Parenting Today's Teens

With Jesus, we can experience supernatural joy and peace. But when we’re struggling at home with our teens, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s blessings.

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston helps parents create an atmosphere of peace and joy in their home this Christmas.

My wife and I have certainly been weather-tested when it comes to raising teenagers. And even now, we still tussle over how to relate to our adult children.

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

When our twenty-five year old son announced his divorce, Jan and I couldn’t see eye-to-eye on what to do or what to say. We were confused and hurt, and it took its toll on our marriage. We started drifting apart, setting up emotional foxholes and hunkering down alone. And it took the grace of God to snap us out of the funk and get us back together and focused.

Are you and your spouse facing a crisis at home? Working through the pain alone is not an option. Pull together and get on the same page. Your marriage deserves it. And your teen needs a united family now more than ever.

When kids reach the pre-teen years … they’re not the only ones who need to get ready to grow up!

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

Adolescence is a critical time of growth for kids, of course. But moms and dads can also expect to do a little learning and changing as well.

When we get stuck in our ways, and keep parenting our kids like we did when they were younger, we’re guaranteed to make a mess of things. What worked on our daughters when they were four or five … isn’t going to work now!

Mom and Dad, is your child approaching the pre-teen years? Get ready now … and plan to change your style where necessary. Be willing to grow up … right along side your teen.

Do you sometimes find yourself hesitating to tell your teen the truth?

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

A father once asked a counselor what to tell his two teenagers after their mother abandoned their family. The counselor immediately replied, “Tell them the truth; don’t lie. Protect their mother’s reputation as much as possible. But make sure to tell them what happened, and do it immediately. Your children will appreciate and remember your honesty.”

That counselor gave some good advice. Teens always want to know the truth, regardless of how much it hurts. And the quickest way to lose their respect is by hiding the raw truth.

So make a habit of telling “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” In the long run, your teen will thank you for it.

Do you remember those crazy fads from the late ‘60s and ‘70s? My dad always hated my bushy sideburns and long hair, my purple bell-bottoms and knee-high boots. But back in the day, I was hot stuff!

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

Just like we confounded our parents with goofy clothes and weird styles … our teens today have their own trends and fashions. And just as you don’t wear the same things today that you did back then (at least, I hope not!) … your teen won’t always dress this way, either.

So if your daughter is caught up in some crazy fad … don’t flip out! It doesn’t mean much of anything about who she is as a person, except that she’s a normal teenager.

Don’t make a passing fad your battlefield of wills. Relax. This too shall pass.

Now I’m definitely no fortuneteller … but I can always predict when pain will appear in the life of parents.

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

After several decades of working with parents and teens, imminent pain has become an easy thing for me to spot. It happens anytime a mom or dad confronts foolish thinking or disagrees with their child’s opinion. Or when parents need to reestablish their authority, expose wrong motives, or limit and restrict their teens. But while these things may be painful … they’re absolutely necessary to help teens grow and mature.

Mom, Dad … do you avoid discipline because you know it’ll be painful? Don’t let that keep you from doing your job! The discomfort will pass soon enough. And someday, your efforts will be deeply rewarded.

What’s the secret to developing rules and consequences that require honesty, obedience, and respect in your home … while encouraging your teen to make good decisions and wise choices?

This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston gives parents the tools to set appropriate boundaries and get positive responses from their teens.

Did you know that you can teach your child amazing stuff … through your silence? In fact, you not only can, but you should.

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

Proverbs 17:28 says, “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”

The next time your teen decides to open up, don’t jump in too quickly to give your own opinion. Instead, try keeping quiet, and let her be the one to open the door.

And don’t freak out when your teen speaks without a filter. Let ‘em talk! Sometimes they’re just verbally processing what’s happening in their world.

You might have some masterful insights to share, but your teen has to be in the right mindset to receive them. Soon enough, she’ll feel ready to hear your pearls of wisdom.

I love watching those reality talent shows like The Voice and America’s Got Talent. But I’m always saddened when I see contestants begging to get through to the next round … as if their very lives depended on it.

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

A teen’s sense of self-worth and value could be wrapped up in any number of things. But by far the most significant factor is how well they can perform. So what does this look like in today’s culture?

It’s the girl who will stop at nothing to earn good grades, and feels the need to cheat in school. Or the boy who turns to steroids to fulfill his obsessive drive to be the best in sports.

Is your teen acting like their very lives depend on how well they perform? Make sure they know that no matter how they do, you’ll always love them just the same.

Mom, Dad, when was the last time you and your child went out and did something fun?

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

What teens want more than anything else is relationship. And one of the best ways I know to build relationships is through sharing experiences.

So my challenge for you this week is this: go do something fun with your teen! Try cycling, horseback riding, skateboarding, or paintballing, … cooking, baking, sculpting, or hiking … scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, or white water rafting. Go to a concert or watch a movie. Make up your own list … but you get the point … do something fun!

Before you know it, your little boy will be all grown up and on his own. So don’t wait any longer! Start building the relationship today.