Parenting Today's Teens

The teenage years are full of pressures — big and small — everything from trying to do well on a test to figuring out your identity. In today's show, Mark chats with two young ladies from Heartlight, including Emily, who discusses her battle with anxiety, perfectionism and the lingering desire for validation. It's a powerful reminder of the pressure teens face to fit in and excel, and her...

Building trust with grandchildren is all about deciding when to share your wisdom and perspective, and when to give them space to seek their own answers. But once you've found the balance, you can create a wonderful relationship! In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the important role that grandparents play in their grandchildren's lives. They discuss the challen...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who need guidance on everything from vaping and drinking to divorce and blended families. Mark shares that while the nature of issues may evolve, the core needs of every teen — belonging, relationships and a desire to appear older — remain constant. Understanding and addressing these needs, rather than solely focusing on controlling...

Do you feel like you're talking to a brick wall when you preach your values to your teen? You can recite them all day long, but it's the silent lessons taught through your actions that have a lasting impact. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into the important role of parents in helping their teens build good character and make positive choices. They emphasize the...

How much do you trust your teen? For many parents, this can be a hard question to answer. But at some point, gradually letting go of control is the best thing for your child — and for you! In today's show, Mark delves into the topic of control versus trust in the parent-teen relationship. He re-shares a personal anecdote of a family struggling with their son's rebellious behavior and how t...

As drug use is increasingly normalized among our teens, so many of them turn to self-medicating when they're hurting or lonely. Tragically, this can start them on a path to addiction. In today's show, we hear from two Heartlight teens, including Gabe, who opens up to Mark about his journey from drug use to residential treatment. He discusses his troubled relationship with his family and ho...

Peer pressure has been around for generations, it just manifests differently with today's teens than it used to. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd shed light on both the positive and negative aspects of peer pressure, providing valuable wisdom for parents seeking to support their teens through these challenges. They emphasize the vital role of nurturing strong relationships...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston delves deep into listeners’ tough, but not uncommon, questions. From dealing with risky behaviors like vaping and sexual promiscuity to handling the emotional challenges of adoption, Mark offers his wisdom on creating strong, loving relationships that stand the test of teen turbulence. With compassion and humor, Mark highlights the value of setting boundaries and...

Have you ever stopped and thought about what really builds strong connections between people, especially your kids? Join hosts Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they unpack the essential elements that form lasting bonds between parents and teens. In this episode, discover the significance of quality time, deep conversations, clear expectations, grace and a commitment to lifelong learning from ea...

In order to effectively communicate wisdom to your teens, you need to know how to share your perspective AND see theirs! The viewpoints may look very different, but with a little work, you both can find understanding. In today's show, Mark reflects on lessons he's learned in his own life about the power of perspective. He also highlights the importance of parents understanding and engaging...

High school is a tough time for many teens, full of different experiences and challenges — and sometimes bad influences. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two teens who found themselves in a downhill spiral in high school, including one young lady who succumbed to bad influences after transferring schools, where she struggled to fit in at first. She also discussed her newfound understand...

As parents, we want to protect our kids. But if you spend too much time trying to control your teen's world, you'll never have the chance to teach them how to live in the real one. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd address the challenges faced by Christian parents who are navigating the delicate balance between setting boundaries and allowing their teens the freedom to...

In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles pressing questions from parents about their teenagers' behavior and struggles. He shares valuable insights on connecting with reserved teens, guiding struggling students, addressing self-esteem issues, rebuilding after divorce, and navigating the allure of dark and disturbing content. Whether it's handling tough conversations or setting boundaries, Ma...

Feelings that aren't spoken out will be acted out. So, when actions speak louder than words, that’s your cue to dig a little deeper. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to move toward their teens during challenging times rather than pulling away as a remedy for the invisible issues plaguing their visible behavior. They remind us that conflict can be a precurs...

Our teens are growing up surrounded by a performance-driven, selfish culture. It leaves them overwhelmed and looking for real guidance — but you need to understand where they're coming from to be able to give them practical advice. In today's episode, Mark offers essential insights for parents navigating the complex challenges of raising teens in today's world. He explores the impact o...

When teens make poor choices or start spiraling, communication between kids and their parents often start shutting down, leading to more problems. In today's episode, Mark talks to two young ladies from Heartlight, both of whom talk about the importance of communication and understanding between parents and teens. They share how they longed for their parents to really listen and empathize with...

If you're married, you've probably experienced the difficulties of keeping a united front with your spouse when your teen is struggling. So how do you protect your marriage when chaos strikes? In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore how the pressures of parenting a struggling teen can impact the dynamics of a marriage, offering practical advice on how to maintain a un...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions submitted by parents about dealing with teens who don't seem to learn from consequences. He shares valuable insights on how to approach discipline, communicate effectively and stay calm when faced with challenging situations. From breached cell phone rules to finding vape paraphernalia, Mark has got you covered — listen now! Have a question f...

If you’re relying on authority alone to get through to your teen, you won’t get very far. Kids are more likely to follow rules and accept consequences when they’re rooted in a solid relationship. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into the crucial role of bonding with your teen before exercising your authority. Learn why a strong parent-teen relationship is key, how to esta...

You can do all the "right" things as a parent and still not understand the hopes and fears inside your child's heart unless you cultivate a true relationship with them. In today's show, Mark shares his insights on parents' crucial role in guiding and nurturing teens. He emphasizes that parenting is about more than just imparting discipline and rules — it's about fostering m...

Teens rarely rebel at random. All behavior — even the rebellious kind — is goal-driven. As we hear in today's stories, sometimes teens act out because they're seeking freedom and feel smothered by their parents. Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens, including Manny, who shares his personal struggles with strained family relationships, experimentation with drugs and the quest for indepe...

Does it sometimes seem like your teen expects the world to revolve around them? It's no secret — teens can be very selfish. So, what should you do to correct this behavior? In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd have a thought-provoking conversation about the impact of selfish behavior in teenagers and how it is affected by the environment they are raised in. They emphasize t...

As parents, it's essential to navigate tough conversations with teens while maintaining a deep relationship, even when faced with controversial issues. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses questions sent in by parents on issues from transgender ideology and substance abuse to rebellion and peer pressure. He discusses the need for open communication, setting firm but fair boundaries and...

Teens long to be loved unconditionally, especially when they deserve it the least. When kids feel that they'll lose love for making mistakes, they may resort to lying or seeking love in the wrong places. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd provide practical strategies for parents to communicate unconditional love to their teens, such as reining in negative comments, validating...

Being judgmental when your teen has made a mistake and needs help can build a wall between you that is hard to tear down. There's a time for consequences, but there is also a time for empathy and support. In today's episode, Mark discusses the importance of offering assistance rather than judgment, listening without imposing opinions, and engaging in open, non-judgmental dialogue with teen...