When Church Feels Like a Chore: Helping Your Teen Stay Engaged

Trauma and the sense of loneliness that often follows can leave teens feeling hopeless about their futures. That hopelessness can lead to some dark places, but finding help and support makes all the difference. Today, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who reflect on their stories. From grappling with depression and substance abuse to confronting family challenges, Hayden shares the heartache of losing a brother and dealing with his parents' divorce. Meanwhile, Tiller opens up about feeling trapped in a cycle of substance use before finding a path to healing. Tune in!

To discover more about the Heartlight program, visit 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.

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how easy it is for teens to access alcohol and marijuana today, and why they may engage in these behaviors. They remind parents that no teen is immune to exposure. Mark stresses the importance of creating a supportive home environment that meets teens needs in healthy ways, offering advice for parents and grandparents. He also provides guidance for those whose teens are already involved with substances, including when to seek professional help.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org for more resources and advice from Mark 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.

In todays episode, Mark Gregston answers listener-submitted questions from parents navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. From technology use and teen relationships to anxiety and personal expressions like dressing as a 'furry,' Mark offers thoughtful, biblically grounded advice. He also discusses how to maintain strong relationships with your children and the importance of staying engaged in their lives, while emphasizing that good parenting is rooted in fostering solid relationships, no matter how tough things get. Tune in now for practical insights on staying 'in the game' with your teen!

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 this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the challenges of parent-teen disconnection and the importance of restoring relationships. They discuss how negativity, lack of quality time and excessive phone use contribute to disengagement. By setting boundaries, creating a positive home environment and actively listening, parents can rebuild trust. 

For more advice from Mark and to see all the resources he offers to support you as you parent your teen, visit parentingtodaysteens.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.

Join Mark as he shares his journey of founding Heartlight after unexpected job losses left him feeling lost. Through reflection, he recognized personal shortcomings that shaped him into a more authentic leader. He challenges parents to confront their own struggles rather than just focusing on their childs behavior. Mark emphasizes that hardships, though painful, can lead to growth, authenticity and deeper connections.

See if Mark's ministry, Heartlight, can help you and your struggling teen by visiting 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.