The Power of Influence: Overcoming Negativity

Behind every broken rule or secret kept, theres often a story of a teen who just wants to be seen. In todays episode, Mark sits down with two young ladies at Heartlight who open up about their struggles with honesty, their search for acceptance and the ways family dynamics shaped their choices. Whether its sneaking around out of fear of rejection or using substances as a way to fit in, they remind us that the journey to connection is rarely simple. Listen in as they share how miscommunication pushed them further from their parents and how understanding and grace became the first steps to healing.

Heartlight is hiring! Know a young adult who's excellent at working with teens? We'd love to hear from them. Go to heartlight.jobs 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.

Is your teen struggling to connect with others or retreating into screens instead of real relationships? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur talk about whats behind social awkwardness in todays teens. From constant digital entertainment to lack of real-life interaction, many teens are missing the experiences that build confidence and connection. Youll learn how to gently push your teen out of isolation, model healthy relationships and help them develop the social skills they need to thrive. Plus, a teens story reveals how isolation, curiosity and family dynamics can shape behavior and what it takes to turn things around.

Some isolation is healthy, but sometimes it signals deeper struggles. Learn six things to know about teen isolation and how to respond here: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/6-things-to-know-about-teen-isolation

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.

Every teen faces tough questions about who they are, but for some, the journey is especially complicated. In today's Q&A episode, topics range from navigating conversations about gender identity and supporting teens with dyslexia, to handling anger, anxiety and the impact of listening to explicit music. Mark also shares insights on the right age for teens to start dating, how to foster respect and responsibility, and offers guidance for parents dealing with complex situations such as an 18-year-old dating a much older partner. Don't miss this episode!

Have a parenting question for Mark? We'd love to hear it! Go to markgregston.com to submit your questions.

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.

Whats shaping your teens beliefs, and why do they sometimes latch onto ideas that create tension at home? In this episode, Mark and Wayne unpack how todays teens are influenced by culture, peers and a deep desire to belong. When teens adopt strong opinions or causes, its often less about the issue and more about identity and connection. Youll learn how to respond without overreacting, keep conversations open and stay relational even when you disagree. Plus, Mark and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur talk to a teen about how struggles with acceptance can shape behavior and how real change begins.

If your home feels like Groundhog Day same arguments, same frustrations, same exhausting cycle its time to do something different. Visit bit.ly/constant-conflict-exhausted-parents for 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.

Are you helping your teen or holding them back? In this episode, Mark shares a powerful story about a young adult unprepared for real life, and the well-meaning parenting that led her there. Drawing from Galatians 6:5, Mark challenges parents to rethink overprotecting, overproviding and over-involving. Because somewhere along the way, every teen must learn to carry their own load. If youve ever struggled to know when to step in and when to step back, this episode offers practical wisdom to help you raise responsible, resilient young adults.

Learn four ways to foster growth and respect in your teen here: fostering-growth-respect-in-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.