Parenting Today's Teens

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses some challenging and heartfelt questions sent in by listeners. He covers tough topics like navigating a teen's unexpected lifestyle choices, managing defiant behavior and handling the sensitive issue of pornography with your kids. Mark shares practical advice on how to maintain love through difficult times, while setting effective boundaries and cons...

Your teen's disrespect often stems from deeper issues — are you looking past the surface? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the need for honest dialogue and appropriate consequences when a serious lack of respect occurs. They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and having open conversations with your kid concerning their attitude and behavior. Tune in now for...

In this episode, Mark Gregston shares how to support teens through various forms of loss — from the death of a loved one to the impact of bullying. He emphasizes the need for parents to recognize these subtle emotional struggles and engage with their children by asking meaningful questions. Tune in for practical tips to help guide your teen through these emotional challenges. For more ways to enga...

Sometimes it might seem like our teens make choices without a thought about what consequences could follow — but that's rarely really the case. All behavior is goal-oriented. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Courtney LaFleur talk with two Heartlight teens, including Ben, who'd previously been arrested for stealing cars at only 13 years old. He describes his turbulent journey through...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the essential role of consistency in parenting. Mark explains that when parents are inconsistent with discipline, it’s the children who ultimately bear the consequences. While avoiding discipline may seem easier in the moment, children thrive when given the structure and guidance needed to shape their behaviors and life patterns. Tune in fo...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston delves into the challenges of parenting sent in by listeners like you. From setting boundaries in post-divorce dating to addressing concerns about a 21-year-old in a same-sex relationship, Mark offers practical advice on fostering open communication and unconditional love. He also shares a prayer request for Cheyenne, a 12-year-old with congenital heart issues. Tu...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the growing issue of bullying, with a special focus on the impact of cyberbullying. They explore how the anonymity of online platforms can encourage harmful behavior that wouldn’t be said face-to-face. Mark and Wayne also discuss the unique ways bullying affects boys and girls, offering valuable tips for parents to start meaningful conver...

In this heartfelt episode, Mark Gregston shares a deeply personal story about the long-lasting effects of early-life abuse on someone close to him. He highlights how, without reflection and healing, past wounds can distort our sense of identity, pulling us away from the person God created us to be. Mark reminds us that both the good and bad moments from our childhood shape who we are, and encourag...

Broken and abusive relationships during the adolescent years can leave hurts that last a lifetime. But, as we see in today's interviews with Heartlight teens, when they're given support, guidance and a listening ear, it can make all the difference. Sixteen-year-old Jack's journey reminds us how deeply family dynamics shape our lives. From facing trauma to rebuilding trust with his mom,...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the power of a thoughtful approach when working with teens. Mark shares a personal story about how a father’s poor response to a difficult situation strained his relationship with his son and highlights the importance of making children feel loved. He also explains the difference between guilt from bad decisions and the damaging effects of...

In today’s insightful episode, Mark Gregston dives into the pressing questions that every parent faces while raising teens in today's complex world. From handling a teen who seems unfazed by consequences to managing the intricacies of cell phone use and digital communication, Mark offers wisdom and actionable tips for fostering better understanding and stronger connections with your teens. He...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of creating a clear family belief system rooted in grace, drawing from Proverbs 16:9. They explain how a simple, written belief statement can set clear expectations and establish appropriate consequences. Mark offers practical examples, encouraging families to tailor their system to reflect their values and meet the needs of...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotion, diving into the complex issue of teen anger and how to apply the wisdom of James 1:19. Mark encourages parents to look beyond surface-level behaviors and understand the deeper heart issues fueling anger in teens. He highlights three common sources of anger and offers practical ways to turn these challenging moments into valuable opportu...

When you've hit one of the lowest points in your life, it can be hard to picture things ever getting better. But as these teen interviews show, healing does happen a little bit at a time — and it's okay to seek some help along the way. In this episode, we're sharing a couple of Mark's past interviews with Heartlight teens, like Christian, who discusses the tumultuous path that led...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the struggles teens often face, including issues like drugs, addiction and pornography. Mark emphasizes the importance of parents being proactive, understanding that teens are likely to encounter these challenges, often at a younger age than expected. He discusses how building an open, honest dialogue can help guide teens through tough s...

In today’s Q&A episode of Parenting Today's Teens, Mark Gregston tackles some of the most pressing concerns voiced by listeners. From navigating the complexities of post-college estrangement and dealing with severe depression in young adults to addressing issues of online pornography and LGBTQ+ questions, Mark provides insightful, compassionate advice rooted in real-life experience. He emp...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the important topic of preparing teens for independence. Mark explains how misunderstanding a teen's need for freedom can stop parents from giving them the space to grow. They outline four key strategies to promote independence in teenagers and discuss why it can be hard for parents to let go. Tune in for practical tips to help your teen...

In this episode, Mark shares the 10 key influences that have shaped his life, recounting impactful moments and lessons from those who have made a lasting difference. Inspired by 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Mark urges parents and grandparents to embrace their roles as influencers, reminding them how a lack of encouragement can lead to unintended outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of listening, sharing...

Whether it's escaping through drugs or physically running away from home, some teens aren't sure how else to cope with life's hurts and challenges other than running from them. In today's show, Mark Gregston is joined by Courtney Lafleur, a counselor at Heartlight, to talk to two teens who reflect on why they were sent to the program and what they've learned since being here. O...

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle an important issue: how to respond when your teen’s friends may be a negative influence. While protecting our teens is essential, overprotection can hinder their growth and independence. Instead of shielding them from every possible bad influence, Mark and Wayne encourage parents to reflect on how their own parenting approach might affect their teen’s...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles a variety of pressing questions from parents dealing with the complexities of raising teenagers. He delves into listener queries ranging from managing teen substance use, handling the challenges of blended families, fostering better relationships amidst contrasting parenting styles, and the fine line between privacy and parental oversight. With practical a...

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd in today’s podcast as they discuss how to prevent entitlement from taking root in your teen’s life and cultivate a heart of gratitude instead. Mark highlights the importance of addressing entitlement at its source and shares insightful tips on creating a home environment that fosters gratitude. He offers practical strategies for shifting your teen's mindse...

In this episode, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotional based on Romans 16:17, offering a vital warning for parents: There will always be influences trying to create division between you and your teen. As parents, it’s our responsibility to guard against this. In a world that’s increasingly confusing and contradictory for teenagers, they need our guidance more than ever — even if they don’t re...

Social media can keep teens trapped in a cycle of comparison, always wondering what others think of them. As shared in this episode, it can feel incredibly isolating. Today, Mark sits down with two young ladies at Heartlight who discuss the valuable lessons they've learned about healthy relationships and self-worth. Camille, who's been on the show before, discusses her battle with self-con...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore a pivotal aspect of parenting: empowering your teen to make their own decisions. They discuss the importance of gradually transferring decision-making power to your teen, helping them build independence and confidence — even when mistakes are made. Mark and Wayne highlight why giving your teen room to grow is essential for their development...