Good Intentions (2-29-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

I meet a lot of parents who have good intentions … trying to raise them to embrace high moral standards.  But what happens when the once-peaceful child turns into a teen spinning out of control?

That situation is all too common:  Parents wanting to do everything right … but watching their kids turn out all wrong.

Hey, if you’re in this situation, take stock of your rules, boundaries and beliefs.  Have your parenting techniques shifted as your child gets older?  Or are you still enforcing rules that worked five years ago?

I know your intentions are good!  But I’d challenge you to stick to your beliefs … while updating the way you communicate with your teens.

Unfamiliar Territory (2-28-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Ever gotten lost on a road trip?  It’s confusing and frustrating when you take a couple wrong turns.  Everything looks strange and unfamiliar.

I find those feelings of insecurity and confusion are exactly what teens feel when they encounter a world they weren’t expecting.  The map they have, and the things they were trained for … don’t match up with reality.  Especially as the culture is changing at an unprecedented rate.

So next time you’re frustrated because it feels like your child is going in circles … just remember that sometimes they’re not rebellious.  They’re lost.

Don’t beat your kid up for losing his way.  Put your arm around him … and help him find his way home.

The Mess in Front of Us (2-27-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

When struggles come, it’s easy to wish your teens wouldn’t make dumb decisions … or rebel against the values you hold dear.

Your family may seem like it’s spiraling out of control … but you have a choice.  Keep wishing that everything were different … or choose to accept reality.

Maybe the struggle you face with your teen today is actually an avenue for God’s grace to show up in your household.  Perhaps the conflict is actually causing you to trust God for the outcome … more than ever before.

So today … don’t chase the fantasy of a perfect home with perfect relationships.  Thank God for the mess in front of you … because that’s what He’s chosen to use in your life!

WEEKEND: Pick Your Battles Wisely (2-25-2012)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

As teens express their independence, it’s hard for parents to know which behaviors to target.  Sometimes we need to take a step back, evaluate our values and pick our battles wisely.  Mark Gregston helps parents think wisely about establishing boundaries in the home, on this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens.

Special Guest:  Justin Arnold

Down the Road (2-24-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

What’s the temperature in your home?  If the conflict’s gettin’ hot … don’t give up on your teen!  Remember to keep the end in view!

If the bickering seems constant … and the arguments are heatin’ up … you’re probably not thinking about your kid’s character ten years from now.  But, rest assured, your hard work today will pay off tomorrow.

Help your teens acknowledge their frustrations and work through them.  Teach them to see different options to their troubles, to weigh them … and to choose wisely.

In the heat of the battle, it may feel like you’re losing ground.  But take heart.  What you teach your child today … will show up in their character years down the road!

Positive Grandparenting (2-23-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

I have three grandkids … and my heart skips a beat every time I get to see them.

More and more I meet grandparents who’ve become guardians over their grandchildren.  For various reasons, parents aren’t able to care for the kids … and grandma and grandpa step in.

I want to encourage you … whether you’re the legal caretaker for grandkids, or you just get to hang out every once in awhile … your influence is powerful!  You have the opportunity to make your grandkids feel valued and to grow in confidence.

Don’t miss out on these incredible occasions.  If your grandkids are like mine … they love being together just as much as you do!

Connecting (9-22-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Not too long ago a friend snapped a photo of me at my desk.  I had three computers running, I was talking on the phone and texting on my cell.  All at the same time!

You probably have moments like that, too.  Technology can run our life.  And it’s never more true than for your teen.

So, have you stepped out of the digital world lately to connect with your teen?  Have you made a date this week to have coffee with your daughter?  Or take your son to the driving range?

I’m not one to discourage the use of technology!  But keep it in its place.  This time, turn the cell phone off.  And take some time for eye-to-eye communication with your teen!

Marriage Protection (2-21-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

You wouldn’t spend all day in the sun without putting on some sunscreen, right?

You’re taking preventative measures now … so serious skin damage doesn’t happen later.  Well, for parents of teens, that idea needs to translate to your marriage!

I work with a lot of moms and dads who have an out-of-control teen at home.  And couples who don’t prepare for the struggle often suffer a lot of damage in their marriage.

Parents with kids approaching the teen years would be wise to prepare ahead of time!  Get on the same page as your spouse … and make sure the foundations are strong.

It’s like applying sunscreen.  You can’t see it.  But your investment today could save your marriage tomorrow!

Purpose in Discipline (2-20-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

What’s your perspective on discipline?  Are you trying to uphold the rules?  Or … keep your kid from getting hurt?

Think of it this way … discipline is helping your child get to a place where they want to be … and keeping them from a place where they don’t want to end up.

Before you get embroiled in a big blow-out with your teen, make a plan ahead of time.  It’ll help you keep your cool and stay focused on the goal.

Don’t lose sight of the underlying purpose.  Remember … discipline is helping your child get to a place where they want to be … and keeping them from a place where they don’t want to end up!  

WEEKEND: Online Life and Real Life (2-18-2012)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

Digital communication has become an essential tool in our culture.  That’s why it’s more important than ever to monitor your teen’s behavior in cyber-space.

Special Guest:  Rachel Olshine