Parenting Today's Teens

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough listener-submitted questions about raising teens in today’s culture. From discovering a child's vaping habit and managing sibling conflict to supporting an adopted teen through promiscuity and responding to a daughter's mental health crisis, Mark offers practical wisdom framed by a relational approach. He addresses tough topics like setting b...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how today’s teens are growing up in an overwhelming and chaotic world, saturated with constant information, conflicting values, and social pressures that fuel anxiety and confusion. Mark emphasizes that teens deeply desire stability, security, and authentic relationships with their parents and grandparents, even if they don’t always show it...

In this heartfelt episode, Mark Gregston reflects on his decades-long journey of working with teens and families, beginning with a single act of compassion at age 19 that led to a lifetime of ministry. He shares a powerful story of reconciliation — after 40 years of silence — emphasizing the damage unresolved conflict can cause in relationships. Mark encourages listeners with a call to action: Don...

Every parent wants the best for their teen, but what happens when the pressure to be perfect becomes too much to bear? In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young men from Heartlight who share their personal journeys through anxiety, depression and the crushing weight of high expectations. Both teens describe how striving to meet others’ standards led them to hide their struggles and withdra...

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore adoption as one of the greatest acts of love and sacrifice a family can make. Drawing from conversations with adopted teens and their families, they share insights that help parents understand the unique challenges these children face. They emphasize the need for parents to adapt their approach as their child grows and enters new developme...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the most pressing issues facing parents of teenagers — from navigating adoption challenges and discussing sexuality, to setting boundaries with teens exploring relationships. He also addresses managing teen mental health and substance use, as well as supporting those facing bullying and isolation. Mark offers heartfelt advice drawn from years of...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into a question every parent wrestles with: What’s really behind my teen’s bad behavior? They remind parents that a teen’s identity is not defined by their actions — and that there’s always more beneath the surface. From peer pressure and unresolved emotions to complex family dynamics, Mark and Wayne explore the deeper influences that shape te...

Join Mark Gregston as he reflects on Proverbs 22:6, offering heartfelt reminders for parents raising teens today. He encourages parents to train their children in every area of life, focusing on building independence rather than dependence. Mark emphasizes that true success comes when teens are prepared to make wise decisions on their own. He highlights the need for balance between providing suppo...

Every parent hopes their teen feels loved and valued — but what happens when a teen’s pain goes unnoticed or unaddressed? In today's show, we reshare a couple of interviews that exemplify how invisible hurts can weigh on teens. For Heather, Heartlight provided the space to work on herself without the pressure of keeping up appearances. She shares her experiences navigating the pain of her pare...

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the challenging seasons when your teen’s behavior feels overwhelming. They explore how parents can respond well to both the everyday frustrations and the bigger, life-altering moments that come with raising teens. Together, they offer insights on typical teenage behavior and how to know when it may be time to seek professional help. Listen in as they...

In this episode, Mark Gregston addresses the ever-evolving challenges of parenting in the digital age. Diving into questions about the impact of internet and video game usage on teenagers, Mark offers insight into balancing technology with meaningful relationships. He discusses strategies for managing tech use at home, including setting boundaries, fostering real-world connections and encouraging...

Today, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur join Mark to discuss teen daughters and the impact of mean girls and social media on their lives. Together, they aim to raise awareness and help parents understand what their daughters may be facing — and why they might be acting out. This conversation explores how social media has intensified the pressure to fit in. Tune in for practical advice on how to...

Drawing from Proverbs 13:20, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotion as he reflects on his adolescence and how that time differs so much from today. He reminds us of how every generation of youth has brought its own troubling times. He encourages parents to seek to understand the teens in their lives so they can help their kids navigate this ever-changing world. Mark challenges parents to better...

In the quest to be accepted and liked, many teens only form surface-level connections with their peers. They're missing out on what a genuine relationship looks like — and as parents, that's where we can set a good example. In today's show, Mark chats with two young men from Heartlight, including Jack, who opens up about his battle with peer pressure, expressing how his desire for acce...

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd emphasize the importance of truly listening to your teen rather than lecturing, correcting or constantly giving opinions. When teens don’t feel heard at home, they’ll seek connection elsewhere. They encourage parents to set aside intentional, judgment-free time to simply listen and ask thoughtful questions. The goal isn’t to fix or respond, but to build trus...

In this episode of "Parenting Today's Teens," Mark Gregston dives into a series of pressing questions sent in by concerned parents navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. From dealing with a son who clams up when confronted, to a young daughter making concerning choices in friendships, Mark offers practical insights and wisdom. He discusses the complexities of self-esteem issue...

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the topic of teens and anger. They cover key strategies like setting ground rules, creating space for deeper conversations and encouraging parents to uncover the emotions driving the anger. With practical advice and thoughtful talking points, they offer tools you can start using today to better connect with and support your teen. Is your teen struggl...

Join Mark Gregston as he shares heartfelt lessons and insights from his life, focusing on the vital role grandparents play within their families. In this encouraging episode, Mark offers practical advice grandparents can start using today to strengthen connections with their children and grandchildren — and embrace the unique influence only they can provide. For more from Mark on this topic, check...

In today's often shallow, performance-based culture, many of our teens find themselves navigating complex dual lives. In this episode, we hear from two Heartlight teens who share their experiences of living contrasting realities. One young lady, Ellie, reveals her journey of living two lives — balancing between being a missionary in Africa and engaging in risky behaviors back home. She talks a...

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...