Teen Stories: Digital Detox

In today's episode, Mark takes on more of listeners' most pressing questions about parenting adolescents in todays world from setting limits on screen time and understanding the difference between rules and boundaries, to getting your teen to actually talk to you (without just one-word answers). He dives into tough issues like teens questioning faith, dealing with challenging behaviors at home and what to do when your older teen wont step away from unhealthy habits. Tune in for practical, down-to-earth advice thatll help you connect with your teen and have some fun along the way. 

We want to hear your parenting questions! Go to markgregston.com to send them in today your question may be addressed on a future episode. 

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. 

Managing your teens phone use starts with recognizing that phones arent just distractions theyre a primary way teens connect, feel entertained and stay tied to their world. While excessive phone use can interrupt attention, reduce face-to-face relationships and fuel dopamine-driven habits, the technology isnt going away. So, parents must lead intentionally. Setting age-appropriate boundaries, creating phone-free family times and clearly defining expectations help keep phones from replacing real relationships. Most importantly, parents must model healthy phone habits themselves and create meaningful, engaging connections that teens dont feel the need to escape from.

Do you have a parenting question for Mark? You can send it to us 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. 

Mark Gregston explains that todays self-help culture constantly tells kids theyre not enough, fueling anxiety, confusion and a relentless pressure to perform. He reminds parents that Scripture points to Gods sufficiency and unconditional grace our kids dont need to earn their worth. One of a parents most important roles is to consistently communicate, through time, presence and validation, You are enough. When children feel fully known, loved and affirmed at home, theyre far less likely to search elsewhere for value.

Explore all of Mark's resources designed to help you as you journey through raising your teens by visiting 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. 

Sometimes what looks like rebellion or risky behavior in teens is really just a signal flare for something deeper going on inside. On todays episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents, each with a different story but a similar struggle: trying to fill the emptiness and pain in their lives by acting out. Whether its substance use, running away or searching for connection in all the wrong places, they share how unresolved hurt and family disconnect fueled their choices until a crisis forced them to face what was really going on.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? 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. 

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how parents of teens with ADHD may need to adjust expectations and recognize that their teen may struggle with focus, impulsivity, follow-through and relational depth not because they dont care, but because their brain works differently. Shorter conversations, built-in breaks, clear structure and consistent reminders can reduce frustration and help teens succeed at school, home and relationships. Most importantly, parents are urged to affirm their teens strengths and outside-the-box thinking, while adapting their parenting approach to meet their teens unique needs. 

Struggling with your teen? Join Mark in Texas at his next Families in Crisis Conference, March 20-22. To learn more or register, visit 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.