Parenting Today's Teens

Have you ever struggled to know where, or how, to put your foot down? In today's episode, Mark Gregston tackles questions from parents who are wrestling with setting some serious boundaries. From a daughter expecting parental funding for her and her boyfriend's apartment to a son stacking up fake accounts as a means of trading explicit content, Mark provides insights, wisdom and actionable...

Parenting is tough, especially when it comes to giving teens the space they need to grow! It goes against our parental instincts to “back off,” but if we don't, we risk raising an adult who's not prepared to face the real world. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the importance of maintaining a strong connection with your teen while letting them navigate the...

The impact we have on our teens goes far beyond what we say. While it's crucial to have meaningful conversations about faith, it's equally important to live out our principles in our day-to-day lives. In today's episode, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotional that addresses a question from a listener about the presence of Jesus in our conversations with teens. This is a thought-pro...

Many parents can probably look back on their own teen years and remember some crazy things they did in the name of fitting in or being liked. As much as things have changed, today's teens aren't much different. In this episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight, including Sam, who shares his journey of rebellion, cheating and substance abuse, which stemmed from feelings of depr...

Are you struggling to navigate the challenges of parenting in today's chaotic world? In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the topic of traditional parenting — and why it no longer works. Letting go of trying to be a "perfect parent" can actually foster a healthier relationship between you and your teen. If you want to adapt your parenting style and learn how...

We were created as relational beings with a desire to connect with others — and that's no different for teenagers. But how can you know your teens are learning how to properly engage with others in a digital world? In today's episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents about setting appropriate boundaries with your teen and the reason they might be so intent on being on their pho...

Are you struggling to understand your teen's anger? It seems like everywhere we look, we see young people expressing their angst through violence, disrespectful behavior and heated arguments. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how anger is often a symptom of deeper issues and share valuable insights on how parents can understand and address their teen's anger in a...

Teens long to be validated, but today's social media environment often leaves them seeking that validation by comparing themselves to others. It's a vicious cycle that will never leave them fulfilled. In today's episode, Mark revisits some examples and insights that will help parents better understand why teens are so susceptible to comparison and creating unhealthy expectations for th...

Some teens go through their high school years feeling like they never quite fit in or that other kids are able to do things that they can't. Eventually, that'll take a toll on anyone's self-esteem! In today's episode, Mark talks with two teens who've both felt like the odd one out at different times in their lives. For one young lady, her social anxiety and negative thoughts le...

When your kids are elementary school age, it's easy to get settled into a particular parenting style. But when the middle and high school years come along, your child is going to change — and you have to be open to changing along with them. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how to adjust when good parenting seems to yield bad results and share why it's important...

As parents, we have the responsibility to guide our teens toward adulthood with care and intention. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents grappling with the challenges and joys of that process. From video game and drug addictions to gender issues and piercings, the importance of effective communication, maintaining loving relationships and setting appropriate boundaries...

As technology becomes an integral part of our daily lives, it's crucial for parents to engage with and understand their teen's digital experiences. If you're struggling to navigate your kid's online life, you're not alone. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the relevance, impact, challenges and opportunities that come with social media. They provide fi...

When your teen acts out, how do you react? Do you punish the behavior and move on? Or do you pause to find out what's going on in their heart? In today's episode, Mark talks about the importance of understanding your teen's behavior by looking beyond the surface and identifying the underlying motivations. He explores various drivers of teen behavior, such as loss, performance, appearan...

Most parents would probably agree that they wouldn't want to grow up in the culture our teens live in today. The social pressures they face and the constant barrage of social media can be overwhelming! In today's episode, Mark speaks with two more students from Heartlight, including one young lady whose desire for acceptance and friendship at a new school led her to make poor choices. Mark...

Nurturing a strong relationship with your teen takes intentionality, but sometimes it's tough to know where to begin. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the markers of a healthy relationship. They explore the importance of spending meaningful time together, engaging in real conversations, continually learning from each other and more! Tune in as they share insight...

All behavior is goal oriented, so what’s motivating your teen? Oftentimes bad behavior is a means of protection. In this week's Q&A episode, Mark Gregston unravels the hidden thread that connects a granddaughter's rebellion, a son's isolation and a daughter's self-hate: abandonment issues. Whether it's due to birth parents, divorces or failed friendships, your teen’s guard...

Is your teenager pushing you away, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless? When you’ve been shut out, grace can open the door! In this insightful episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the powerful combination of consequences and unconditional love. Discover how this dynamic duo can pave the way for your teen to grow through their mistakes while deepening your bond. Listen now! F...

Grandparents, what do your grandkids feel when they first walk in your front door? Do they feel welcomed and safe? Or like they can't be themselves? In today's episode, Mark talks about how grandparents can create a place of rest for their teenage grandchildren, who are under so much pressure from the culture we live in. They need a place to recharge! Listen in for this thought-provoking t...

Drug use in teens often starts because it seems like a way to relax, but often, they begin to rely on substances just to get through the day. For many, it becomes a way to silence inner turmoil. In today's show, Mark sits down with some Heartlight teens, including a young lady who felt isolated and overlooked, so she turned to drugs to take the pain away. Eventually, this behavior got her expe...

It's easier for teens to get their hands on drugs than it ever has been, and the accessibility coupled with teens' natural curiosity often spells trouble. So, do you know what signs to look for that might point to drug use? In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the underlying issues that drive teens to use drugs and share examples of indicators that your teen might...

Your teenager is well aware of your beliefs; they don't need a constant reminder. What they do need is a strong, supportive relationship with you during this confusing time in their lives. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents dealing with teens who have adopted values that differ from their own. Tune in to discover the art of influencing without control, maintaining...

When you give teens the opportunity to make their own decisions, they WILL eventually fail, and that’s okay! Avoiding giving them control out of fear of failure will hinder their ability to learn how to cope with setbacks. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how taking risks and allowing your teen to stumble along the way can pave the road to their success and resilien...

If you're a grandparent, you might have times when you're tempted to try to step in and parent your grandchildren, but in most cases, you can leave that to YOUR kids! Your role is to support them and be a source of wisdom and fun for your grandchildren. In today's show, Mark shares some insightful pointers for grandparents who want to have a great relationship with their own adult chil...

When teens are carrying around a lot of hurt inside, they often look for any way to numb it or escape it — even if that means physically running away from home. In today's episode, Mark chats with two Heartlight teens, including one young lady whose struggles with mental health and drug use led her to pack her bags and be on the run for an entire week. Tune in to hear these stories! Interested...

Today's culture is more permissive of sexual activity in the teen years than ever before, and for many teens, this behavior may seem like an easy way to find the sense of connection they crave. This is why we, as parents, NEED to be aware of what's going on in our kids' culture. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss what drives teens to be sexually active and ho...