As we celebrate another Easter, young people (and adults, for that matter) may have heard the story so many times that they forget how it impacts them.  Christians know that Jesus rose from the dead so we can spend eternity in heaven, but what does Easter mean for your teenagers - and your family - on a daily basis?

Because Jesus didn't stay in the grave, our sins are gone. The good news for teenagers, who often feel overwhelmed by temptations and failures, is that God not only forgives, but also forgets. He removes our sins "as far from us as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12). Easter's message, year after year, is that we are forgiven, no matter what sins we've committed. The weight of sin is released, so young people don't need to live with regret over past mistakes.

Look for opportunities during this season to remind your teenagers that Easter is specifically for them.  Share the good news that each of us is a new person because of Jesus' "once-for-all" sacrifice (Corinthians 5:17). Then set an example by asking for and granting forgiveness within your family. Just as importantly, forget offenses by letting go of grudges, which take a toll on relationships.

Just as Easter is the most important Christian holiday, the Easter message of forgiveness is the most important news you can share with your teenagers.

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Are You Giving Instructions Clearly?

We've all found ourselves in situations where adults are supervising children. Some adults have the ability to command attention and get children to listen better than others. All they use is what we call a Firm Instruction, a very important part of the discipline process. It's quite useful whether you're working with your own children or someone else's. Good discipline doesn't just mean finding appropriate consequences. In fact, developing the skill of giving instructions can prevent many of the discipline problems we experience. Here's what makes a Firm Instruction work best.

To give a Firm Instruction you must first get your child's attention. This may involve things like moving close to the child, obtaining eye contact, and requesting the child remove the earphones. Next give a brief, firm, verbal instruction. You don't have to be harsh or irritated, just calm and matter-of-fact, communicating one-on-one with the child.

After giving the instruction, teach your children how to acknowledge your request. This will help you know that the message was received. A good response is to say, "Okay Mom" or "Okay Dad." This type of response tells you three things. It tells you that the child has heard the instruction, avoiding the common excuse later, "I didn't hear you say that."

The child's acknowledgment also tells you that the child intends to follow through. And lastly, the way the child responds to you indicates the child's attitude at the time. Is this an angry or disrespectful "Okayyyy Dadddd!" response? If so, now you know you're dealing with an attitude problem, not just working on following directions. The Firm Instruction is one step in a complete discipline process, yet it's often overlooked. Take time to evaluate your instructions and you'll be surprised at how small changes can make a big difference.

This parenting tip was taken from the book, Home Improvement, The Parenting Book You Can Read to Your Kids, by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

Parenting Tip: And Then There Were Two

"Our two-year-old was doing fine until the baby was born. Now he's having toilet-training problems, bedtime problems, and he's even mean to the baby. What do I do?"

When a second child comes along the first child loses some- thing very important. He or she is no longer the only object of parental attention. What used to be "all mine" must now be shared (toys, as well as attention and time), posing some adjustment problems for most children.

We recommend a two-fold approach at these challenging times. First, give your first child more attention than you normally would. He or she needs to feel special. He's a big brother now. She can do things the baby can't. He's unique and has some qualities that make him enjoy- able and special. This child needs to know that she has a valuable role in your family and is not being replaced. Overemphasizing love and attention may satisfy the need and the problem may just go away.

If not, we recommend that you also increase the firm discipline to reinforce the new boundaries. "No, you may not hit the baby. I want you to sit here until you're ready to come back and show me how you can be gentle." Firmness at bedtimes and when following directions is also important. Don't excuse wrong behavior because a child is experiencing some emotional pain.

Be sensitive and loving but be firm as well. Your child has just grown into a new and important stage of life. Although we want to make the adjustment as easy as possible we don't want to ignore the opportunity to develop character.

This parenting tip comes from the CD series Parenting Toddlers by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

Parenting Tips - Identify Pet Peeves

Anger is a problem in many families. One of the ways you can address it is by having some honest and even fun conversations about anger in family life. Here's an activity that can launch your family into an interesting discussion. Who knows where the interaction will lead you. You might have this discussion around the dinner table or part of an evening devotion time.  Begin with this statement: Let's all share some pet peeves that we each have. A pet peeve is something that others do that makes you mad or easily irritated. Other people may not be bothered at all but you have a hard time whenever this thing happens. One mom said, "Here are some of mine. I don't like to see towels on the floor in the bathroom or bedrooms. I get angry when I lose my keys, or when the car gas tank is on E after Dad drives it."  Dad said, "That's interesting. I didn't know that was one of your pet peeves. You know, one of mine is when my tools aren't returned to the toolbox or when you drive my car and don't put the seat back in place." The kids smiled as they saw their parents expressing pet peeves and were able to think of some themselves, borrowed toys, irritating noises or touching, and being interrupted while on the computer.  Then you might talk about being tolerant and thoughtful of each other. This discussion can be very practical and lead to many helpful thoughts and ideas about anger in daily family life.

This parenting tip is taken from the book, Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, In You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN,BSN.