Parenting Today's Teens

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...

Our culture moves so fast, and teens experience a lot of pressure. They see people who seem to "have it all figured out" — and it can lead to feeling purposeless. In today's show, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight, including Peter, who shares how the structure of the boarding school has been beneficial. He discusses his turbulent relationship with his parents, dealing with...

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they share practical advice on effective discipline while fostering a strong parent-child relationship. They emphasize the importance of setting clear expectations, maintaining open communication and collaborating with your teen. Learn how to avoid disciplining out of anger and instead adopt a connection-based approach that builds trust and mutual respect....

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses listener-submitted questions on how to foster deeper communication with teens who struggle to open up. He explores why kids often remain silent — whether it’s feeling that their words don’t matter or not having the right words to express their emotions. Mark offers actionable advice on recognizing parental influence, navigating family dynamics, and respo...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd offer heartfelt advice and encouragement for single parents. Acknowledging the strength and resilience it takes to parent alone, they share practical tips and emotional support to help you navigate this journey. They emphasize the importance of leaning on family, friends and mentors, and highlight the value of building a supportive community. Their...

Happy New Year! In today’s episode, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotion, using scripture to inspire families as they prepare for the new year. He encourages reflection on the past to recognize obstacles and a forward-looking vision to identify what you truly want. Through thought-provoking questions and practical suggestions, Mark offers ideas to help you start conversations that could lead t...

For a lot of teens, it's easier to express anger than it is to show others that they're sad, lonely or feeling lost. But anger always has a root. In this episode, Mark sits down with two more Heartlight teens, including a young lady who opens up about the challenges she's faced, from discovering her birth mother's lifelong prison sentence to battling depression and rage. She shares...

In today’s episode, Mark and Wayne delve into the tough truth that even the best parenting efforts don’t always lead to the results you hope for. They highlight the importance of staying adaptable and evolving as a parent, reassuring listeners that struggles don’t diminish the value of their efforts. They also challenge parents to avoid getting too comfortable in their approach, encouraging them t...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers your most pressing questions, tackling real-life dilemmas faced by parents just like you. From handling a disrespectful 19-year-old still living at home, to guiding a 16-year-old struggling with loneliness and over-reliance on video games, Mark offers practical advice grounded in his decades of experience. You'll also hear insights on managing a 20-yea...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the impact of a world driven by appearances and superficiality on today’s teens. They discuss how kids crave genuine connections, yet often struggle to find them in a society full of facades. Mark and Wayne challenge parents to open up about their own struggles and hopes, rather than presenting a perfect, unrelatable image. Tune in now f...

Merry Christmas! In today’s episode, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotion, using scripture to inspire families as they prepare for the new year. He encourages reflection on the past to recognize obstacles and a forward-looking vision to identify what you truly want. Through thought-provoking questions and practical suggestions, Mark offers ideas to help you start conversations that could lead...

Every teen's journey at Heartlight looks different — and everyone learns, heals and grows at their own pace. In today's show, Mark talks with two young men in the program, including Jack, who's been at Heartlight for 16 months. He reflects on his time there, and shares how he was initially skeptical, but gradually shed these misconceptions. Eventually, he arrived at a place of growth a...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the critical issue of teen drug use, offering insights on why some teens turn to substances and reminding parents that no one is immune to this challenge. They highlight key signs to watch for and emphasize the importance of NOT assuming it could never happen to your child. With compassion and practical advice, they guide parents on how...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the most pressing questions sent in by listeners. He discusses the pitfalls of performance-based relationships and how conditional love can hinder your teen's growth. He also explores the importance of encouraging independence by letting teens face natural consequences while providing support when needed. From common concerns like curfews an...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore why teaching teens to navigate struggles effectively is essential. While it’s natural for parents to want to shield their kids from hardship, they explain how facing challenges builds resilience and character. With practical advice, they share the do’s and don’ts of guiding teens through tough times, encouraging parents to model healthy res...

In this heartfelt episode, Mark Gregston opens up about the near tragedies he faced this year and the renewed gratitude they inspired in his life. Through these challenges, Mark discovered unexpected blessings that make Christmas feel especially meaningful. He invites us all to pause during this holiday season and reflect on the hidden gifts in our own lives, even amid difficult circumstances. Giv...

Trauma experienced in childhood has the potential to impact an individual's entire life — which is why it's so crucial to support a teen who's facing a painful past. In today's show, Mark talks with two teens from Heartlight, including one of our youngest residents, who opens up about his tumultuous childhood. It was marked by intense anger and traumatic events, including the murde...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the essential skills every parent needs to raise resilient teens. They discuss setting clear, non-negotiable household rules, giving teens the space to learn from their mistakes, and maintaining flexibility in your parenting approach. Mark and Wayne also highlight the power of unconditional love and open communication, sharing practical t...

In this episode, Mark Gregston addresses real-life parenting dilemmas, including managing phone restrictions and substance use. He also discusses confronting identity issues shaped by societal norms and supporting kids through the highs and lows of high school relationships. With practical advice on setting boundaries, transitioning from teaching to training, and supporting teens through bullying...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore how parents can respond thoughtfully when teens push against their values, reframing these moments as opportunities for growth. They share practical steps for building strong relationships, approaching challenges with hope and trusting God’s guidance. With reassurance that truth will prevail, Mark also answers a listener’s question, offerin...

In this episode, Mark Gregston shares why consistent, one-on-one time with your teen is crucial. These moments foster trust, improve communication and create a safe space for them to open up. Mark offers practical strategies, "rules of engagement" and four key insights to help you make the most of this time — free from opinions, criticism or unsolicited advice. Learn how to build a stronge...

It's hard to ask for help at any age. Sometimes, it seems easier to just put on a brave face and keep others at arm's length — but as the teens in today's episode share, that only hurts more in the long run. Today, Mark and Courtney talk with two young ladies at Heartlight who reflect on their family conflicts and struggles with substance use. Ryan opens up about the pain of unresolved...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why helping kids develop independence is essential — and how doing too much for them can backfire. When parents constantly step in, it can foster a self-centered mindset, where kids expect others to handle everything for them. Mark and Wayne explore how well-meaning provision can unintentionally become enabling, stifling growth and resilien...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston discusses some of the most pressing questions from parents just like you. He dives into a range of topics, including how to handle a 17-year-old son with high-functioning autism and ADHD who is struggling with alcohol use, understanding when it’s time to involve psychiatry for a child displaying disruptive behavior and strategies to support a depressed teen who re...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the pitfalls of expecting perfection from teens. They discuss how holding teens to impossible standards can damage their mental and emotional health, and offer practical strategies for parents to foster a healthy, grace-filled environment. Discover how to celebrate progress over perfection and nurture a thriving relationship with your teen...