WEEKEND: Fired By Your Teen (2-27-2010)

WEEKEND PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Have you ever been “fired” by your teen? They don’t want your help, guidance or involvement in their life… and it’s devastating for parents. Learn to see this as an opportunity for growth in your family on this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens with Mark Gregston.

Brutal Self-Awareness (2-26-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

When a teenager’s behavior becomes agitated and upset without reason, it can be because they are thinking about themselves in a new way.

Younger children generally don’t care what others think; but all of that changes in adolescence. Carefree living can quickly turn into brutal self-awareness.

When a teenager appears agitated, it may be because they feel rejected or unaccepted by others, or don’t quite know how to fit in.

Parents can help by remembering their own feelings of insecurity in the teen years and offer loving words of encouragement, affirmation, and empathy to their teen. When appearing angry or down, keep in mind that teenager insecurity may be the cause, not rebellion, so a little grace may what’s needed to help them get through it.

Help From Heartlight (2-25-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

We talk a lot on this program about difficult teens, but what about the good kids?

Sometimes parents wonder why we don’t spend more time talking about good kids. Fact is, most teenagers get through adolescence without a scratch. They do well and go on to greater things as mature adults.

These kids and their parents are fortunate. But since they aren’t struggling, it doesn’t make a lot of sense talking about solutions. That would be like firemen pouring water on a house that’s not burning.

Parenting Today’s Teens and the Heartlight residential counseling program are here to help you if you are at a loss for what to do with your teenager’s behavior. Please see our Heartlight website or call us if you need help.

Fading Teen Fads (2-24-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

I often hear from concerned parents who are bothered by the way their teenager dresses.

When I was in high school my dad hated my bushy sideburns, my purple bell bottoms and boots that came up over my knees. And, I’ll bet there were times your parents didn’t like the way you dressed in your teen years.

But for the most part, the way kids dress is just a fad. It doesn’t mean much of anything. It’s just a way for them to fit in with the crowd and not be singled out.

I recommend drawing the line on modesty, but don’t go crazy micro-managing the way they dress. Fads will pass soon enough and even they will laugh at themselves later, just like you and I do.

Relationships Are Eternal (2-23-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

There are two things that last in this world: the Word of God and relationships – both are eternal.

Relationship means involvement. It’s all about spending quality time and quantity time with your teen. It’s about making it a priority.

Through relationships, we can communicate a better way of living, a different view of life, and share our personal faith. Relationships are a model to your teen for their own marriage and parenting.

Relationships are not short-term. In fact, relationships are forever. And your teen needs a relationship with you more than any thing you could ever offer.

You can’t touch or see a sense of significance, but that is what your teen longs for, and it’s through a loving relationship with you that they’ll find it.

Parents Aren’t Perfect (2-22-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Parents pretending to be perfect to their kids in the teen years are actually demonstrating their own imperfection.

When kids are little, mom and dad are like Superman and Wonder Woman, but teenagers can see the cracks in the armor. They know you aren’t perfect, so don’t be hypocritical in trying to be. 

Acknowledging that you aren’t perfect won’t destroy your teen’s high regard, nor damage your relationship. In fact, it can bring you two closer and it will affirm what they already know – that nobody’s perfect! 

Sharing your own imperfections and lifelong desire to grow into a better person will allow your teen to feel a more comfortable in their own skin, knowing they aren’t the only imperfect ones in the family.

WEEKEND: Building Responsibility in Tweens (2-20-2010)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

Moms and dads need to shift their parenting style with pre-teens in order to build responsibility before they become teenagers. Learn how on this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens with Mark Gregston. Special guest: Dee Dee Mayer.

Success in Life (2-19-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Have you ever considered the “Train up a child” scriptural reference to have both spiritual and practical implications?

Spiritual training is important, but it’s also important for parents to teach their kids how to handle money, how to work, how to clean, how to plan for the future, and even how to cook and shop for their own needs.

Don’t expect institutions to teach these basics of life. With all your determination, focus on teaching the basics, one by one, until each lesson is learned.

The bottom line is this…it is up to you, and only you, to train your kids for success in life, spiritually and practically.

Mistakes Happen (2-18-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Mark Twain may well have been giving advice to the parents of teenagers when he quipped, “Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.”

When teens begin to experience life, they will make mistakes. Lots of them. That’s natural. It’s even a good sign when they struggle a bit. It means they are interacting with the world and learning through their experiences while they are still at home, when mom and dad can give them guidance and develop appropriate boundaries.

So, look at your teen’s mistakes as golden learning opportunities. Hold them accountable, but do so with an ever deepening relationship that says, “Yes, I know you will make mistakes, but I will continue to love you anyway, and I’ll help you make better choices next time.”

Next Steps Toward Maturity (2-17-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

So, what’s a parent to do when their child reaches the teen years and begins to show maturity?

Here’s what I recommend:

1) Loosen the reins, but remain watchful.

2) Continue to have a presence in their life; not one that dominates or hovers, but one that guides and limits when necessary, and sets them free to soar when appropriate.

3) Keep connected with the tools of their trade, like text messaging, cell phones, and social networking.

4) Invite their friends into your home, so you can get to know them.

5) Find some fun things you enjoy doing together.

6) And above all else, be sure to meet with them individually once a week, mostly just to listen to what’s on their heart.