Parenting Today's Teens

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...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives into a real-life issue: a 14-year-old spending thousands of dollars on video games using his parents' credit card. Mark discusses appropriate consequences, emphasizing the importance of balancing discipline with empathy. By addressing underlying issues and offering constructive solutions, this episode provides a roadmap for parents to navigate through si...

Conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it can make all the difference, especially when it comes to our teens. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the challenging topic of handling anger within the home. Whether you're dealing with yelling, frustration, or emotional outbursts, this episode will provide you with actionable advice on how to foster a healthy and respe...

Adapting to your teen's world doesn't mean compromising your values. It means meeting them where they are, understanding their reality and guiding them in ways that are relevant to today's challenges. In this episode, Mark emphasizes the importance of parents sharing their wisdom through a genuine and intentional relationship with their children. He shares some personal stories and tim...

Many parents make the mistake of focusing too much on correcting their teens — and not enough on actually connecting with them. It can make a huge difference in your relationship! In this episode, Mark chats with a couple more Heartlight teens, including Austin, who sheds light on how his family's creative discipline methods — such as a unique card-based system for punishment — caused more str...

Does it ever seem like your teen is avoiding you or doesn't want to talk about anything that matters? In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore 10 common parenting behaviors that push teens away. Drawing from personal anecdotes and expert insights, they emphasize the importance of fostering strong, positive relationships during the teen years. From avoiding constant negativ...

In today's engaging Q&A session, host Mark Gregston dives deep into one of the most common questions he gets from parents: How do I connect with my teen effectively? Drawing from his experience at Heartlight, Mark emphasizes the profound impact of asking thoughtful, genuine questions. He shares practical advice on fostering an environment where teens feel valued and understood, highlightin...

As our society rapidly changes, parents must adapt their approaches to meet the ever-shifting needs of their teens. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the challenges of maintaining a solid foundation while adapting to the dynamic cultural shifts impacting today's youth. They offer practical advice on how to engage in meaningful conversations that resonate with your te...

Have you ever felt at your wit's end trying to understand why your teen is so angry? In today's episode, Mark explores the underlying reasons for teen anger, such as a lack of control over their lives, feelings of shame and unmet desires. He provides practical advice for parents on how to better understand and address these emotional outbursts. By observing, asking and listening, parents c...

It takes a lot for most teens to ask for help when they're struggling — and many of them won't say it out loud. That's why cultivating a genuine relationship and being a listening ear for your teen is so crucial! In today's episode, Mark shares some interviews he did with two teens who've battled depression for most of their lives. In Jordan's case, it culminated with a har...

Teens, like all of us, want to feel appreciated. Adolescence is when the quest for identity is toughest. They often feel awkward, out of place and desperately need reassurance. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how we can give our teens that sense of value. Sharing personal stories and practical advice, they explore the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence and the...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles pressing questions from parents who are struggling with how to get their teenagers to be more self-sufficient with chores, homework and personal care. He dives into practical advice, emphasizing the importance of stepping back, allowing natural consequences to teach valuable lessons, and understanding that sometimes, humorous honesty and a bit of sarcasm c...

With the rise of internet access and the bombardment of information, our teens are navigating a landscape that is vastly different from what we experienced growing up. In today’s episode, hosts Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the challenges parents face in an increasingly exposed world. They discuss the impact of this overexposure on teens, from increased anxiety and depression to the prem...

Parenting effectively in today's digital age means becoming a wellspring of wisdom rather than just another source of information. As Mark shares in today's show, we need to help our kids navigate life with insights drawn from experience and reflection. He discusses how the relentless influx of data impacts our children's lives and shares some advice on how parents can shift to sharing...

Substance use and other poor choices are often hiding deeper issues in our teens — it's important to make sure your child knows your listening ear is always available. In today's show, Mark sits down with two more Heartlight teens, including Tyler, who shares his experience growing up with his grandparents after facing challenges due to his parents' struggles with substance abuse. He o...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the importance of building genuine connections with your teenager in an era dominated by digital communication. The discussion emphasizes the value of face-to-face engagement and meaningful conversations, and Mark shares practical tips on fostering connection while also navigating conflicts. Join us for insights on how to bridge the gap bet...

In today's Q&A episode, Mark Gregston tackles one of the most frequently asked questions: "When is it time to send my child to a residential program like Heartlight?" With over 40 years of experience, Mark shares 15 key indicators to watch for, from drastic mood changes to dangerous behavior. He also offers guidance on alternatives and supporting resources for struggling teens and...

Is more parental involvement always better? It's all well-intended, but where do we draw the line? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore how hovering too much can actually stunt a teen's growth. They discuss the impact of over-involvement versus under-involvement and how each shapes your teen's ability to make decisions. Remember, it's all about preparing the...

Teens crave control in their lives. As our kids get older, it's crucial to balance your guidance and rules with trusting them to make their own decisions — it's how they'll grow! In today's show, Mark explores the challenges that arise when well-intentioned parents try to micromanage their teen's life. Highlighting the importance of building a strong relationship, he shares som...

If there's one thing we know about teens, it's that they are going to mess up. They're going to have setbacks. But how you respond to them as a parent can make all the difference! In this episode, Mark talks with two young ladies from Heartlight, including Lauren, who reminds us that bumps in the road are part of the journey. From initially resisting help to battling loneliness and sli...