If there was one thing you could do to foster a sense of value and belonging for every member of your family, you'd almost certainly jump at it! But this simple answer can actually be quite challenging: Just listen. In this episode, Mark explains why being an engaged, active listener is one of the most powerful things you can do to connect with your teen, and shares some behaviors YOU might be unintentionally doing that are conversation-killers. Listen in now! Our Teen Struggle Bundle features f...
Oct 11, 2023•12 min•Ep. 863
When teens experience trauma, they oftentimes don't have the coping skills they need to work through it in a productive way. Trying to get rid of the hurt they feel can leave them spinning out of control. In this episode, Mark chats with two teens who addressed deep issues while at Heartlight, including one young man whose mom tragically passed away from cancer. Desperate to control something, he started using drugs, but soon, the drugs controlled him. Tune in to hear these stories! Want to lear...
Oct 10, 2023•18 min•Ep. 862
Today's culture offers so many harmful temptations and pitfalls for our teens. Whether it's drugs, social media addiction or exposure to pornography, we need to try our best to protect and prepare them. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd list some common pitfalls that affect teens, share why they're important to pay attention to and offer a closing prayer of protection for our kids. This is a great episode, so check it out! To explore more of our helpful parenting resources, ch...
Oct 09, 2023•16 min•Ep. 861
As parents, we have the tendency to keep our kids from growing up, whether we realize it or not. To help our teens thrive, we must find the strength to let them hit 'rock bottom.' In today’s episode, Mark Gregston warns about the slippery slope from providing to enabling, emphasizing the importance of letting older teens make their own decisions, even, and especially, if it means experiencing real-world consequences. Listen now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Parentin...
Oct 06, 2023•26 min•Ep. 860
Do you remember your first bully's name? Most of us do. In a world defined by cruelty, centered around appearance and performance, bullying is inevitable. Social media has transformed this once black-and-white issue into something more inescapable. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss signs that your teen may be a victim and share strategies to counter the impact of bullying with positivity and kindness. Tune in now! For more insight on walking with your teen through stru...
Oct 05, 2023•15 min•Ep. 859
Holding on to resentment impacts many more people than just you — harboring unresolved conflict and negativity can impact your whole family for years to come. If this sounds familiar to you, it might be time to clear the air! In this episode, Mark talks about practical ways you can make things right with your teen (or other family members), and why it's important to try to redeem the time you've lost being angry. Don't miss this topic! Have you gotten a copy of Mark's newest devotional, "Daily H...
Oct 04, 2023•12 min•Ep. 858
When teens get caught up in having fun or trying to fit in, there's a good chance they won't think through their decisions very well. But when the consequences of their actions finally catch up to them, how will they feel about their choices? In this episode, Mark chats with two young ladies who reflect on mistakes they made in high school. In Gracie's case, nothing was going to stop her from having fun ... until she got caught stealing thousands of dollars from her parents. Tune in for these ho...
Oct 03, 2023•19 min•Ep. 857
When your kids come home from school, do they feel like they need to continue to keep up appearances in front of you? Or do they find a listening ear and respite from social pressures? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about things we should value at home with our teens, including giving them a place to find rest and affirmation, and how we can share wisdom applicable to their lives. Listen in now! For more help understanding your teen's behavior, check out our free "Tough G...
Oct 02, 2023•12 min•Ep. 856
When you find yourself choosing if the hill underneath your feet is worth dying on, make sure to consider whether it’s worth the risk of losing your relationship with your teen! In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who aren’t quite sure when to speak truth into their kids' lives, or when it’s better to leave things unsaid. Join Mark as he provides practical advice on dealing with everything from the silent treatment and church aversion to drug use and suicidal tendenc...
Sep 29, 2023•30 min•Ep. 855
When does protection become overprotection? If you find yourself struggling against the urge to shield your child from every uncomfortable or potentially painful moment, you’re setting them up for failure! In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the necessity of exposure and its role in shaping resilient and capable young individuals. Listen now! Have you heard about our Parenting Today's Teens Online Auction yet? From September 1-30, you can bid on great items and experienc...
Sep 28, 2023•13 min•Ep. 854
If your tastes change, chances are you don't keep ordering the same old thing at a restaurant and hope for the best. The same idea can be applied to having teens — the same parenting methods you used when they were little won't work anymore! In this episode, Mark shares the key "ingredients" you need to create a home that is a safe, supportive place for your teen. Tune in to hear the recipe! For more ideas on connecting with your child, check out our Parenting Toolbox at bit.ly/3tGbSMb Parenting...
Sep 27, 2023•13 min•Ep. 853
Substance abuse in teens can be driven by all kinds of sources: Shame, loss, a longing to fit in ... the list goes on! If your teen is getting involved with drug use or drinking, you need to seek the heart of the problem. In today's show, Mark sits down with two young men from Heartlight to discuss why they turned to drugs when things got tough. For Harrison, he began using heavy drugs to escape the pain of broken relationships. There's still time to submit a bid in our Online Auction that runs ...
Sep 26, 2023•20 min•Ep. 852
Kids are going to make a lot of mistakes during their teen years — and as parents, one of the best things you can do is find ways to laugh at these situations. Don't create more stress than you need to! In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss being prepared for when your teen makes a mistake and why you shouldn't sweat the small stuff. Listen in for this encouraging episode! Interested in exploring our other parenting resources? Head to resources.parentingtodaysteens.org tod...
Sep 25, 2023•12 min•Ep. 851
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who are dealing with older teens refusing to step into adulthood. From issues like drugs and endless video games to unemployment and outright disrespect, Mark offers invaluable advice on adjusting expectations, initiating positive change and ultimately helping your young adults take flight. Listen now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Net...
Sep 22, 2023•25 min•Ep. 850
Is your child finding comfort and solace in your house, or are they eager to escape? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere to prevent your teen from seeking solace elsewhere. They share the signs that your kid isn't enjoying their time with you and offer 10 practical ways to make your home a place your child wants to be. Tune in now! Want to check out more parenting resources? Visit our online store at resources.parentingtoday...
Sep 21, 2023•17 min•Ep. 849
Whether your teen seems to have it all together or their life is a total mess, they need to know that you love them no matter what. It's about who they are, not what they need to accomplish. In today's show, Mark shares an encouraging devotional to help you focus on sharing unconditional love with your teen — even when the going gets tough. Don't miss this important topic! Seeking some more encouragement for your parenting journey? Check out Mark's devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," at daily...
Sep 20, 2023•14 min•Ep. 848
When a teen feels like their life is spiraling out of control, it can sometimes be hard for them to see any way things might get better. But no teen is ever a lost cause! In today's show, Mark sits down with two more Heartlight teens who share some of the darkest times in their lives. For Peter, who struggled with deep depression and trust issues, the structure and support of boarding school have helped him find a sense of motivation that he's never had before. Listen in for these honest and ins...
Sep 19, 2023•19 min•Ep. 847
The ways you disciplined your child when they were little simply won't work once they're middle school age and older. Now that they're capable of abstract thinking, you want to help them develop self-control and discernment — but what's the first step? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss practical discipline to use with teens and why it helps you AND your child set up consequences for bad behavior in advance. There's still time to be a part of the Heartlight Online Auction,...
Sep 18, 2023•17 min•Ep. 846
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who aren’t quite sure how to get through to their teen; from the challenges of the preteen phase to navigating the allure of video games and first relationships, how can you effectively steer your child in the right direction? Gregston suggests that the most impactful lessons you impart as a parent are often conveyed not through words, but by the example you set. Listen now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.co...
Sep 15, 2023•20 min•Ep. 845
While no one enters a marriage aiming for divorce, for many, separation becomes a harsh reality. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the difficulty of co-parenting with a former partner when shared values no longer align, and offer guidance to single parents managing one-sided rules and expectations. Tune in now to hear their advice! One of the most powerful things you can do for your child is pray for them. Not sure where to start? Check out our Devotional Bundle at bit...
Sep 14, 2023•12 min•Ep. 844
In performance-based relationships, people are valued because of their actions and accomplishments — NOT because of who they are. Many parents, even when they don't mean to, communicate this type of relationship to their teens. In today's episode, Mark shares why parents need to pay attention to how high they've set the bar of expectation for their teens. If the pressure is too much, your teen may stop trying altogether. Listen in to this thought-provoking episode! Facing some tough parenting pr...
Sep 13, 2023•15 min•Ep. 843
If you have a fiercely independent teen at home, you've probably gotten in a battle or two (or more) over who's in control. Finding the balance can be a real challenge! In today's show, Mark chats with two teens at Heartlight, including a young lady who has always had a strong independent streak and was constantly fighting for control of her life with her parents. She shares some valuable insights and gives advice for other parents with independent teens, so don't miss this episode! Have you hea...
Sep 12, 2023•20 min•Ep. 842
By the 12th grade, about two-thirds of teens have tried alcohol, and around half of high schoolers have tried marijuana. What causes them to engage in this behavior? Is it just curiosity, or is it something deeper? In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about why teens are drawn to using substances and why it has a lot to do with today's ever-changing culture. This is an important topic, so don't miss out! For more biblically based advice on supporting your child, check out Ma...
Sep 11, 2023•13 min•Ep. 841
When your family lands in a tough spot, are you humble enough to ask yourself if you might be part of the problem? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from overwhelmed parents who are desperate for advice on dealing with a wide range of difficulties, from divorce and loss of custody to gender confusion and anger issues — tune in now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find pra...
Sep 08, 2023•32 min•Ep. 840
In the conclusion of Mark Gregston's discussion with Dr. Tim Clinton, co-host of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, they delve into how crucial it is to seek your teen's heart — not just try to correct their behavior. It could make all the difference in your relationship! Mark also shares about his newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," which can be a wonderful tool for families walking through a crisis. Listen in to hear the rest of this special episode! Order your copy of "Daily Hope For F...
Sep 07, 2023•19 min•Ep. 839
Have you gotten into the habit of always repeating things to your teen? If so, it's probably time to hit the brakes. In today's episode, Mark explains why nagging and lecturing are some of the biggest relationship roadblocks, and can lead to your teen shutting down or shutting you out. Parents need to aim for open-ended discussions and dialogues — NOT monologues. Tune in for this important topic! For more practical tips on connecting with your teen, enroll in our free e-course, "Five Ways to Sta...
Sep 06, 2023•17 min•Ep. 838
Whether it's technology, the accessibility of drugs or shifting social pressures, there's no doubt that today's teen culture has changed drastically over time. It's a tough world to grow up in! In today's show, Mark sits down with two young ladies at Heartlight who discuss getting into drugs at a young age, anger management issues and why social media can be anxiety-inducing. Don't miss these great conversations! Want to check out our full list of parenting resources? Visit our online store at r...
Sep 05, 2023•21 min•Ep. 837
In the first part of this special episode, Mark Gregston sits down with Dr. Tim Clinton, co-host of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk, to discuss some of the biggest challenges facing parents today. They talk about why spending quality time with your teens is so important, what dads can do to bond with their kids, and why mental health issues are so prevalent among this generation of teens. Don't miss out on this great conversation! Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podca...
Sep 04, 2023•23 min•Ep. 836
Join Mark Gregston in today's episode as he addresses pressing questions from parents, offering invaluable advice on supporting their teens' growth, bridging generational gaps and effectively managing disagreements. From navigating the complexities of divorce and fostering connections with grandparents, to successfully guiding teens through the high school and college years, Mark provides comprehensive insights and solutions. Don't miss out! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston...
Sep 01, 2023•27 min•Ep. 835
It's increasingly obvious that today's teenagers seem to be taking longer to mature into adulthood, but is it their fault, or are we, as parents, playing a role in this delay? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the consequences of overprotecting, overindulging and not giving them room to grow, while providing practical advice for fostering responsibility and independence in our older teens — listen now! Need some extra help with your teen? Check out our Teen Struggle Bu...
Aug 31, 2023•14 min•Ep. 834
