Parenting Today's Teens

In today's episode, Mark addresses one of the most pressing concerns among Christian parents: what to do when teens begin to struggle with or question their faith. Many teens, especially those facing trauma or feeling like they don't fit in, may not respond to traditional spiritual approaches. Mark discusses the critical transition from concrete to abstract thinking during adolescence and emphasizes the importance of patience, relationship and modeling Christ’s love. Parents are encouraged not to shame or pressure their teens, but instead to offer ongoing support and authentic living that gently points them to Jesus.
Have a question for Mark? We want to hear it! Go to markgregston.com to send it in. 
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

How do you help your teen build a faith that truly becomes their own? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss why parents must move from simply teaching faith to gradually transferring ownership of it to their teens. You’ll hear practical wisdom on creating safe conversations around doubt, church and spiritual questions without losing relationship or influence. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares his journey through addiction, anger toward God, and ultimately finding hope and purpose through faith. Listen and be encouraged today!
Have you been arguing with your teen about faith — or anything? Find five transformational truths here: bit.ly/5-truths-behind-arguing-with-a-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 if your teen’s struggles are also revealing something deeper in you? In this episode, Mark shares a deeply personal devotional about rejection, failure and the lifelong journey toward authenticity. Reflecting on being fired twice — including just months before starting Heartlight — Mark explains how painful experiences exposed unresolved issues in his own heart. He challenges parents to stop focusing only on their teen’s behavior and begin asking honest questions about themselves, their motivations and the wounds they may still carry. Because sometimes the greatest transformation in a family begins when parents are willing to grow too.
Are you a parent in need of a little help getting through a crisis with your teen? Heartlight offers counseling and experienced residential staff as a resource to parents. Learn more: parentingtodaysteens.org/coaching/
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.

Sometimes, the pain teens carry becomes so overwhelming that they feel there’s no way out. In today’s show, we share Mark's interviews with two young women at Heartlight who both faced those darkest moments and attempted to take their own lives. One shares about the weight of bullying, rocky family relationships and feeling invisible, while the other opens up about grief, rejection and years of feeling misunderstood at home. Both of them reflect with honesty on what brought them to that crossroads — and how they're beginning to move forward. 
Could Heartlight be the answer for your struggling teen? Go to 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.

What should parents do when teens begin questioning faith, church or even God Himself? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss why doubt and questioning are often a normal part of spiritual growth during adolescence. Rather than responding with fear or control, parents are encouraged to stay relational, listen well and model authentic faith through their actions. You’ll also hear Caleb’s honest story of wrestling with spirituality, family relationships, identity and learning how to accept love. 
Understanding how to ease your teen into taking ownership of their faith can help set them on the path to success. Learn more here: bit.ly/giving-teens-ownership-of-their-faith
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.