Teaching Your Teen (2-3-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Are you finding it nearly impossible to get through to your teen?

It’s tough to reach your teen … when he’s got his headphones on all the time and all you get back is a grunt or a one-word answer.  But don’t allow those obstacles to deter you.  This is no time to back off!

Find a way to engage your teen with funny stories from your past.  Let them share in the humor of some of your dumb mistakes.  Make sure they’ve heard about your family history … and the reason you turned out like you have.  These unfiltered moments will produce esteem, stability and a sense of purpose.

Mom.  Dad.  Quit lecturing and tell some good ol’ stories!

When Grades Drop (2-2-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

When your child’s report card comes home … are you pleased?  Or deflated?

Mom and Dad … how do you respond when you’re expecting A’s … and your kid brings home D’s?  Well, when the day comes … keep these principles in mind.

First, never step in to rescue your child!  Doing their homework reinforces their failure.

Second, if you notice a drastic and sudden decline in grades … look for a deeper cause.  There may be something wrong … such as depression or drug abuse.

And finally, if grades drop … don’t over-react by punishing poor performance.  Your child’s value surpasses a report card!  Stay on their team … and be the Mom and Dad they desperately need!

Parents Paying Attention (2-1-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

So … when and where does your teen open up … and talk?

Just as you and I are more comfortable in certain settings … our kids also let down their guard where they feel safe.  Have you figured out where they like to hang out?

Parents, notice the times and locations that your teen is unplugged and willing to talk.  And then, seek out that venue for future conversations.

Become a student of your teen’s preferences.  A cup of coffee?  A favorite spot in town they like?  Maybe they open up late at night.

Mom.  Dad.  Pay attention!  A little effort on your part can go a long way to building a deep, long-lasting relationship with your child.

Pushing to Perform (1-31-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Is your son self- motivated?  Does your daughter take her education seriously?

Getting your child to complete his homework or attend all his classes might be like pulling teeth.  It’s frustrating.  Most likely, you’re tired of pushing him to perform better… and he’s digging his heels in because he feels manipulated.

My advice is to make a serious evaluation of your own expectations for your child.  Are you projecting your own desires on your son or daughter.  Hey … hand the outcome of their education over to them!

No doubt …you’ll run into bumps in the road.  And you won’t always see the grades you’d like.  But over time your child will learn to self- manage… to set goals… and achieve them!

Grades Don’t Equal Value (1-30-2011)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Think about the last time you opened your son or daughter’s report card.  Do you remember how you responded to their academic performance?

Whether you saw straight A’s… C’s, D’s or F’s… you had a choice in that moment about how to value your teen.  See, grades are important.  But we can’t forget that marks don’t determine a child’s value.  Their worth is not measured by their GPA.  And while it’s important to do well… it shouldn’t overshadow our relationship.

My challenge to you is to look at the next report card… take a deep breath… then encourage your child in whatever way possible.  Help ‘em work hard at school… but be sure they know that you’ll love them no matter what … whether A’s or F’s… or anything in between.

WEEKEND: Signs of Drug Use (1-28-2012)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

Most parents never expect their teens to get involved with drugs.  But with growing trends of drug use, moms and dads are caught off guard.  Mark Gregston helps parents recognize the signs of drug use on this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens.

Positive and Negative of Peer Pressure (1-27-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Peer pressure.  It’s a natural part of life.  We face it… and our kids face it, too.

The desire to fit in with others isn’t relegated to a certain age bracket.  And it can be a positive thing… especially when you’re surrounded by people who want to do the right thing.

But as mom and dads know so well… peer pressure can push our kids to do stuff they’d never do otherwise.  When our teens surround themselves with friends of questionable character… their convictions get compromised.  It’s not a conscious choice to disregard your values and priorities… they just desperately want to fit in.

As a mom or dad, you need to understand the nature of the battle.  Work to establish a solid relationship with your teen.  Help them find their way …in a world that’s working against them!

A Place to Belong (1-26-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

One of the most powerful influences on young people today is their need to belong… to fit in and to be accepted by their peers.

Research shows that the need to belong is growing… but a sense of true belonging can’t be bought.  You don’t get it from Facebook or texting.  A sense of community is taught, nurtured and modeled.  And if teens don’t find a sense of belonging in their own family… they’ll start looking in all the wrong places!

I’ve worked with thousands of kids over the years and most of them are acting out of some kind of loss… or a need to belong that was unfulfilled.

Make your home a place where the entire family knows they have a place.  Give unconditional love and encouragement… making sure your teen doesn’t go elsewhere to find acceptance!

Forgiveness in the Family (1-25-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Hey, mom and dad.  Are you holding a grudge against one of your kids?  Did your son or daughter mess up …and you’re still holding their mistake over their head?

No relationship can thrive without a spirit of grace and forgiveness.  As parents, we need to acknowledge the pain that comes when our kids fail to meet our expectations.  And we need to realize that withholding forgiveness builds a huge barrier between us …and those we otherwise love.

Do some inventory today.  Think about the ways you might be causing your child to pay for the pain they’ve caused.  How ‘bout burying the hatchet?  Don’t you think it’s time?  Let ‘em know that it’s over …and you love them unconditionally.

God did it for you.  Let’s do it for our kids!

Waking Up to Drug Use (1-24-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

When it comes to taking drugs, most parents never envision their kid will drink booze, smoke pot …or take pills.

I’ve seen too many unsuspecting parents… moms and dads  convinced their teen’s not the type to try drugs… discover just the opposite.  Experimentation is no longer just something the bad kids do.  It’s everywhere.  So you need to know how to spot whether your child is using drugs.

Watch for a sudden and drastic changes in your teenager’s honesty, grades, behavior, attentiveness or friends.  And the substance abuse may start with things you have in your kitchen, medicine cabinet or garage.

Even if you have the best kids in the world… stay alert!  Keep your eyes wide open.  And don’t let your naiveté keep you from being the protective parent your child desperately needs.