How to Gain Your Teen's Respect

In this episode, Mark tackles some more tough questions parents are asking about raising teens in today's rapidly changing world. From navigating conversations about sexuality and social media's impact on relationships, to setting boundaries around concerts, vaping and modesty, Mark offers practical wisdom and heartfelt advice. You'll hear insights into why teens struggle with connection, how the cultural landscape influences their choices and the importance of maintaining open dialogue even when topics feel uncomfortable. 

Have a parenting problem? Ask Mark about it your question may be featured on the show! Go to markgregston.com to submit it. 

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, Heartlight counselor Courtney Lafleur joins Mark and Wayne to tackle the issue of "mean girl" culture and the impact of social media on teenage girls. They discuss how bullying, exclusion, gossip and unrealistic online standards can deeply affect a teen's mental health and self-worth. The episode features a candid interview with a teen who opens up about her personal struggles with substance abuse, coping with pain and how Heartlight provided the supportive environment she needed to turn her life around. Be sure to tune in!

Another issue many girls face online is overexposure to seductive lifestyles. Learn four ways parents can address immodesty with their teen at parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/modesty-and-my-daughter-2

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 shares a personal devotional about the impact of loss on teens and families. Drawing from personal stories and experiences at Heartlight, Mark explains how loss shapes behavior and emotional responses in both kids and parents. He highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these losses whether obvious or hidden in order to foster healing and deepen relationships. Listen now and be encouraged to break generational patterns, address emotional wounds together, and embrace the journey toward hope and wholeness.

Depression is just one of the signs that your child may be struggling with a loss. Read insights from Mark on teen depression here: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/teens-depression-and-its-consequences

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. 

Even the most loving families can struggle to truly hear one another. In todays episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share their experiences with communication breakdowns at home. For Tucker, clashing with his mom over identity and expectations made it feel impossible to bridge the gap between who he is and who she wants him to be. Tune in as both teens reflect on how the inability to talk openly with parents shaped their journeys, and how rebuilding honest, accepting communication is often the first step toward healing. 

Facing challenges with your teen? There's still time to register for our Families in Crisis Conference, happening March 20-22! Sign up today at 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. 

In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the challenges and opportunities parents face in sharing their faith with teenagers in a rapidly changing world. Drawing from real-life experiences and expert research, they discuss practical ways to establish biblical values at home, emphasizing authenticity, honest conversation and grace-based parenting. A special interview with Josh, a teen attending Heartlight, provides perspective on struggles young people face even in faith-centered families. Find wisdom and encouragement when you listen today!

Sometimes parents can feel blindsided when they discover their teen is struggling. Visit parentingtodaysteens.org/product/when-your-teen-is-struggling for your copy of a guide to practical help and hope.

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.