Listening to Your Teen on a Deeper Level

Mark Gregston reflects on a personal experience of physical pain to illustrate how pain affects behavior, decision-making and empathy especially in teens. He explains that when teens act out or seem disengaged, it may be rooted in deep emotional pain they dont know how to express or escape. Rather than rushing to fix or shield kids from discomfort, parents should allow them to experience appropriate pain so they can grow in resilience, maturity and wisdom. Pain, though unpleasant, can be one of Gods most powerful tools for shaping character and drawing us closer to Him.

Do you have a question for Mark? Ask him at 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. 

Every parent knows how much teens long to belong yet sometimes the choices they make in pursuit of acceptance can lead them down a difficult path. On todays episode, Mark sits down with two young women from Heartlight, who share how struggles with fitting in and unresolved family pain fueled seasons of bad decisions and heartache. Anna discusses her initial shock at being sent away and the process of rebuilding her relationship with her parents, offering insights about the value of getting help even when it isnt easy or expected.

Curious about the Heartlight residential program? Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more today!

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 culture, teens are overwhelmed with information and often skeptical of traditional approaches to faith. Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to shift from preaching to modeling living out their beliefs through consistent, grace-filled actions rather than just words. Teens need safe, honest conversations, space to wrestle with doubt, and parents who are willing to listen and walk alongside them in their spiritual journey. Ultimately, your example, not just your instruction, is what will influence their faith the most.

Join Mark in Texas at one of Heartlight's Families in Crisis Conferences. To learn more, 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. 

In todays episode, Mark Gregston responds to a powerful and important question: Does your ministry point kids to Jesus? Marks thoughtful answer goes beyond one-size-fits-all approaches, reminding us that parenting teens, especially those struggling with faith, requires both patience and creativity. Remember, its not just about lecturing your kids, but showing them love through your actions and being present as they work through their doubts. Listen 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

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they remind us that listening is one of the most powerful tools you can use to connect with your teen. As kids grow into adolescence, they crave someone who will truly hear them without judgment or constant advice. Mark explains that parents must shift from a teaching role to a training role by asking questions, being quiet and listening with the intent to understand. When teens dont feel heard at home, theyll seek connection elsewhere, often in places that may not align with the familys values.

In a tough spot with your teen? Join Mark in Texas at our Families in Crisis Retreat. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more and register!

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.