It can be very tempting to totally avoid conflict when there's tension between you and your teen, but it's usually better to confront the problem and walk alongside them in their struggles. In this episode, Mark explains that how you relate and interact with your child during the darkest times of their lives will determine your relationship with them in the future. The best investment you can make is investing in the life of your child! Looking for more biblical insights on how to have a healthy...
Jul 06, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 533
When a teen's home life becomes full of pain and tension, sometimes they see no other way out of the situation other than suicide. But no teenager is beyond help. Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of teens living at Heartlight, including Daniel, who shares how depression and strained parental relationships led him to a suicide attempt. Don't miss his powerful story! For more on understanding the warning signs that a teen may be severely depressed, read Mark's article, "Suicide Epi...
Jul 05, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 532
Today's generation of teens faces so many challenges and areas where they can stumble into behaviors that harm themselves or the people around them. It is VITAL for parents to be aware of these pitfalls and be ready to help their teens. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd go over a list of the most common pitfalls so parents can be aware of what to look out for. Listen in now! Do you have a teen in a downward spiral? Check out Mark's book, "When Your Teen Is Struggling," for more i...
Jul 04, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 531
Inevitably, when your child begins to move into their adolescent years, everything will change — and to keep a relationship with them, you have to be ready to change too. In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles some more great questions from parents, including what to do when your kids are using foul language and how to effectively transition your parenting style from a teaching model to a training model. Listen in for the answers! Do YOU have a parenting question for Mark? Ask it here: bit.ly/3N...
Jul 01, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 530
Today's culture has given teens permission to be more sexually involved than ever before — so how do you prepare to confront your child about this behavior or, better yet, prevent it from happening? Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to talk about the reason why teens are sexually active more often and how parents can approach this topic with their kids without shaming them. Tune in now for this important episode! Need some more pointers on how to continue the conversation about sexual ac...
Jun 30, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 529
In this devotional, Mark Gregston shares that moms, dads and grandparents have all accumulated something that teens desperately need in today's world: wisdom. However, the challenge lies in finding ways to truly connect with your teen and share that wisdom in a way that is applicable to THEIR current culture, not the one you grew up in. Tune in now for more insight! For more on how to raise teens to be able to face the challenges of today's world, read Mark's book, "Raising Teens in a Contrary C...
Jun 29, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 528
Teens have more pressure on them today than ever before, and when that pressure is coupled with internal pain, betrayal or strained parental relationships, they often turn to substances to cope. In this episode, Mark Gregston speaks with a couple of Heartlight teens, including one young man who is learning to have an open, loving relationship with his parents again after self-medicating with drugs for years. Don't miss these stories of hope! For more insight on why teens turn to drugs and alcoho...
Jun 28, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 527
So many parents have good intentions and start freely giving money and material things to their children at a very young age. Unfortunately, this can create a monster: an entitled teen. Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to discuss some tips you can use if you find yourself with a demanding, entitled teen. Listen in now for ideas on how to teach your teen the value of hard work and responsibility! Looking for more tips on how to create healthy expectations for your child? Check out Mark's...
Jun 27, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 526
All of us want to feel like we have significance in life — and for teens, the search for their purpose can take them in a lot of different directions. In this episode, Mark answers some more questions from parents and caretakers, including one mom whose daughter's rebellion seems to be getting out of hand. Mark shares how important it is to walk alongside and communicate with your teens as they search for their identities. Listen in for the rest of these great questions! Have your own pressing p...
Jun 24, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 525
The easy accessibility of pornography in today's culture is something that has a widespread impact on both teen guys and girls, so how can parents be prepared to confront this topic? Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how shaming or guilting a child who is struggling with porn is not the correct approach, and share some tips for parents on how to have this tough talk with their kids. Tune in to hear their insights! For more advice on how to safeguard your teen's internet habits, check out ...
Jun 23, 2022•11 min•Season 1Ep. 524
As practically every parent of a teen knows, when your child doesn't get what they want, it can lead to angry outbursts. And if you lose your temper too, it creates the perfect storm. In this devotional, Mark Gregston explains the top three reasons that teens get angry, and how to approach the situation with a calm spirit, a listening ear and gentle words. Listen in now! If you want to learn more about how to effectively communicate with your teen, check out Mark's book, "Tough Guys and Drama Qu...
Jun 22, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 523
We live in a digital age, and many teenagers today feel like they would really struggle if they didn't have their phones. In this episode, Mark Gregston speaks with some insightful Heartlight teens about their experiences at the boarding school, including what it has been like living without a cellphone. The surprising verdict? They DON'T miss social media! Tune in now to hear their stories! To learn more about the Heartlight program and how it helps struggling teens, visit heartlightministries....
Jun 21, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 522
If you, as a parent, look at failure as something to be ashamed of, chances are your teens will too — but inevitably, they WILL take risks and make mistakes. So how should you handle it? Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to talk about how parents need to prepare for when their teens will make mistakes and use those situations as opportunities to grow closer instead of just being critical. Don't miss this important discussion! For more insight on what to do when your teen slips up, read M...
Jun 20, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 521
As a parent, what should you do with a teenager who just wants to stay in her room all the time? Or what about when your child really wants to go to a different school than the one you had planned for him? In today's episode, Mark Gregston answers these questions and more submitted by parents just like you. Don't miss these insights! Do YOU have a pressing parenting question you want to ask Mark? Submit it here: bit.ly/3NzKC9K If you have a teen who is spiraling out of control and you need some ...
Jun 17, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 520
Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to have a special discussion on the challenges parents experience when their adopted children become teenagers. Adopted kids often struggle with their sense of identity during their teen years, but if God called you to adopt, you must remain faithful to that calling even when the road gets rocky. As a bonus, Wayne shares his own adoption story! Tune in now! For more on this tough topic, check out Mark's free e-book, "Parenting an Adopted Teen," at bit.ly...
Jun 16, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 519
In today's digital world, we are under a constant bombardment of information — this is especially true for teens. In this week's devotional, Mark shares that when your child enters their teenage years, it's time for you as a parent to shift from teaching mode to TRAINING mode. Our kids don't need another source of info, they need real wisdom. Don't miss this great devotional! For more wisdom on how to shift your parenting style, check out Mark's book, "Raising Teens in a Contrary Culture," at bi...
Jun 15, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 518
Mark Gregston chats with two Heartlight teens who share their stories of turning to drugs and alcohol to mask pain they felt in their hearts. Both young ladies agreed that if they felt their parents would truly listen to them — without judgement — their stories might have turned out differently. Listen to these amazing tales of transformation now! For more insight on WHY teens turn to drug use, read Mark's article, "Experimenting With Drugs," at bit.ly/3NKpUUP Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K1...
Jun 14, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 517
Does your teen act like a totally different person on social media than they do at home? This behavior is all too common. Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to discuss how the pressures of today's culture on the internet often push teens to portray themselves as someone they're not — or worse, put themselves in real-life danger. Mark's book, "What's Happening to My Teen?" offers more help for parents who are watching their teen transform into a different person. Check it out here: bit.ly/...
Jun 13, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 516
Mark Gregston sits down to answer some questions from parents about the often challenging reality of raising teenagers in today's culture. This week, Mark tackles what a homeschooling mom should do when her son is acting out, how a Christian family should approach their teen when she declares she is an atheist, and much more! Don't miss this episode! Do YOU have a parenting question for Mark? Submit it here: bit.ly/3NzKC9K Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy &...
Jun 10, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 515
Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to talk about different ways to handle and be engaged in your teen's online life. In order to parent well in today's culture and keep up with your teens, you need to commit to becoming a lifelong learner when it comes to technology. Letting your teen teach you their favorite video game or app can be an opportunity to connect. Listen in now! For more of Mark's insights on how to approach your teen's online activities, visit bit.ly/3MTIWb5 Our Sponsors: * ...
Jun 09, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 514
In this special devotional, Mark Gregston shares advice for parents who are engaged in one of the most common struggles you can have with your teen: the battle for control. Teens want nothing more than to take control of their own lives, and while they WILL make mistakes, it's up to you as a parent to begin trusting them to apply all the good lessons you've instilled. Don't miss this episode! For more insight on this issue, read Mark's article, "Turning Over Control to Your Teen" at bit.ly/3lM3E...
Jun 08, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 513
When you're a teenager, figuring out who you are and shaping your identity can be a huge challenge and can often lead down some dark paths. Mark Gregston chats with two Heartlight teens whose quests to find out how they fit into this crazy world led them to rock bottom — but thanks to the counseling staff at Heartlight, they now have a brighter outlook on their futures. Listen to these young ladies' powerful stories now! If these stories sound familiar to you, check out Mark's e-Book, "When Your...
Jun 07, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 512
As a parent, you always hope your teen will never turn to drugs or underage drinking — but the reality is the majority of high schoolers have tried alcohol and 50 percent have reported using marijuana, according to the CDC. Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to talk about things parents need to keep an eye out for that might indicate your teen has begun seeking relief from life's stresses through substances. Don't miss this heavy-hitting discussion! For more help on this topic, check out ...
Jun 06, 2022•13 min•Season 1Ep. 511
In this episode, Mark Gregston answers all your questions about screen time. He shares that the number of teens and pre-teens with cell phones has dramatically increased over the last several years and shares advice from David Murrow’s book, “Drowning in Screen Time.” Tune in for more on helping your teens learn to make independent decisions that help them and you! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Jun 03, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 510
Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to discuss advice for divorced parents with part-time custody arrangements. When your teen doesn't live with you all the time, it can be challenging to accept that there are certain things you cannot change about how your ex-spouse might approach parenting. However, it's important to stick with YOUR rules and expectations for your teen in your house, and remember that God will not abandon you — even on the hard days. Listen in now! Our Sponsors: * Check ...
Jun 02, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 509
As a parent, one of the most important realizations you can come to with your teen is that every behavior you see is a direct result of hidden motivations. In this devotional, Mark Gregston teaches that you must learn to identify your child's hidden heart issues to have a close relationship with them. Don't miss this important topic! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Jun 01, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 508
It's no secret — sometimes teens try to take full control of their own lives too early and it doesn't turn out so well. In this episode, Mark Gregston chats with a couple of Heartlight teens who began sneaking out and doing drugs to control their lives, rather than face the pain they felt inside. Listen in to hear them tell their stories! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
May 31, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 507
Do you remember what your mom and dad did that annoyed YOU when you were a teenager? Do you do any of those things to your kids today? In this episode, Mark Gregston chats with Wayne Shepherd about the importance of not overcorrecting your teens or treating everything like a joke. Tune in for these great parenting tips! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
May 30, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 506
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 more great questions, tune in now! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-...
May 27, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 505
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 great topic! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://red...
May 26, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 504
