Parenting Today's Teens

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers a range of questions sent in by parents seeking biblical wisdom and actionable strategies in regard to raising their teens. From handling habitual lying to finding ways to connect with a distant daughter, he offers practical advice rooted in both experience and empathy. Mark also addresses more complex issues, such as dealing with a 22-year-old who's s...

When parents separate, kids suffer. It may seem obvious, but we often underestimate the depth of that suffering. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd lay bare the challenges teens face, from feelings of abandonment to the struggle with self-worth, and offer practical advice to parents on how to mitigate these effects. Whether you're navigating a current divorce or dealing with...

Our teens are wrestling with the pressures of their world. They don't need more “you should do this” lectures — they need your listening ears and sometimes, just your silent support. In today's episode, Mark talks about the importance of understanding the changing dynamics in your child's life and the critical need for parents to offer support and compassion rather than judgment and cr...

Assuming we know all the challenges in our teens' lives can be a big mistake — many teens WANT to talk to their parents, but don't feel like there's an open door for dialogue. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens whose stories stress the significance of creating an environment where kids feel loved and valued. Mandy, a 15-year-old, opens up about the challenges she...

What do you REALLY want for your kids? It’s about more than clean rooms and not driving fast. As parents, we should also be focused on helping them develop a good, godly character. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into the essential character qualities parents should aim to instill in their teenagers. From fostering competence and discernment to cultivating compassion, c...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston discusses the critical balance between loving your child unconditionally while setting firm boundaries, the importance of allowing adolescents to take control of their lives, and why parents need to shift from a purely instructional role to one that promotes independence and responsibility. He also touches on navigating tough conversations about dating, privacy an...

Ever wonder what kind of legacy you'll leave for your grandchildren? It should run deeper than pie recipes and family traditions; It's about the love, wisdom and memories you create together. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of engaging with teenage grandkids in a way that demonstrates love, support, and wisdom, even when faced with generational d...

Teens hear people's opinions all day long, but what they truly need is your perspective, shaped by the lessons you've learned throughout your life. In this episode, Mark explains the differences between giving an opinion versus a perspective. By comparing his struggles to those of others, he also underscores how a shift in perspective can cultivate gratefulness and resilience, even in the...

No matter how happy or outgoing a teen may seem, appearances aren't everything. It's important to recognize the signs of a teen who's quietly struggling with their mental health. In today's episode, Mark chats with two more teens from Heartlight who reflect on the internal struggles they face. Sixteen-year-old Carson opens up about his battle with depression, feelings of being a bu...

Struggling with giving effective feedback to your teen without causing friction at home? In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the delicate art of correcting teens. They emphasize the need for timing, intentionality and the right motives while offering constructive criticism. Mark shares practical tips on how to make corrections without overwhelming teens, ensuring that home...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses some tough questions posed by a parent dealing with a 15-year-old son facing numerous behavioral and emotional challenges. Mark emphasizes the importance of establishing clear boundaries, effective consequences and fostering a relational atmosphere in the home. He also discusses the critical role of counseling and how to assess its impact. Drawing from r...

Parenting isn't just about setting rules; it's about defining the limits that help parents and teens understand who they are, what they stand for and how they relate to each other. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore how setting boundaries differs from imposing rules and why they are essential for both parents and teens. They share practical steps on how to set cle...

Have you noticed your teen glued to their phone screen for hours? You're definitely not alone. In today's show, Mark looks at the profound effects that smartphones and social media have on the mental, social and emotional well-being of today's teens. He explores how the migration from face-to-face interactions to virtual ones has led to increased anxiety, depression and social isolatio...

Many of the teens at Heartlight arrive after hitting the lowest point in their lives — but it's only at that point when they accept that something needs to change. In today's show, Mark sits down with two older teens who've struggled through trauma, addiction and being arrested before coming to the boarding school. Molly recounts her childhood marred by family dysfunction and personal...

Our approach to parenting must shift as our kids’ world changes — which means we have to recognize the complex issues our pre-teens are being faced with. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the crucial subject of instilling responsibility in tweens — children ages 9-12 — who are navigating a world filled with unprecedented pressures and influences. From taking care of pets...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough questions and real-life scenarios sent in by concerned parents. Topics range from addressing LGBTQ matters and therian identity to dealing with troubled and rebellious teens, the impacts of social media influence and the delicate dynamics of co-parenting post-divorce. He also provides practical advice on runaway adopted children, the pros and cons of...

Do you ever find yourself questioning whether your current parenting tactics are effective? On today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd challenge parents to rethink their traditional methods and provide practical advice on how to shift from old habits to more successful strategies. They discuss the importance of stopping behaviors like constant lecturing, worrying and reacting, and advoca...

Teens live in a world bombarded by celebrity scandals and news about flawed leaders, which often means they easily lose respect for authority figures. In this episode, Mark delves into the challenges of parenting in a world overflowing with information, and focuses on the erosion of respect in teens as they navigate the complexities — and disappointments — of the world around them. He also offers...

Today's teens have grown up with instant access to the internet, social media and the ability to talk to their friends whenever they want. It can be a wonderful thing — but it can also be very unhealthy when taken to extremes. In today's show, Mark chats with two more Heartlight teens, including Mackenzie, who opens up about her struggles with anger and the impact of technology on her rela...

It often feels like we're all running 100 miles an hour, juggling work, errands and life. But in the rush, we might miss the chance to connect with our teens when they need us the most. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the often-overlooked opportunities that parents have to positively impact their teens' lives. They explore how being consumed with daily distrac...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses listener questions on navigating difficult family dynamics. He offers valuable insights on improving relationships with grandparents, co-parenting challenges, navigating difficult marriages and addressing lying behavior in teenagers. Learn the importance of adjusting expectations, self-reflection and changing our own behaviors in order to connect better...

Even in the most devout Christian homes, teens can sometimes lose their way. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd open up about the tough journey of parenting a spiritual prodigal. They share personal stories, offer heartfelt encouragement and bring hope to parents dealing with the heartache of a wayward kid. They talk about the crucial role of trust, patience and adapting your par...

Correction may change behavior temporarily, but it's the connection you have with your teen that changes their heart in the long run. In today's show, Mark talks about the importance of focusing on connecting with your teenagers rather than constantly correcting them. Mark shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on how parents can prioritize building a deeper relationship with their...

Loneliness hurts at any age. For our teens, who long to be accepted and feel like they belong, that pain can be enough to make them feel hopeless. In today's episode, Mark talks with two young ladies who open up about their struggles with depression, anxiety and seeking self-destructive coping mechanisms. For Mia, who lived through multiple suicide attempts driven by bullying and loneliness, h...

Do you ever wonder what lies behind the confusing behavior of teens? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into the complex world of teen behavior triggers. From adoption and divorce to substance abuse, they discuss how underlying issues can manifest in inappropriate or troubling behaviors in teenagers. They shed light on the importance of understanding the root causes behind the...