Teen Stories: Healing Happens One Step at a Time

Do your conversations with your teen turn into debates, shutdowns or eye rolls? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why teens often resist opinions, but still deeply need your wisdom. Learn how to replace lectures with perspective, listen in ways that draw your teen out, and use your life experiences to guide rather than control. Youll also hear a powerful student story of healing, growth and the kind of communication that rebuilds trust. Because when teens feel understood, theyre far more willing to hear you.

Get tips to becoming the listener your teen needs at bit.ly/listen-to-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 parentingtodayteens.org.

What will your teen remember most about you years from now? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on legacy, influence and the power of relationship. While many parents focus on rules, performance or getting everything right, Mark reminds us that what lasts longest is connection. He explores why listening matters, how love can remain strong even through disagreements and why your relationship with your teen may be the greatest source of guidance they have. Because legacies arent built through perfection, theyre built through presence, grace and love that endures.

Find out the influence grandparents can have in the lives of their teenaged grandchildren at bit.ly/grandparents-have-what-a-teen-needs

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.

Pushing parents away or being disrespectful usually isnt about just being rebellious. Sometimes, its a defense a way to survive when trust has been broken or home life feels like a battleground. In todays episode, Mark talks with two teens from Heartlight who open up about keeping people at arms length, struggling with anger and wrestling with family changes that left them feeling alone. Both girls share why shutting down or lashing out became their way of dealing with hurt, and how Heartlight has given them the tools to finally start letting people in.

Want to learn more about the Heartlight 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.

Is school only about grades or is there something more important your teen is learning there? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore the bigger purpose of school. From social development and resilience to responsibility and real-world skills, education goes far beyond academics. They also discuss what to do when your teen resists school, how to uncover whats really behind the struggle and when alternative paths may be a better fit. Because helping your teen thrive isnt just about report cards its about preparing them for life.

Do you know what's behind your teen's aversion to school? Read more here: bit.ly/how-important-is-school

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 today's show, Mark tackles some more of the most pressing and complex questions parents face with their teenagers today. From addressing issues of lying and integrity, to navigating sibling conflicts and strained parent-teen relationships, Mark offers practical wisdom rooted in experience and compassion. Today's questions explore how to approach teens struggling with anxiety and fear of the outside world, ways to handle feelings of rejection and unfair treatment, and thoughtful advice for parents of transgender young adults seeking understanding and connection. 

At your wit's end with your teen? Ask Mark about it! Send in your question at markgregston.com and it may be featured on an upcoming 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.