Having It All Together (4-30-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

I run across lots of parents who want to “have it all together.”  In fact, they want the world to know that they have it all together!  You and I know, however, that no one’s perfect.

Perfection can seem attainable in the idyllic early- childhood years, when kids are still adorable.  But as children grow, families must begin that slow transformation into a home that allows… and encourages… imperfection.

It may come out in the way we present ourselves to our kids… making sure they know we make mistakes and ask for forgiveness when we do.  Then, try and foster an atmosphere of acceptance in your home… for all the imperfections that come with being human.

You’ll find that it’s a much more comfortable place to live… instead of a house that pretends to “have it all together.”

WEEKEND: Fostering Independence (4-28-2012)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

Many parents work hard to prevent their kids from making mistakes.  But often, those life lessons are what help a teenager grow!  On this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston talks about gradually letting go of the control and fostering independence in your kids.

Special guest: Dr. Robert Epstein

A Good Memory (4-27-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Do you have a good memory?  Do you have a good memory when it comes to your own shortcomings?

When you discipline your child, it’s important to remember your own teenage years.  Think back on the time when you dented Dad’s car… or stayed out too late with friends.  You grew and learned through those experiences, didn’t you?

Well, now’s the time to remember the life- lessons and have grace with your own children.  Keep in mind that they’re in process, too.  Even though they may break curfew or dent the car… they’re being shaped for a life of ups and downs— just like you.  And chances are… they’ll remember these moments for their own kids, as well!

So… a good memory is important!

Encouraging Independence (4-26-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

“What are some ways I can help my teen become more independent?”  That’s what I hear from parents around the country.

You have the power to encourage independence in your child… you just need to choose it and stick with it!  Here are a few things you can do as a mom or dad to foster self-reliance in your teen:

First, give them responsibility at home.  Are you still doing everything for your kid?  Stop it!

Second, set reasonable boundaries… and make them age-appropriate.

Third, let teens learn from their mistakes.  When you protect them from consequences, you’re stunting their growth!

And finally… spend more time in discussion instead of dictation.

I think you’ll discover a growing, independent kid… right in your home!

Loosen Your Grip (4-25-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Ever met one of those people who has a death-grip handshake?  If you’re not careful, they could crack the bones in your hand just by saying hello!

Sometimes moms and dads can have that vice-grip, as well.  But not in a handshake… it’s in the way they control their kids.

After watching a few of these parents stifle their children, I have to say that one of the hardest— but most rewarding— steps is to loosen your grip.  Let your kids make decisions on their own… even if it isn’t necessarily what you would’ve chosen for them.  Let go of certain money decisions, the cleanliness of their room, or transportation issues.

You’ll be surprised how your child grows when you just simply loosen your grip!

What Makes a Good Parent? (4-24-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

What makes a good parent?

I work with a lot of kids at our residential counseling center in Texas, called Heartlight.  And after years of meeting with hurting parents and teens, I’ve seen over and over again that moms and dads are really trying to be good parents.  And they are!

But in their zeal to care for their kids and protect them from a harmful world… they end up suffocating them, instead.  So, let me, first, affirm that your love and commitment are wonderful.  Keep it up.

But, second, let the reigns out a little bit for your child.  The values you’ve built into them so far will help them survive in the world.  Just keep loving them… and avoid the temptation to smother.

When you’re tempted to control …let ‘em go!

Life Lessons (4-23-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

I know something about you.  I know that in your life you’ve learned a few lessons—perhaps even the hard way.  Here’s one:  “abuse it and you’ll lose it.”

Whether you’d use those words or not, the principle is the same.  When you take advantage of something… abuse it… you’ll likely lose out on it.  And that’s a lesson you need to teach your teens!

When a teen disregards your rules, breaks your possessions or abuses your trust… they need to understand that they’ll suffer the consequences.  The principle will apply later in life, as well… in their employment, friendships and family.

So bring that lesson home today:  If you abuse it, you’ll lose it!

WEEKEND: Teen Grief (4-21-2012)

HALF-HOUR PODCAST SUMMARY:

Life as a teenager presents enough problems to deal with.  But when you add the grief of trauma to the mix, it can be overwhelming for our kids.  On this edition of Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston shares how family members can lend support and navigate the complicated issue of teen grief.

Special guest:  Joey O’Connor

Look for Support (4-20-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

There’s nothing more difficult for parents than dealing with a teenager out of control.  So now’s the time to look for support!

If tensions are running high at your house, chances are you’re keeping those emotions bottled up in an effort to keep peace in the house.  But one of the best things you can do for your family… is get yourself healthy!  So find a group of parents that are dealing with family issues, as well.  Meet regularly and encourage each other.  Find friends who aren’t afraid to call you out on hard issues.  You need a place to speak honestly and know that you’re not alone!

The support that you feel as a parent will directly influence the help that you can be to your teen.

Teen Grief (4-19-2012)

PODCAST SCRIPT:

Grief is a part of every life.  There’s no escaping it.  But when it comes to teens… grief may be expressed in a unique way.

Teens don’t always grieve like adults do.  They’re still figuring out who they are… so the show of pain and loss comes out in ways you and I might not expect.  In fact, they might work very hard to hide any sign that something’s wrong.  If you’re not paying attention to your teen, you may miss the fact that they’re imploding.

Watch for a sudden change in interests, an outpouring of anger, and a search for distractions.  Whether your child has suffered a loss in the family… or the loss of a dream… you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for signs of grief.  Then… move toward them in the process.