The Power of Influence: Overcoming Negativity

The Power of Influence: Overcoming Negativity

Author: Mark Gregston April 8, 2026 Duration: 19:34

What shapes a teen’s path through life? So often, it’s the quiet influence of people who stand by them, offering wisdom, encouragement and an open ear. In today’s episode, Mark shares personal stories about the adults who made a difference in his life and reflects on how their positive influence helped him discover purpose and overcome negativity. Drawing from years of experience and heartfelt conversations, Mark reveals the impact of investing in small moments and building trust that lasts. If you’ve ever wondered how to be the person your teen looks up to, this episode offers inspiration and insight to help you become the influencer your child needs. Listen in and learn how thoughtful engagement can change a teen’s destiny!

Want more insights on how to encourage your teen versus criticize? Check out Mark’s article, “How to Motivate an Underachiever” at bit.ly/motivate-an-underachiever

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
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