Parenting Today's Teens

If you’re a parent, trying to raise your kids in a godly home… you probably know this verse from Proverbs: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

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

That verse from Proverbs may strike a nerve for you… especially if your teen has made some bad decisions… and wandered from the faith. But it wasn’t given as an indictment of parents and their effectiveness.

No. It’s an encouragement for parents to be intentional about spiritual things. Build godly principles and precepts into your kids’ lives… and God will be faithful to care for your kids.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Do you believe your family should go to church every Sunday? Do you believe that you need to sit together in the service?

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

Questions every parent needs to answer. The responses will reveal your level of commitment to lead your family in their journey towards God.

How about this…

Are you gonna make your kids attend youth group? Or go on missions trips? Would you allow your kids to attend a different church if that’s where their friends are? Will you pray together as a family?

As I stir the pot on these issues, I hope you’ll take considerable time to think intentionally about the spiritual character of your family… and how you and your spouse can foster a strong and growing relationship with God.

It’s a banner day for the greeting card industry! You’ll likely buy a card and gift for your sweetheart today. But what about your kids?

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

Every day is an opportunity to build into your kids the love and value they crave. And perhaps today … Valentine’s Day … will remind you that the teens in your life need to be celebrated. They’ll naturally gravitate to the people who genuinely value them … so make that a priority in your home!

Don’t compare your teen to others. Tell your daughter you love her. Don’t move away from your son when he makes a mistake.

On Valentines Day, and every day, let your teen sense your love.

Teens are prone to test their parents in every possible way. It’s part of their built- in and craving desire for independence!

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

Every kid is gonna try and push the envelope in some way. So you, as a parent, need to be ready! Establish a clear and undeniable standard for what’s expected in your home. I call it a “Belief System for Discipline.” It’s all about positive training and reinforcement of dearly held convictions. And, of course, it includes consequences when rules are broken.

Having a belief system in your home let’s the whole family know about the “lines” that can’t be crossed. It’s a tool you need when your teen starts testing the boundaries!

And some day, it’ll lead your teen to establish similar beliefs of his or her own!

What does your teen’s room look like right now? Like a bomb hit it … right?

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

I often meet parents who are adamant about their teen having a tidy room and a perfectly made bed. They demand a spotless household… while the relationships are in shambles.

Our homes are a reflection of who we really are… and our cleanliness standards reflect what we want for our kids. So… yes… we want our teens to present themselves well. But …a sterile home sometimes houses sterile relationships.

Do you need to make some priority adjustments today? Maybe you could lighten up a bit …and quit riding your teen over his or her room. It’ll create an atmosphere of rest for the whole family. Even though your teen’s room is still a disaster!

Sometimes parents assume the only way to be good parents is to be in control of their teens… and to stop ‘em from making mistakes.

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

If you’ve got a death grip on your child… or you swoop in to save them from a potential failure… get ahold of yourself! Hey, a good parent actually gives away control to their growing child. It’s the only way your teen will learn through the decisions he makes.

So… it’s time to quit doing everything for your teen. Think of it as a well- deserved vacation! You get to let go of some of the responsibility you’ve been carrying around… and let your teen take some of the weight. Mom … dad … maybe it’s time to let go!

How do you handle behavioral issues with your teen… when he splits his time between two homes? Especially when the ex-wife or ex-husband hold completely different standards?

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

How are we supposed to be good parents… when it’s only a part- time job?

Well, for starters… be consistent with what you believe! If you’re divorced and your teen moves between two households, understand that you can’t control your “ex.” So stick with the rules… boundaries… and consequences that you believe to be right for your home.

Consistency will help you be the best mom or dad for your kid… whether you’re “full- time” or “part- time.” And some day …your son or daughter will thank you for stickin’ to it …and providing the stability they desperately need.

Most parents never expect their teens to get involved with drugs. But with growing trends of drug use, moms and dads are finding themselves caught off guard.

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston helps parents recognize the signs of drug use.

Respect. It’s one of the most vital stones placed in the foundation of your home. And without respect, no relationship will be able to withstand the storms life will surely bring.

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

Think about your home right now. Is there a healthy sense of respect and esteem between family members?

Well, consider this. When it comes to showing respect for others… your teen takes her cues from you! So when you’ve had a particularly hard day at work… or you’re frustrated with the kids at home… don’t take it out on your spouse. Find other ways to vent that don’t include wife- bashing …or husband- bashing!

When you love and respect your partner in marriage… you’re teaching your children to do the same!

If your teen is struggling, you know the stress it brings inside a household. In fact… you might be feeling the stress… right now.

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

For married parents who want to help their teen through a crisis, it’s critical to understand that the stress that comes with it… may land squarely on your marriage. You may find that your relationship with your spouse is strained… tense… or even put in jeopardy!

So make it a habit to talk through it together. See this crisis as something you must tackle together. Present a united front. Get outside help, if necessary. And don’t blame each other for the stress in the family!

Remember, parenting is not a “his” or “her” job. It’s an “us” job. And together… you’ll get through it.