Teen Stories: Rebuilding After Trauma

In today's episode, Mark Gregston dives into listener questions about navigating consequences, teen privacy, anxiety, complex faith and identity issues, and the challenges of connecting with teens who shut down. Through the lens of adolescent development, Mark addresses how parents can become part of the solution rethinking their own responses while helping teens learn to make wiser choices. From tips on fostering deeper relationships with reluctant teens to navigating cultural shifts and family dynamics, this episode is packed with actionable advice and compassionate perspective.

Have a challenge with your teen you just can't get past? Ask Mark! Submit your question 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.

Teens have always sought attention, but todays social media culture amplifies it often leading to risky or inappropriate behavior when their emotional needs go unmet at home. Mark Gregston urges parents to look beyond the surface and understand the motivation behind their teens actions, offering connection rather than constant correction. By setting healthy boundaries, rewarding positive behavior and helping teens find constructive outlets for attention, parents can guide them toward healthier self-expression. Ultimately, consistent love, time and affirmation from mom or dad can satisfy a teens deep desire to be seen and valued. 

If you're in a tough spot with your teen and nothing seems to be working, join Mark at one of his Families in Crisis Conferences in Texas. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more and register!

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. 

Listen today as Mark Gregston reflects on a listeners concern that his ministry doesnt mention Jesus often enough, using it as a reminder that faith should be lived out, not just spoken. He points to 1 John 3:18, emphasizing that what we do speaks louder than what we say. Mark cautions parents against being overly critical, reminding them that even well-intentioned words can damage relationships with their teens. True spirituality, he concludes, is expressed through actions of love, encouragement and integrity that reflect Christ living within us.

Do you need Mark's advice on parenting your teen? Visit markgregston.com to ask him your parenting questions 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. 

When life gets tough, teens often find themselves searching for answers in the middle of their struggles but sometimes, clarity takes time and patience. In todays show, Mark sits down with two young men from Heartlight who open up about how their pain whether its broken relationships, anger or loss has shaped their journey. One teen, Malcolm, reveals how his parents divorce left him feeling abandoned and lost, leading to anger and acting out, but also pushing him to grow as a father to his own young son. Out of hardship, these young men found new purpose and hope for the future.

Is your teen spinning out of control? Find out if Heartlight can help by going to heartlightministries.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, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur discuss the difficult but essential topic of teens exposure to pornography. They emphasize that nearly all teens boys and girls will encounter it due to its widespread availability online, making open, shame-free conversations at home vital. Curiosity is often the first motivator, but ongoing exposure can distort a teens understanding of intimacy and lead to deeper struggles. Parents are encouraged to respond with grace rather than shame, set healthy boundaries, create accountability and maintain ongoing, honest discussions to guide teens toward truth and purity.

If your teen is struggling and your family is in crisis, Heartlight Ministries can help. 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.