Teens and Porn: Shaming Is the Wrong Approach
Jun 23 • 10:53
Teens and Porn: Shaming Is the Wrong Approach
Episode:

Teens and Porn: Shaming Is the Wrong Approach

June 23, 2022 • 10:53 • Mark Gregston

The easy accessibility of pornography in today's culture is something that has a widespread impact on both teen guys and girls, so how can parents be prepared to confront this topic? Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how shaming or guilting a child who is struggling with porn is not the correct approach, and share some tips for parents on how to have this tough talk with their kids. Tune in to hear their insights!  

For more advice on how to safeguard your teen's internet habits, check out Mark's article, "Parenting the Internet," at bit.ly/3xlOTae

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Podcast:

Parenting Today's Teens

With Mark Gregston
The Parenting Today’s Teens Podcast features Mark Gregston, a parenting expert who has worked with teens and parents for over 45 years. Enlightening, up-to-date, practical, and something every parent would enjoy listening to. Raw at times, challenging at other times, but always hopeful to get your family to a better place in an adolescent culture that is sometimes a little contrary to what you believe and want for 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 www.ChristianParenting.org
All Episodes:
May 14 • 11:50
A Lifetime of Lessons on Making Things Right

In this heartfelt episode, Mark Gregston reflects on his decades-long journey of working with teens and families, beginning with a single act of compassion at age 19 that led to a lifetime of ministry. He shares a powerful story of reconciliation after 40 years of silence emphasizing the damage unresolved conflict can cause in relationships. Mark encourages listeners with a call to action: Dont let unresolved issues steal time, connection or legacy begin the healing process today.

Do you have a question you would like Mark to answer? Ask him 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.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teens
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May 13 • 20:06
Teen Stories: Burdened by Expectations

Every parent wants the best for their teen, but what happens when the pressure to be perfect becomes too much to bear? In todays episode, Mark sits down with two young men from Heartlight who share their personal journeys through anxiety, depression and the crushing weight of high expectations. Both teens describe how striving to meet others standards led them to hide their struggles and withdraw into harmful behaviors. Tune in for a powerful look at the hidden battle many teens face, and discover how compassion can make all the difference. 

Is Heartlight the right answer for your struggling teen? Head to 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.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teens
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 12 • 24:02
10 Things to Consider When Adopting

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore adoption as one of the greatest acts of love and sacrifice a family can make. Drawing from conversations with adopted teens and their families, they share insights that help parents understand the unique challenges these children face. They emphasize the need for parents to adapt their approach as their child grows and enters new developmental stages. In closing, they share some thoughtful questions to help parents navigate identity issues their adopted child may wrestle with over time.

As Mark shared today, "Marriage Simplified" a digital guide from Christian Parenting, which includes Mark's best marriage advice is available at christianparenting.org/marriagesimplifiedguide

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. 

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teens
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 9 • 25:13
I Mustache Mark a Question: Boundaries, Bullying and Belonging

In todays episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the most pressing issues facing parents of teenagers from navigating adoption challenges and discussing sexuality, to setting boundaries with teens exploring relationships. He also addresses managing teen mental health and substance use, as well as supporting those facing bullying and isolation. Mark offers heartfelt advice drawn from years of experience, reminding listeners of the importance of maintaining strong relationships, setting healthy boundaries and seeking community support when needed. Whether you're struggling to connect with a withdrawn teen, worried about your child's choices or searching for faith-based guidance in complex situations, this episode is packed with practical insights for every parent.

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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teens
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 8 • 23:22
Whats to Blame?

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into a question every parent wrestles with: Whats really behind my teens bad behavior? They remind parents that a teens identity is not defined by their actions and that theres always more beneath the surface. From peer pressure and unresolved emotions to complex family dynamics, Mark and Wayne explore the deeper influences that shape teen behavior. Youll walk away with practical tools and fresh perspective to respond with wisdom, empathy and grace. Dont miss these valuable insights!

Looking for a meaningful gift this spring? Check out our curated Gift Guide for Moms, Dads and Grads at christianparenting.org/giftguide!

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.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teens
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
About the Host

Mark Gregston

Mark has taken all the experience he has gained in working in the various youth ministry experiences and developed resources to help parents nationwide. He’s authored 18 books, has written hundreds of articles about parenting teens in a difficult culture, and is also the host of the nationally acclaimed radio program, Parenting Today’s Teens, which was honored to receive the 2014 Program of the Year award from the National Religious Broadcasters. These programs are heard on over 1,700 radio outlets throughout North America.

From his 45 years of experience of working with teens and their families, Mark shares his insight and wisdom through seminars, retreats, and conferences, taking up all his free weekends. Mark’s wit and wisdom, shared through stories and reflections of his involvement with teens brings biblical insight and practical help to all who hear him share his heart about families and teens.

Mark and Jan, have been married for 45 years and have two children, both of whom are married and have blessed them with four wonderful grandchildren. Heartlight is family oriented, and family run. Their children work with them insuring there is always hope and help for families searching for something different in their parenting style.

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