Parenting Today's Teens

Self-medicating seems increasingly common in today's teenagers — but experimenting with drugs as an "escape" can quickly turn into a dependency on them. In today's show, Mark chats with two teens from Heartlight who reflect on their early exposure to drugs and alcohol, and how they quickly fell into a downward spiral. Seventeen-year-old Gabe opens up about his battles with substanc...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of balancing parenting by finding opportunities to say "yes" instead of always saying "no." Overprotective parenting, though well-intended, can lead to rebellion, making it crucial to give children space to grow. Parents should focus on guiding and supporting their teens rather than controlling them, helping t...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses concerns ranging from dealing with a son's troubling response to a friend's suicide to managing an adopted daughter's rebellious attitude and setting boundaries for a tech-obsessed teen. Tune in as Mark provides not just practical advice, but also emphasizes the importance of building relationships, developing structure and ensuring the menta...

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how to navigate changes in the family home. They highlight that change is tough but possible, urging parents not to expect perfection. Mark offers practical steps for preparing your family, stressing the importance of including children in the conversation and planning process. By fostering open communication and teamwork, families can make transitions smoo...

In today’s episode, Mark examines James 1:9 and unveils what he considers one of the Bible’s most powerful parenting tips. He encourages parents to incorporate this scripture into daily life with teens and offers one key insight that could transform your relationship. Mark also provides practical, actionable tips to help you develop and apply this skill, creating stronger, more impactful connectio...

When trust and respect are broken between parents and teens, it can take time to heal the rift. Everyone has to be willing to put in the work! In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies from Heartlight who've faced tremendous challenges, from substance abuse and self-worth struggles to family disconnects and searching for acceptance. Together, their stories offer valuable insights i...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd respond to a listener's letter, discussing the challenges teens face today regarding sexual activity and pregnancy. They share insights and suggest guidelines on when — and how — to have age-appropriate conversations, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and consequences without shame. With practical advice, they encourage parents t...

In this insightful Q&A episode, Mark Gregston addresses some of the most pressing and complex parenting challenges sent in by listeners. From recognizing and addressing the warning signs of eating disorders and potential sexual abuse in teenagers to knowing when and how to effectively intervene, Mark offers practical wisdom and compassionate guidance. He reminds parents that while exploring th...

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they unpack characteristics of a healthy argument and offer valuable insights on navigating conflict in relationships. While conflict is inevitable, they remind us how we approach it makes all the difference. The key is keeping the relationship at the heart of the conversation, ensuring that resolving the issue doesn’t come at the cost of connection. Mark a...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston offers a heartfelt devotional inspired by John 15:12, sharing personal stories that have deeply impacted his life. Through this scripture and his experiences, he reminds us that our most important mission projects might not require traveling far — they could be in our own backyard or even within our own families. Mark encourages listeners to open their hearts...

For teens who are having a tough time at home, drugs can seem like a welcome escape from their problems. But that escape often spirals into dependency, and before they know it, they end up feeling totally lost. In today's show, Mark chats with two teens who started using drugs at a very young age. Drew opens up about how peer pressure and family turmoil pushed him towards substance abuse, begi...

Have you ever wondered why teens may experiment or self-medicate? In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how parents can address their teen's potential marijuana use with wisdom rather than just facts. They offer practical advice for fostering open communication and creating a supportive home environment, encouraging parents to trust that God has equipped them with th...

In today’s Q&A episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the most pressing concerns parents have sent in regarding their teens. From dealing with lying and teaching integrity to handling sibling rivalries and getting reclusive kids to engage, Mark provides practical advice and wisdom. He also dives into sensitive topics such as accommodating a transgender child's new identity, guiding teens t...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how loss and anger affect teens, with boys and girls responding differently. They explore how past grief can resurface later in life and how parents can guide their teens through these emotions by showing them how God helps us cope. Mark and Wayne remind us that supporting our teens during these challenging times strengthens our relationshi...

In this episode, Mark Gregston offers valuable insights on navigating the complex world of social media and its impact on today's teens. He explores how the constant stream of online content fuels comparison and self-doubt among teenagers and shares nine practical strategies for parents to help their kids process the overwhelming influence of social media. Tune in for more on fostering healthy...

Every teen responds to divorce differently, but that kind of family turmoil can leave emotional scars and a desperate search for stability. In today's episode, Mark chats with two young ladies who both have parents who've divorced, and they reflect on how a divided household impacted their decisions. For Lily, it meant she turned to a party-driven lifestyle — but at Heartlight, she's f...

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they explore the crucial topic of bullying in today’s world. They examine the various forms bullying can take —both in person and online — and how the digital age has transformed the way teens experience it and cope. Mark and Wayne offer practical advice on recognizing the signs of bullying, understanding how it affects your teenager and providing real solu...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston shares essential strategies for building positive parent-teen relationships amidst modern challenges. He addresses tough issues like destructive behavior, social media’s impact, and pornography, offering actionable advice on setting boundaries and fostering open communication. Whether you're navigating difficult behavior or seeking deeper connection, this epis...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the challenge of dealing with selfishness in teens. While it’s natural for teenagers to be self-focused, it’s equally natural for parents to feel frustrated. Mark offers fresh insights on how to approach your teen’s selfish behavior with patience and understanding, drawing from the story of the Prodigal Son. He encourages parents to lo...

In today’s episode, Mark shares a heartfelt devotional inspired by Proverbs 3:21-24, offering four key insights that can transform your approach to parenting. He emphasizes how a child’s behavior often reflects deeper, unseen struggles and encourages parents to look beyond surface actions to understand the root causes. Mark discusses how to cultivate a compassionate perspective, seeing with the ey...

Having an angry teen in your home can be a constant source of chaos and strife — but parents have to remember that anger always has a deeper root. As we hear in today's show, those teens also need to realize that rage-filled outbursts won't get them where they want to go. Mark and Courtney chat with two teens who've struggled with anger, including Sebastian, who opens up about his stru...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the importance of truly connecting with your teen. They explore why teens may lose their way and outline three key steps parents can take to guide them back on track. Mark highlights the value of intentional parenting as your child’s needs change and reminds parents that what teens desire most is a strong, authentic relationship — some...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston shares thoughtful advice and practical wisdom as he discusses a variety of listener questions. From adjusting parenting styles and supporting college-aged children to navigating grandparent relationships and guiding teens through divorce, Mark provides empathetic insights on these common challenges. He also dives into strategies for managing kids' obsessio...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share heartfelt excerpts from parents navigating the challenges of raising teens. These real-life accounts shed light on the emotional struggles families face daily. Mark and Wayne provide five practical steps you can implement immediately to improve the tone of your home and build stronger connections with your teen. Plus, they offer three additio...

In this episode, Mark Gregston reflects on Proverbs 4:7 and shares a personal story about how a simple statement from his 5-year-old granddaughter shifted his perspective on a situation. This moment led him to realize just how vital perspective is for parents, especially when raising teens. Mark encourages us to stay focused on what truly matters in today’s world and to actively engage in understa...