Parenting Today's Teens

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss the importance of modesty. They emphasize the need for parents to teach their daughters the value of modesty based on biblical principles, not societal trends. The two remind us how important it is to affirm our daughters' beauty and worth inside and out. Listen as Mark offers practical advice on how to have this important conversation, foc...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the toughest questions parents face regarding their kids. He shares insights on connecting with a quiet preteen, navigating concerns about an 18-year-old’s new girlfriend and supporting a 13-year-old grandson struggling with low self-esteem due to limited time with his father. Mark also advises a grandmother on living arrangements with her video ga...

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they share a powerful message of hope for families this Easter season. In this episode, they encourage parents to find strength in God's unwavering hope, even amidst life's challenges. Through trials and tribulations, Mark and Wayne remind us that God's presence can deepen our relationships with Him and with one another. They offer inspiration f...

Join Mark Gregston today as he speaks specifically to parents of children becoming teens. He reminds them that what has worked in the earlier years won’t work in the teen years — parents must be flexible and accommodating to successfully raise their teen. Mark highlights several examples of what he believes parents should provide at home to create an environment and relationship that your teen des...

A tough part of the teen years is figuring out how you fit into the world — and with whom. Everyone wants to feel accepted, but sometimes that desire can have pitfalls. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies, including a 17-year-old from Texas, who explains how high school brought about unforeseen changes and peer pressures. Despite being a "good kid," she found herself expo...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how the increased normalization of drugs is affecting teens. Mark emphasizes the importance of stepping in early when drug use is suspected, offering practical advice for parents on setting boundaries, seeking professional help and maintaining open communication. Above all, they stress the importance of loving and supporting your teen th...

Difficult conversations with teens can be uncomfortable, but avoiding them isn’t the answer. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston encourages parents to embrace tough discussions with confidence, covering complex topics like discrimination and sensitive family dynamics. He also offers practical advice on balancing family time and replacing lectures with meaningful conversations. Tune in for wisdom, en...

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about depression among adolescents and how it is rising at an alarming rate, with many teens experiencing major depressive disorders and persistent sadness or hopelessness. Suicide rates have increased and many families struggle to recognize the signs, which can range from mood changes and social withdrawal to risky behaviors and eating disorders. Parents are...

Mark Gregston shares his story of facing rejection and loss after being fired from a ministry 36 years ago. Despite the pain and confusion, he reflects on how God's presence remained constant and how hardships shaped his faith. Mark encourages us to trust God through life's struggles — even when the purpose isn’t clear — believing that He works all things for good. Visit parentingtodaystee...

In a world where communication often falls short, many teens find themselves craving meaningful connections that feel elusive. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two teens who share their journeys from fractured family relationships and troubled pasts, rooted in miscommunication and unmet emotional needs, towards a path of healing. One young lady opens up about how an emotional disconnect...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of paying attention to a teenager's smile as an indicator of emotional well-being. The two emphasize that when a teen stops smiling, it often signals underlying issues that parents should not ignore. Mark advises parents to approach their teens with empathy and understanding, acknowledging their own role in the problem if...

It's normal for teens to want to connect, especially with the rise of social media — but how do we balance connection and boundaries? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives into the challenges of parenting in the digital age. He discusses how teens naturally crave connection and how technology has shifted their communication style away from face-to-face interactions. Mark emphasizes the need...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the challenges of motivating teens who seem to have lost hope. Mark explains that a lack of motivation can stem from issues like depression or feeling overwhelmed. He stresses that shaming teens isn't the answer and encourages parents to identify the root causes and support teens in finding a way forward. Visit parentingtodaysteens.org...

In today's heartfelt episode, Mark draws wisdom from 2 Peter to encourage parents and grandparents to create lasting memories with their families. He emphasizes the importance of not waiting until it's too late to invest in the next generation. Mark reminds listeners that a true legacy is not just about what you leave behind, but the meaningful moments and memories you share along the way....

Trauma — and the sense of loneliness that often follows — can leave teens feeling hopeless about their futures. That hopelessness can lead to some dark places, but finding help and support makes all the difference. Today, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who reflect on their stories. From grappling with depression and substance abuse to confronting family challenges, Hayden shares the hear...

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how easy it is for teens to access alcohol and marijuana today, and why they may engage in these behaviors. They remind parents that no teen is immune to exposure. Mark stresses the importance of creating a supportive home environment that meets teens’ needs in healthy ways, offering advice for parents and grandparents. He also provides guidance for those w...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers listener-submitted questions from parents navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. From technology use and teen relationships to anxiety and personal expressions like dressing as a 'furry,' Mark offers thoughtful, biblically grounded advice. He also discusses how to maintain strong relationships with your children and the importance of stayi...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the challenges of parent-teen disconnection and the importance of restoring relationships. They discuss how negativity, lack of quality time and excessive phone use contribute to disengagement. By setting boundaries, creating a positive home environment and actively listening, parents can rebuild trust.  For more advice from Mark and to see...

Join Mark as he shares his journey of founding Heartlight after unexpected job losses left him feeling lost. Through reflection, he recognized personal shortcomings that shaped him into a more authentic leader. He challenges parents to confront their own struggles rather than just focusing on their child’s behavior. Mark emphasizes that hardships, though painful, can lead to growth, authenticity a...

An unfortunate reality is that many teens today turn to harmful behaviors as coping mechanisms for their deeper struggles. So, it's more important than ever that parents support their teens when they're walking through a tough time. Today, Mark sits down with two more teens from Heartlight who share their stories of hardship and growth, addressing challenges such as family dynamics, addict...

Does your teen get time to truly rest over spring break? Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd emphasize that rest is not laziness, and kids need time to refresh and reset from their busy routines. They encourage parents to be intentional about how they spend this time, focusing on connection, open conversations and understanding their teen’s needs rather than simply filling the schedule. Ultima...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives into real questions from parents and grandparents just like you. From dating non-believers and navigating church changes to setting tech boundaries and discussing sexual identity, Mark offers practical wisdom to strengthen your bond with your teens. Tune in for honest advice and hope-filled guidance to help you thrive through every season of parenting! Have...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the role of pain as a powerful motivator in a teen's development. They emphasize the importance of allowing young people to experience natural consequences rather than rescuing them from every hardship. Through personal stories and real-life examples, they highlight how overprotection can hinder growth, while strategic parental guidance...

Join Mark Gregston as he reflects on how his generation’s tendency to avoid conflict led to broken relationships and a generation of children who fear abandonment. He emphasizes that true peace is not the absence of struggle but the presence of hope, encouraging parents to face challenges head-on. Through personal experiences with grieving families and troubled teens, he reassures parents that the...

Typically, change in a family doesn't happen overnight — it takes humility and a willingness on everyone's part to learn how to do things differently. Today, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who have both been on the show before and are nearly ready to graduate. Eli shares why he used to struggle with defiance, and how his time at Heartlight has helped him develop a deeper understa...