Parenting Today's Teens

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...

In today’s episode, Mark shares practical advice and conversation starters that help parents tackle pressing issues such as friendships, internet usage and conflicts at home. By emphasizing the importance of relationship-building over authoritative commands, he provides thoughtful strategies to open dialogue and foster mutual respect. Whether addressing concerns about school performance, discussin...

It's not enough to just love your child; they need to feel valued by you. When teens don't believe they’re valued, they often seek validation in unhealthy places, including detrimental relationships and risky behaviors. On today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into practical insights on how to ensure your child feels cherished, including the importance of providing struct...

Listening is more than just hearing words — it’s about understanding the heart behind them. As a parent, active listening can transform your relationship with your teen! In today's show, Mark shares some personal anecdotes and practical examples that illustrate the detrimental effects of dismissing or generalizing our teens' struggles and offers advice on how to create an atmosphere for op...

Developing a sense of identity as a teen is already a tough job, but when the heaviness of depression sets in, their self-worth can completely plummet. In today's show, Mark sits down with two young ladies from Heartlight who reflect on the circumstances that brought them there. Emily opens up about her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, and how her stay at Heartlight helped her...

From bizarre trends to dangerous challenges, the digital age bombards teens with harmful ideas. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the rise of extreme behaviors influenced by media, the alarming prevalence of self-harm, drinking, sexual promiscuity and drug use. They also share valuable strategies for parents to intervene effectively, build trust and guide their teens thr...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your toughest questions. From dealing with social exclusion and sibling rivalries to initiating difficult conversations with college-aged children, Mark offers invaluable insights and practical advice. Whether it's understanding the dynamics of online friendships, handling school choices or addressing more severe issues like treatment for eatin...

As a parent, you need to check your ego at the door. When your teen makes a mistake, it's not an opportunity to showcase your authority, but rather to respond in a way that paves the path to their growth. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore historical methods of discipline and contrast them with more constructive approaches that prioritize the child's learning and...

As parents, we love our children deeply, and naturally, we want the best for them. But, our expectations can sometimes convey a pursuit of perfection, which is overwhelming for our kids. In this show, Mark draws from his personal experiences and the struggles of colleagues to illustrate how perfectionism can inadvertently place immense pressure on teens, skewing their perceptions of love and accep...

In the overwhelming, high-pressure culture we live in, more teens than ever are dealing with depression. It's sometimes hard for parents to see what the root cause is, but in today's episode, Mark chats with two Heartlight teens who offer insights on their battles with depression. The two young ladies share reflections on how they were impacted by shifting family dynamics, isolation, socia...

Are you struggling to understand your teen's behavior? You're not alone. Many parents only see the "fruit" (behavior) without recognizing the "root" (underlying issues). In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the complex underlying issues that manifest as problematic behavior in teenagers. By exploring real-life scenarios, such as a teen's st...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions sent in by parents, addressing concerns such as an adopted teen dismissing consequences and a daughter secretly experimenting with drugs despite maintaining a perfect façade at school. He explores the possibility that such behaviors might be cries for help, stemming from a need for validation or a fear of rejection. For practical tips on encourag...

Fostering open communication in families is crucial. As parents, our role includes creating spaces where our kids feel safe and heard. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into what teens secretly wish their parents knew about them but often feel unable to express. Through heartfelt stories and insightful discussions, they offer parents practical advice on how to create a nur...

Legacy isn't about big achievements — it's about the emotional and spiritual support you provide to your family that resonates through generations. Investing in those relationships is one of the most important things you can do! In today's show, Mark dives deep into the essence of cultivating meaningful relationships with your teens and how these interactions form the backbone of a las...

For some teens, rebellion might be a way of testing limits with their parents, but oftentimes, there's something deeper going on behind the scenes. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight, including one young lady who opens up about her battles with depression, the impact of traumatic experiences and issues stemming from being adopted. She reflects on why she defi...

Hearing your teen say, "I can do this on my own!" can be conflicting. While it might feel like rebellion or them pushing you away, it's usually a sign of budding independence. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the journey of nurturing independence in our teenagers. They explore how to recognize and encourage signs of growing autonomy and discuss the delicate b...

Parenting has always been challenging, but today's teens encounter unique emotional and developmental hurdles shaped by societal shifts and the influence of digital communication. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses pressing questions from listeners, from managing relationships and navigating the pitfalls of social media use among kids to addressing the psychological needs of those bat...

Are you struggling to connect with your teenager in a world crowded with texts, social media and generational gaps? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the often overlooked but essential art of effective communication with your kid. They discuss the importance of engagement, asking the right questions, and building relationships through consistent and sincere one-on-one tim...

Parenting is never straightforward, especially when you're thrown curveballs you never saw coming. In today's episode, we’re diving into the struggles parents face when their children go through serious issues. Through personal anecdotes and stories from various families, Mark highlights the initial shock and eventual acceptance that parents experience upon discovering their child's po...

So many teens today are battling anxiety and depression, leaving them vulnerable to self-destructive coping mechanisms. As shown by the impactful interviews in today's show, it's important to create a strong support system at home. Mark sits down with two young ladies from Heartlight, whose discussions shed light on the reasons behind their struggles with anger, depression and substance ab...