Parenting Today's Teens

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers the question of the week, which comes from the parent of a teen who smokes weed daily. Should parents focus their energy on demanding change or on maintaining a connection with their child? There are two routes, but only one path will lead your teen to change. Don’t miss this advice, tune in now!   For more insights on how to develop a close relationship w...

There’s no way around it — life is hard and none of us can avoid the pain and suffering of the human experience. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of facing brokenness head on, the utility of affliction in the process of growth and ultimately, the necessity of vulnerability in developing a deeper relationship with your teen. Listen now!   For a daily dose...

Teens and young adults are like sponges, but, unfortunately, they often soak up more negativity than positivity. That's why it's crucial that you speak encouragement and truth into their lives — it could very well shape how they view the world! In today's devotional, Mark Gregston recounts the mentors that had a positive impact on his life and shares how you can do the same for your ki...

Depression in teens can often be caused by traumatic events or circumstances early in life that they couldn't fully process at the time. When they begin to struggle with their mental health, they often don't know where to turn, and a spiral ensues. In today's episode, Mark Gregston speaks to two Heartlight teens who battle depression for very different reasons but are both on the pathw...

Parents often get too focused on "winning," whether that's ending an argument or checking all of the parenting boxes they feel they're supposed to, and lose the relationship with their child in the process. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why you should never sacrifice your relationship with your teen for things that'll matter less in the long run....

How should parents approach their teens’ inevitable interest in the opposite sex, and ultimately romantic relationships? With the proper guidance and support, they can mature in the midst of developing this new and intimidating social intelligence. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston gives his advice on age appropriate dating boundaries with the end goal of teens being able to understand what they’r...

The danger of creating and selling a perfect narrative to the world is that it becomes nearly impossible to communicate your problems to anyone. This dark path leads to hopelessness and isolation. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the imperfections of both parent and child, and the importance of transparency, humility and community. Listen now!   For more info on how to...

When teens feel judged by their parents, they'll quickly put up walls in the relationship and not receive any of the insight or instruction you're trying to share. So, how do you keep the relationship intact when your child is doing something you might disagree with? In this episode, Mark Gregston shares stories about judgment from his own life and why it's so important to take a non-c...

Have you ever gotten in an argument with your teen and they've threatened to run away? It's usually an empty threat, but some teens feel it's the only way to escape their problems or conflicts. In today's episode, Mark Gregston sits down with two young ladies from Heartlight, both of whom attempted to run away or sneak out of their homes. Tune in to hear how they're working thr...

Grandparents can have a powerful, unique role in the lives of their teen grandkids — IF they choose to actively pursue the relationship. You may have to shift the way you're involved in your grandchildren's lives if you want to stay connected! In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how grandparents can be a positive influence in their families and share some ways you...

Family and friends can bring so much encouragement, comfort and joy. However, they can also bring discouragement, contradiction and stress. What should you do when someone in your support system isn’t being … supportive? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers a question about how to deal with an aunt that offers her home as a “Get Out of Jail Free” card. Listen now!   If you have your own quest...

When teens mess up, their first response will likely be to protect themselves from consequences. If you’re bent on justice ... you just might miss their cry for help. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how lying is often a smoke screen for bigger issues ranging from a fear of judgment to feelings of inadequacy. Don’t miss this important topic. Tune in now!   To learn more ab...

A grandparent's home can be a warm, almost magical place where a teen can find rest from the stresses of life ... or, it can be a place where kids are worried about being judged or making a mess. What kind of home do YOU have? In today's devotional, Mark Gregston shares personal reflections about how he learned to make his home a comfortable place for his grandchildren and how you can do t...

Do you long for a closer relationship with your teen? Closeness can be blocked by many factors, including busyness, lack of communication or even how discipline is implemented. In this week's interview with Heartlight teens, Mark Gregston talks to two high schoolers who had difficulty connecting and opening up to their parents — which caused a lot of strife in their homes. Tune in to hear thei...

Whether it's the loss of a grandparent, a broken relationship or the tragic death of a friend, loss can hit teens really hard. And if they aren't allowed or able to process their grief, it can continue to impact them years down the line. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share several ways you can support your child through grief and teach them that expressing their emo...

In this episode, Mark Gregston answers the question of the week, which comes from a parent who is trying to get their teenage daughter to recognize why her behavior is a problem. Kids don't always know the WHY behind their actions, so sometimes they need a little help. Tune in to hear Mark's answer!   If you have your own question for Mark, send it in at markgregston.com

Have you ever started to feel like a failure as a parent? When those worries start to pop up, it's easy to get overwhelmed — but don't be too hard on yourself! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why some parents feel like they're failing and how to restructure those thoughts, along with why your teen's poor choices aren't a reflection on you. Don't mi...

The phrase, "Actions speak louder than words," may feel like a cliché, but when it comes to preparing teens for adulthood, it has never been more true. For teens to really learn how to make wise choices and engage well with others, you must show them firsthand. In today's episode, Mark Gregston shares his insights on why it's so important for parents to live out their values in act...

Teens who've walked through trauma at a young age respond in a variety of ways, but often, they'll create a tough, prickly outer persona to keep themselves from ever being hurt again. It takes patience to find it, but there's still a soft heart in there somewhere! In today's episode, Mark Gregston interviews more Heartlight teens, including a young lady who was abandoned on the str...

As busy and activity-packed as most of our lives are, you may find that the best opportunities to connect with your teen pop up in the most mundane of moments. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why you should keep an eye out for quiet opportunities to connect with your child and lay the groundwork for bigger conversations later on. Listen in now!    Have you heard about...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston answers the top parenting question of the week, which comes from a mom who just found out her daughter — who's usually a great student — smokes pot and abuses Adderall. Listen in for Mark's advice and recommendations!    Want to ask a question about your own teen? Send it to Mark at markgregston.com

If you're a parent to a teenage boy, you probably know that they're prone to taking some questionable risks, and oftentimes their need to prove themselves can get them in trouble. But underneath the bravado, they long to have a relationship with you. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how you can connect with your teen son and help train him to be an indepe...

How often do you make time to just sit down and talk to your teen? Is it only when they've done something wrong, or do you make it a point to hang out with them? In today's episode, Mark Gregston explains why you should schedule consistent time every week to spend with your teen and shares some tips for sparking good, thought-provoking conversations. Don't miss Mark's insights on t...

When teens begin to feel trapped in a mess of their own making, they sometimes lack the perspective to see a way out. That's why it's SO important for parents to take any mention of suicidal thoughts seriously. In this episode, Mark Gregston talks to a couple of Heartlight teens who are recovering from hitting rock bottom, including a young lady who had already attempted suicide three time...

As parents, we do our best to instill godly morals and the ability to make wise choices into our teens, but there's no denying that today's adolescent culture is constantly pulling them in other directions. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why it's important not to underestimate the influence of culture on kids and how you can support them no matter what. Tune...