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When Your Teen’s Behavior Becomes a Cry for Help

October 5, 2026 · 23 min

Show notes

How can you tell when typical teenage struggles have become something more serious? Mark and Wayne discuss the warning signs that a teen may be spinning out of control — from escalating rebellion, dishonesty and disregard for consequences to isolation, substance use, self-harm and other dangerous behaviors. Mark also shares practical steps parents can take to intervene, establish healthier boundaries and recognize when it’s time to seek outside help. You’ll also hear a candid conversation with a Heartlight teen, who shares how drinking, drugs and unhealthy relationships gradually took priority in her life. Addressing the deeper reasons behind her choices helped her begin rebuilding her relationship with her parents. Tune in to learn how to recognize a teen’s cry for help and step in before a downward spiral becomes a crisis.

Learn to address the pain behind your teen's behavior at bit.ly/the-hurt-behind-your-teens-behavior

All episodes of Parenting Today’s Teens

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