Teen Stories: When You've Lost Your Way

In this heartfelt episode, Mark addresses the complex world of adolescent loss and its impact on behavior and emotional well-being. Drawing from real-life stories and personal experiences, Mark sheds light on both obvious and hidden hurts teens may carry. The episode emphasizes the importance of focusing on the root causes of teens' struggles, rather than just their behaviors, and encourages parents to open lines of communication, show empathy, and help their teens process grief and disappointment. Tune in for tips to support your teen through lifes toughest challenges.

Losing a beloved family pet is one of many potential traumas children may face in life, and Mark wrote a book to bring comfort amid the loss. Find out more at bit.ly/wheres-stitch-book

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. 

Many teens wrestle with the challenge of fitting in sometimes at the cost of losing themselves. On today's show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share their stories of wearing masks to please others while chasing popularity. Both young women reveal how their struggles led to broken trust with family, poor choices and a sense of disconnection from who they truly are. Now, through honest conversations and counseling at Heartlight, they're learning how to embrace their authentic selves and feel more confident.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Go to 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. 

In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore what drives teens to risky behaviors often in search of adventure, escape or affirmation. The conversation goes deeper during an interview with a Heartlight teen, who shares her personal story of coping with family struggles, addiction and the journey to finding self-worth and reconciliation. With practical insights and heartfelt advice, this episode empowers parents to seek the root causes behind their teens actions, build deeper relationships, and provide the affirmation and structure teens desperately need.

For more insights on how to set healthy boundaries for your teen, check out this free e-book: parentingtodaysteens.org/ebooks/developing-rules-and-consequences

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 Q&A episode, Mark dives into the real-life struggles parents are dealing with right now. From trying to convince your teen to go to church, to figuring out if you should monitor their phone with apps like Bark, Mark gives practical advice without sugarcoating things. He also covers tough topics like teen mental health, handling tragic loss, and what to do when your teen shuts you out or lashes out. Through today's questions and insights, you'll learn how to keep the relationship strong even when you have to draw boundaries or deal with disrespect. 

Have a question for Mark? Send it in 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. 

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how divorce deeply impacts teens, often creating hidden emotional struggles that parents may not recognize. They explain that teens can develop unhealthy beliefs and behaviors when they feel caught in the middle, experience inconsistent rules or hear one parent badmouth the other. Parents are encouraged to provide structure and never use their teen as a weapon in the conflict. Most importantly, they stress that teens need both parents to show up, listen and continually remind them they are loved and not to blame.

Interested in exploring more parenting resources? Go to parentingtodaysteens.org/shop for books and courses from Mark!

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