Barriers to a Good Relationship with Your Teen

In todays episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the toughest questions sent in by parents, ranging from anxiety over grades and skipping school to concerns about dating, lack of motivation in college, strained relationships with an absent parent and even the discovery of pornography on a teens phone. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the real issues behind teens behaviors, keeping communication open and setting healthy boundaries while maintaining unconditional love. With personal stories, practical advice, and an emphasis on maintaining a strong parent-teen relationship, this episode offers real-world wisdom and encouragement for parents seeking to guide their teens through todays unique challenges. Tune in now!

Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explore how counseling can be a life-changing tool for teens not just those in crisis. They discuss why unresolved struggles during adolescence often resurface later in life with even greater consequences. Proactive counseling can offer hope, healing and a brighter future for the whole family. Tune in to hear practical advice for helping your teen open up, finding the right counselor and building trust in a safe, supportive environment.

Struggling to connect with your teen? Heartlight offers a safe, Christ-centered residential program that helps teens heal and families find hope. Learn more at heartlightministries.org.

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.

In todays episode, Mark Gregston reflects on the true treasures in life and how parents and grandparents can leave lasting legacies for the next generation. Drawing on biblical wisdom, poignant family experiences and the story of a cherished friend, Mark challenges us to invest our time and resources where our hearts truly are our relationships. He reminds us that memories, love and shared experiences far outweigh any material possessions we might pass on. Tune in for inspiration on making the most of every moment and giving your best to the ones you love, today.

Want to dive into more biblically based insights for your parenting journey? Check out Mark's devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," at bit.ly/daily-hope-for-families

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.

Sometimes, the hardest moments in a teen's life are what finally reveal the need for real change. On todays episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share their journeys through deep struggles including negative thought patterns, depression and feeling disconnected from family. Eighteen-year-old Jake discusses his battles with substance use and isolation, along with the eventual turning point that came not from punishment, but from a moment of compassion and honest conversation with his family.

Is the Heartlight residential program the right choice for your struggling teen? Find out more today at heartlightministries.org

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org. 

When teens wont open up, building trust takes time and consistency. Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur stress creating a safe, judgment-free space where kids feel valued. Casual, agenda-free conversations about everyday topics are a great starting point. Parents should invest in the relationship without pushing for quick results, letting connection develop before addressing deeper issues. Over time, this trust allows teens to share openly, knowing theyll be heard without fear of criticism.

Is your family struggling? Join us for our next Families In Crisis Conference for parents on October 2-4. To learn more or register to attend, visit familycrisisretreat.com 

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.