Teen Stories: The Value of Real Self-Worth

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lefleur explore the powerful and unique role grandparents play in the lives of teenagers. Mark shares a heartfelt story about how becoming a grandfather unexpectedly softened his heart and prepared him to be a source of love and rest for his grandchildren. The three emphasize that grandparents shouldn't act as second parents, but rather provide a judgment-free space filled with emotional and physical rest, where teens feel safe and valued. They encourage grandparents to listen more than they speak, share wisdom when invited and support parents rather than undermine them.

For more resources from Mark designed to help parents and grandparents, visit parentingtodaysteens.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 a heartfelt story about a moment with his daughter and granddaughter at a concert that offered him a powerful lesson in perspective. His granddaughters simple insight shifted the way he saw the situation. Mark uses this experience to highlight the value of perspective in parenting. He encourages parents to focus on sharing their perspective not just their opinions with their teens to foster deeper connection and understanding.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org for practical and effective resources for parents and grandparents as they raise 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. 

Almost every teens story holds a search for acceptance, even if that journey is sometimes disguised by rebellion or pain. In today's episode, Mark talks with two more Heartlight students who open up about the challenges theyve faced. Jacob, who had only recently arrived at Heartlight, reflects on growing up with divorced parents, feeling disconnected from his father and the personal revelations that followed his time in a wilderness program.

Want to learn more about the Heartlight residential program? Go to 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. 

Today, Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd remind parents that its normal for teens to wrestle with identity and appear different in various settings as they try to figure out who they are. They encourage parents to show patience and empathy, remembering their own journeys through adolescence. The hosts explore how this season of discovery can differ between boys and girls, and stress the importance of non-judgmental conversations to help teens build deeper relationships and a stronger sense of self.

In a tough spot with your teen right now? Visit familycrisisretreat.org to learn about our next Families in Crisis Conference, coming up July 24-26! 

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 struggling to connect with your teens or set boundaries that really work? In todays session, Mark Gregston shares practical advice on shifting from just teaching to truly training your teens owning mistakes, building trust through genuine conversations and setting healthy boundaries around things like screen time and independence. He addresses what to do when teens don't respond to your invitations for feedback, and how to manage structure and discipline as your child grows. Packed with practical advice and genuine encouragement, this episode will leave you better equipped to connect with your teen and guide them toward healthy independence 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