Parenting Today’s Teens

(Click title to listen)PODCAST SCRIPT: My friend, Dr. John Trent, has devoted his life to helping moms and dads bless their children. You may hear the word “bless” and wonder what the point is.  “After all,” you might say, “my kids know I love ‘em.”  I don’t doubt that deep down they know you’re on their side.  But, along with John Trent… I agree that speaking your love to them is a big deal. In fact, I’d like to challenge you to take a step further.  Write down what you appreciate about your kids, the gifts you see in them, and how you love them… then read it out loud at a family event!  That’ll certainly get you out of your comfort zone!  But… it’ll leave a lasting impression on your kids. Don’t think about your love.  Say it. ©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 your kids comfortable in their own skin? If you think back to when you were a teen or a pre-teen… you probably remember feeling anything but comfortable in your own skin.  It’s an awkward time.  You’re navigating new situations and trying desperately to fit in with the crowd. So, if you have a teen at home… try to extend some grace and compassion for their plight.  Sarcastic cutting remarks don’t help at all.  Make every effort to nudge them toward independence, confidence and control.  But bear in mind the battle raging inside their bodies… trying desperately to fit in and play the part. Hey, it won’t be long before your kids become independent adults… and become comfortable in their own skin!   ©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: Successful parenting is not an exact science.  Yet, there are certain parental styles that are guaranteed to bring out the worst in your child!  Join us for today’s edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, when Mark Gregston outlines the five attitudes that enflame difficulties with kids … rather than soothe the issues.  Is your style on the list?  Listen to Mark Gregston … today on Parenting Today’s Teens! ©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: In more than thirty years of working with families… I’ve seen a lot of over- protective parents! Moms commonly spoil and dote over their children.  It’s pretty normal for mothers to “baby” their sons through the elementary school years.  As a son moves on to middle school, it’s appropriate to protect him from bullies.  However, by the time he turns fourteen and becomes a young man… it’s time to let him look after his own interests. During the teen years, too many parents… moms especially… don’t want to let go. Hey, it won’t be easy to back off… but smothering your teenage son will surely backfire. Moms, show your love for your son in a new way.  As he becomes a young man… let him grow into an independent, mature adult.  Let go.   ©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: On Thanksgiving Day, it’s common to think about what you’re grateful for.  Maybe you have a tradition of going around the table before the meal and saying it out loud.  But… will your gratitude end when the meal is over the dishes are put away? If we’re honest with ourselves, we’re pretty good at feeling grateful on Thanksgiving… but not so hot at actually being grateful the other days of the year. Today’s a good day to change that. Start by promising to express how thankful you are for your kids… your spouse… the home you share… and the journey you’re on together.  Commit to saying out loud, in public, how proud you are of your teen… even when he doesn’t deserve it. Let’s not make thankfulness something we only do on the fourth Thursday of November!   ©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 spend a chunk of time correcting behaviors.  You know… “don’t touch the stove” …or “share your toys.”  But as that kid grows up, the communication style needs to grow up, as well. If your kids are now thirteen, fourteen, or even older… and you’re still correcting like you used to… something has to change.  Mom and Dad, it’s time to move from constant correction to encouraging independent thought.  Short, demanding statements will no longer deliver healthy results.  Instead, your goal should be to train your kids to think for themselves… to act with discernment… and to navigate through a crazy world. As your interaction style grows… you might be surprised that your relationship with your teen will grow, as 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: At our ranch in East Texas, I have a pet donkey named Toy.  Toy is stubborn.  I can try and get her to do something, but she has a mind of her own.  No amount of commanding, pushing or yanking can get her to do what I want! To some of you, Toy the donkey sounds a lot like a your teen.  You want good things for him, you want to keep him from harm… but the more you push, pull, yank and argue, the harder he digs in his heels. Next time try a different tactic.  Instead of ruling with an iron fist, try coming alongside and spend time charming him. Your son or daughter isn’t exactly like my donkey… but of this I’m sure… they’ll respond much better to relationship than authority!   ©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 I tell parents “don’t be perfect” …they sometimes come back at me and say, “Well, of course I’m not perfect!” I’m not ignorant of the fact that we all have deep flaws.  No one is perfect.  But I meet too many moms and dads who like to act like they’ve got it all together.  Or… worse yet… demand that their teens have it all together!  The standards are so high that no human can reach them… especially no awkward, gawky teenager! So… when I tell you “don’t be perfect” …think about what you’re expecting of others.  Are you ready to walk away if your son makes a mistake?  Are you worried that a misstep in your daughter’s behavior will reflect poorly on you? Cut ‘em a little slack.  Give yourself some slack!  No one is perfect!   ©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: Teens today want more … demand more … and expect more in their lives than ever before!  So how can we combat attitudes of entitlement in our kids?  Today on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston explains how to help your child develop a thankful heart! Special Guest: Brenda Garrison ©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: In his book, The Weight of Glory, C.S. Lewis said this:  “The present is the only time in which any duty can be done or any grace received.” C.S. Lewis, in his eloquent way, is saying this… you have the present moment to do your responsibilities, to handle what’s been given to you, and to experience the grace of God.  You can’t live in the future, you can’t live in the past… you have right now. When it comes to raising teens, you may wish you were at a different point in life… that the kids were past this stage… but in reality, today is exactly what God has given you. What are you gonna do with today?  Mom, Dad, live in the moment!   ©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: A week from today we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving.  It’s one of my favorite holidays! Though we’re not officially on holiday break, or cooking the turkey quite yet… I like to look ahead and anticipate Thanksgiving.  With a little extra planning on my part, the gathering of family that day can be everything I hope for. Take a moment with me and think about what you want the holiday to look like in your home.  Prepare a few well- phrased “thank you’s.”  Figure out a creative way to show how much you love each of your children and grandchildren.  Determine not to be shy about showing affection and value for others. Then, start praying for God’s hand on your time as a family this holiday.   ©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: How are you at asking questions?  Have you mastered the art of drawing someone out of his or her shell? There’s a skill that every parent needs to learn.  It’s the simple art-form of asking questions.  Thoughtful questions have a remarkable way of getting teens to think outside the box.  They make a young person evaluate what’s really going on inside.  And… when asked a thoughtful question… a teen feels valued. So… Mom and Dad… do you want to connect with your son or daughter today?  Are you ready to show that you value them?  Try asking a good question.  Not a yes or no question … but one that really makes them think. Then …wait for the answer!  And listen.   ©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: Moms and Dads often bear the brunt of anger unleashed by their teen.  Like a son who’s set off by the dumbest things.  Sound familiar? Anger is often the impulsive emotional response from a kid who’s denied what he wants.  When your teen is frustrated, he flies off the handle! Well, boys truly want to grow up to be men… but that process is often hampered by parents who aren’t ready to hand over freedom.  Moms and dads who nag less and let a young man make choices actually transfer responsibility to their kids. Mom, Dad … he’ll never grow up if you keep spoon feedin’ his every desire.  Let your son, your daughter, make their own decisions.  Their painful mistakes will teach them lessons they could never learn from a lecture.   ©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: As an adult, you’ve learned to wait.  You wait in lines, you wait for the promised phone call, you wait for your favorite TV show. Even if you and I get antsy from time to time… we’ve learned how to wait.  But… there’s something inherently difficult about waiting on God.  Have you been praying for your teen lately?  Are you anxious about how he’ll grow up? … or if she’ll ever grow up?  Do you find it hard to trust the Lord when your teen breaks all the rules?  When she openly defies your directives? Look… relinquishing the outcome and giving up control won’t be easy!  But have patience with the Lord’s sovereign plan.  He loves your children even more than you do!   ©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: The Internet is a complex combination of informational playground and dangerous war zone!  How can a parent effectively keep their kids from wandering into the dark side of the web?  On today’s edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston provides practical tips on preventing your teen from being a casualty of the Internet.  Don’t miss today’s timely edition of Parenting Today’s Teens … with Mark Gregston. Special Guest:  Barry St. Clair ©2013 Mark Gregston www.parentingtodaysteens.org. Email: markgregston@heartlightministries.org. Phone: 1-866-700-3264Also, listen via iTunes here.