Parenting Today's Teens

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...

Whether it's moving across the country or watching family dynamics shift around you, dealing with big life changes is hard at any age. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two more teens from Heartlight to hear their unique stories. Andrew opens up about how moving a lot as a child impacted him, while Heather shares her emotional journey through her parents' divorce and the impact i...

Single parenting without spousal support can be tough, but you can still have a thriving, deep relationship with your teen as you walk through life together. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd offer encouragement, practical tips and hope for parents navigating the difficulties of unsupported parenting. They also touch on the importance of self-care, community and finding rest...

Those heart-to-heart talks that might feel like a challenge, are usually the glue that bonds parents and teens. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers pressing questions from parents about how to successfully navigate hard conversations. He addresses topics from racism and politics to porn sexuality. Listen now to hear his advice! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Paren...

Talking to our kids about sex can be uncomfortable and challenging, but as parents, it's crucial to understand our teens when it comes to sexuality, especially in today's culture. In this insightful episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of engaging with our teens about this topic. Whether they are experimenting or are already sexually active, this episode provide...

Teens may like to act like nothing phases them, but for many of our kids, the turmoil and uncertainty of the world today really does weigh on them. In today's show, Mark reflects on the theme of uncertainty and its profound impact on teenagers. Using scripture from the book of Luke, he underscores the vital role that parents play in providing a sense of stability for their teens amid a world t...

If you have an angry teen in your home, it can sometimes feel like trying to dodge a hurricane. But coming alongside them and helping them develop healthy ways to deal with their frustrations will benefit them for the rest of their lives. In this episode, Mark has powerful conversations with two teens from Heartlight, including Sam, who talks about her journey from explosive behavior and frustrati...

Are you noticing destructive patterns in your relationship with your teen? Our own habits have a big impact on our kids — but it's never too late to make positive changes. On today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the types of behaviors that parents exhibit that can make their teens rebel. They discuss the detrimental effects of overprotective parenting, performance-base...

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...