Teens face all kinds of physical, social and emotional pressures every day, and they NEED a safe place to decompress and feel understood. Grandparents, this is your time to shine! In this episode, Mark Gregston explains why you should work toward turning your home into a place of emotional and spiritual rest for your grandchildren and shares some practical tips on how to make that happen. Don't miss this great topic! For more on how grandparents can connect with their teen grandkids, check out t...
Nov 09, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 623
These days, teens have easier access to drugs than ever before, and MANY of them take advantage of opportunities to experiment. Unfortunately, this is often a fast road to addiction. In this episode, Mark Gregston chats with a couple more Heartlight teens, including a young man who battled an intense drug addiction but is in the process of turning his life around. Tune in now for these great interviews! For more about the Heartlight residential program, visit heartlightministries.org Our Sponsor...
Nov 08, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 622
When a teen is spiraling out of control, it impacts everyone else in the home — including their siblings. As parents, it's up to you to make sure that the struggling child doesn't take all of your attention away from your other kids or begin to negatively impact them. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how you can keep everyone in your family on the same page by having open, real conversations about the struggles your teen is facing. Listen in now! For more successful stra...
Nov 07, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 621
In today's episode, Mark Gregston answers the top parenting question of the week, which comes from a mom who is expecting a baby. However, her 14-year-old daughter is not too happy about the idea of a new sibling. Listen in for Mark's insights! Have your own question for Mark? Send it in at markgregston.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Nov 04, 2022•3 min•Season 1Ep. 620
Disciplining your child once they become a teen certainly looks different than it did when they were little — it involves a lot more than simply telling them to go to their room! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why you need a balance of rules AND relationship in order to create effective consequences for your child after they've made a mistake. For more on this important topic, check out "Developing Rules and Consequences." Order your copy at bit.ly/3TEtbb7 Our Sponsors...
Nov 03, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 619
Can you think of a person, or maybe a group of people, who poured into you with wisdom and positive affirmations when you were younger? For teens and young adults, receiving encouragement from a mentor can mean a lot — especially since they live in a world so full of negativity. In this episode, Mark Gregston recounts how older friends helped him find God's calling for his life and shares how you can be an encouraging influence for the teens YOU know. Listen in now! For more on how to guide your...
Nov 02, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 618
In today's impactful episode, Mark Gregston sits down with two teens staying at Heartlight who both attempted suicide not long before arriving at the program. Both young ladies have walked through tremendous trauma and relational challenges, but through counseling — and learning that it's okay to ask for help — they're beginning to heal. You don't want to miss this episode! For more on helping teens struggling with depression, read Mark's article, "Teen Intervention and Recovery," at parentingto...
Nov 01, 2022•22 min•Season 1Ep. 617
If you have a teen that is spiraling out of control, it can be easy to feel like there is no hope. But God works all things together for good — even rebellious teens! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share why it's important to understand the bigger picture of what's going on in the life of your child and trust in the Lord that He will help them get to a better place. Don't miss this encouraging episode! For more biblically-based wisdom on how to parent your teen, check out Mark...
Oct 31, 2022•10 min•Season 1Ep. 616
The number one question parents ask Mark Gregston is, "How do I know when to send my teen away for help?" In this special episode, Mark addresses that question with 15 key things you need to evaluate about your teen to know if sending them to Heartlight is the right call. He also shares some other great resources that you can use to help your teen if boarding school isn't an option. Tune in now! Do YOU have a question you'd like to ask Mark? Submit it at markgregston.com To learn more informatio...
Oct 28, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 615
When you're in the middle of a battle with your teen, the stress can take a huge toll on your mental and physical health. If you're married, this type of conflict can also easily drive a wedge between you and your spouse. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explain why it's so important for you to take care of your health — and the health of your marriage — when you're walking through a challenging time with your teen. Tune in for this important subject! If you need some profession...
Oct 27, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 614
If you don't switch to a training model instead of a teaching model when your child becomes a teen, there's a chance they might hit the brakes on entering adulthood — and get stuck in "waithood." In this episode, Mark Gregston shares why you need to slowly wean your teen off of your provision so they're ready to soar into independence once they become adults. Check it out! For more advice on how to teach your teen to make wise choices, check out Mark's book, "Developing Rules and Consequences" a...
Oct 26, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 613
Teens can sometimes struggle to see the big picture in life, and they get stuck worrying about the little things too much. In this week's interview with Heartlight teens, Mark Gregston chats with Sam, a young lady who was notorious for flying into fits of rage over the tiniest things. At Heartlight, she's learning to compromise and better communicate her emotions. Don't miss this episode! If you're struggling with an angry teen in your household, check out Mark's article, "7 Pillars of Healthy C...
Oct 25, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 612
It's no secret that teens can be pretty self-centered, but when does normal teen vanity turn into narcissism? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share some things to watch out for that indicate your teen might be slipping into narcissism — AND what you can do about it. Don't miss this great episode! For more on how you can help your teen navigate today's often self-centered and shallow culture, check out the "Tough Guys and Drama Queens" Curriculum Series! Order the course at bit....
Oct 24, 2022•17 min•Season 1Ep. 611
Most of us have heard of the five love languages — but what if your teen doesn't fit neatly into one of those categories? If you try to limit the way you love your teen to just five love languages, you might miss their heart entirely! In today's episode, Mark Gregston shares four things you can do to figure out how to love your teen well, and in the ways that will mean the most to them. Got a question about raising your teen? Ask Mark! Send it in at markgregston.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Str...
Oct 21, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 610
A big issue impacting the Church today is that the vast majority of teens stop attending after they graduate high school ... but why is that? In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into why teens feel disconnected from the Church — even if they were raised in it — and the steps you can take to help your teen grow to make wise spiritual choices. "Prayers For My Teen" is a carry-along devotional created to encourage and inspire moms as they raise teens. To order your copy, visit...
Oct 20, 2022•10 min•Season 1Ep. 609
One of the biggest challenges parents face today is how to share timeless wisdom with their teens WITHOUT seeming judgmental or disconnected from the culture that kids live in. Simply complaining about your teen's world will only create a blockage — real connection requires effort and understanding. In this devotional, Mark Gregston shares how you can adapt your message and approach to foster a trusting relationship with your teen. For more on how you can better connect with your child, read Mar...
Oct 19, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 608
In this episode, Mark Gregston chats with a couple of Heartlight teens — both of whom experienced deeply traumatic events early in life. For one young lady, who was raped at 15 years old, the journey to healing has been a long and rocky one. But as she graduates from high school (and from Heartlight), the future looks full of hope. Don't miss these powerful interviews! For more information on the Heartlight program, check out heartlightministries.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https:/...
Oct 18, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 607
Today's teens view people in authority much differently than they used to. Instead of giving them respect, teens often view authority figures as untrustworthy — sometimes for good reasons. So how do you teach your teen to respect authority, especially regarding your role as a parent? In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to discuss WHY teens don't like authority figures and what changes you can make to ensure your child respects you. Don't miss this topic! For more on thi...
Oct 17, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 606
In this special episode, Mark Gregston answers a question from an insightful young lady who is trying to successfully navigate her teen years while dealing with anxiety. Mark shares some practical things teens (and parents) can do to help mitigate the anxious thoughts that plague so many teens in today's culture. If you have a teen that struggles with anxiety, you don't want to miss this episode! For more on understanding challenges your teen might be facing, read Mark's article, "Is My Teen's B...
Oct 14, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 605
When you and your teen are in the midst of conflict, or you don't understand something about their culture, it can be tempting to just pull away from them entirely. But your child needs you the most in those moments! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share why you should try to stay engaged in your teen's life no matter what. Tune in now! Need some help reestablishing peace in your home? Check out Mark's book, "What's Happening to My Teen?" at bit.ly/3zbI5hW Our Sponsors: * Check...
Oct 13, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 604
When you and your teen disagree on something, whether it's politics, how they're dressing, who they want to date or anything in between, do you get lost in the argument? Or do you respond with love? Sometimes you need to remind your teen (and yourself) that their decisions will never get in the way of your relationship. In this special devotional, Mark Gregston shares why it's crucial that you don't get caught up in fights that don't truly matter and sacrifice the bond you've created with your t...
Oct 12, 2022•23 min•Season 1Ep. 603
Teenagers are naturally driven to be social butterflies, but when being a people-pleaser backfires or they're totally rejected by their peers, coping with that pain can be challenging. In this week's interview with Heartlight teens, Mark Gregston sits down with a young lady who was adopted and dealt with feelings of rejection her whole life — which only amplified once she got to middle school. Listen in to hear how she's learning to rebuild her sense of self-worth! For more on this topic, downlo...
Oct 11, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 602
One thing is certain about teenagers — they WILL make mistakes and hurt you from time to time. This is where forgiveness is your superpower! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how you can learn to let go of bitterness toward your teen and forgive them, while still implementing proper consequences for their choices. Don't miss out on this important topic! For more on handling conflict with your child, read Mark's article, "Relieving Tension in the Home," at parentingtodayst...
Oct 10, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 601
This week's top listener question comes from a mom who caught her 16-year-old son watching pornography — a situation all-too-common for many parents of teenage boys. Mark Gregston shares some advice for how you can wisely talk with your son about the impact of porn, what practical steps you can take to help him with this battle and more! You don't want to miss this important topic. If you have a question for Mark, send it in! Visit markgregston.com to learn how. Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride ...
Oct 07, 2022•8 min•Season 1Ep. 600
If you're feeling tired and defeated from ongoing battles with your teen, it might be time for you to take a break! Whether that means going out of town for a weekend, or simply getting up earlier to have your coffee in peace, it's okay to take some time for yourself. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why it's healthy for parents to take a break, and how you can keep a big-picture perspective despite conflicts. Tune in now for this great topic! For a full catalog of Paren...
Oct 06, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 599
If there is one thing the majority of teens have in common, it's that they are desperate to be loved for WHO they are, not for what they do. So, Mom and Dad, does your teen feel loved unconditionally? Or do they feel like you have unmeetable expectations? It might be time to ask them! In this special devotional, Mark Gregston shares why you need to listen to what's on your teen's heart and shares ways you can initiate discussions about improving your relationship with them. When your teen is str...
Oct 05, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 598
Teens can benefit enormously from having a close, genuine relationship with their dad, but sometimes — through any combo of life's challenges — it doesn't always work out that way. Dads and their teens then have to work TOGETHER to overcome those obstacles and build a bond. In this episode, Mark Gregston chats with a couple of young ladies staying at Heartlight who are both walking through challenging relationships with their fathers. Listen in now to hear their stories! For more on this subject...
Oct 04, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 597
Teens in today's culture engage in all kinds of self-destructive behaviors, from cutting to drinking to sexual promiscuity. So, as a parent, how can you help keep them from making these harmful choices — or help them recover if they already have? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the WHY behind teens' self-destructive choices and share some advice for how you can be a voice of peace in their lives. For more advice on how to help your teen through a difficult time, read Ma...
Oct 03, 2022•13 min•Season 1Ep. 596
When your child enters their young adult years, they'll more than likely start seeking out a serious relationship or future spouse — and you may very well butt heads with this new addition to the family. So, how should you handle this type of conflict? In this episode, Mark Gregston shares advice for a frustrated mom whose 20-year-old son is pulling away from his family because of a new girlfriend. Tune in now to hear Mark's insights! To send Mark your own parenting question, visit markgregston....
Sep 30, 2022•7 min•Season 1Ep. 595
When your teen pulls away from — or outright rejects — the faith that you've raised them with, it can feel like you've done something wrong as a parent. But this is the most important time to trust in God that He will bring your teen back to a better place. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share encouraging insights for parents whose teens might be walking through their "prodigal" stage right now. Don't miss today's episode! For more encouragement for when you're walking through...
Sep 29, 2022•8 min•Season 1Ep. 594
