Teen Stories: Out of Control

Teen Stories: Out of Control

Author: Mark Gregston March 17, 2026 Duration: 23:43

When life feels unpredictable, teens often seek control in unexpected ways. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women at Heartlight who share how loss and longing for independence shaped their choices. One opens up about the impact of losing her father and the turbulent relationship with her mom that followed, while the other reflects on her drive to grow up too fast and how that influenced her actions. Both stories reveal how the struggle for control can lead to risky decisions — and how stepping back can spark new growth. Don’t miss this honest conversation about grief, self-discovery and what it means to heal together as a family.

Know a young adult who's great with teens? They may be a perfect fit for our Heartlight staff! Go to heartlight.jobs 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. 


Raising a teenager can feel like navigating uncharted territory every single day. Parenting Today's Teens is here to walk that path with you, offering a steady voice amid the chaos. Mark Gregston brings more than four decades of direct experience working with families to each conversation, translating complex adolescent behaviors into understandable insights. You’ll hear honest discussions about defiance, screen time, emotional withdrawal, and the search for identity, all framed with a perspective that is both pragmatic and hopeful. This isn’t about quick fixes or perfect formulas; it’s about building a lasting, authentic connection with your teen even when it’s difficult. Mark’s approach is grounded in real-world application, offering strategies you can consider and adapt the very same day. The podcast draws from a well of wisdom that respects the spiritual and personal growth of the entire family, recognizing that parenting a teen often means revisiting your own beliefs and reactions. Tune in for a resource that feels like a thoughtful conversation with a trusted guide, one that acknowledges the struggles while consistently pointing toward practical solutions and renewed understanding for the modern parent.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Parenting Today's Teens
Podcast Episodes
When Your Teen Thinks Differently Than You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:20
What’s shaping your teen’s beliefs, and why do they sometimes latch onto ideas that create tension at home? In this episode, Mark and Wayne unpack how today’s teens are influenced by culture, peers and a deep desire to b…
When Helping Hurts: Teaching Teens to Carry Their Own Load [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:17
Are you helping your teen — or holding them back? In this episode, Mark shares a powerful story about a young adult unprepared for real life, and the well-meaning parenting that led her there. Drawing from Galatians 6:5,…
Teen Stories: Feeling the Pressure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:53
When teens seem to have it all — good grades, bright smiles, great families — it's easy for parents to assume things are fine. But what if that perfect image is masking deeper struggles? In today's episode, Mark talks wi…
Breaking Patterns, Building Trust & Beating Boredom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:22
As summer break draws closer, we’re revisiting an episode with Mark and Wayne about setting your teen up for success. Boredom isn’t harmless — it can open the door to unhealthy habits if teens lack structure and purpose.…
Quit Correcting. Start Connecting. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:42
If you feel like you’re losing connection with your teen, you’re not alone and you’re not without hope. In this episode, Mark and Wayne unpack one of the most critical needs in adolescence: relationship. Mark shares why…
Influenced by Encouragement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:39
Behind every teen's story is a series of voices that shape the way they see themselves — either building them up or tearing them down. In today's show, Mark shares his own memories of the people who spoke life and wisdom…
Teen Stories: The Disconnection Dilemma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:02
Many of today’s teens are searching for where they fit in. Sometimes they pull away from family, dive too deep into the digital world or don't know how to reach out for help. On this episode, Mark sits down with two youn…
The Cost of Fitting In [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:24
Every teen wants to belong somewhere, but for some, the journey to find acceptance comes with a heavy price. In today's episode, Mark visits with a courageous young woman at Heartlight, who shares how bullying, cultural…