Parenting Today's Teens

How many “screens” do you have in your life right now? Let’s see … TV … phone… tablet… computer. That’s a lot of screen time!

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

I do a lot of my work on a laptop… and I connect with friends over phone and through texting. So… I’m a big fan of technology.

But there’s a time to turn it all off! We all know it’s true, but it’s tough to set technology aside!

Hey … hit the “off” switch. Do something ol’ fashioned with your child. Go bowling. Take a walk. Grab coffee. Play a board game. Have a meal together— without checking your cell phone.

It doesn’t matter the activity you choose. What’s important is the intentional interaction. Turn off the screen … and look your child in the eye.

When family issues bring you to the end of your rope… if you’re worn out, spent and overwhelmed… you might be tempted to shut down or escape. Know the feeling?

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

Psalm 55 talks about getting release from stress. The writer said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.”

Moms and Dads of teenagers know that feeling all too well. At times, we wanna escape! But in moments of exhaustion, pray for calmness. Ask God to keep your emotions from running wild. Pray that He would guide and direct your teen… and your marriage… as only He can. Then pray that God will love your family through you.

These are simple words. But they’ll bring refreshment from the only source that provides lasting peace!

Can you guess what your teen wants more than anything? It’s not a sports car or more money.

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

You know what your teen wants? It’s control.

When it comes to making choices in their lives, teens want three things…
They want to make their own decisions.
They want to control their destiny.
And they want opportunities to prove their maturity.

Don’t you want the same? Of course you do! No parent wants to babysit their teen when they leave home.

So… help them gain control in healthy ways. When a child is twelve, give them more decisions each year. When they reach eighteen, they’ll be making decisions on their own.

Mom and Dad, you must start transferring control early… so kids get practice in making good decisions!

For more Parenting Today’s Teens resources, please visit www.parentingteenresources.org.