Parenting Today’s Teens

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: The book of Psalms invites us to “be still and know that He is God.”  That’s not always easy for a family in today’s world. Many of us don’t know the meaning of the word “still.”  Our crazy pace has us stepping on planes to fly across the country… opening emails every minute of the day… and texting our teens to make sure they bring the car home on time.  There’s always something to do or worry about. According to this verse, we actually have a choice!  Being still and remembering God’s presence, His plan and His love in this moment… is an intentional decision to trust. Today, if you find yourself overly busy, make a choice to be still… and remember God’s grace to you and your family.   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY: We always want to protect our children.  But, as every parent knows, there are people in life who find ways to hurt others.  The answer isn’t to lock our kids up until they’re 35—it’s to prepare them!  That’s the focus of this Parenting Today’s Teens with Mark Gregston. Special Guest: Paul Coughlin ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: By the time kids get to high school, they’re not quick to offer details about their life.  Mom and Dad wonders, “How was your day?” …and the response is often a grunt and a one-word answer. Mom, Dad, don’t expect to know everything that happens in your child’s life.  I mean… did you tell your mom and dad everything that happened to you during high school?  Nope. There’s always a balance, of course.  On one hand, we need to be aware that our kids are inflicted with occasional pain and loss outside our home.  But on the other hand, we can allow our teen some healthy independence by stayin’ out of their private business. Your child may give you a one word answer …but be patient!  And above all … stay engaged in relationship!     ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: When a fight breaks out between you and your teenager at home… what’s the focus of your anger? When tensions run high, you’re probably focused on a couple things:  The problem you’re arguing about… and the behaviors in your teen that need to change.  Hey, these are important considerations, but I’d like to challenge you to add one more focus.  Next time you’re in a fight, think about your role in the conflict. Step away from the heat of the battle and reflect.  Ask yourself:  Have I done anything to ignite this issue?  Is there something I need to correct in my own behavior before correcting my teen? It’s a convicting question.  It takes two people to engage in battle.  So make sure you’ve searched your contribution… before you lash out at your kids.   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: We hear a lot about bullying in school these days.  How to recognize bullies… how to stop them… and how to teach our children face a bully with boldness.  But where do kids learn to be bullies? There’s only one thing worse than a bully … and that’s making the mistake of raising one! Kids learn how to treat people by watching how mom speaks to the cashier at the store… how dad yells at drivers when they cut him off in traffic.  These are little instances… but let me tell ya… your kids may grow up to be just like you. Is your kid becoming a bully by living with you?  Let’s make sure we’re modeling strength with kindness … and conviction with compassion.   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: If you could peer into the heart of your teen… what would you see? Proverbs 22:15 says, “A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but discipline will drive it away.” So there you have it.  Your teen’s heart and mind is filled with foolishness.  The Bible says it! And you and I both know folks who continue to live out of that foolishness long beyond childhood.  Your job, Mom and Dad… as we read right here in Proverbs… is to use discipline, love and endurance to banish that foolishness. So stick to your job.  Take it as a mandate from Scripture to know what’s in your child’s heart and stay consistent with discipline.  “A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but discipline will drive it away.”   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: Michael grew up in a great home.  Mom and dad were both attentive, caring and wanted the best for him.  But when Michael entered high school… their good intentions morphed into something they never intended! A smother mother.  Michael’s mom was involved in everything he did.  He couldn’t make a mistake without his mother jumping in and fixing it.  He didn’t have to remember anything.  He didn’t have to be responsible.  His mother covered it all. That led to a crisis when Michel was 16.  He completely shut down… and resorted to unhealthy behavior… just to get his mom off his back.  Smothering our sons always backfires! And Michael’s story mirrors too many families today.  Mom… take a deep breath and begin backing off!  Your son will never grow up if he never feels any pain.   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY: You may have heard that solid boundaries are key to a healthy home, but what does that look like for your family?  This week’s Parenting Today’s Teens with Mark Gregston features a lesson in what boundaries are and how to implement them in your home for growth and peace in relationships. ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: Are things getting’ a little tense in your home?  Are the kids throwing verbal barbs at each other?  Are they crossing the line… provoking each other and causing tempers to flare? Well, most of the time the culprit is this:  disrespect. Kids take advantage of parents… when they see moms and dads modeling disrespect towards each other.  Without respect for your partner, nothing in your system of discipline at home will work.  Respect between a husband and wife is the key to building a strong family… to teaching children value for themselves and others.  It’s at the heart of building a mature, responsible, likable adult. Isn’t that what you want for your kids? Model it.  Teach it.  Above all… respect each other.   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: Mom… Dad… how do you draw boundaries in your home? I can almost see your face right now …that blank stare.  You’re thinkin’ …What do you mean by boundaries?  Well, let’s first say this:  Boundaries are personal fences you place around yourself, defining what you will and won’t be. To sum it up:  Every person is a child of God… entitled to be valued, protected and honored by those around them.  Setting boundaries helps communicate value and honor. If you haven’t thought about the boundaries for yourself… or your kids… today’s the day!  Define where you refuse to be compromised.  Then …clearly communicate to your family where you’re drawing the line!  Don’t be tempted to back off!  You’re building value into your home!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: When kids are young, parents are in charge.  Discipline is somewhat second nature.  But come to the teen years… and it’s a whole new ball game. For little kids, all it takes is a “time out,” or a stern look … or an occasional swat.  But for teens, discipline gets a lot more complicated.  Our position of authority, as king and queen of the household, doesn’t seem to work anymore. But don’t lose heart.   Pay attention to the character qualities you want to nurture in your child.  Then take action to see those virtues grow.  Don’t ignore behavioral problems and hope things will automatically get better.  They won’t. Though it’s hard right now, continue pouring into your teen’s life.  The discipline you follow through on today will serve them well!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: Mom, Dad … frustrated with the way your family functions today?  Beginning to feel like things are breaking down? Maybe it’s your wake up call!  Maybe it’s time for a change. Most parents, when faced with turmoil… hardly recall how things got this far out of hand.  And sometimes the prospect of changing courses appears impossible. Well, I can assure you that a little bit of structure goes a long way.  It’s time to get very intentional about adjusting your approach.  Change doesn’t happen when you just wish the kids would grow up.  You need small, structured steps toward creating a peaceful home. Are you ready?  It’s the first day of the new year… a perfect day to change directions.  It’s never too late to start doing what’s right.   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: Look at a map, and you can clearly see where you are, where you’ll end up, and the road that takes you there.  But the path through life isn’t so clear. You and I have lived a lot longer than the teens we’re guiding.  Because of life experience, we can look back and more clearly see the paths that are good, those that are bad… and the healthy destination.  But teens don’t always see what we see! I hope you remember what your goal is at this point.  As a parent, your goal is to help your kids get to where they want to go… and keep them from where they don’t want to go. Even if they don’t know which is which.   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: Recently, while on a speaking engagement, one father asked me this question:  “How do I ensure that my children know I listen to them?”  Good question! When your teenagers are talking about their concerns …stop what you’re doing and listen.  When you pay attention with your eyes, and make time where nothing else is happening… it shows you care about them.  You are listening. I’d also suggest that moms and dads ask follow- up questions… letting your teen know that you were paying attention and want to know more. Think about how you know someone is listening to you.  Then… translate that to your teen.  It’s one of the best ways to build your relationship!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: Every family has a different story.  No two kids are the same… and your journey through life will be uniquely wonderful… and uniquely difficult. Though every family I meet is special, I’ve picked up a few universal lessons that apply to moms and dads anywhere.  Here’s one:  you can choose to be loving… even when you don’t feel loving. Parenting isn’t easy.  It’s not for the faint of heart.  And there will be times when you want to shut down and give up.  But in those moments, you can decide to act apart from your feelings.  I’ve learned that feelings will soon follow… if, first, you love as an act of your will. So let that universal statement ring in your mind… as you think of your unique situation:  Be loving, even when you don’t feel loving!   ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.