Parenting Today's Teens

• What to Expect When Adopted Children Become Teens

  Adopted kids often enter adolescence with deep questions about identity, belonging and why they were given up — even if they cannot consciously remember the trauma. As they shift from concrete to abstract thinking in their teen years, feelings of loss, abandonment and being “different” can surface more strongly. Parents can help by listening without judgment, talking openly about feelings, staying connected and offering long-term patience — knowing these issues often take years to resolve. Adoption is a beautiful gift, but parents must understand that their child sees the world through a unique lens, and that compassion and presence are critical.If you’re walking through a hard season with your teen, you don’t have to face it alone. Join Mark for a Families in Crisis Conference in Texas. Learn more and register at familycrisisretreat.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.Our Sponsors:* Check out Cash App: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vpPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• Choose Grace Over Perfectionism

  Today, Mark shares how perfectionism in ministry once nearly burned him out — and how many parents unknowingly pass that same pressure onto their teens. What parents intend as encouragement is often interpreted by teens as never being “good enough.” Instead, he urges parents to model honesty, grace and vulnerability — reminding kids that only Jesus is perfect. Strong relationships, not seeking perfection, are what truly shape a teen’s heart.Would you like Mark's advice on raising your teen? Ask him your parenting questions at markgregston.com. Your question may be answered on the podcast!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.Our Sponsors:* Check out Cash App: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vpPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• Teen Stories: When Discipline Divides

  Many families wrestle with discipline, hoping rules will keep their teens on track — but sometimes, those boundaries end up building walls instead of bridges. On today’s show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share honest reflections on the struggles that come when discipline overshadows relationship. For Austin, creative discipline systems left him angry and distant from his family. Both teens describe how their families reached a breaking point — and how healing began once understanding and connection took the place of strict rules. To learn how the Heartlight residential program helps struggling teens, visit 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. Our Sponsors:* Check out Cash App: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vpPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• Why Heartlight?

  Listen as Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss the benefits of Heartlight and the program's relational approach to residential counseling. Heartlight is designed to help teens change from the inside out. Mark and Courtney describe how true transformation happens through trust, restored relationships, consistent presence and addressing the heart issues beneath behavior — not just behavior modification. They emphasize that Heartlight surrounds teens with staff who engage, observe, walk with them in real time and help them heal. The goal is that lasting change continues even when they go back home.Join Mark in Texas at one of his Families in Crisis Conferences! Visit parentingtodaysteens.org/families-in-crisis-conference to see our schedule 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. Our Sponsors:* Check out Cash App: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vpPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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• I Mustache Mark a Question: Consequences, Communication and Culture Clashes

  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.comParenting 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.Our Sponsors:* Check out Cash App: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vpPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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