Your teen is anxious. They’re lonely, even when they’re constantly connected. They’re spending more time on their phone and less time with people—and you’re trying to figure out what’s really going on underneath what you’re seeing.

The statistics about today’s teens can be alarming, but your teen is not a statistic. In Part 1 of my conversation with Abigail Stonestreet, co-author of Summit Ministries’ State of the Rising Generation Report, and a college senior, we look beyond the headlines and research to what today’s teens are actually experiencing—and why understanding your teen’s individual story matters so much.

Abigail brings a unique perspective because she didn’t just research Gen Z—she’s part of it. Our conversation will help you approach parenting teens with greater curiosity and strengthen the communication skills that help you build connection and trust when your teen isn’t readily letting you into their world.

What You’ll Learn

• What’s underneath the growing anxiety, loneliness, and identity struggles we’re seeing in today’s teens
• Why a phone can represent much more than a screen-time problem—and what parents can miss when they focus only on the behavior
• What Abigail’s own parents did that made it safe for her to bring them difficult questions
• Why understanding your teen’s story can change the way you approach teen communication and connection

As Christian parents, we don’t have to let frightening statistics determine how we see our kids. We can stay anchored in Christ, listen with curiosity, and trust that God is at work in their individual story—even in the places we don’t fully understand yet.

Want practical help staying connected to your teen and having conversations that build trust?

💌 Join my email list and come be part of my free How to Connect With Your Teens Facebook group.

👉Connect With Your Teens Facebook Group

👉 Weekly Insider Newsletter

I pray this episode blesses you and your family.

~Terri

MORE RESOURCES

✨State of the Rising Generation Report

Ever wonder what’s really behind the anxiety, loneliness, identity struggles, and changing beliefs we’re seeing in today’s teens? his eye-opening report from Summit Ministries helps you better understand the world your teen is growing up in and the challenges shaping their generation.

👉Get your copy of the State of the Rising Generation Report

✨Summit Ministries Parent Resources

Explore helpful videos, articles, and other faith-based resources designed to equip you to navigate today’s parenting challenges and guide your teen with biblical wisdom and confidence.

👉https://www.summit.org/parents/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

✨ Website: Free resources and practical support to help you build connection and trust with your teen.

👉https://connectwithyourteens.com

✨ Work With Me: Get personalized communication coaching for your specific relationship and situation.

👉http://ConnectWithYourTeens.com/communication-coaching

RELATED EPISODES

39 | When Your Teen Stops Believing: How to Keep the Door Open Instead of Pushing Them Away

70 | Teen Questioning Their Faith? How to Keep Them Talking with Kasey Leander (Part 1)

71 | Teen Pulling Away? Build Connection Without Compromising Truth with Kasey Leander (Part 2)