logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
25m 20s

Teen Stories: What Sparks Self-Destructi...

MARK GREGSTON
About this episode

Some teens act impulsively because they're seeking adventure — for others, it's a cry for help. In today's show, Mark and Courtney sit down with two teens from Heartlight who engaged in self-destructive behaviors because they weren't sure how to deal with the pain they were feeling. One teen, Katie, opens up about how her parents' divorce at a young age set off a chain of reckless behaviors and substance abuse, ultimately leading her to Heartlight where she found self-worth and motivation to turn her life around. Tune in now!

To learn more about the Heartlight program, go 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.



Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Up next
Today
Are You Listening to Your Teen’s Heart?
Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore why listening is one of the most powerful tools parents can use with their teens. Teens don’t always need more lectures — they need safe spaces where their voices matter. When parents ask questions, stop correcting and truly listen, teens ... Show More
25m 58s
Yesterday
How to Influence Your Teen
Mark Gregston shares the most effective way to influence a teen — by spending intentional, consistent time together. He encourages parents to set aside weekly one-on-one moments starting around age 13 to build trust and open communication before conflict arises. These times shoul ... Show More
24m 47s
Oct 7
Teen Stories: Covering Hurt with a Smile
Every teen faces pressures, but some feel compelled to hide behind a mask — covering up pain or anxiety with risky behaviors or a perfect facade. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens whose struggles took them down very different paths, but revealed their d ... Show More
22m 26s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
Ep 314: Breaking Bad Habits with Teenagers
Dr. Sophie Mort, author of "Unstuck," provides insights into breaking negative habits, understanding teen decision-making, and reshaping the narratives surrounding adolescence to better support teens' growth and self-esteem.Full Show Notes Navigating teenage years is often associ ... Show More
28m 52s
Feb 2025
Ep 326: Breaking Generational Parenting Cycles
Melanie Shankle, author of Here Be Dragons, joins us to share insights from her complex mother-daughter relationship and discuss how parents can break generational cycles, empower their teens, and handle high school drama with grace.Full Show Notes Parenting teenagers often means ... Show More
25m 49s
Feb 2025
How to Successfully Connect With Your Teenager
When parents learn what their children need from them at different developmental stages, it reduces conflict and increases connection. For example, the teen years require a very different set of strategies than others which most parents don’t know.  In this episode Dr. Shefali di ... Show More
42m 36s
Aug 5
Emotionally Immature Parents -Lindsay Gibson
Are you the adult child of an emotionally immature parent? Hunter Clarke-Fields talks with psychologist Dr. Lindsay Gibson about how parents' unresolved pain can lead to emotional immaturity—and the lasting impact it has on their children. They explore four common types of diffic ... Show More
57m 29s
Feb 2025
Parent Yourself First: Break Generational Cycles for Better Parenting
Unresolved childhood wounds can influence your reactions and relationships with your children. By breaking generational cycles and cultivating self-awareness, parents can create more empathetic, connected and supportive environments for their families.This week, I welcome back Br ... Show More
48m 20s
Oct 2024
Breaking Screen Addiction: A Teen’s Perspective on Setting Boundaries (#212)
In this episode, host Melanie Hempe is joined by her son, Andrew, who shares his personal insights on screen habits and addiction. Together, they dispel the myth that setting boundaries around screen time leads to rebellion. Instead, Andrew explains how boundaries are an act of l ... Show More
38m 25s
Mar 2025
Promoting Positive Body Image in Girls with Drs Lindsay and Lexie Kite, Episode #124
Today's episode is a sneak peak from our upcoming summit. We speak with Drs. Lindsay and Lexie Kite, authors of More Than a Body, about how parents can help their children develop a healthy body image in a world that often prioritizes appearance over well-being. We explore the co ... Show More
1 h
Mar 2025
Revisit - A Plate of Shame
This is a repeat of an earlier episode. Going out to dinner is not what it once was if you are bringing your kids. What used to be an easy book a restaurant and go, is a bit more complicated when it's a party bigger than two. But we all need a break! We all deserve dinner out wit ... Show More
26m 47s
Dec 2022
Protecting teens from excess alcohol and drugs
Kathryn talks with parenting coach and education consultant Joseph Driessen about how to protect teenagers from the dangers of using drugs and excess alcohol. 
18m 1s