Parenting Today's Teens

In this episode, Mark Gregston answers the top parenting problem of the week, which is how to approach a teen who hates being asked questions. A great place to start is examining if you're asking the RIGHT questions — ones that will prompt a thought-provoking discussion. Mark shares a list of great conversation-starters for you to try with your teen! Don't miss today's show!   If you h...

Let's face it, no matter how hard we may try as parents, Christmas with teenagers rarely ever looks like the beautiful Hallmark holiday we hope for. But you can still have a Christmas full of joy and peace no matter what! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why it's a good idea to take the pressure off yourself and your teens over the holidays, ways you can have a uni...

Whether you're a parent or grandparent, it's never too soon to begin considering the legacy you'll leave behind for your family when you're gone. And legacy is about so much more than just material items you'll hand down — it's about memories and relationships! In today's episode, Mark Gregston shares his thoughts on why legacy is so important and how you can work towar...

Some of the teens who struggle the most with their mental health are the ones who seem the happiest on the outside. That's why it's so important to be vigilant for the tiny warning signs that a child is struggling. In this episode, Mark chats with some Heartlight teens, including Carson, who has always felt like the odd one out in his family and battles severe depression every day — but yo...

When your teen is out of control, it can feel overwhelming for the entire family. But don't stop searching for answers! There is always hope to mend your relationship with your child. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share advice for parents who are at their wits' end dealing with their teen. Don't miss this encouraging discussion!   For more on supporting and p...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston answers a question from some distraught parents whose son stole hundreds — possibly thousands — of dollars to spend on video games. In a situation like this, it's important to dig deeper and find out the WHY behind the behavior, but also determine appropriate consequences so it doesn't happen again. Tune in now for Mark's answer!    To submit your...

Part of raising a teen is accepting that they will hurt you at times — whether it's by disobeying you, making poor decisions or choosing not to believe in the same things you do. But your teens need you to keep fighting for the relationship, even when you disagree. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how to approach your teen when they've hurt you and why it's imp...

When your teen comes to you with questions about life, they're not looking for more facts and information, they're looking for REAL wisdom. Info can be found anywhere and shared by anyone, but as a parent, you have the ability to share insights your kids can actually use — and one of the best ways to share it is through stories. In this devotional episode, Mark Gregston explains why you sh...

Kids seek out drugs for various reasons, but whether it's to cope with pain at home or to fit in with a group of friends, drug use can kickstart a slew of other problems. Teens often view drugs as an escape, but in reality, they're a pitfall that's hard to get out of. In this episode, Mark Gregston talks to a couple of Heartlight teens who both did drugs but found that a fresh start at...

Practically every parent would agree that they wouldn't want to grow up in the culture that today's teens live in. With social media and the neverending growth of technology, it's a totally different world! In today's discussion, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about why you MUST switch from a teaching to a training model in order to help your teens learn to make good choices...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston answers the top parenting question of the week, which comes from a family whose 15-year-old recently confessed to their parents about drinking for the first time. In times like these, it's important to take into account a teen's willingness to admit their mistakes — but help them make better choices in the future. Listen in for Mark's advice!    Wa...

As more states legalize the use of recreational marijuana, it's also, unfortunately, becoming increasingly accessible to teens. And for many kids, smoking pot isn't just about looking cool or fitting in, it's a way to self-medicate their anxiety. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about WHY teens are seeking out weed, how you can help your kids find rest at home ins...

When you're in pain, whether it's physical or emotional, it has a way of changing the way you interact with and respond to the outside world. Pain can cloud your judgment... and teenagers often struggle mightily with this! In today's devotional, Mark Gregston shares why pain is important, both as a reason for your teen's behavior and as a tool God sometimes uses to mold us. Listen...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston sits down with two young ladies from Heartlight who both found themselves caught in a mess after lying to their parents about their activities. For 15-year-old Elizabeth, it was easier to lie to her adoptive parents than risk disappointing them and confronting deep wounds of abandonment from not having her biological parents in her life. Tune in now to hear th...

In today's teen culture, it may seem like ALL of their communication takes place over texts, but don't lose hope. It's still possible to have meaningful discussions with your child — and they may enjoy it more than you think! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share eight tips that'll help you communicate more effectively with your teen. Listen in now for this great...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston answers the most pressing parenting question of the week, which is all about ... questions! Do you know how to effectively ask your teen questions that will get them to open up about what's going on in their heart? Or are your questions just a way to insert your own opinions? Tune in to hear Mark's tips for how to ask your teen great questions — and ge...

Being a single mom or dad is one of the toughest roles out there, and if your teen is acting out, it's easy to feel totally overwhelmed! That's why it's so important for single parents to hold tight to the standards they've set for their household and find a support system. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share tips to help single parents and discuss how you can s...

If you constantly nag or lecture your teens, they probably feel like you don't trust them or you believe they're incompetent. This is one of the quickest ways to dissolve your relationship with your kids! In this episode, Mark Gregston shares his insights, gathered from decades of working with teens, about why you should steer clear of nagging and lecturing. This is an important topic, so...

In many cases, teens have to hit rock bottom before they realize they have to deal with the big issues in their lives, whether it's addiction, insecurity or anything in between. In today's episode, Mark Gregston sits down with a couple of Heartlight teens who both had to accept that they needed help if they wanted to get their lives back on track. Listen in to hear their stories!   If you...

When kids hit the middle of their teen years (or sometimes younger), you'll usually start to hear them say things like "I don't want your help," or "I wish I lived by myself." Often, parents interpret those statements as rude or rebellious — but look deeper! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the indicators that your teen is craving more independence...

In this episode, Mark Gregston shares his thoughts on the biggest parenting question of the week: How do you support a teen through the process of a high-conflict divorce? When parents split up, it can be really hard on a teenager, especially if they feel like they're losing a relationship with one of their parents. Listen in now for Mark's advice!    Have a parenting problem you just can&...

When your child becomes a teen, you can no longer make all their decisions for them — but you CAN ask them questions about what's going on in their heart and speak wisdom into their lives. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how you can effectively share wisdom and why you need to be patient if your teen doesn't accept it immediately. Tune in now!    God's Word ha...

Today's teens are DESPERATE for someone to listen to them — but all too often, their parents or grandparents shut them down with harsh or judgmental comments. Do you find yourself quickly telling your teen they're wrong when they talk to you? Or do you practice participatory listening? In today's devotional, Mark Gregston shares the importance of being a great listener for your teen an...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston chats with a couple of Heartlight teens who both struggled with drug use and felt like their lives were totally off track. For one young lady, her substance abuse escalated to the point that she was caught with drugs in her car and subsequently expelled from school. Tune in now to hear these stories of transformation!   Looking for more info about the Heartlig...

For most kids, the first 12 or 13 years of their lives are relatively pain-free, but things change when they enter middle and high school. They begin to experience more real hardships and pain — sometimes as a consequence of their own choices! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about the difference between helping and rescuing your child, and why it's important to let them...