad … hang in there!

I’ve heard it said that the average teenager actually goes “deaf” after hearing about five sentences from a parent’s lecture.

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

If you have teens in the house, you probably know what I’m talking about… that flinch in the shoulder, the eyes roll up into the skull …as they turn and leave the room!

Hey, maybe you need a different approach. If your teen goes “deaf” five sentences in… learn to condense your message. Or, better yet, start with a question!

Yeah, I know you want to correct bad behavior, but five-point sermons aren’t always effective. Let them learn the way you learned… through asking questions and sorting through the answer on their own.

When you change your approach… you might be surprised what your teen decides to hear!

It’s a common story. Mom and Dad enjoy great relationships with their innocent young kids… everything is going just fine… then, out of nowhere… your teen becomes a monster!

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

One moment your family looks like the American dream. The next moment, you’re spinning out of control… and wondering where you failed. Your Ozzie and Harriet home has morphed into a nightmare.

So, Mom, Dad, ask yourself this question: Is this really a bad thing?

Seriously.

If members of your family are hurting themselves or others… be sure to get help! But if these turbulent times are nothing more than an innocent departure from the family you imagined …you might wanna stop and ask the Lord what He’s trying to teach you.

Broken ideals could be the doorway to an exciting an unexpected future of blessing.

When it comes to raising healthy kids, every parent has their own style and creative flare. However, if you have teenagers at home, a couple things are non-negotiable for parents.

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

Like this one. As your kids grow up, you’ll need to revise your parenting style to adapt to their stage.

For example, when your kids get older, you need to …
Move from lecturing… to discussing.
Move from demanding everything… to asking their opinion about everything.
Move from seeing everything that’s wrong… to finding more of what’s right.
Move from non-stop talking… to non-stop listening.

Yes, you should express your creativity in raising your kids. But be sure to sure to adapt to their changing stages, so that you engender their trust … and nurture their independence!