Long Haul Parenting (3-31-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

I often have to remind parents that teen behavioral problems cannot be fixed overnight. It may take years of struggle to work through it.

I wish there was quick fix for every adolescent issue, but there isn’t. It may take more time, more money, and be more stressful than you ever thought possible.

But I believe that God can and will help you through it. So, the first step is to realize that this may be something that’s totally out of your control. Putting it in God’s hands will take the pressure off you and allow Him to do His work in your child’s life. And be sure to surround yourself others who can provide encouragement and comfort. This way you’ll find strength for what could be a long haul.

Parenting Ping Pong (3-30-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

If you’re the parent of a teenager, sometimes you can feel like your playing ping pong.

Kids are experts at playing three-way ping pong with their parents. They’ll bounce their wants and desires off one parent and then the other and back and forth until one eventually falters and gives in.

That’s why it is important for parents to always confer with one another before decisions are made. This is especially important in regard to disciplining a child for stepping over the line.

Keeping united in your parenting role is putting both of you on the same side of the ping pong table, making a formidable team that can no longer be manipulated into submission.

Reward Your Teen (3-29-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Teenagers learn to behave responsibly when they are rewarded for doing things right.

Encouraging your teenager when he makes good decisions will go a long way toward building up his desire to go on making wise decisions.

So, when he gets it right – approve! Applaud! Speak up and celebrate!  Teenagers value a parent’s approval more than anything. But another thing they value almost as much is freedom. So allow some added freedoms to be the reward. A little extra curfew time…the use of a car…more time with friends. These all can be used to encourage good decisions. Then sit back and see how responsible your teen can be.

WEEKEND: Spiritual Prodigal (3-27-2010)

WEEKEND HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

It’s not uncommon to see teens wandering from the faith that their parents have taught from a young age. On Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston offers hope and guidance to those who pray for their children.

Bad Changes (3-26-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Teenagers are in transition from childhood to adulthood, so by definition, they are changing. But some changes are aren’t a natural stage of adolescence.

Parents should be concerned for changes in their teenager’s grades, appearance and behavior. They should beware of devotion for new friends they’ve never met before, and the abandonment of friends of good character the teen has known for many years.

These are signs that your teen may be secretly involved in substance abuse, or could simply have problems with low self-esteem.

To be sure, it is wise to test for abuse of alcohol, prescription, or illegal drugs. And regardless of the results, it’s a good idea to seek the help of a qualified counselor.

Structured for Success (3-25-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

A little bit of structure goes a long way toward bringing a sense of calm into your home.

If your teens ignore the house rules, and bulldoze over the limits, it’s time to help them know in advance what to expect the next time they overstep the boundaries.

Sit down with your kids and line out the boundaries. Let them know the rules, and what to expect as consequences for breaking those rules. And get their input on the consequences as well.

Then, if they want to break the rules, they’ll know full well what to expect and not have to guess. This simple step, along with enforcing the consequences, will add some sanity to your home and provide a sense of stability for your teenagers.

Sense of Significance (3-24-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Parents tend to play different roles in helping their child find significance.  Usually a mom instills a sense of value, and dads validate it. That’s why moms and dads are part of God’s design.

But if a teenager doesn’t experience a sense of significance in his relationships at home, he will search for it elsewhere. He may do unbelievably stupid or dangerous things and violate everything about his character and values until he finds the acceptance he longs for.

That’s why it is so important for parents to remain engaged in a teenager’s life, building up their sense of value, moms;  and validating their value, dads.  If you don’t do it, who will?

———————————————————-

Reminder:  Our next Families in Crisis Retreat is April 22-24.  Learn More Here >>

Stay Engaged (3-23-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

How committed are you to your teen? Teens, by their very nature, are selfish and prone to mistakes. They mess up, they blow it, and they get into trouble.  So, have you made the commitment to stay engaged in your relationship with your teen, even when the going gets tough?

Even if your daughter comes home pregnant, wrecks the car; flunks a class or gets caught shoplifting? Even if your son uses drugs, drinks alcohol, lies to you, or cheats on a test….will you stick with him?

It takes commitment to not disengage.  I’m not saying there shouldn’t be consequences – not at all. But a parent needs to give a child room to make mistakes without losing the relationship.

Unconditional Love (3-22-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

A healthy relationship with your teen is founded on unconditional love.  Unconditional love is a love that never ends. It doesn’t stop when your child fails to respond like they should. It doesn’t stop when they make a mistake. And it doesn’t stop when they stop loving you.

Some parents wrongly base their love on performance, or on good behavior. Thankfully, God doesn’t love us that way or we’d all be in trouble.

Children gain a sense of stability and security in parental relationships that aren’t conditional. So, model God’s love today in the way you parent your children, and they will in turn better understand God’s gift to us for all eternity.

WEEKEND: Tensions During Break (3-20-2010)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

It’s spring break season and many parents have questions about handling this free time with their teen. Learn how to make the most of the opportunity on this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens with Mark Gregston.