Teen Stories: The Road to Rebuilding Trust

Join Mark Gregston, Courtney Lefleur and Wayne Shepherd as they explore how parents can effectively engage their teens in conversations about hot-button topics like gender, politics and morality. They emphasize the importance of listening without interrupting, respecting differing opinions and recognizing that teens are forming their own beliefs. Their goal for parents? Maintain connection and influence through love, patience and wisdom rather than control or correction. 

Join Mark for one of our Families in Crisis Conferences at Heartlight. Learn more and register at familycrisisretreat.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.

Today, Mark Gregston reflects on the painful experience of initially rejecting his son during a difficult season and how that taught him the importance of prioritizing relationships over rigid expectations. He shares stories from his ministry and personal life, urging parents and grandparents to lead with love, understanding and presence especially when their children make choices that hurt or differ from their values. Using a passage from 1 Timothy, Mark encourages us to let the Holy Spirit do the convicting, while we remain steadfast in grace and relationship.

Are you struggling with your teen? Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn about the Families in Crisis Conferences at Heartlight. 

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 troubled teen has a story behind their struggles often rooted in pain, loss or broken trust. We hear a couple more of those stories today when Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight, including Jared, who reflects on arriving in a tough place with depression, anxiety and substance abuse but six months later, sees real change in himself and his family. Together, they are working toward rebuilding trust and moving into a brand new chapter. 

For more info about the Heartlight residential program, visit 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. 

Join Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lefleur as they explore how parents can earn the respect of their teens. The three emphasize the power of tone, empathy and understanding the world your teen is navigating. Tune in as they share six practical steps you can take today to build mutual respect and strengthen your relationship. 

To download the Marriage Simplified guide Mark mentioned today, visit cpgive.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. 

In todays episode, Mark Gregston addresses real-life dilemmas sent in by listeners ranging from navigating technology boundaries, handling grief and loss, and dealing with issues around sexuality and gender identity, to those classic struggles over clothing choices and R-rated movies at home. He offers practical wisdom on tackling everything from enforcing household standards and addressing power struggles to supporting LGBTQ+ kids while staying true to ones beliefs. Whether you're facing difficult discussions about boundaries or seeking guidance on how to be a Christ-like influence, this episode will help you build deeper, lasting connections 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