Responding to Sexually Abused Teens

In this episode, Mark Gregston draws on over three decades of experience to tackle the questions parents are most desperate to have answered. From navigating trust issues after years of monitoring a teens tech usage to finding healthy ways to motivate an unenthusiastic senior, Mark offers down-to-earth advice rooted in real-life stories. Whether youre dealing with curfew battles, shifting relationships or a teen stretching toward adulthood, this episode is full of practical tips to help deepen your relationship with your teen. 

Have a question you'd like to ask Mark? 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. 

Sexual abuse leaves deep scars that affect a teens safety, relationships and self-worth. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share both personal and ministry experiences, emphasizing how abuse creates lasting feelings of loss, shame and confusion. Parents are urged to respond without blame or anger, instead creating a safe environment where their child feels valued and heard, while seeking professional help when needed. Ultimately, healing comes through compassion, support and trusting God to create good out of brokenness.

Do you know someone who is great with teens and is looking to make a difference? Heartlight may be the place for them. Visit heartlightministries.org/careers to learn more.

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. 

Today, Mark Gregston reflects on Matthew 11:2830, emphasizing the need for homes especially grandparents homes to be places of rest and refuge for weary teens. He contrasts lifeless or overly rigid environments with welcoming spaces where kids feel safe, accepted and free to be imperfect. Mark encourages grandparents to design a warm setting, create a positive atmosphere, establish clear but loving rules and foster open conversations. By doing so, they can provide their grandchildren with a sanctuary of love, laughter, and grace that refreshes both body and soul.

Do you have a question you'd like to ask Mark about parenting your teen?

Visit markgregston.com to ask his advice it may be featured on the I Mustache Mark a Question segment!

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. 

So much changes when teens and parents start talking and really listening to each other. In todays episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight students who open up about the struggles that kept them silent and the pain that came from not feeling heard at home. Both share how a lack of open communication fueled their anxiety, rebellion and sense of isolation. Now, through counseling and new experiences, they're learning the value of honest conversations in healing relationships and rebuilding trust.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight program? Visit heartlightministries.org 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. 

Divorce deeply impacts teens, often leaving them with feelings of abandonment, loss, guilt and confusion. Mark Gregston explains that many teens internalize divorce, believing they were the cause or feeling like life will never return to normal. These unresolved emotions can manifest in isolation, grief and strained relationships. Parents can help their teens heal by spending intentional time with them, affirming their love, listening without judgment, avoiding blame and working cooperatively with their ex to provide consistency and stability.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Mark's resources designed to help you as you raise your teen.

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.