Raising Socially Awkward Teens

Raising Socially Awkward Teens

From Parenting Today's Teens by Mark Gregston

April 27, 2026 · 27 min · Episode 1526

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges of social awkwardness in teens and offers strategies for parents to help their children connect with others.

Is your teen struggling to connect with others or retreating into screens instead of real relationships? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur talk about what’s behind social awkwardness in today’s teens. From constant digital entertainment to lack of real-life interaction, many teens are missing the experiences that build confidence and connection. You’ll learn how to gently push your teen out of isolation, model healthy relationships and help them develop the social skills they need to thrive. Plus, a teen’s story reveals how isolation, curiosity and family dynamics can shape behavior — and what it takes to turn things around. Some isolation is healthy, but sometimes it signals deeper struggles. Learn six things to know about teen isolation and how to respond here: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/6-things-to-know-about-teen-isolation 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.

People in this episode

Host: Mark Gregston

Guests: Wayne, Courtney LaFleur

Topics covered

  • social awkwardness
  • teen relationships
  • digital entertainment
  • isolation
  • social skills
  • parenting advice

Keywords

  • teen isolation
  • social skills
  • parenting
  • digital entertainment
  • healthy relationships
  • confidence

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Heartlight, Christian Parenting Podcast Network, parentingtodaysteens.org

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