Parenting Today's Teens

In today's Q&A session, our host Mark Gregson tackles some of the most pressing and challenging questions you've sent our way. From dealing with a 16-year-old boy's exposure to pornography and handling a daughter's major depression amidst post-divorce trauma, to addressing issues of adolescent disrespect and battling the lure of video games, Mark provides practical wisdom. Tune...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how to respond when your teen's behavior becomes dangerous. While risky decisions are a part of growing up, it's crucial to know what to do when those choices become harmful. Mark emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries and values early on. He discusses how to communicate expectations and consequences with your teen, a...

In today's devotional, Mark Gregston reflects on the wisdom of 2 Peter 1:15, emphasizing the vital importance of creating meaningful memories with our families. He challenges you to consider how you want to be remembered and encourages you to build those lasting memories, no matter the stage of life. It’s never too late to start! Mark also shares practical and heartfelt ideas to inspire connec...

Struggling teens sometimes push others away — often starting with their parents — because they don't feel like they're worthy of love and acceptance. If this sounds like your teen, don't stop trying! In today's show, Mark sits down with two young men at Heartlight who are working hard to rebuild bonds with their families. Caleb opens up about his struggles with impatience, reconnec...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore why many teens drift away from church during their adolescent years. Often, it’s not a conscious decision — they simply lose interest or stop seeing its relevance. Mark shares insights on the importance of giving teens some autonomy in how they engage with church, while also considering their age and maturity in the decision-making process....

In today's episode, Mark Gregston tackles some tough questions sent in by parents. He offers valuable insights on fostering integrity in a world where honesty sometimes feels optional, managing sibling dynamics and encouraging family time, and more. The episode also delves into coping with a teen's intense fears about the world, understanding and addressing feelings of exclusion and reject...

Are you struggling to help your teen deal with anger? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd read an email from a parent reaching out for advice on helping their daughter with this issue. The two remind us that what we see on the outside is just a symptom of what is actually going on, and that sometimes we need to help our teens discover the root cause of their anger. Mark tells us how...

In this episode, Mark shares a devotional from Philippians 2:3 about how humility and valuing others above ourselves leads to an expression of respect. This important lesson is further illustrated through the story of a Heartlight teen and how her experience there changed her heart. Mark explains how our teens' constant access and exposure to news and social media affects the way they handle r...

Watching parents get divorced can be incredibly challenging for teens to cope with. It can feel like the foundation of their life has been shaken — and it's critical to support them during this time. In today's show, Mark talks with two young men at Heartlight who share how the structure and support in the program is helping them to better understand their own family dynamics. Malcolm, who...

Reconciliation is hard work — but worth it. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the process of reconciliation with our teens and how important it is to nurture those relationships. Mark reminds us that God calls us, as parents, to reconcile and clear the stage for restoration. The two also share what the true marks of reconciliation are and what to do when we are rejected. To...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough questions sent in by parents about managing teens' screen time. From managing social media boundaries to fostering deeper parent-child connections, Mark provides practical advice and heartfelt insights for navigating these challenges. He emphasizes the importance of adapting parenting techniques as kids grow and ensuring that teens feel affirmed...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about the importance of forgiveness in our homes. It can be difficult and takes time, but it starts with you. Although it can be hard to let go, we must forgive and move forward to show our teens hope for the future of our family. Mark uses Matthew 26:28 to remind us that forgiveness is about acting upon God's love and loving like He does....

In this devotional, Mark talks about the expectations we set for our teens. He cautions us against setting expectations so high that our teens feel as though we won't love them if they fail. He reminds us that the most important thing is to show them unconditional love. As parents, you're encouraged to set high standards and challenge them — without letting those standards exclude them if...

If you've ever dealt with an angry teen, you probably know there are layers behind that anger they don't want to talk about. A lot of hurt kids use anger as a shield for their pain. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies from Heartlight, including Amber, who opens up about her struggles with her temper. Her anger stems from her adoption story and the loss of significant peop...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd teach us that anger and disrespect may not always be a bad thing. These can serve as a "warning light" for us to look at the big picture to see what it is that's really going on. Your teens anger and disrespect can be a visible expression of an invisible issue. Mark and Wayne remind us of the role grace plays in our job as parents, and...

Ever feel overwhelmed by the challenges of raising teens in today's world? You're not alone! In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses a range of pressing questions submitted by concerned parents. Whether you're managing a tech-addicted 16-year-old, guiding a 17-year-old daughter who's considering a tattoo or navigating a 13-year-old’s behavioral spiral, Mark offers practical, co...

In today's discussion, hosts Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into one of the hottest and most debated topics for modern parents: teens and cell phones. From determining the right age for a child to receive their first phone to setting boundaries and fostering healthy relationships, this episode covers it all. They tackle common concerns such as managing app usage, addressing internet sa...

In today's episode, Mark shares a devotional that encourages parents who may be feeling hopeless from continued conflict. He reminds us that some conflict is positive and helps our teens know how loved they truly are. It's important for us to remember that how we handle the conflicts we face is actually more important than simply "getting through" it. There is always hope! For more...

Communicating with teens today can sometimes be a real challenge. Between family struggles and tech distractions, it's a tough landscape! But for your teen's sake, don't give up. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies at Heartlight who delve into their personal journeys of overcoming anxiety, depression and family conflicts. They discuss the importance of unconditional l...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of creating and embracing an imperfect home. Mark believes imperfection attracts your teens and creates an atmosphere of hope. Together, they address the danger in creating the "perfect" home and share how being imperfect can show our kids we will love them through their own imperfections. Kids won't always make g...

In this insightful Q&A episode, Mark Gregston addresses a pressing question from a listener named David, who is struggling with his adopted daughter's disregard for consequences. Mark discusses the psychological implications of adoption and how feelings of abandonment and self-worth play crucial roles in shaping a teen's behavior. He offers practical advice on looking beyond the behavi...

Bad choices ... unfortunate events ... tough situations ... Could these be the very things that will strengthen your teen and teach them to look to God? Listen as Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd address the topic of helping your teen through the things that don't go their way — rather than rescuing them from it all. They discuss when and HOW to step in to help your teen. Learning to walk with...

In this heartfelt episode, Mark opens up about his personal struggles with kidney disease and the life-changing journey he's about to embark on with a possible kidney transplant. He shares touching stories from his family's recent celebrations, including his granddaughter's high school graduation, offering deep insights into the power of community, faith and joyful celebration. Mark al...

Trauma can cause kids to have to grow up too quickly — and no matter how resilient a teen may seem, having a supportive family can make a huge difference. In today's episode, Mark talks with two more Heartlight teens, including Tiller, who opens up about her spiral into substance dependence. She used drugs and alcohol to cope with the pressures of growing up too fast and to mask her trauma. Bu...

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk with us about what happens when parents talk too much and listen too little. They share the importance of inviting your teen to speak while truly listening to them, and how timing and atmosphere can make all the difference! Mark encourages parents to add value to their relationships with their kids by NOT always trying to fix everything, but by simply b...