Teen Stories: Understanding the Impact of Drugs

Are you struggling to connect with your teens or set boundaries that really work? In todays session, Mark Gregston shares practical advice on shifting from just teaching to truly training your teens owning mistakes, building trust through genuine conversations and setting healthy boundaries around things like screen time and independence. He addresses what to do when teens don't respond to your invitations for feedback, and how to manage structure and discipline as your child grows. Packed with practical advice and genuine encouragement, this episode will leave you better equipped to connect with your teen and guide them toward healthy 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

In this episode, Mark Gregston shares a personal story about recovering from a kidney transplant and how it gave him insight into the appeal of pain-relieving drugs especially for teens. Wayne Shepherd, Courtney Lefleur and Mark discuss the deeper reasons behind teen drug use, such as a desire to escape emotional pain, fit in socially or simply feel normal. They encourage parents to build a safe, judgment-free environment where teens feel comfortable opening up about difficult topics. They also urge parents to start conversations early, listen with empathy and seek professional help if drug use becomes a pattern.

If your teen is struggling, see if Mark's residential counseling ministry can help. Learn more at 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 reflects on psychologist Jonathan Haidts article about how smartphones have rewired childhood. Though initially skeptical, Mark was struck by the evidence linking phone use to rising anxiety, depression and isolation in teens. He encourages parents to rethink screen time, set healthy boundaries and consider how technology is shaping their family relationships.

Is your family struggling right now? We encourage you to come to our next Families In Crisis Conference, July 24-26. Visit familycrisisretreat.com 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. 

When teens act out or pull away, theres often a deeper struggle beneath the surface a longing for connection and a search for identity. In todays episode, Mark sits down with two young women from Heartlight who share how feelings of isolation, whether from a sheltered upbringing or broken relationships, led them down challenging paths. For Megan, being surrounded by other teens working through similar issues created authentic friendships and a support system unlike anything she had at home. She shares how stepping back from outside influences even social media helped her gain confidence.

To find out if the Heartlight residential program would be beneficial for your teen, go to heartlightministries.org for more information. 

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 share their list of 10 characteristics that show a teen may need intervention, addressing the questions many parents ask: "When should we act? How do we confront the issues? And what happens if we dont?" Mark emphasizes that it takes boldness and strength to address these challenges head-on but doing so can lead to healing and restoration in your home. Listen in as they share practical advice on how to help your teen when they need you the most!

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org for practical and effective resources for parents and grandparents as they raise their teens. 

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.