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Behind every rebellious choice often lies a longing to belong. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two teens from Heartlight about the complicated reasons behind their struggles with drugs, running away and broken relationships. Both guests open up about learning independence at an early age and the risky paths they chased in hopes of being noticed and feeling loved. Their stories reveal how the search for acceptance and validation can lead teens down dangerous roads — and how honest conversations, second chances and the right support can spark real change. Listen in as these teens reflect on what it takes to mend family bonds and find true connection.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Visit heartlightministries.org today.

Dating can make parents nervous, but it can also give teens valuable opportunities to learn about relationships, communication and what they may eventually want in a spouse. Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss the benefits and risks of teen dating, when to allow greater interaction with the opposite sex, and how parents can establish healthy boundaries without creating shame or pushing their teen away. Above all, they encourage parents to stay involved as their teen’s relationships become increasingly important. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen who shares how an abusive relationship contributed to alcohol abuse, anxiety and broken family relationships — and how healing has helped her take responsibility and reconnect with the people she loves.

Learn when and how to broach the subject of sex with your teen at bit.ly/how-to-talk-to-your-teen-about-sex

In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles some deeply personal challenges parents are facing with their teens. How do adoptive parents move forward after years of conflict and heartache? How should a parent respond when a 14-year-old says she’s gay? What do you say when your 18-year-old insists marijuana helps him cope with anxiety? And how do you handle a teen romance that’s moving way too fast? Mark also addresses what to do when your teen doesn’t want to talk despite your best efforts to connect, and how to support a daughter who has withdrawn after bullying and the suicide of a close friend. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes maintaining the relationship, setting appropriate boundaries and knowing when giving a teen some space may actually draw them closer.

Have a parenting situation you can’t quite figure out? Send your question to Mark at markgregston.com, and he may tackle it on an upcoming episode!

What we put on our skin matters, including what we wear. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen have benefits for our bodies and also don't add microplastics to the environment like synthetic fibers can. Shelley, who shares content all about this on her Instagram account In My Linen Era, joins Megan on the podcast to talk about this and the gift of what God has given us in the fibers He created for us!