Positives of ADHD (9-30-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) tend to dwell on its negatives, but these negatives can become strengths later in life.

Kids with ADHD may drive their parents and teachers crazy, but many of the most successful people in the world have been diagnosed with ADHD. As adults they tend to be: intuitive…high energy…sharp observers…risk takers…creative…and extremely persistent. These qualities raise them above the crowd to be excellent entrepreneurs, athletes, politicians and inventors.

If your teen has ADHD, try to look past the negatives you see today, because they’ll likely become positive qualities as your child grows older.

Clear Purpose (9-29-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Nothing matters more than your teen knowing God’s purpose for their life, because it simplifies their decisions and removes confusion.

Without a clear purpose, your teen will have no foundation on which to base decisions, allocate their time, or use their resources. They’ll keep changing directions, jobs, and relationships—hoping each change will settle the confusion or fill the emptiness in their heart.

So help your teen uncover their purpose by helping them evaluate their talents, their strengths, and their passion. Ensure they experience new things to broaden their horizons.

When purpose sparks a fire in your teen’s heart, it will illuminate their desire to prepare for and save themselves for all that purpose entails.

Broken Meanings in Teen Communications (9-28-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

You don’t have to work at listening to your children when they’re little, but in the teen years, you may need an interpreter.

Teenagers say things they don’t intend to, and avoid saying to parents what they’d like to. That’s why it is important to listen in a different way. Somewhere between the lines is what they are really trying to say. If you allow the words or the immature approach to get in the way, you’ll never hear what’s really on their heart.

Ask questions to clarify, as if you’re speaking to someone who just learned English. While their words and sentences may not be broken, their meaning may be, so take care to interpret.

Basic Training for Teens (9-27-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Some parents want to learn the latest psychological theories for raising kids, but what they really need to teach their kids is as old as time.

I tell parents to think back to the old principles their parents or grandparents taught them. You know, the basics like, “Always tell the truth, never cheat or steal, always show respect to others, control your tongue, don’t judge, take care of your body, honor God, and work hard.”

Teach and model these principles, day in and day out, and your kids will enter adult life fully prepared for battle. They’ll know what to do, and what not to do, because their parents gave them…basic training.

WEEKEND: When Teens Disrespect Parents (9-25-2010)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

Disrespect between family members can cause pain and chaos in a home. It breaks down relationships and easily spreads throughout the family. This week on our half-hour Parenting Today’s Teens program, Mark Gregston explains how moms and dads can put an end to rude, inappropriate behavior in their teens and promote respectful relationships.

Special Guest:  Dr. James MacDonald

No Time for Parents to Back Off (9-24-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Some parents think their job is nearly over when their kids reach the teen years. But sorry…it’s just begun!

While parenting in the teen years is different, it is no less important. In fact, threats to your child’s future are far more serious in the teen years than at any other time in their life.

So, become a good coach and listener. Ask lots of questions. Make clear your boundaries in regard to curfews, friends, and the need to report in.  And get together each week just to listen to what is on their heart.

While your teenager’s time is more occupied with friends and school, it’s not a time to back off in your parenting.

No Favor to Your Teen (9-23-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

If you are in the habit of picking up the slack for your teenager, you’re not doing them any favors. Instead, you may just be keeping them immature, dependent and powerless.

In the teen years, it is best for parents to stop following after their teen to clean up their messes in life. I know it is hard to step back, but it is better to allow them to fix their own problems.

Most teenagers are fully capable of doing well, so let them. Back off in stages. And as they get their footing, move them on to the next stage. You’ll be surprised how quickly they’ll learn when they know you won’t be their safety net.

Get Out of Your Teen’s Way (9-22-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Parents of teenagers need to get out of the way and allow their kids to bend in the winds of life a little more.

It is natural for parents to believe that trouble in the teen years can be avoided by keeping tight reins on their teenager. And they might be tempted to step in to fix their teen’s mistakes. But neither tactic is helpful.

Most teens are experiential learners, so they’ll mature quicker and gain more confidence when parents step back and allow mistakes and the resulting consequences to happen.

While it is hard to take off the training wheels and let go, it is essential to clear the path and get out of your teenager’s way.

Parenting Consistency (9-21-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

The one thing parents say they would have done differently is to be more consistent.

It is common for parents to realize too late that their own inconsistency is leading their teen to a place they really didn’t want to go. They thought they were being loving parents, but they failed to consider that teens need and actually want structure. In fact, most thrive when clear boundaries are in place, because it is the one anchor in their otherwise turbulent life.

So, as you walk along side your teen, be sure they know you’ll not fail to consistently stand in front of them when they start down the wrong path. It is the most loving thing you can do.

Teaching Teens Golden Rules (9-20-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

I realize that some parents don’t want to discipline their kids. But they need to step up and realize that all children need discipline to strengthen their character.

Discipline in the teen years should focus on building positive character values like honesty, obedience, and respect. Seek opportunities for put your teen to test and strengthen their character. And be sure to correct their lapses, so they learn to function and flourish in our society.

Think back to the golden rules your parents or grandparents taught you, and pass those forward. They are tried and true. They’ll create a foundation for your child to base decisions and successfully engage with people in the future.