Teen Stories: Embracing Real Change

What kind of impact does a father really have on a teens life? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur talk about the unique and powerful role dads play in shaping their teens identity, confidence and sense of worth. Youll hear how time, presence and genuine interest can transform even strained relationships. When dads show up especially in the small, everyday moments it creates lasting connection. Because what you give your teen today can shape the direction of their life for years to come.

Dads, how would you describe your parenting style? Learn ways to have a positive influence on your teen here: bit.ly/dads-build-strong-relationships-with-their-teens

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.

Are you trying to guide your teen? Or just frustrated by the culture theyre growing up in? In this episode, Mark shares what may be the greatest challenge parents face today: staying connected in a rapidly changing world. Its easy to criticize the next generation, but that often pushes teens further away. Mark unpacks five practical ways to build real connection, from showing genuine interest to adapting your message and inviting meaningful conversations. When connection is strong, your influence grows. Because in the end, its not just what you say its who you are in your teens life that matters most.

Explore four common relationship barriers and how you can overcome them to reconnect with your teen at bit.ly/breaking-down-the-walls-with-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.

Behind every broken rule or secret kept, theres often a story of a teen who just wants to be seen. In todays episode, Mark sits down with two young ladies at Heartlight who open up about their struggles with honesty, their search for acceptance and the ways family dynamics shaped their choices. Whether its sneaking around out of fear of rejection or using substances as a way to fit in, they remind us that the journey to connection is rarely simple. Listen in as they share how miscommunication pushed them further from their parents and how understanding and grace became the first steps to healing.

Heartlight is hiring! Know a young adult who's excellent at working with teens? We'd love to hear from them. Go to heartlight.jobs 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.

Is your teen struggling to connect with others or retreating into screens instead of real relationships? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur talk about whats behind social awkwardness in todays teens. From constant digital entertainment to lack of real-life interaction, many teens are missing the experiences that build confidence and connection. Youll learn how to gently push your teen out of isolation, model healthy relationships and help them develop the social skills they need to thrive. Plus, a teens story reveals how isolation, curiosity and family dynamics can shape behavior and what it takes to turn things around.

Some isolation is healthy, but sometimes it signals deeper struggles. Learn six things to know about teen isolation and how to respond here: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/6-things-to-know-about-teen-isolation

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 teen faces tough questions about who they are, but for some, the journey is especially complicated. In today's Q&A episode, topics range from navigating conversations about gender identity and supporting teens with dyslexia, to handling anger, anxiety and the impact of listening to explicit music. Mark also shares insights on the right age for teens to start dating, how to foster respect and responsibility, and offers guidance for parents dealing with complex situations such as an 18-year-old dating a much older partner. Don't miss this episode!

Have a parenting question for Mark? We'd love to hear it! Go to markgregston.com to submit your questions.

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.