265 How To Overcome Parent-Child Relationship Problems: Tackling the Emotional Minefield

Episode Summary:  The numbers don’t lie. 2.8 million adolescents between 12-17 had at least one major depressive episode. This is changing and it’s not all related to the pandemic. There is increase in drug use, sexual activity, addiction to phones, gaming, and social media. Today’s kids function more emotionally than they do logically. This is the reason that the information we give them, the decisions we desire for them to make and the boundaries we employ seem to bounce off their forehead. Join me with Jeff Schadt for how to overcome parent-child relationship problems and tackle the emotional minefield.   Quotables from the episode: 2.8 million adolescents between 12-17 had at least one major depressive episode. We need to step out of fear as parents because fear typically leads to negative reactions and poor decisions. Love is the best boundary that parents can instill. Love is the one boundary that opposes evil while producing a sense of safety that results in openness, listening, learning, growth, faith, and true fellowship. We need to reevaluate the externally focused outcomes-based approach to parenting that relies on external motivation to move kids in the right direction. Research suggests that consequences for negative behavior motivates children to lie to cover up their mistakes. In the Bible, the term discipline has its root in teaching and training, not punishing. The number one complaint about the family from kids today is that they don’t feel loved by their parents. Negative core beliefs begin in children by the age of three, four, or five years of age. Love trumps the power of temptation. If enough of us caught onto the power of love, we could see a generation raised up that would not succumb to temptation but transform the nation. Far too many of us, kids included, carry what I have deemed as emotional road rash in our hearts. Parents tend to parent from either of two extremes: avoiding conflict by trying to be their child’s friend and enable their behavior OR parenting using high control and fear through rules and consequences. Since kids cannot assign fault to parents, they internalize all the shortcomings and behavioral issues that are thrust upon them as being their fault, which is why they often take responsibility when their parents divorce. You need to focus on and celebrate the progress rather than seek perfection…our focus on behavior versus healing is at the core of the weakness in how we raise our kids.   Scripture References: John 15:5 “Apart from me you can do nothing.”   Recommended Resources:  The One Rule Home: Destroy the World’s Influence in Your Kid’s Life by Jeff Schadt Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson  The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms   Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Guest and Host: Connect with Jeff Schadt: Website For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube   Guest:   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.