Relationship Over Expectations

Join Mark Gregston for a devotional as he reflects on Galatians 6:5, emphasizing the importance of teaching teens to carry their own responsibilities rather than parents doing everything for them. He shares the story of a young woman named Rachel, whose immaturity and lack of real-world readiness stemmed from a father who overprotected and overprovided. Mark urges parents to gradually transfer responsibility, helping teens build good character while preparing them for independence and real-life challenges.

Would you like to ask Mark a question about raising your teen? Ask him 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.

Almost every parent knows the worry that comes when a teen starts to change pulling away, making risky choices or hiding behind a version of themselves thats hard to recognize. On todays episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share honestly about how desperately they wanted to fit in, and what it cost them. Each tells their story of putting on a mask to please friends, avoid disappointing their parents or simply escape the pressure of being the good kid. Now, theyre learning what it takes to be real facing fears, letting go of people-pleasing and rebuilding trust with family. 

Do you know someone in their 20s who just has a gift for connecting with teens? They may be the perfect fit for our Residential Youth Specialist position! Learn more today at https://heartlight.jobs

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 this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to make the most of summer with their teens by creating intentional and meaningful experiences. They share five tips for parents to try out, and Mark stresses the importance of balancing productivity with rest while building lifelong memories through shared activities. The goal is to use summer as a valuable season for connection, growth and joy within the family.

If you need help with your struggling teen, our residential counseling program, 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.  

In todays episode, Mark tackles one of the biggest challenges modern parents face: navigating screen time, smartphones and developing healthy boundaries with technology. Responding to a heartfelt question from a mom of three boys, Mark shares thoughtful advice on how parents can encourage responsibility, set effective house rules around technology and move their teens from external controls to developing crucial internal boundaries. From the right age to hand over that first phone, to making sure technology becomes a tool rather than a trap, Mark explores practical strategies every parent can use to guide their teens in todays digital world. Get ready for some real talk, helpful tips and encouragement as you build deeper connections with your kids while preparing them for 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

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how many teens today silently struggle with anxiety, depression and loneliness, often due to overwhelming cultural pressures and a lack of meaningful connection. Mark urges parents to recognize the signs withdrawal, irritability or substance use and not dismiss them as just a phase. He emphasizes the importance of creating a peaceful home environment, engaging in regular conversations and being an active, empathetic presence in a teens life. When something feels off, parents should seek help early.

Visit heartlightministries.org to learn more about Heartlight and how the ministry can help your family.

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.