One of the biggest challenges you will likely face as a parent is figuring out how to pass down wisdom to your teens in a way that is applicable to today's culture. It's no easy task, but your teens will be grateful for it one day. In this episode, Mark explains why you can't share wisdom without first fostering real connection and showing interest in your child's world. Tune in now for this insightful devotional! Have you visited our Parenting Today's Teens online store? Check out our full cata...
Jun 07, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 773
Have you ever felt isolated or misunderstood? It's a lonely place to be. And for some teens in this position, the only thing they know to do is isolate themselves even further. In today's show, Mark Gregston chats with two teens at Heartlight who share how they're working through deep struggles, like one young man whose depression caused him to feel like he couldn't connect with anyone, including his parents. Listen in now! For more insight on walking with your teen through struggles, check out ...
Jun 06, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 772
We have a selfishness epidemic among our teens, and, unfortunately, parents probably play a role in it. If you're not careful, provision can quickly move to enabling your teen — which can lead to a selfish and entitled young adult. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss what to look out for if you have a self-centered teen and share some tips to help your child move past an entitled mentality. Listen in for this important topic! For more help with the tough teen years, check o...
Jun 05, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 771
Join Mark Gregston in this episode as he tackles the challenges faced by parents when it comes to determining their level of involvement in their teenager's life. From navigating issues of disrespect, anger and complicated relationships, Mark provides valuable insights on striking the right balance. Don't miss out on his expert advice — tune in today! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Could the Heartlight program be right for your teen? Learn more today at heartlightmini...
Jun 02, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 770
The adolescent years are characterized by rapid changes, emotional upheavals and a quest for independence. As parents, we find ourselves grappling with the challenging task of understanding and effectively addressing our teenager's anger. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd provide five valuable insights on how to de-escalate anger, avoid arguments and nurture strong connections with your kids. Tune in now! Have you gotten your copy of Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For F...
Jun 01, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 769
Your words can have a profound influence on the impressionable minds of adolescents and young adults. In this episode, Mark reshares his devotional highlighting the lasting impact of positive and negative comments on his life. He discusses invaluable insights shared by the mentors who championed his dreams and believed in the calling God had for him. Listen in now! Have you seen our Parenting Toolbox yet? This resource kit will help YOU feel more prepared and confident to raise your teen. Get yo...
May 31, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 768
Whether it's drugs, video games or social media, teens often get engulfed in things they see as an escape from the problems of everyday life. But what happens when they inevitably realize escapism has gotten them nowhere? In today's interview with Heartlight teens, Mark sits down with two young men who tried to avoid their issues, like RJ, who used video games to avoid his troubles — and his parents. Listen to these insightful interviews now! Need some help navigating a crisis with YOUR teen? Ch...
May 30, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 767
Many teens are crazy about video games, and that's not always a bad thing, but it's important for parents to uphold some rules and expectations around gaming time. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss WHY kids love this technology so much and share some practical tips for parents who are navigating boundaries with their teen's video game habits. Don't miss this great topic! Looking for more practical ways to guide your child through the challenging teen years? Check out o...
May 29, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 766
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who are aiming to foster independence, nurture faith and navigate the influence of friends. He delves into the importance of allowing teens to make their own choices while providing guidance that can shape their future decisions. Don’t miss out — tune in now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: https://markgregston.com/ For more on how to navigate tough times with your child, check out "What's Happening To My Teen?" Order you...
May 26, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 765
The majority of people overestimate the effects of their parenting and underestimate the influence of the culture. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive deep into the challenges parents face in a rapidly changing world. Join them as they offer brutal honesty, important questions, and a glimmer of hope for every parent struggling with rebellious teens — listen now! For more successful strategies to build a strong relationship with your child, check out "Tough Guys and Drama Qu...
May 25, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 764
The high school years are important for many reasons, but a huge one is that this time is the primary season to be preparing your teen to be a responsible young adult. So, how do you find the balance of knowing when to be hands-off and when to help them through challenges? In this episode, Mark explains what can happen when a parent's provision turns into enabling a spoiled teen and why you need to find a healthy level of involvement in your child's life. Listen in now! For more resources on gui...
May 24, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 763
Many teens — and adults — struggle with opening up and sharing their hearts and struggles with others. Vulnerability can be scary, but very beneficial in healing. In today's show, Mark talks with two Heartlight high schoolers who've learned this firsthand, including Jake, who shares how he was finally able to take off his "mask" and talk about his depression to counselors and friends at the boarding school. Don't miss these great interviews! To learn more about how the Heartlight program works, ...
May 23, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 762
Teens today don't need their parents to just share more information with them — they have all the information they could need in the palm of their hand! What our teens DO need is wisdom. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why you need to be a "trainer" for your teen, not just a teacher. Tune in now for this timely topic! For more tools to better communicate with your teen, check out the free "Bridging the Gap With Your Teen" e-course at bit.ly/3DWPwun Our Sponsors: * Ch...
May 22, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 761
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston advises a parent questioning how to set boundaries with her son now that he’s 18. Which rules can become flexible and which rules must remain rigid? Tune in now to hear his guidance! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Have you gotten your copy of Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," yet? Order yours today at dailyhopeforfamilies.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://...
May 19, 2023•7 min•Season 1Ep. 760
Do you feel like you're constantly running on empty as the parent of a troubled teen? Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd on today’s episode as they share practical approaches on how to refuel your spirits and find renewed strength. From taking a step back to gain perspective to recognizing progress along the way, discover how to stay motivated and energized as you navigate the challenges of parenthood. Listen now! For more on how to help your teen work through the challenges they face in life...
May 18, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 759
Adolescents and young adults soak up comments and info like a sponge, so never underestimate the power your words — positive OR negative — can hold. In this episode, Mark re-shares how the mentors who spoke positivity into his life and goals still impact him today and how they helped him overcome all the naysayers. Don't miss his insights! Have you checked out our full catalog of Parenting Today's Teens resources? Visit the online store today at resources.parentingtodaysteens.org Our Sponsors: *...
May 17, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 758
If a teen gets to a point where they feel like their life doesn't have a clear purpose and no one is there to listen to them, they can arrive at a very dark place quite quickly. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies who struggled with hopelessness and guilt. One reflects on why she turned to self-harm while battling an eating disorder, while the other, a Heartlight alumna, shares her story of surviving a suicide attempt. These stories are honest, emotional and important for all paren...
May 16, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 757
If you're a grandparent, maintaining a close relationship with your teen grandkids can be a truly wonderful thing — for you AND them! But sometimes, it's hard to know where to start when it comes to connecting to today's teens. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share five specific ways you can show your teen grandchildren they're loved and understood. Listen in for these insightful tips! Have you checked out our Grandparenting Bundle yet? You can get these five great resources at...
May 15, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 756
Join Mark Gregston in this episode as he shares valuable insights on how parents can be present in their children's lives without being overbearing. He offers practical tips on how to engage in meaningful conversations with your teenager, fostering a stronger relationship built on trust and respect. Don't miss out on this empowering episode — listen now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: https://markgregston.com/ For more on how to help your teen work through the challenges they face in ...
May 12, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 755
Teens don’t just wake up one morning full of maturity, good character and strong values — it’s our job as parents to sow and cultivate those seeds in our kids. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss five practical ways you can build solid character in your home. Don’t miss out on this advice! Have you gotten your copy of Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," yet? Order yours today at dailyhopeforfamilies.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.c...
May 11, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 754
Asking good questions has a special way of creating real connections between people — it shows you're genuinely interested in their lives. The same is true for your teen. If you want to go deeper in your conversations with them than just the same old small talk, ask questions! In today's episode, Mark Gregston explains why questions are the key to unlocking a connection with your teen and shares tips on how to ask them in a way that doesn't feel judgmental. Tune in now! Looking for some new tool...
May 10, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 753
Whether it's due to the impact of trauma or a battle with mental health, plenty of teens turn to drugs thinking they'll find a temporary escape from the pain in their lives ... but soon find themselves unable to get through life sober. In today's show, Mark Gregston sits down with two Heartlight teens who share their journeys out of drug addiction and reflect on their growth at the boarding school. These are two great interviews you don't want to miss! To learn more about how the Heartlight prog...
May 09, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 752
Making sure your teen understands their role and what is — and is not — expected of them can help your entire home run smoother. Have you taken the time to sit down and hold a family meeting about rules and consequences recently? In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share tips on how to set effective rules and boundaries that will help your teen mature while protecting your peace and privacy. Don't miss these helpful insights! For more on how to navigate tough times with your child,...
May 08, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 751
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who are exhausted and downright hurt by their teen’s constant lying. He explains why you should expect your kids to break your trust, and to look at those instances as teaching opportunities. By letting teens make their own choices and face the consequences of those decisions, they can learn to appreciate wisdom and good judgment. Don’t miss out on this life changing advice— tune in now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: ht...
May 05, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 750
The internet isn’t just a way for your kid to reach out into the world, it’s also a way for the world to reach into your home. The need to monitor your teen’s phone activity is valid — but how are you to simultaneously grant them the privacy necessary to mature? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd provide practical tips to help parents strike the right balance between freedom and safety. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on teen privacy and the internet! For more successful ...
May 04, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 749
It's great to want and encourage your teen to perform well in school, work, sports and more, but if they fail, do they feel like they'll lose your love? Conveying your unconditional love to your teen is crucial to their wellbeing. In this episode, Mark Gregston shares a personal story of a teen that struggled with feeling like her value was performance-based and emphasizes why you should communicate your teen's value to them — no matter what. For more on how to help your teen work through the ch...
May 03, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 748
It's not uncommon for hurting teens to develop methods of masking their pain from others — which means that even the happiest and bubbliest kids may be hiding how they really feel. In this episode, Mark Gregston talks to some Heartlight teens, including a young lady who was often all smiles, but behind the scenes, she was self-harming. Don't miss these insightful interviews! Do you have a struggling teen? Heartlight may be the answer. Learn more here: heartlightministries.org Our Sponsors: * Che...
May 02, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 747
The role of a grandparent in the life of a teen can be a very special one indeed — if they're willing to intentionally maintain the relationship. Remaining a relevant figure in a teenage grandchild's life is challenging, but not impossible! In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why grandparents are so important in a teen's life and share encouragement for the ones who live far away from their grandchildren. Tune in for their advice! For more insights on grandparenting, che...
May 01, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 746
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from mothers who want to know how to get their daughters off of their phones and out into the real world. He dives into the heart of screen time issues — connection. The desire of any teen’s heart is to be seen, validated and affirmed through relationships; if they aren’t finding adequate affirmation at home, they’ll seek it out just about anywhere else. Tune in now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: https://markgregston.com/ For more s...
Apr 28, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 745
A parent’s role is not to eliminate the pain in their child’s life, but to prepare them for the real world. Teens will choose their inappropriate behavior over and over until the pain that results from their choice surpasses the pleasure that it brings them. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of not rescuing your kids so they might experience the pain of their actions, forcing them to think in new ways, and ultimately learn from their mistakes. Listen now...
Apr 27, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 744
