Teen Stories: Reckoning with Privilege

In today's show, Mark Gregston dives into some more pressing questions parents have about raising teenagers amidst the challenges of technology, screen time and social media. He discusses how to strike a balance between connection and safety, set healthy boundaries for internet and video game use, and recognize the impact of digital life on teens relationships and well-being. Drawing from recent research and the wisdom of experts, Mark offers practical strategies and encouragement for parents striving to engage with their kids beyond the screen. 

Facing a parenting challenge? Ask Mark about it! Submit your question 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. 

Listen today as Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how its normal for teens to act differently in different settings, but it becomes concerning when they hide behavior that violates their values or are falling apart beneath a polished exterior. Mark explains that a double life isnt about personality differences, but about secrecy, fear and the pressure to appear perfect. Parents cant control this through authority alone; the key is building a relationship rooted in dignity, honesty and trust. When teens feel safe being imperfect and fully known, theyre more likely to develop integrity and live consistently across every part of their lives.

Do you have a parenting question for Mark? Visit markgregston.com to ask him 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. 

Today, Mark Gregston shares a devotional from Psalm 86:15, exploring how children can grow up believing love must be earned through performance. When parents unknowingly reinforce this, kids begin to fear that failure will cost them acceptance, tying their value to behavior and achievement. Mark reminds parents to model Gods compassion, grace, patience and abounding love so children understand love is unconditional. When kids know they are loved in both their successes and failures, they are freed from fear and able to grow with hope and resilience.

If your teen is struggling, Mark's residential counseling center, Heartlight Ministries, may be the answer. Visit heartlightministries.org 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. 

When teens seem demanding or expect the world handed to them, it's easy to chalk it up to just being a teenager but theres often more beneath the surface. Today, Mark talks with two more teens from Heartlight, both of whom open up about their journeys confronting a culture of entitlement in their families and themselves. For Isaac, easy access to anything he wanted became a way to receive love after his parents' divorce but over time, he realized it robbed him of work ethic and genuine gratitude. These teens are learning to do more with less and discovering what matters most as they grow.

Thousands of struggling teens have found hope at Heartlight. Learn more about our residential program today at heartlightministries.org. 

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. 

As kids enter the teen years, parents often spend so much time correcting behavior that they unintentionally crowd out connection. Constantly fighting about every issue can push teens away, exhaust parents and hinder the independence teens need to develop. The key is learning to choose your battles by letting go of issues that dont matter long-term and focusing on what truly shapes character and relationships. Teens dont change through correction alone they change through connection, trust and a strong, loving relationship.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all the resources designed by Mark 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.