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 toward leaving a truly special one. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode! If you're a grandparent and want to learn more on this...
Dec 21, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 653
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 you'd never know it. Tune in for these powerful interviews! For more on how to help a teen in crisis, check ou...
Dec 20, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 652
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 praying for your teen through whatever challenges they're facing, check out Mark's devotional, "Daily Hope For Families...
Dec 19, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 651
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 own parenting question, visit markgregston.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy &...
Dec 16, 2022•7 min•Season 1Ep. 650
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 important to pick your battles. For more practical advice and wisdom on raising teens, check out the ENGAGE simulca...
Dec 15, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 649
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 should use a combination of heart and humor to share wisdom with your teens. Don't miss this great topic! For ...
Dec 14, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 648
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 the boarding school was what they really needed to get their lives back on track. Listen in for these incredibl...
Dec 13, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 647
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 turbulent world. Tune in now! For more tips on how to build a strong relationship with your teen, check ...
Dec 12, 2022•13 min•Season 1Ep. 646
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! Want to send in a parenting question? Visit markgregston.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS ...
Dec 09, 2022•7 min•Season 1Ep. 645
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 instead, and more! Tune in now for this timely topic! For more advice on creating a restful household, check out th...
Dec 08, 2022•15 min•Season 1Ep. 644
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 for Mark's insights! If you're a mom seeking to parent your teen in a biblically-based way, check out "Prayers Fo...
Dec 07, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 643
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 these stories of transformation! For more on the Heartlight residential program, visit heartlightministrie...
Dec 06, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 642
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 advice! Looking for more practical advice to help you parent during the turbulent teen years? Mark your calendars fo...
Dec 05, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 641
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 get them to take an interest in you, too! Need Mark's advice? Send in your questions at markgregston.com Our Spons...
Dec 02, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 640
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 still have a close relationship with your teen even with limited time. Listen in now! Interested in learning more abo...
Dec 01, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 639
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 don't miss out! Mark's new book, "Daily Hope for Families," is full of devotionals tailored just for parents...
Nov 30, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 638
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 want to learn how to pass wisdom and insight on to a teen grandchild in your life, then the new e-course, "Lea...
Nov 29, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 637
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 and share why parents need to give kids more chances to be responsible. Tune in for this great talk! For more on readying yo...
Nov 28, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 636
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't solve? Ask Mark about it! Submit your question at markgregston.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: http...
Nov 25, 2022•4 min•Season 1Ep. 635
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 has a lot to say about parenting, and that's why Mark wrote his new book, "Daily Hope For Families." Order your copy ...
Nov 24, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 634
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 and how to do it effectively. For more on this topic, check out Mark's article, "The Greatest Gift to Give Your Te...
Nov 23, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 633
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 Heartlight residential program? Check out heartlightministries.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K...
Nov 22, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 632
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 go through consequences. Tune in for this great discussion! For more on how to support your teen while a...
Nov 21, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 631
In today's episode, Mark Gregston answers the top parenting question of the week, which comes from a couple who is trying to encourage their 13-year-old son to take on more responsibilities — especially when it comes to brushing his teeth without being nagged! At this age, kids often need to bump into some natural social consequences before they realize being responsible is in their best interest. Listen in now for Mark's advice! If YOU have a parenting question for Mark, we'd love to hear it! S...
Nov 18, 2022•7 min•Season 1Ep. 630
If your relationship with your teen consists of nothing but rules, chances are that your child will continue to pull away from you as they get older. However, combining proper consequences with GRACE toward your child can lead to a truly meaningful, engaged relationship. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why you need to communicate unconditional love to your teen and what it means to have a grace-based home. For more on how you can create healthy expectations in your h...
Nov 17, 2022•12 min•Season 1Ep. 629
No parent is perfect, and your past experiences with YOUR parents can have an impact on how you view the world and interact with your own kids. That's why it's so important to reflect on what lingering issues from your past might still be plaguing you today. In this devotional episode, Mark Gregston shares how he coped with his own past traumas and why you should embark on a journey of genuineness. For more on how you and your teen can form a deeper relationship, check out the free e-course, "Fi...
Nov 16, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 628
The vast majority of teenagers will experiment with alcohol at least once during their high school years, and this experimentation can quickly turn into a downward spiral of bad decisions. In this week's interview with Heartlight teens, one young lady shares with Mark Gregston that she got sent to the boarding school after her drinking habit got so bad she experienced alcohol poisoning. Tune in now to hear how she's healing — both physically and emotionally! If you think your teen might be strug...
Nov 15, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 627
As teens develop into adulthood, they'll inevitably take some wrong turns — and maybe get totally lost — along the way. If your teen makes poor choices and gets lost, don't write them off! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why it's important to ensure your teen knows that no matter what they do, they can always come home to your love and support. Tune in for more on this great topic! For more on helping teens find their way, check out Mark's article, "Teenagers Seeking Pu...
Nov 14, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 626
In this episode, Mark Gregston answers the top parenting question of the week, which comes from a single mom who's trying to figure out how to create more enjoyable times with her son. One of the best ways to build a lasting relationship with your child is to simply have fun together! Listen in now for Mark's advice! If you have a parenting question for Mark, we'd love to hear it! Send it in at markgregston.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: ht...
Nov 11, 2022•5 min•Season 1Ep. 625
Today's teens are constantly interacting with their friends through texting and social media, but that doesn't mean they are forming actual connections. In fact, many of our kids are lonely and desperate for real relationships! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share advice on how you can begin to build — or rebuild — a genuine, meaningful relationship with your teen. Tune in now! For more on the importance of forming a real connection with your kids, read Mark's article, "Being ...
Nov 10, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 624
