Parenting Today's Teens

Today, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotional from Romans 16:17. Listen as he discusses what to do when a once-close relationship with your child becomes distant during the teen years. Mark encourages parents not to lose hope, but to recognize that old parenting tools may need to be expanded with new ones that foster trust, connection and understanding. Teens need their parents now more than ever to provide wisdom, stability and a place of rest in an overwhelming world.If you are struggling with your teen, visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of our parenting resources!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. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What happens when teens turn to drugs to cope with struggles that feel too heavy to bear? Many young people use substances as a way to escape feelings of hurt, isolation or confusion. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston talks with two Heartlight teens whose struggles reveal how common it is for teens to use drugs to numb emotional pain. For 17-year-old Gabe, social isolation and family conflict drove him toward addiction — but today, he's on a journey of recovery, learning healthier ways to face life's challenges. Listen in for real stories, heartfelt advice and hope for families walking through similar battles.Is Heartlight the right choice 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.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to view teen dating as a training ground, not just something to restrict or fear. Mark emphasizes that healthy, age-appropriate dating — guided by clear expectations and strong communication — can help teens learn respect, boundaries and what godly relationships look like. Not every relationship with the opposite sex has to be sexual, and parents play a key role by modeling healthy marriages and staying engaged with their teen. When handled well, dating can help teens grow toward wisdom and future commitment.Mark has designed many different resources to help you as you navigate parenting. To explore his podcasts, blogs, books, conferences and more, please visit parentingtodaysteens.orgParenting 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. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Mark tackles real questions from parents who are in the trenches with their teens. From navigating the challenges of adoption with children who have struggled for years, to conversations around sexuality, substance use and the whirlwind of teen relationships, this episode dives deep into the tough scenarios so many families face. Mark offers practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement for building stronger relationships with your teens — even when times are hard.Have a parenting problem you just can't solve? Ask Mark! Send in your questions 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. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how respect is foundational to a peaceful, healthy home, and it must be intentionally taught and modeled by parents. Mark explains that many teens struggle with respect because they don’t feel respected themselves, making it essential for parents to examine their words, reactions and expectations. Even in disagreement, families can maintain unity by committing to mutual respect, clear boundaries and consistent consequences. When parents lead by example, they create an environment where relationships can thrive rather than descend into chaos.Heartlight is hiring! Visit heartlightministries.org/careers 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.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy