Parenting Today's Teens

In this episode, Mark Gregston answers questions submitted by concerned parents, including one family seeking advice on how to handle their teen son's battle with watching porn. While there are certainly practical steps to take to monitor a teen's viewing habits, perhaps even more important is a parent's ability to consistently share WISDOM on a problem, not just information. To hear m...

Wayne Shepherd joins Mark Gregston to discuss how parents can find a balance between keeping teens close relationally while slowly letting them have more freedom and control over their lives. Teens may fall short of your expectations while learning to make their own decisions, but that gives YOU an opportunity to have genuine discussions with your teen and draw them closer. Don't miss this gre...

You may have the best of intentions when you're trying to speak the truth into your kids' lives, but if your tone or timing is off, it can leave your teens feeling judged. Mark Gregston explains how teens often need to think out loud to process — and what they need is a non-judgemental listener, not another teachable moment from Mom and Dad. Listen in for more on this important topic!

Mark Gregston chats with a couple of Heartlight teens who are learning the powerful role that openness and vulnerability can play in healing deep wounds. Before coming to Heartlight, both young men struggled with the ups and downs of depression, but counseling has given them the opportunity to bring down the walls shutting others out  — and learn more about themselves too. Tune in to hear their st...

There are plenty of good parents who do all the "right" things in raising their children — and yet are still caught by surprise when their teens begin to struggle and rebel. In this episode, Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to talk about how parents must learn to shift their parenting style and grow alongside their teens. You don't want to miss this discussion!

Do you ever go out to a fun dinner with your teen, but struggle to come up with things to talk about? Well, you're not alone! In this episode, Mark Gregston answers some questions submitted by parents and gives suggestions on how to spark a thoughtful conversation with your teenager. Tune in to hear these great questions!

Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to go over four ways you can help your teenager become independent. As a parent, you need to create an atmosphere your teen can mature in by inviting open conversations, and learn to listen to understand — not just respond. You don't want to miss these parenting tips!

As you look back on your teenage and young adult years, can you picture the mentors that left a lasting, positive impact on you? In this episode, Mark Gregston reflects on the older friends that encouraged him to never give up on God's calling for his life. Now, it is YOUR turn to lend a listening ear to your teens and pass on the insight you've gathered through life's challenges. Tune...

Mark Gregston chats with two Heartlight teens, Gabe and Anna, who each reflect on how they found themselves in a world of trouble in the quest to fit in with their friends — but never expected to end up at a boarding school. Despite their initial misgivings, counseling at Heartlight had a profound impact on both of these young lives. Listen in to hear their stories!

Teens are natural social butterflies and in today's culture, the majority of their communication is often through texting and social media. In this episode, Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to talk about how important it is for moms and dads to stay up-to-date and take intentional steps to educate themselves on social media. Don't miss this important discussion!

Mark Gregston sits down to answer some questions submitted by parents and caretakers, including a single mom who wants to bring more fun into her relationship with her teenage son. Remember, nothing on this side of heaven is going to be perfect, so it's okay for parents to relax their rules every once in a while.  Tune in to hear Mark's insights!

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how you as a parent should approach guiding and directing your kids when it comes to their activities on the internet. In an ever-changing online world, it's your responsibility to help keep your kids safe.   Listen in to learn more on this important topic!

Do you find yourself repeating the same requests to your teen over and over? Well, you might be guilty of nagging. In this devotional, Mark Gregston shares why it's crucial for parents to stop nagging and lecturing their teens if they want to have a strong relationship.  Tune in to learn more!

Mark Gregston sits down with two teens who both struggled with drug addiction at a young age, but found clarity and sobriety through treatment at Heartlight. Drug use takes a huge toll on any family, but these stories of hope prove healing is possible — if parents and teens are willing to work together.  Don't miss these powerful stories!

Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to discuss how grandparents can fulfill a special role in their teenage grandkids' lives that is unlike any other. If you show up, be attentive and listen, you can leave a lasting impression on your grandchild's heart for decades to come. Tune in for this important discussion!

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about the purpose of pain in the life of your teen.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org

On this episode, Mark Gregston talks about how establishing a relationship with your teen is the most important thing you'll ever do.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens.  To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.org.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about whether or not traditional parenting still works.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how you can diffuse angry conflict and resolve the tension in your home.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens.  To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.org.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd question if you might be saying NO to your teen, when you should be saying YES.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org