Teen Stories: Searching for Direction

In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles complex questions that listeners have been asking about their teens. He offers practical wisdom rooted in empathy and real-world experience on everything from setting boundaries around teen dating and managing entitlement or technology use, to addressing self-harm, family conflicts and challenging ideological phases. Mark also discusses the importance of open communication, self-reflection and pursuing relationship over control, while exploring the emotions that often drive parenting responses. Whether youre a parent, grandparent or caregiver, this episode offers hope and actionable advice for building stronger, more connected relationships with the teens in your life.

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

Few fears are greater for parents than a teen who runs away. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why teens take this step what they might be running from or toward and how parents can respond with love, grace and open conversation. They also share how reunions can become moments to rebuild trust, listen without judgment and create a home where teens feel safe and valued.

If your family is struggling, Heartlight Ministries may be able to help. 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.

Today, we join Mark Gregston for a devotional drawing from James 1:19. Parents and teens both experience anger when their desires clash, but unchecked anger damages relationships. He explains that anger often signals deeper issues, like a teens longing for control, acceptance or attention, rather than just surface-level conflicts over curfews or clothing. He encourages parents to step back, observe whats really driving their childs frustration, and respond with calmness and curiosity instead of control or shame. Focus on their heart rather than just their behavior.

Would you like Mark's advice on a struggle you're facing with your teen? Ask him 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. 

Its not uncommon for todays teens to feel lost drifting through life without a sense of purpose or direction. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who both share how a lack of motivation and connection led them into trouble. Fifteen-year-old Peter opens up about struggles with motivation, trust issues after his parents divorce, and how falling in with the wrong crowd led to depression and substance use. Hes honest about what it feels like not to have life figured out a feeling so many teens quietly carry. 

Want to learn more about how the Heartlight program works? 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

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss the importance of teaching teens financial responsibility. They note that far fewer teens work today compared to past generations, which can lead to entitlement and a lack of financial management skills. Parents often enable dependency by providing too much, when instead they should gradually reduce financial support and encourage work, saving, giving and wise spending. Helping teens manage money early not only prepares them for adulthood but can also prevent future struggles in marriage and life.

Our next Families in Crisis Conference is coming up October 2-4! If you need a fresh start with your teen, don't miss this conference. Learn more at 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.