logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2024
20m 14s

Balancing Protection with Preparedness

MARK GREGSTON
About this episode

It's always good to remember that our role as parents is not just to protect teens from pain, but to equip them with the resilience and understanding to navigate through it. That's what'll help them in the real world! In this episode, Mark reflects on a story about getting hurt that taught him a lot, and shares insights into the importance of allowing children to experience and learn from pain to a certain extent. Tune in to learn more about the role pain plays in growth and development!

For more on helping your teen get through a challenging time, order a copy of "When Your Teen is Struggling," at bit.ly/teen-is-struggling

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 www.ChristianParenting.org



Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Up next
Today
Is Your Teen Leading a Double Life?
Listen today as Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how it’s normal for teens to act differently in different settings, but it becomes concerning when they hide behavior that violates their values or are falling apart beneath a polished exterior. Mark explains that a “double ... Show More
24m 41s
Yesterday
Performance-Based Relationships
Today, Mark Gregston shares a devotional from Psalm 86:15, exploring how children can grow up believing love must be earned through performance. When parents unknowingly reinforce this, kids begin to fear that failure will cost them acceptance, tying their value to behavior and a ... Show More
14m 54s
Jan 27
Teen Stories: Reckoning with Privilege
When teens seem demanding or expect the world handed to them, it's easy to chalk it up to “just being a teenager” — but there’s often more beneath the surface. Today, Mark talks with two more teens from Heartlight, both of whom open up about their journeys confronting a culture o ... Show More
24m 8s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2025
Ep. 231 | Helping Kids through Trials & Suffering
<p>Do you sometimes feel helpless watching your child struggle through trials and suffering, unsure of how to guide them toward hope and healing through Christ? Are you searching for biblical encouragement to help your children process suffering in a way that deepens their relati ... Show More
27m 54s
Sep 2025
How do we build resilience in our kids without being harsh or overprotective
tail spinning
50m 41s
Aug 2025
From Toddler to Teen: Building Confidence, Resilience, and Emotional Strength with Lighthouse Parenting
How to raise kids who are confident, resilient, and emotionally strong without controlling their every move? Dr. Ken Ginsburg, pediatrician, adolescent medicine specialist, and author of Lighthouse Parenting, joins me to share how parents can be a stable guiding presence while st ... Show More
51m 34s
Oct 15
Lessons from the Sidelines: What Being a Soccer Mom Taught Me About Grit, Growth, and Parenting
In this episode, Dr. Cathryn shares powerful lessons learned from years on the soccer sidelines with her daughter. These stories reveal how resilience, character, and determination are built—and how parents can support their kids in growing these essential life skills. Key Takeaw ... Show More
9m 48s
Apr 2024
Stress Awareness: Parenting Stress
<p>Do you consider the stress of parenting to be overwhelming or sometimes too much? It's possible that you are having reactions to your children that are more about trauma than parenting. In today's episode, Laura will talk about how stress in parenting can easily trigger parts ... Show More
20m 17s
Sep 2021
Help Your Kid With Middle School - Judith Warner [308]
Why do so few of us look back at our middle school years with fond memories? Has this period of adolescence always been so difficult? What can we do to help our children positively navigate this time in their lives? In this episode, Hunter talks with Judith Warner, author of And ... Show More
1h 8m
Apr 2025
Ep. 220 | Discipling Preteens with Leslie Nunnery
<p>Would you like to discover effective strategies for connecting with your preteen on a deeper level while fostering open communication and nurturing their faith? Are you looking for practical ways to guide them well on their spiritual journey as they navigate changing emotions ... Show More
29m 1s