Articles | Page 403 of 411 | Parenting Today's Teens | Radio Show & Podcast

Heartlight: Help for Troubled Teens

Parents frantically look for solutions when their teenager displays anger, rebellion, runs away, gets involved in drugs or sex, or otherwise shows self-destructive behavior. And if things have gotten beyond a parent’s ability to control the child, or if the child is flirting with the law and could face jail time, parents seemingly have nowhere to turn. That’s why we created Heartlight, 20 years ago.

Since 1988, we’ve helped more than 3,000 troubled teens who have come to live with us at Heartlight, all of whom have struggled immensely. We’ve shed many tears with their parents, who, at the time, didn’t see the path to make it through the struggle. These parents were so tired of being called every name in the book, challenged on every thought they’ve ever had, and absolutely depleted because of all the hardship caused in their home by their troubled teen. Many had lost hope and didn’t think they were going to make it. Continue reading “Heartlight: Help for Troubled Teens”

Stops and Starts for Parenting Teens

Parents who are dealing with an out of control teenager tell me that they just don’t know what to do anymore. They’ve tried everything they can think of, but things keep getting worse, not better. When they ask for my advice, we start looking at the situation from a wider angle to set the stage for working with the teenager. So, I tell them something like this…

If you believe God is in control of all things, then your situation is not hopeless. And, we can help you get through it. But a first step is to look to see if God may be calling you to do something different in your own life. This isn’t to say that you’ve caused the current problem, but what you do and don’t do now can be a catalyst for it continuing, or getting to the other side of it.

Another way to say it, is that doing something different can involve stopping and starting…

STOP LECTURING…START LISTENING

STOP ANSWERING…START ASKING

STOP WORRYING…START PRAYING

STOP FROWNING…START LAUGHING

STOP CONTROLLING…START RELEASING

STOP REACTING…START RESPONDING

STOP PUNISHING…START DISCIPLINING

STOP RULING…START ENFORCING

STOP TEACHING…START TRUSTING

STOP ENDING…START BEGINNING

STOP TALKING…START HEARING

STOP DECIDING…START EMPOWERING

STOP DOING…START BEING

Here at Heartlight we help people make positive stops and starts in their life — for both parents and teenagers. We’re here to help you if you are at a crossroads.

By the way, I’ve written articles in my blog over the last year on every “stop” and “start” subject I’ve listed. You can read them all at www.markgregston.com.

Mark Gregston

Power Parenting

The most powerful thing you can do as a parent is to empower your teenager.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to help the parents of teenagers, whether through our residential program, through books, our blogs, seminars, or our two national radio programs. Continue reading “Power Parenting”

Tough Guys and Drama Queens

For almost 40 years, we’ve been passionate about guiding kids and parents through the turbulent teenage years. Tough Guys and Drama Queens has been a huge part of that mission, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer it now, to you, as a free online course!

This two-week course will give you a look into why traditional parenting techniques aren’t as effective as they used to be, the pressures they face in today’s culture, and how to build a stronger relationship with your teen throughout the tricky experiences they’ll have during these years.

Activate your free online course now »