PODCAST SCRIPT:

In your home and mine… respect is a key issue!

If disrespectful comments are the norm in your household… something’s gotta be done.  Because relationships won’t be healthy unless there’s mutual respect.

So here’s what I challenge parents to do.  First, admit that you may be contributing to the disrespect in the home.  If that’s the case, admit it and apologize for any belittling or bitterness you’ve added to the equation.

Then, call a family dinner… and announce that you’re making some changes.  You’ll make an effort to be different… and you expect the same from your teen.

You might be surprised at the outcome when you have the courage to take the first step!  Remember… disrespect will slowly disintegrate your relationships.  So don’t let it happen.  Take care of it right now!

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Teens today feel a sense of entitlement.  They want more, demand more, and expect more than any other generation I’ve known.

My friend, Dr. Tim Kimmel, puts it this way:  “The problem with kids brought up in our typical middle class home is this…  they’re born on third base but are under the delusion they hit a triple!”  

It’s this platform of unbridled entitlement that causes young people to remain immature, neglect responsibility and treat people disrespectfully.  Basically… they’re refusing to grow up.

Sadly, I often see moms and dads fostering these attitudes in their children.  There’s nothing wrong with wanting to give your child things, and put ‘em on third base… but consider how withholding privileges might teach your child much more than hitting a grand slam!

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Someone once said, “Children seldom misquote you.  In fact, they usually repeat— word for word— what you shouldn’t have said!”

You probably know what I’m talking about.  When your kids were little they blurted out things in public that you said in private.

Well, that might not happen when the kids turn into teenagers.  But be assured that they’re still watching you.  And… in more ways than one… mimicking what you say and do.

So, if that’s the case… how are you teaching your kids to live?  How are you teaching them to talk?  These are questions that moms and dads like you and me need to think about!

“Children seldom misquote you.  In fact, they usually repeat— word for word— what you shouldn’t have said!”

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

In this generation, more and more guys are growing up with “Peter Pan” personalities—they’ve never grown up!  How does a mom or dad help their son move past prolonged childhood?  On this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston shares practical advice on training boys to become men.

Special Guest:  David Thomas

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Have you set high standards for your teen?  Do you want them to grow up to be smart, mature and responsible adults?  Of course you do.

We all want the best for our kids.  And a healthy amount of prodding and preparing are good.  It’s what we’re called to do.  But when moms and dads become more concerned with meeting the standards and lookin’ good to the neighbors… bad things happen.

So don’t give up on helping your teen become the best adult he can be.  But watch what you’re really after.  If it’s just the standard and making yourself look successful… better double check your motives!

Get back to loving the kid in your household …without concerning yourself with your reputation.  Your teen will love you for it.