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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.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.

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Teens have always sought attention, but today’s social media culture amplifies it — often leading to risky or inappropriate behavior when their emotional needs go unmet at home. Mark Gregston urges parents to look beyond the surface and understand the motivation behind their teen’s actions, offering connection rather than constant correction. By setting healthy boundaries, rewarding positive behavior and helping teens find constructive outlets for attention, parents can guide them toward healthier self-expression. Ultimately, consistent love, time and affirmation from mom or dad can satisfy a teen’s deep desire to be seen and valued. 

If you're in a tough spot with your teen and nothing seems to be working, join Mark at one of his Families in Crisis Conferences in Texas. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more 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. 

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Listen today as Mark Gregston reflects on a listener’s concern that his ministry doesn’t mention Jesus often enough, using it as a reminder that faith should be lived out, not just spoken. He points to 1 John 3:18, emphasizing that what we do speaks louder than what we say. Mark cautions parents against being overly critical, reminding them that even well-intentioned words can damage relationships with their teens. True spirituality, he concludes, is expressed through actions of love, encouragement and integrity that reflect Christ living within us.

Do you need Mark's advice on parenting your teen? Visit markgregston.com to ask him your parenting questions 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. 

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When life gets tough, teens often find themselves searching for answers in the middle of their struggles — but sometimes, clarity takes time and patience. In today’s show, Mark sits down with two young men from Heartlight who open up about how their pain — whether it’s broken relationships, anger or loss — has shaped their journey. One teen, Malcolm, reveals how his parents’ divorce left him feeling abandoned and lost, leading to anger and acting out, but also pushing him to grow as a father to his own young son. Out of hardship, these young men found new purpose and hope for the future.

Is your teen spinning out of control? Find out if Heartlight can help by going to 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. 

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Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur discuss the difficult but essential topic of teens’ exposure to pornography. They emphasize that nearly all teens — boys and girls — will encounter it due to its widespread availability online, making open, shame-free conversations at home vital. Curiosity is often the first motivator, but ongoing exposure can distort a teen’s understanding of intimacy and lead to deeper struggles. Parents are encouraged to respond with grace rather than shame, set healthy boundaries, create accountability and maintain ongoing, honest discussions to guide teens toward truth and purity.

If your teen is struggling and your family is in crisis, Heartlight Ministries can help. Visit 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. 

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Today, Mark Gregston tackles the complex challenges that parents face with their teenagers, from navigating shifting moods and sarcasm to coping with bullying, anxiety and trust issues. Mark offers practical advice rooted in real-world insight — helping parents distinguish between harmless wit and harmful disrespect, support teens dealing with bullies and rebuild trust with kids who struggle with honesty. Whether you’re parenting a headstrong teen or trying to balance boundaries after divorce, this episode is packed with relatable stories and heartfelt encouragement. 

We want to hear your parenting questions! Submit them today at 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.  

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