WEEKEND: Rules for Adult Children Who Return Home to Live (12-31-2011)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

It’s becoming more common that adult children return home to live with their parents.  While moms and dads desire to provide a safe haven… it’s important they establish a few boundaries as well!  On this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston offers a few guidelines for interacting with adult children in the home.

Special guest: Tim Smith.

Fresh Start (12-30-2011)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Closing one year and opening another… it’s the perfect time to think through your goals and desires for the family.

What do you want to change in your family in the coming year?  Do you need to rearrange your schedule in order to have a weekly one- on- one time with your teen?  Or maybe… it’s time to get some outside help for your family.

Take a moment today to think through the tangible steps you can take in the coming year… that’ll bring a positive influence to the family!  Then… I’d even challenge you to sit down with the kids and ask them what changes they’d like to make in the family dynamic.  You might be surprised at the answer!

Here’s your chance.  Be intentional.  Get a fresh start!

Strong Marriage (12-29-2011)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

I see it on parents’ faces all the time.  The stress and strain of dealing with a difficult child… who’s bent on self-destruction.  The pressure of dealing with an out- of- control kid lands squarely on mom, dad… and their marriage.

If you’re struggling with your teen, you know the situation has the potential to pull families apart.  Mom and dad, above all else, you need to protect your relationship!

Make a commitment today that you’ll do whatever you have to do to shelter… and re-ignite… the passion and respect in your marriage.  Look at family struggles as something you both need to manage together.  Stop the blame game.  Don’t avoid the pain.  And build in time to have fun!

Do what your kids… and your whole family… needs.  Keep your marriage strong!

Healthy Conflict (12-28-2011)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

When your teen dishes out disrespect… or blatantly disobeys your rules… there’s conflict headed your way!

When we’re in the middle of a stand- off with a teen and the emotions are raging, it’s hard to keep your cool.  Yet, despite the turmoil, conflict can actually strengthen your relationship.  If… you handle it right.

Here are some rules to keep in mind for having a good healthy fight …

First, focus on the big picture.  This argument can serve a greater purpose …

Second, try to learn something about yourself… instead of just lecturing your kid … so listen carefully!

And third, keep the conversation two- way.  Don’t insist on having the last word.

Plan in advance to have healthy arguments… and you’ll be surprised how everyone wins.

Older Kids Under Your Roof (12-27-2011)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

It happens to lots of parents today.  The kids grow up, graduate high school, go off to college.  Then… they return home to live!

Ah …the boomerang generation!  Older children… in their late teens or early twenties… who fly back into the nest.  So …how do you relate …once they’re back under your roof.

Well, the first thing is to adjust your approach.  They’re not little kids any more… and you don’t need to lecture them on what to do.

On the flip side… you need to stick to the boundaries that reflect your core beliefs.  And if a young adult crosses the line… hold your ground.

And finally… enjoy it!  Your child won’t always be nearby… and now’s your chance to deepen your friendship and enjoy the young adult you’ve raised!

We Need to Adjust (12-26-2011)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Ever had that awful moment… when you bark out a command at your kids… and realize you sound just like your parents?

No matter how much we vow to parent differently than our mom and dad… we tend to perpetuate their style.  But things are different these days.  The world has changed.  And parents… we need to change with the times.

You and I need to move from controlling… to coaching… without surrendering our core values.  We need to meet our kids at their level… and respect their individuality.

Parents who dig in their heels and don’t adjust… tend to push their teens away.

So shake off the negative habits of generational parenting.  It’s a new day.  Shake up the family tree… and adjust to meet the needs of your family!

WEEKEND: Christmas (12-24-2011)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

Christmas is a special time to refocus on what really matters.  And for parents, it’s a priceless opportunity to connect with our teens!  On this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston shares a hopeful perspective for the holiday.

Special guest:  Michael Card

The Bigger Picture (12-23-2011)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

When parents struggle over the behavior of their teen… I encourage them to step back and take a look at the bigger picture.

No matter what’s going on in your home today… it’s not the whole story.  The whole story is what God is up to… His “bigger picture”… which involves plans, people and purposes beyond your imagination.

I know it’s hard to do… when you hurt for your child.  Your struggle isn’t any less important.  But use this difficult season to deepen your relationship with your child… instead of simply trying to “fix” their behavior.

Place it all in God’s hands.  He’s the one who promises to cause all things to work together for the good of those who love Him.  And that’s a pretty good “bigger picture”!

Are You Connecting? (12-21-2011)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

There’s an enormous wave of disconnectedness sweeping across our culture… especially affecting our teens.  And the sense of not being connected is having a dramatic impact on relationships!

You’re probably thinking… Yeah, but my teen is connecting with people all the time!  I can’t get him to stop texting!   

Texting, tweeting, posting on Facebook… are actually hindering real connection… instead of promoting it.  It’s impersonal.  Erratic.  Alienating.  But …you and I can’t “fix” the culture… and we can’t force our kids to start connecting.

What you can do is take steps to ensure they have at least one meaningful relationship.  With you! 

Spend time together.  Face to face.  Share your own struggles.  Ask thoughtful questions.  They’re all good steps to connecting with your teen!

Christmas with Kids (12-21-2011)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

The Christmas season is one of my favorite times of the year.  Most of us enjoy a break from the routine… and holiday traditions.  But for some… the extra time with the kids means tension at home.

If you’re facing a few weeks with your teen in the house… and the probability of family arguments every day… maybe it’s time to take a step back.  Press the pause button for a minute.

What are some ways you can change the dynamic of your home this holiday season?  Maybe you need to spend time with your teen one- on- one.  Maybe it’s the time to laugh as a family.  Or start a new tradition.

Whatever you decide… make this Christmas one of rest and relationship… instead of tension and turmoil.