There seems to be no end to the negativity in today's culture — teens are exposed to it through the news, their peers and social media every single day. So how can you, as a parent, teach them how to navigate this storm? In this special devotional, Mark Gregston shares his insights on how social media is impacting our teens' ways of communicating and why the negative culture can strain your relationships at home. Listen in now! For more on adjusting your approach to be effective in today's teen ...
Apr 26, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 743
Because of the internet and social media, today's teens have easier access to pornography than ever before. But do they realize the negative impact watching explicit content has on how they view the world? In today's show, Mark Gregston sits down with a couple more Heartlight teens, including a young man who speaks from the heart about how watching porn affected his life and skewed his view of women. Don't miss today's teen stories! Interested in learning about the Heartlight boarding school? Ch...
Apr 25, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 742
In order to have a close relationship with your teen, you have to know what's going on in their world — and to do that, you need to make time for them! In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss when it's time to change your parenting approach and why it's important to carve out time in your family's busy schedule to spend one-on-one with your child. Tune in to hear how these small changes can make a huge difference! Have you gotten your copy of Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Ho...
Apr 24, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 741
No one is ever fully prepared to be a parent; just when you think you’re getting the hang of it, everything changes. Like it or not, you should be growing and changing right alongside your kid. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who either want or need to learn how to engage with their teen in new ways. Don’t miss out, tune in now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: https://markgregston.com/ For more successful strategies to build a strong relationship with y...
Apr 21, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 740
Part of our job as parents is to find a way to effectively pass our wisdom on to the next generation. In today’s world, however, kids have an overwhelming amount of access to content, making it hard for them to differentiate between information and wisdom. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd review tactics for successfully presenting wisdom to teens in a way that's interesting, applicable and personable. Listen now! For a deep dive into how you can help guide your teen through t...
Apr 20, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 739
How do you want your kids to remember you? What about your grandchildren? It's important to keep in mind that the relationship you build with your teen today will also impact future generations. In today's episode, Mark Gregston shares why you should keep a big-picture perspective when it comes to the legacy you'll leave behind. Don't miss these thoughtful insights! To dive deeper into this topic, take our "Leaving a Legacy of Hope" e-course. Enroll for free today at parentingtodaysteens.thinkif...
Apr 19, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 738
In the cases of many teens who get into drugs at a young age, hindsight is definitely 20/20. Looking back, they often regret doing drugs in the first place. In today's episode, Mark Gregston talks with two high schoolers who are examining how substance abuse impacted their lives, including one young man who reflects on how his whole life spiraled in just two years because of drug use. Listen in now! If you think Heartlight might be the right choice for your child, visit heartlightministries.org ...
Apr 18, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 737
There's no doubt about it, most teens love to argue. But the good news is that there ARE ways to have these difficult discussions with your teens that result in a good outcome. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share seven ways to argue effectively with your teen — not with the goal of winning but reaching a mutual understanding. This is a great topic for all parents of teens, so tune in! For more on shifting your communication style, enroll in our FREE "Five Ways to Stay Engaged...
Apr 17, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 736
Parents have spent their lives acquiring wisdom, and any good parent has the desire to share their valuable lessons with their kids — but is there such a thing as too much advice? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who aren’t sure where to draw the line with their input. Tune in now to hear his advice! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: https://markgregston.com/ Is Heartlight the right fit for your teen? Learn more today at heartlightministries.org Our Sponso...
Apr 14, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 735
The purpose of rules and consequences is to guide teens to where they want to go and to keep them from where they don’t want to end up. They do not serve to bring peace to our lives, but rather to build up a child’s character. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why parents must establish a relationship with their teen before successfully implementing authority, and how rules should be simple, relevant, attainable and beneficial. For more practical counsel on building a ...
Apr 13, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 734
Both good and bad behaviors always have motivations behind them, and as a parent, it's your job to try to understand what's driving your teen to do what they do. Simply punishing external inappropriate actions won't fix the issues in your child's heart. In today's devotional episode, Mark Gregston explains some of the common drivers behind bad behavior and shares the story of a particular Heartlight teen that shifted his understanding of grace. For more wisdom on how to shift your parenting styl...
Apr 12, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 733
When many teens arrive at Heartlight, they're apprehensive about making new friends with other kids who come from very different backgrounds and locations. But these new friendships often grant them a fresh perspective on life and relationships. In today's episode, Mark Gregston chats with two Heartlight teens who both struggled with drug use and got into trouble with their friends back home, but found surprising depth in their new connections at the boarding school. Check out their stories! To ...
Apr 11, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 732
When it comes down to it, you can't protect your teen from everything — as much as you might like to! In order to be ready for adulthood, teens need to be exposed to the challenges of culture and the real world. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how you can shift your mindset to PREPARING your teen, instead of just protecting them. Don't miss this great discussion! Want to learn some tried-and-true parenting principles that will help your struggling teen? Check out the...
Apr 10, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 731
By the age of 16, teens are closer to independence than they are to dependence. Should the rules change as they get older? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston advises parents on how to loosen the reins over the years in order to create responsible and successful individuals. Don’t miss out on his advice — tune in now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com For more information on how to adapt your parenting to be effective in today's culture, check out Mark's book "Tough Guys a...
Apr 07, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 730
Believe it or not, teens long for heart to heart conversations with their parents. Every kid has a message they desperately want to convey — they just don’t know how. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd review answers from teens who were asked, “What do you wish your parents knew?” They also discuss ways for parents to connect with their kids on a deeper level. Have you gotten your copy of Mark's book, "Daily Hope For Families," yet? You can pick up this special 365-day devotion...
Apr 06, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 729
Much like a child questioning if a movie they love takes place in the real world, we need to look at our social media feeds and discern how much of it is actually "real." This is especially true for teenagers, who are bombarded by content from celebrities and influencers every day. In today's episode, Mark Gregston explains why it's crucial to set boundaries around your teen's social media usage and help them avoid falling victim to the trap of social comparison. For a deep dive into how you can...
Apr 05, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 728
Many of our teens go through periods in life when they don't feel like they fit in with their peers. Usually, it's just a passing phase, but sometimes, they need you as a parent to help them when they're feeling lost. In today's show, Mark Gregston chats with two Heartlight teens who often felt like outsiders — one turned to drugs to cope, while the other felt like suicide was the only way out. Listen in to hear their stories! Is Heartlight the right option for your struggling teen? Learn more t...
Apr 04, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 727
Whether it's college, the military, trade school or working full-time, it's beneficial for both you and your teen to have a plan for what comes after high school. Otherwise, they might start feeling just a little bit TOO comfortable at home. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about why many teens today experience a "failure to launch," and how you can help them come up with a realistic plan to move forward in their lives. This is a great discussion, don't miss out! Want to be...
Apr 03, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 726
While it can be hard to admit that your teen may need more help than you can offer, it is sometimes essential. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents of disrespectful, dishonest and depressed teens who want to know how to best help their children. Don’t miss out on his great advice! Our Grandparenting Bundle is packed with wisdom, insights and advice selected just for grandparents! You can order your bundle today at bit.ly/3jMe9DV Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: h...
Mar 31, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 725
If you’re not growing closer to your teen, you’re growing apart. Kids yearn to be seen, heard and known. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the impact of being quick to listen and slow to speak as a parent, and how making your teen feel valued will draw them to you in ways you’ve never seen before. Don’t miss this important topic, tune in now! Our Devotional Bundle is packed with effective spiritual strategies to encourage your family! Order yours today at http://bit.ly...
Mar 30, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 724
As a parent, sometimes you must accept that kids will be kids. Having a messy room, following odd trends or sleeping in late are all pretty normal teenage behaviors — but how do you know when things are actually getting out of hand? In this episode, Mark Gregston shares some things you can watch for that indicate your teen's behavior is abnormal and they may be struggling. Don't miss these helpful tips! For more help with setting appropriate boundaries for your child, check out "Developing Rules...
Mar 29, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 723
Drugs are more accessible for teens than ever before. And when there's strife at home and kids start looking for relief, it can be easy for them to start down a dark path and end up in the throes of addiction. In today's episode, Mark Gregston sits down with a couple more Heartlight teens, including a young man who has struggled with drug addiction throughout high school but is looking toward graduation with hope and gratitude for how far he's come. Is Heartlight the right fit for your teen? Lea...
Mar 28, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 722
Thanks to technology and social media, teens are talking to each other more than ever before — but are they actually connecting more? In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about why the lack of face-to-face connection is driving teens to sometimes make bad choices and how YOU can foster stronger relationships in your home. Listen in for this great topic! For more on effective communication, check out the free "Bridging the Gap With Your Teen" e-course at bit.ly/3DWPwun Our Sp...
Mar 27, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 721
We all have bad days, but what happens when disagreeable moods turn into toxic identities? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who are at a loss as to how they should reel in their kids’ lazy, stubborn, negative and angry lifestyles. Don’t miss out on this advice! If you have your own question for Mark, send it in at markgregston.com To learn more about how to shift your parental strategy, check out Mark's book, "Raising Teens in a Contrary Culture." Order your copy ...
Mar 24, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 720
Prepare yourself — your teen will go behind your back. The parent who claims “not my kid” is in for an unpleasant surprise. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss ways to recognize your teens' lies, and how to handle them once you do. Tune in now! For more successful strategies to build a strong relationship with your child, check out "Tough Guys and Drama Queens." Order your copy today at http://bit.ly/3ZC9Yub Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Pri...
Mar 23, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 719
If you've been waiting for "just the right time," to truly connect with your kids or grandkids ... that time is now! Begin building your legacy today. In this episode, Mark Gregston discusses why you should take advantage of the present and focus on what truly matters, and shares some insightful stories from his own life. Listen in now! For more practical counsel on building a meaningful connection with the teens in your life, check out Mark's 365-day devotional, "Daily Hope For Families." Order...
Mar 22, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 718
When a parent passes away, everyone in the family is left to learn how to cope the best they can. Unfortunately, sometimes differing coping mechanisms can cause even more friction between a teen and their remaining parent. In today's show, Mark Gregston sits down with two Heartlight teens who both lost their dads and struggled to get along with their moms in the aftermath. These interviews are honest and insightful, don't miss out! To learn more about our residential program, visit heartlightmin...
Mar 21, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 717
A lot of teens seem to argue just for the sake of arguing, but oftentimes, there are some deeper issues going on under the surface. As a parent, you have the opportunity to teach your teens that they can express opinions WITHOUT turning the situation into a battle. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how you can deal with a teen who likes to argue and set a positive example. Tune in now! For more insight on communicating with a challenging teen, check out the Families in...
Mar 20, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 716
Influence is defined as the capacity to have an effect on the character, development or behavior of someone. As a parent, how do your actions and decisions shape the life of your teen? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who are concerned about the abundance of outside voices speaking into the lives of their teens, ranging from boyfriends and social media to counselors and churches. Listen now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: https://markgregston.com/ For m...
Mar 17, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 715
The responsibilities of a parent are arguably infinite, which raises the question: Is there a single component of parenting that should be prioritized above all others? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd make a case for relationships, discussing why they should take precedence over everything else and claiming that they are actually the very foundation of parenting. Don’t miss this important topic, tune in now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: https://markgregston.com/...
Mar 16, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 714
