Parenting Today's Teens

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough conversations that can leave any parent feeling lost. Whether it's the struggle to converse with a defiant teen, the heartache of a mother discovering her son viewing porn or the desire to stay connected with a grown-up daughter living with her boyfriend, he offers empathy, realistic advice and encouragement. If you’re a parent who is earnestly t...

Helicopter parenting, while well-intentioned, can hinder our teenagers from developing the necessary skills to succeed in the real world. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the pitfalls of over-protecting our kids, and the challenges of letting go. They emphasize the importance of entrusting teens with choices, managing the consequences of those choices effectively and ce...

Embracing the mundane, everyday moments with teens opens doors to deeper conversations. One of the best ways to show your child they matter is through attentiveness to the little things. Through the lens of 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Mark shares anecdotes of his own journey in today's show, highlighting the valuable lessons he absorbed from mentors who chose to foster hope over criticism. He explain...

Teens make poor decisions for a lot of different reasons, but it's usually not just to be rebellious. Whether it's loneliness, a cry for love or projecting anger, there's always motivation behind the behavior. In today's show, Mark is joined by two young women from Heartlight who share the struggles they were going through before arriving at the boarding school. For Elizabeth, a tu...

Kids today are bombarded with info in ways previous generations never were. Imagine being a teen now, with nearly unlimited access to the world's knowledge — and its misinformation — through the internet. Open discussions with your kids matter more than ever, and that's what Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss in today's show. They emphasize the importance of encouraging open dial...

In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the toughest challenges facing parents, including managing a child's disrespect, addressing a teen's anxiety about activities and fostering open communication during family outings. Mark provides pragmatic advice for dealing with the delicate dynamics of a mother caught between a daughter and an angry father, as well as strategies for curtaili...

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd in this enlightening episode as they explore the typical stress responses exhibited by adolescents: fight, flight or freeze. The discussion delves into the underlying reasons for teens' outbursts of anger, their tendency to withdraw or run away, and the concerning signs of depression that can lead to seeking escape through unhealthy means. The hosts examin...

In this insightful episode, Mark Gregston ventures into the vital topic of teaching responsibility to adolescents, drawing upon Galatians 6:5 as a grounding principle. He shares a cautionary tale about a young lady named Rachel, whose over-involved parent ultimately hindered her ability to cope with adult challenges. Mark emphasizes the significance of the adolescent period as a critical time for...

In this episode, Mark Gregston engages in heartfelt conversations with Amber and Maggie, two Heartlight teens. Mark delves into the intricate webs of defiance, loss and the search for acceptance that led these young individuals to residential treatment. Amber shares her struggle with anger stemming from childhood revelations about her adoption and subsequent life events, such as the death of loved...

In this episode, hosts Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd address the vital yet often challenging task of cultivating healthy relationships with teens. Exploring the delicate balance between correction and connection, Mark emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and responsibility as foundations for a lasting parental bond. With a focus on communication, setting clear expectations and consistent...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston addresses a range of pressing questions submitted by parents. He offers deep insights into understanding the root causes of inappropriate behavior and the balance between setting boundaries and understanding your teen's underlying struggles. Mark addresses concerns about gender identity, the influence of social media on teens, consequences for skipping cla...

Have you ever felt like you've been "fired" by your teenager? Parents often feel devastated when their teen pushes them away, making them feel unwanted and unneeded. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into the underlying issues causing this rejection and explore how parents might unintentionally trigger these responses. They offer encouragement, highlighting how...

Being a parent to teens means learning when to speak, hush or walk away. It's not about winning an argument — it's about deepening the bond and establishing a place of safety and rest for your teen. In today's episode, Mark shares insights on the importance of effective communication and the art of listening when navigating challenging conversations with teens. Drawing from his persona...

Plenty of teens deal with anger, but if the root of it is never addressed, that anger can create much larger problems in their lives. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who have experienced struggles with drug addiction and anger management. For Ethan, deep-seated anger started at a young age, and he struggled to handle his emotions. He opens up about his journey to m...

Teenagers expressing disinterest in going to church can cause loads of inner turmoil for parents — but these are conversations that can help you better understand your teen's heart. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd address the importance of approaching the situation with understanding and openness, asking thoughtful questions to uncover the root of the reluctance. They als...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston tackles a wide variety of your questions. From fashion dilemmas and dealing with loss to understanding sexual orientation and handling the influence of today's entertainment on family values, Mark's parenting trinity remains the key to success. Even when you're at odds with your teen's choices, these principles — love, respect and open communic...

While it may initially seem like the more peaceful path, avoiding conflict with your teenager only leads to greater relational damage in the long run. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore how sidestepping conflict can harm the parent-teen dynamic by heightening tension and stress, creating emotional distance and limiting the depth of the relationship. They provide practical...

In today's episode, Mark shares a deeply personal and harrowing experience that serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges and unexpected twists life can bring. During a snorkeling trip, Mark found himself in a life-threatening situation that forced him to confront his mortality and left him with invaluable insights. Mark explains how his experience now reminds him of the struggles famili...

Adoption is a beautiful thing, but as adopted kids get older, they can face unique challenges — many of them related to feeling abandoned or like they don't belong. In today's episode, Mark sits down with a couple more teens from Heartlight, including Glenn, an adopted teen whose journey through mental health challenges began early in his life. He candidly shares about his experiences with...

In today's fast-paced world, it's not uncommon for teens to challenge and even stray from their long-held beliefs. This is an issue that many Christian parents find disheartening, but it's vital to approach your child with understanding and grace. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share insights on how parents can respond to this challenge, emphasizing the importance of...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston encourages parents not to lose heart when faced with a teen who is experimenting with substances. He highlights how the power of parental love and consistent support can positively influence a teen's choices and behavior over time. Don’t let fear ruin your relationship with your teen! Instead of focusing solely on their behavior, prioritize building a deep, lo...

When things are broken at home, life can seem hopeless. Whether you are a parent grappling with your own brokenness or seeking ways to support a struggling teen, there is power in acknowledging and addressing pain. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd shed light on the transformative power of facing brokenness head-on, fostering deeper connections within families and paving the way...

Every conversation with our teens builds trust and lays the foundation for deeper, more meaningful discussions. As Mark explains in today's episode, it's in these everyday interactions that we can shape their worldview and sense of self-worth. He delves into the importance of building trust and offering encouragement in small conversations, and how the wise words and positive influence of...

So many of our teens today struggle with depression — and plenty of them aren't equipped with good coping mechanisms. Instead, they turn to behaviors that only worsen their mental health. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two young ladies from Heartlight, including Hannah, who bravely shares her deeply personal struggles with depression, self-harm and a journey of destructive behavio...

Are you trying too hard to be your teen's friend? In today's episode of Parenting Today's Teens, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the importance of prioritizing the relationship with your teen over "winning" as a parent. They discuss the significance of communication, inclusivity, rules and the distinction between being a relational parent and being a friend to your t...