Teen Stories: At Arm's Length

Navigating trauma or family conflicts can often lead to teens shutting people out due to overwhelming emotions. Being isolated may seem "safer" to them, but it's a lonely place to be. In today's show, Mark sits down with two young men from Heartlight who reflect on why they kept people at arm's length. For Asa, everything started with a tragic incident in his childhood. He reveals how his stay at Heartlight helped him mend broken relationships, reignite his faith, and find a renewed sense of purpose and love for his family.

Is Heartlight the right choice for your struggling teen? Learn more today at heartlightministries.org

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 Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share insights from Mark's decades of experience working with thousands of teens. Surprisingly, Mark has encountered only a handful of truly rebellious teens which might be the case for your child, too. This conversation explores the key difference between a teen who is lost and one who is rebellious, and why understanding this distinction can transform your parenting approach. 

Join Mark at his Families in Crisis Conference on the Heartlight Ministries campus. 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. 

In this Q&A episode, Mark Gregston tackles common parenting dilemmas, offering valuable insights and strategies for dealing with teens who don't respond to consequences, monitoring cell phone usage and fostering open communication. Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding the motivations behind a teen's behavior and adjusting parenting approaches accordingly. Whether it's grappling with vape discoveries or learning to stay calm when buttons are pushed, this episode is packed with practical advice to strengthen parent-teen relationships. Tune in for an engaging discussion aimed at equipping parents with the wisdom and tools needed in today's complex parenting landscape!

Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: 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

In todays episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of being intentional in your parenting as you prepare your child for the future, while staying true to your values and convictions. Mark highlights how parents can unintentionally compromise their beliefs and offers guidance on choosing compassion and understanding. Together, Mark and Wayne remind us that, as children of the King, we have His wisdom to share with the next generation.

Is your teen struggling? See if Heartlight Ministries can help your family by visiting heartlightministries.org to learn more about our residential ministry for 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.

Join Mark Gregston as he answers a listeners question on entitlement and teens. Mark explains why entitlement is an issue every family with teens will face and explores why todays teens may feel more entitled than ever. Drawing from Luke 15, listen as he offers practical, actionable advice that parents can start using today to help navigate this common parenting challenge.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore more resources from Mark designed to support you as you raise your 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.