WEEKEND: Consistency in Parenting is Key (7-31-2010)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

Disciplining teens is rarely easy. However, parents can do their part by being clear and consistent . . . never wavering on expectations and follow-through. In this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston provides guidance for the purpose and standards of discipline in your home.

Parents Can Be A Sounding Board (7-30-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Is your teenager questioning their faith? You bet they are!

Some parents foolishly shame their teen and cut them off for questioning their faith. But how else will you understand what they are thinking unless you allow them to talk about it? And why should they listen to your beliefs if you fail to listen to theirs?

Wise parents are a sounding board for their teenager, no matter how far off base their beliefs have become. They realize that they can still influence their teen’s thinking for years to come, so they aren’t threatened by such discussions. They see it as an opportunity to learn what their teen is thinking and what needs to be better explained in the future.

Rebellion Or Not? (7-29-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Blaming sudden teen misbehavior on sin and rebellion can overlook other factors in a teen’s life that may be igniting such behavior.

Christian parents can be severely tested when their teenager gets off track in life. While some are quick to consider it rebellion against them and God, a teen’s misbehavior may be less sinister than that. Perhaps there is something on the inside needing to get out, but it is displayed in an immature and inappropriate way?

Often, the root of misbehavior isn’t rebellion at all. It is a loss in their life or some other unmet emotional need. So the question parents should ask is this: “Has something happened in their life that has caused them to get off track?”

Help Teens Find Their Purpose (7-28-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

One of the most important life questions your teen will begin asking and wrestling with is, “What’s my purpose on this earth?”

For a lot of kids today, their only motivation in life is their next purchase. No wonder suicide rates are skyrocketing among teens! They have so little to live for.

Nothing matters more than your teen knowing their purpose in life, and nothing can compensate for not knowing it. It gives meaning to their life and each step along the way. It motivates them to prepare for and save themselves for that purpose, and to avoid anything that might get in the way. It simplifies their life and removes confusion.

So, does your teen know their purpose?

Discuss The Options (7-27-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Parents are sometimes so intent on passing along their values and beliefs that they send the wrong message to their teen – one that says, “Your opinion doesn’t matter.”

One sure way to set up a power struggle with your teen is to make them feel like their opinions are stupid, or that some things cannot discussed with you.

A more productive way to respond is to ask thoughtful questions and discuss other options. It will teach them to think things through, rather than acting on the first idea that comes to mind.

Teaching a teen to weigh the options and foresee the results is a valuable tool they’ll use again and again throughout their life.

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WE’RE COMING TO THE NEW YORK AREA…I will be in the New York area for the first leg of our Turbulence Ahead Tour September 19-26. So far, we are planning a Turbulence Ahead Seminar on September 25 and 26 in Long Island, New York. If you live in the area and would like me to come speak to your church or group, please contact Sam Sheeley in our office at 903.668.2173, or e-mail him at Sam@TurbulenceAhead.org.

Listen Without Responding (7-26-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

I see two extremes in the way parents listen to their teenagers, and neither is very helpful.

Some parents listen carefully, but then react and tear apart every word. Others assume they already know what their teen is going to say, so they interrupt without letting their teen finish.

As difficult as it can be to hear out your teen, I believe it is better to know what they are really trying to say. Sometimes they are just processing their thoughts by thinking out loud.

 So listen more than you respond.  Poor listeners may see their teen picking fights or mouthing off just to get their point across. I hope your teen doesn’t have to resort to that.

WEEKEND: Making Wise Choices (7-24-2010)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

Teens today experience countless challenges to making wise choices. Unfortunately, parents are faced with the temptation to be “Super Parents,” protecting or rescuing their children from the natural consequences of their actions. On this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston teaches parents to help their teens learn experientially and grow in maturity.

Teen Dishonesty (7-23-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Dishonesty is on the rise in all sectors of our society. When kids see it as a strategy to get ahead — like what’s portrayed on most reality TV shows — it’s natural for them to emulate it.

Kids lie and cheat for the same reasons that adults lie…to lift themselves up, to get ahead, to destroy their competition, or to protect themselves. They see others getting away with it, so they adopt untruth as well. Some see it as a game or take pride in their ability to deceive.

Parents should be on the lookout for lying and cheating in their teen. Catching and dealing with it early on will help avoid bigger problems in the future.

When Evidence Is Found (7-22-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

If you find something inappropriate on your teen’s cell phone or computer, calmly and privately talk to your teen about it, without embarrassing them.

Discovering inappropriate photos or visits to pornographic sites by your teenager is an opportunity to calmly talk about the issue.  Don’t assume the worst. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. You’ll be amazed how your child will respond when you speak with a gentle spirit, not one of guilt and condemnation.

The goal is to express the inappropriateness of this behavior, what God says about it, and how you will be looking out for them from now on, because you don’t want it to bring damage and heartache to their life.

Teens Hanging Out (7-21-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Just like you monitor who your teen hangs out with in your neighborhood, don’t forget to monitor who they hang out with around the world.

If your teenager uses Facebook – the largest and so far the cleanest social networking site — then make sure they “friend” you, so you can see that they and their friends are posting. Have them make their profile private, so that only you and approved friends can communicate with them.

Don’t reprimand them online or otherwise embarrass them with their friends. Just use it as monitoring. A little monitoring goes a long way toward keeping your teen from hanging around with the wrong crowd.