Parenting Today's Teens

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...

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...