When Your Teen Is Struggling: Real Hope & Practical Help for Parents Today

by Mark Gregston

At the end of your rope with your teen? Terrified of the teen horror stories you hear from other parents? It’s not easy to be a teenager today, and it’s even more challenging to parent teens effectively. Teens face changes in the culture, epidemic levels of social problems, and often develop a real sense of despair that can lead to self-harm, depression, addiction, rebellion and sexual promiscuity. These behaviors don’t just hurt your they affect everyone in the family. When your teen acts out, it doesn’t mean he is a “bad” kid. And it doesn’t mean you are “bad” parents. Great families of all shapes, sizes, values, and income levels find the teen years a challenge. The trick is learning how to love and stand by your teen without accepting the bad behaviors. In When Your Teen is Struggling, author Mark Gregston shares insights, wisdom, and tips for every parent facing hard times with their teen. Mark has taken lessons learned at the boarding school he runs in East Texas-which has served more than 3000 troubles teens- and turned them into practical advice in this best-selling book. Want your teens to turn around? To embrace a healthy lifestyle, make mature choices, and lead productive adult lives? Then grab hold of this book and don’t let go. Read it, underline it, and put these principles into practice. You and your teen will be glad you did as you turn your teen’s struggles into their greatest successes!

Genres: Christian, Family

303 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Dawn Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for parents of teens!

[Ruthann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book…it came at the perfect time. It is practical, clear and full of wisdom. It is just what we needed during a very difficult time with our oldest child. If you have a tween- read this book to prepare and get your house in order before they become a teenager… while it doesn’t guarantee things will go easily, it does help you to know the norms of teens and also to think through what your family standards will be. Best book I have read yet regarding what to do when your teenager goes crazy!

[Dana Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aside from a bit of gender stereotyping, this is an encouraging and practical read for parents of teenagers.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

“While you may think you are in your child’s life to help him change, the truth might be that God placed your child (and all her struggles) in your life to change you.” location 218/2737


“Focus on correction more than justice, direction more than punishment, and guidance more than retribution. The reason for establishing a belief system is to determine the path your children should take and to keep them from dark places where they do not want to be. Consequences are more than retribution kids should receive for doing something wrong or unacceptable. Think of consequences as course correctors.”
Location 1882

Personally, my big issues with kids are respect, obedience, and honesty. The toughest consequences would be attached to any violation of those.
Location 1882-1883


“...rules without relationship cause rebellion.”
Location 1915

“Without a sense of respect for others, children will not create meaningful relationships or succeed in life.”
Location 1958