Stop Controlling, Start Trusting

In todays episode, Mark Gregston addresses the real-life challenges parents of teens face, including vaping, bullying, video games, emotional struggles and the balance between connection and correction. He offers practical wisdom along with thoughtful answers on privacy, technology and parenting in a constantly changing culture. Whether youre navigating tough conversations or working to build more honesty and trust at home, this episode is packed with encouragement to strengthen your relationship with your teen. 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

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore why school is about much more than academics its the training ground where teens learn to build relationships, handle challenges and grow in character. While grades matter, the lessons learned through sports, clubs, friendships and even discomfort often have an even greater impact on a teens future. Parents are reminded to look beyond report cards and focus on guiding their teens to grow socially, emotionally and spiritually through their school experiences.

Join Mark in Texas for one of his Families in Crisis Conferences designed to help parents who are struggling with their teen. To register or 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.

Mark Gregston reflects on his lifelong love of animals and tells the story of his llama, Tony, whose decline became a lesson in parenting. In the midst of trying to save Tony, Mark faced harsh criticism from a bystander when what he really needed was help, not judgment. He compares this to how teens often experience their parents hearing constant correction and criticism instead of encouragement and support. Mark emphasizes that while good intentions are there, judgment pushes kids away, but truth shared with love and relationship draws them closer.

Is your teen struggling? See if Mark's residential counseling ministry, Heartlight, can help. 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. 

Every struggling teen has their own story, but many share a deeper need: to be truly understood. In todays episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who have learned the power of opening up about their struggles. One young woman reflects on navigating feelings of abandonment and shame from her adoption and how talking about it is transforming her perspective. The other, Sam, describes her journey from frequent outbursts and social isolation to discovering how respecting others and herself can lead to genuine connection.

Could Heartlight be the answer for your struggling teen? Find out more at 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. 

Join Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss how teens are bombarded with opinions from social media and culture but what they truly need is perspective rooted in wisdom and experience. Parents can create a safe space by sharing life lessons, biblical truth and honest reflections, guiding their teens to think, ask questions, and grow in character and faith.

If you are in a tough spot with your teen and struggling, join Mark for a weekend in Texas, October 2-4, designed specifically for parents. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to 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.