Moms Modeling A Wife (11-30-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Boys who feel loved and accepted by their mother, often pick out the same kind of wife.

Isn’t it amazing that guys from loving families often choose a wife that looks and acts just like their own mother? It’s because their mom modeled what a good wife should be. She refrained from being sarcastic of him, she encouraged him to be his very best, she often told him that she loves him, she was always honest with him, and she went out of her way to do special things for him.

Moms…preparing your boy to pick out a good mother of your future grandchildren starts with modeling the love of a good wife.

Parenting Support Group (11-29-2010)

There’s nothing more difficult for parents than dealing with a teenager out of control. So look for some support.

Parents find it very helpful to find and participate in a local support group. It can relieve bottled up emotions, encourage them that they aren’t in this alone, and it can provide the help and reinforcement they need.

If you cannot find a support group, form one yourself! To help, my video seminar, Dealing with Today’s Teens, and the matching workbook is designed for small groups to learn and share together on a weekly basis. Turn the series into a support group, and you’ll not only be helping yourself, but other parents who attend.

WEEKEND: Being Thankful When Frustrated (11-27-2010)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

The holiday season isn’t always easy.  And if your teen is struggling, it can be more pain-filled than joy-filled.  On this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston helps parents turn to God for perspective and discover reasons to be thankful even in the midst of trying times.

Not Fooled By Courtesy (11-26-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Some of the most courteous kids I know are also the most devious and unprincipled. Don’t let their courtesy fool you.

If you’re seeking kids that could be a good influence on our teenager, don’t be fooled by those who pretend to be respectful and decent to you. They could be devils elsewhere. Their “Yes sirs” and “No ma’am’s” and even their clean-cut appearance can hide the kind of behavior they employ when you aren’t around.

Scripture says, “You will know them by their fruits.” So, check out the other kids they hang around with, who may not be quite so adept at hiding their true character. Through their friends’ deeds you will know how they act when you aren’t around.

Detour for Addicts Returning Home (11-25-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Nothing can move a teenager to be more secretive, deceitful or manipulative than an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

It’s common for addicts to want to come back home to live after being away for a time. They beg their parents for help and say they’ll change. But the addict just needs to recoup and gain access to money or valuables so they can continue their habit.

That’s why I tell parents to always offer a road back home, but require a detour first to a good drug or alcohol treatment program. Only then should the teen be allowed to come back home, and only if they keep up with the meetings should they be allowed to stay.

Slippery Slope (11-24-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

You’ve heard the term, “slippery slope.” Well that’s exactly the trail teens get on when they start developing an appetite for alcohol, drugs, sex or even the escape from responsibility.

Kids who start down the slippery slope cannot stop themselves. If something doesn’t catch them, they often have to hit bottom before they think to look up again…but then it can be too late. They’re bruised, battered, or even worse. As addicts, alcoholics or felons, they’ll never have the same potential in life.

So, do your best to keep your teen off that slippery slope. Catch them before they do, and you’ll never have to deal with a lifetime of them slipping and sliding to the bottom again and again.

Ground Rules For Grounding (11-23-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Do you know ground rules for grounding your teenager?

First, grounding needs to be a natural consequence or a break in trust, not the catchall consequence for every misbehavior. For instance, use it for a child who comes home late, not one who is caught stealing.

Second, never think of grounding as a punishment. Rather, as a time period for the teen and parent to work together to rebuild trust. It shouldn’t be a prison sentence where the teen sits in her room sulking.

And finally, never make a grounding open-ended. Doing so only leads to despair.

Grounding can be an effective means of breaking bad habits and rebuilding trust, but only if it is used in the right way.

Temporary Peace (11-22-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Giving in to a teenager’s tantrums just to keep the peace is never a good idea.

Parents tell me that as long as their teenager gets what they want, everything is just fine, but the minute they can’t, all chaos breaks loose.

When I hear that statement, it tells me is that these parents sometimes are giving in to their teen, just to keep the peace. But placating tantrums will only lead to more such behavior. After all, it worked the first time, so they’ll do it even more.

It’s always harder to confront and deal with immature attitudes than to just let them slide. But giving in and not dealing with tantrums is just asking for a repeat performance.

WEEKEND: Build a Healthy Relationship (11-20-2010)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

Every parent wants a lasting relationship with his or her child. But in a confusing culture, sometimes it’s difficult to know exactly what a healthy home looks like. On this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston reviews basic tips for moms and dads to build a strong relationship with their teen.

Quick Learner (11-19-2010)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Kids teach us parents some things, just like we teach them.

Here’s what teens teach us…

We learn daily whether or not we can trust their word.  We learn if they can handle a curfew. We learn if they can be careful and follow the rules driving our car. We learn if they can be trusted to be where they say they are going to be. We learn if they can pick out good friends. We learn if they can handle their school work and chores, or if other things need to be eliminated.

Let your kids know that you’re watching them – and you’re a quick learner in regard to how much you can trust them with new freedoms and privileges.