Parenting Today's Teens

Teens who are hurting may feel like the best thing to do is pull away and face their problems alone, but at the end of the day, having support from parents and grandparents can make all the difference. In today's episode, Mark talks with two more Heartlight teens, including Abby, who reflects on the pivotal role of her grandparents in her life when they stepped in to help raise her. Listen in...

An entitled, demanding teen can be a nightmare. There are plenty of parents out there who feel this pain, but in today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd provide practical strategies for empowering parents to raise respectful teens. Their discussion emphasizes the significance of teaching financial responsibility and setting early expectations, highlighting the need for proactive pare...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston responds to questions from parents, offering advice on everything from navigating relationship complexities to guiding a boundary-pushing 20-year-old and understanding troubled teen behavior. He advocates for a shift from teaching to training, highlighting the significance of relational engagement and the transformative power of grace and mercy. Tune in now! H...

How parents respond to their teens' mistakes and missteps plays a significant role in the length of time kids spend in darkness and the type of relationship parents have with them. While guilt can serve as a healthy indicator of wrongdoing, shame can inflict deep emotional wounds that may hinder a teen's personal growth and development. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd...

Are you trapped in a cycle of trying to be a "perfect" parent? We all want to do the best we can for our kids — and have them do THEIR best — but chasing perfection can do more harm than good. In this episode, Mark shares a personal and thought-provoking devotional about the dangers of perfectionism in parenting. He discusses how parents' well-intentioned expectations can be interprete...

Almost everyone has found themselves bottling up their feelings at one point or another — but if that habit keeps up, the bottle is bound to burst. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight, including Santana, who was court-ordered to come to the boarding school after facing legal trouble. He opens up about substance use and struggling with hiding his emotions behind a...

Extending grace to a teen who's acting out can be challenging, but responding to your teen's mistakes in a firm but gentle way can make a huge difference in your relationship. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into the difference between grace and mercy, tackling the difficulties — and rewards — of showing grace to your teen. Mark shares some of his experiences...

If you think your parenting journey ends at 18, think again. Join Mark Gregston in today’s episode, where he tackles pressing questions from parents with older adolescents. He addresses issues such as setting boundaries for older teens, the delicate balance of providing support while promoting independence and the role of parents in guiding their child's motivation and responsibility. Listen n...

Hey parents! Are you tired of getting one-word answers from your teen? Whether you're struggling to engage in meaningful conversations with your kid or simply want to enhance your communication skills, it all starts with asking questions that demand more than a yes or no. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how good questions stimulate deep thought and help your teen f...

Do you want to have a deep, lasting relationship with your teen? Intentionality is key! In this episode of Parenting Today's Teens, Mark shares insights on how to connect with your teen in a more meaningful way. Using personal stories and scripture, Mark emphasizes the importance of sharing wisdom with intentionality. Tune in to gain valuable insights on nurturing a deeper connection with your...

The teenage years are full of ups and downs as our kids try to figure out who they are and how they fit into the world. But when self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy creep into the picture, it can lead them into a spiral. In today's interviews with Heartlight teens, Mark Gregson sits down with two young men, including a 16-year-old who opens up about his struggles with anxiety, depression and...

Our teens are faced with a world that judges them based on performance — whether it's their grades, their athletics or if they're keeping up with the latest makeup trends. If your child also feels like they need to gain your approval through performance, it can damage your relationship. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the topic of performance-based parenting...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston addresses some of the most challenging questions parents are facing in their relationships with their teens. From dealing with adopted children struggling with anger and mental health issues, to navigating conversations around sexual orientation and drug use, Mark offers practical and compassionate advice for parents. He emphasizes the importance of maintainin...

Have you ever met a parent who dreams of their child being forever dependent on them? We bet not! In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the challenges of understanding and supporting a teen's need for independence. Offering four practical ways to make this transition smoother, they stress the importance of trusting teens with responsibilities, even while they're st...

All behavior is goal-oriented, but sometimes, it can be really hard to see what your teen's goal was when they make a bad decision or act out of character. What are they actually looking for? In today's episode, Mark shares a personal devotional on understanding what teenagers truly want. He discusses the impact of internet communication on today's teens and the need for parents to hel...

Part of being a teen is trying to figure out where you fit in, and, unfortunately, feeling rejected sometimes comes with the territory. But for many adopted teens, rejection can open up old wounds. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two young ladies from Heartlight, including Anna Grace, who shares her powerful story of adoption from Russia and her journey of overcoming feelings of reject...

Happy New Year, listeners! We're wishing the very best for you and your loved ones in 2024! In today's holiday episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the topic of making a fresh start in the new year with your family. They discuss the importance of reflecting on the past year and making changes for the year ahead, while sharing practical ways to identify and communicate the need...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers pressing questions from parents dealing with everything from a senior son who's checked out of school, to addressing substance abuse, the loss of friends and navigating a post-divorce life. Mark reminds us that walking alongside our teens and making an effort to understand their journey of self-discovery is the key to guiding them toward healthier path...

Holding onto bitterness can be detrimental to any family. Teens will make mistakes and disappoint, but as parents, forgiveness is the release valve that prevents bitterness from building up and causing explosive situations. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the necessity of forgiveness and grace in a home with teens, emphasizing the importance of letting go and not allow...

Life with busy teens is hectic, and it can be hard to slow down and enjoy the small moments. But at the end of the day, they can be some of the most important. In today's show, Mark reflects on the life lessons that taught him to understand the value of the present moment. Sharing heartfelt insights, Mark urges us to invest time in creating lasting memories with our kids and grandkids. Don&#39...

When parents and teens have different ideas of how the teen's life should look, it can lead to frustration, disappointment and hurt feelings. Learning to communicate appropriate expectations is key! In today's episode, Mark sits down with some young men from Heartlight, including Tucker, who shares his experiences with conflicted family relationships and the struggle to be accepted for who...

Merry Christmas, Parenting Today's Teens family! In today's special holiday episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the challenges of parenting in a constantly changing world. They share insights on how parents can create a lasting relationship with their teens, communicate effectively and provide a safe harbor at home for kids struggling with anxiety. Listen in now! If you'd...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston tackles pressing questions from parents grappling with issues like the value of integrity and handling unbiblical sexuality without compromise. His advice underscores the importance of setting an example through actions, fostering a comfortable home environment and maintaining love and acceptance in the face of challenging situations. Tune in now for valuable...

Are you a parent looking to strengthen your relationship with your teen? Today's fast-paced world makes building and maintaining a strong bond with your kid quite the challenge. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share seven keys to building a strong, healthy connection with your adolescent. From believing in your child and being honest about your own mistakes to encouraging...

Plenty of parents don't feel like they know what "normal" teen behavior is supposed to look like in today's culture. Do they have a messy room because they're depressed? Or are they just distracted with the busyness of life? In today's show, Mark provides a list of typical behaviors exhibited by teenagers, highlighting the need for parents to have realistic expectations. He...