When your teen acts out, how do you react? Do you punish the behavior and move on? Or do you pause to find out what's going on in their heart? In today's episode, Mark talks about the importance of understanding your teen's behavior by looking beyond the surface and identifying the underlying motivations. He explores various drivers of teen behavior, such as loss, performance, appearance and anger, and explains how these can impact a teen's actions. Don't miss this great devotional episode! Want...
Nov 22, 2023•25 min•Ep. 893
Most parents would probably agree that they wouldn't want to grow up in the culture our teens live in today. The social pressures they face and the constant barrage of social media can be overwhelming! In today's episode, Mark speaks with two more students from Heartlight, including one young lady whose desire for acceptance and friendship at a new school led her to make poor choices. Mark's candid conversation with these teens sheds light on the importance of creating a stable and supportive en...
Nov 21, 2023•19 min•Ep. 892
Nurturing a strong relationship with your teen takes intentionality, but sometimes it's tough to know where to begin. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the markers of a healthy relationship. They explore the importance of spending meaningful time together, engaging in real conversations, continually learning from each other and more! Tune in as they share insights to help you deepen your relationship with your teenager. Is your teen starting to date? This can be a tric...
Nov 20, 2023•13 min•Ep. 891
All behavior is goal oriented, so what’s motivating your teen? Oftentimes bad behavior is a means of protection. In this week's Q&A episode, Mark Gregston unravels the hidden thread that connects a granddaughter's rebellion, a son's isolation and a daughter's self-hate: abandonment issues. Whether it's due to birth parents, divorces or failed friendships, your teen’s guard is up! Tune in now to discover how to provide essential support for your lonely, struggling teen. Have a question for Ma...
Nov 17, 2023•31 min•Ep. 890
Is your teenager pushing you away, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless? When you’ve been shut out, grace can open the door! In this insightful episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the powerful combination of consequences and unconditional love. Discover how this dynamic duo can pave the way for your teen to grow through their mistakes while deepening your bond. Listen now! For more inspiration and encouragement, check out Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families,...
Nov 16, 2023•16 min•Ep. 889
Grandparents, what do your grandkids feel when they first walk in your front door? Do they feel welcomed and safe? Or like they can't be themselves? In today's episode, Mark talks about how grandparents can create a place of rest for their teenage grandchildren, who are under so much pressure from the culture we live in. They need a place to recharge! Listen in for this thought-provoking topic! For a deeper dive into grandparenting, check out our e-course, "Leaving a Legacy of Hope." Enroll toda...
Nov 15, 2023•27 min•Ep. 888
Drug use in teens often starts because it seems like a way to relax, but often, they begin to rely on substances just to get through the day. For many, it becomes a way to silence inner turmoil. In today's show, Mark sits down with some Heartlight teens, including a young lady who felt isolated and overlooked, so she turned to drugs to take the pain away. Eventually, this behavior got her expelled from school. Listen in to hear her story! Want to learn more about the Heartlight program? Visit he...
Nov 14, 2023•19 min•Ep. 887
It's easier for teens to get their hands on drugs than it ever has been, and the accessibility coupled with teens' natural curiosity often spells trouble. So, do you know what signs to look for that might point to drug use? In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the underlying issues that drive teens to use drugs and share examples of indicators that your teen might be going down this path. Don't miss this important episode! For more resources to help you understand your teen ...
Nov 13, 2023•13 min•Ep. 886
Your teenager is well aware of your beliefs; they don't need a constant reminder. What they do need is a strong, supportive relationship with you during this confusing time in their lives. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents dealing with teens who have adopted values that differ from their own. Tune in to discover the art of influencing without control, maintaining a strong connection with your teenager and approaching difficult conversations with a touch of humor. H...
Nov 10, 2023•29 min•Ep. 885
When you give teens the opportunity to make their own decisions, they WILL eventually fail, and that’s okay! Avoiding giving them control out of fear of failure will hinder their ability to learn how to cope with setbacks. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how taking risks and allowing your teen to stumble along the way can pave the road to their success and resilience. Listen now! For more on engaging with your grandkids, check out our free e-course, "Leaving a Legacy...
Nov 09, 2023•12 min•Ep. 884
If you're a grandparent, you might have times when you're tempted to try to step in and parent your grandchildren, but in most cases, you can leave that to YOUR kids! Your role is to support them and be a source of wisdom and fun for your grandchildren. In today's show, Mark shares some insightful pointers for grandparents who want to have a great relationship with their own adult children and their grandkids. For more on this topic, check out our special Grandparenting Bundle! Visit bit.ly/gran...
Nov 08, 2023•12 min•Ep. 883
When teens are carrying around a lot of hurt inside, they often look for any way to numb it or escape it — even if that means physically running away from home. In today's episode, Mark chats with two Heartlight teens, including one young lady whose struggles with mental health and drug use led her to pack her bags and be on the run for an entire week. Tune in to hear these stories! Interested in the Heartlight program? Learn more at heartlightministries.org Parenting Today's Teens is a part of ...
Nov 07, 2023•18 min•Ep. 882
Today's culture is more permissive of sexual activity in the teen years than ever before, and for many teens, this behavior may seem like an easy way to find the sense of connection they crave. This is why we, as parents, NEED to be aware of what's going on in our kids' culture. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss what drives teens to be sexually active and how you can confront the situation without inflicting shame or losing the relationship with your child. This is a big ...
Nov 06, 2023•15 min•Ep. 881
We all share the universal desire for deep, genuine connections with our teenagers. In today's episode, Mark Gregston tackles questions from parents striving to balance maintaining that essential connection while providing much-needed guidance and structure. He explains the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in nurturing these bonds, and the necessity of creating a safe space for them to open up in return. Listen now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Parenting...
Nov 03, 2023•18 min•Ep. 880
As our society moves from a fear-based parenting model to a relationally centered one, our methods need to adapt accordingly. Punishing out of anger, frustration or hurt is easy to do, but it won’t help your teen learn from their mistakes, and it certainly won't grow your relationship. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the benefits of making the shift from punishment to discipline, challenging parents to consider how their teens' mistakes today can grow them into healt...
Nov 02, 2023•13 min•Ep. 879
If you've ever experienced rejection from your teen, it can feel a lot like you've been "fired" as a parent. None of the baseball games or dance recitals you diligently took them to when they were little seem to matter anymore. But, as Mark discusses in today's show, this is a great time to take a look in the mirror and examine why your teen might be pulling away from you. He shares things for you to think about that'll help you understand yourself and your parenting style better, so don't miss ...
Nov 01, 2023•17 min•Ep. 878
When a teen has broken your trust, it can be hard for parents to take that leap of faith again ... and our kids know this too. In today's episode, Mark talks to a couple of Heartlight students who are working on reconnecting with their parents and rebuilding trust. For one young man who used to steal money from his family to buy drugs, he knows he needs to prove himself to his parents again — and he's up for the challenge. Tune in for these interviews! Is the Heartlight program right for your st...
Oct 31, 2023•19 min•Ep. 877
Many of us fall into the habit of allowing the issues in our family to reach a breaking point before we address them. Sitting down and seeking reconciliation early is tough, but it can make your family stronger. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share stories of reconciliation and discuss why unmet expectations can be a source of resentment that we don't always recognize. Listen in now! Interested in improving your communication style? Check out our e-course, "Five Ways to Stay E...
Oct 30, 2023•18 min•Ep. 876
The digital age has undeniably transformed our world, revolutionizing the way our children socialize, ushering in new norms, opportunities and possibilities — for better or worse. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses questions from those walking the line between protecting their kids and preparing them for the real world. He delves into why, as parents, it's our responsibility to navigate this ever-evolving landscape with our teen’s best interest in mind. Tune in now! Have a question for ...
Oct 27, 2023•28 min•Ep. 875
In today's culture, self-harm and suicidal ideation are more prevalent among teenagers than ever before. As parents, being informed and prepared is a matter of life and death. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the telltale signs that your child may be struggling. From changes in eating and sleeping habits to talking about death frequently and engaging in risk-taking behaviors, discover when and how to intervene. Listen now for essential guidance on how to provide the s...
Oct 26, 2023•10 min•Ep. 874
Proverbs 16:31 tells us, "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness." So, as you get older and watch your kids grow into teens and then into adults, don't worry about those grays that start to come in. As Mark shares in today's episode, it's a sign of wisdom! He also talks about how you can be an intentional grandparent from the get-go and how to be a great example for your teen grandchildren. If you're a grandparent or might be soon, you don't want to miss thi...
Oct 25, 2023•23 min•Ep. 873
For many of the teens that come to Heartlight, their stay at the boarding school is the longest they've been away from their parents — and that time apart can help all of them begin to see things more clearly. In today's show, Mark talks to two young ladies who both got caught up in drinking and doing drugs to self-medicate deeper issues, which led to lots of conflict with their parents. Now, the families are working toward healthier, more understanding relationships. To learn more about the Hea...
Oct 24, 2023•17 min•Ep. 872
Questions have an amazing way of stirring up things in your child's heart and helping them sort through what they believe about the world. They also help YOU get to know your teen better! In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd are discussing why asking your teen good, thoughtful questions is so important and helps them feel valued. Tune in for this great topic! Want to learn how to effectively encourage your teen to make wise choices? Check out our "Developing Rules and Consequence...
Oct 23, 2023•14 min•Ep. 871
Addressing issues head-on while your child is still living at home is crucial given that unresolved problems during the teenage years can easily spill over into young adulthood. In today's episode, Mark Gregston shares valuable guidance for parents who are uncertain about their next steps when dealing with children grappling with issues like alcoholism, explosive behavior, depression, the inability to regulate emotions and more. Tune in and learn how to redirect behavior before it’s too late! Ha...
Oct 20, 2023•21 min•Ep. 870
Parents are often quick to correct their teen’s bad behavior, but hesitant to uncover the motivations fueling it. Let's face it, if you're not getting to the heart of the matter, you're just slapping a band-aid on a much deeper wound. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss behaviors ranging from disrespect and anger to poor grades and video game obsessions. They offer possible explanations for such behavior and stress how crucial it is to show love, even when it feels like ...
Oct 19, 2023•15 min•Ep. 869
When you think of going out to "the mission field," do you picture traveling somewhere far away? Oftentimes, there are important mission fields right in our own backyards — even in our own families. In today's episode, Mark shares a personal story of how God showed him that the mission projects at home are just as important as the ones across the globe. Tune in for this inspiring episode! For more inspiration and encouragement, check out Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," at da...
Oct 18, 2023•11 min•Ep. 868
Having close, meaningful friendships during the teen years is so important for kids' mental and emotional health — but unfortunately, finding those real friendships can sometimes be a rocky road. In today's episode, Mark Gregston talks with two Heartlight residents about why they succumbed to peer pressure and started getting into drugs and alcohol to fit in. Tune in to hear their perspectives! Interested in learning about the Heartlight program? Visit heartlightministries.org Parenting Today's ...
Oct 17, 2023•20 min•Ep. 867
A key part of parenting well — for your child's sake AND yours — is knowing when to pick your battles. Nitpicking at everything your teen does or constantly trying to correct them will only drive them further from you and damage the relationship. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why it's important to know what issues are really important to you and what things you're able to let go of. If you're hoping for a little more peace in your home, tune in to this episode! Want t...
Oct 16, 2023•14 min•Ep. 866
Effective parenting goes beyond behavior management; it's all about uncovering the underlying motivations that drive your teen's actions. In today’s Q&A episode, Mark Gregston dives into real-world challenges submitted by concerned parents. Listen in as he discusses setting realistic boundaries, navigating church aversion, connecting with a grieving teen, seeking help when faced with extraordinary challenges and more! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Parenting Today...
Oct 13, 2023•28 min•Ep. 865
One of the most crucial conversations about modern parenting in the digital age is addressing the pervasive presence of pornography in our children's lives. The harsh truth is that no teen is safe from the influence of porn regardless of whether it is sought out or not. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the dangers of easy access to explicit content, how it's affecting our teens and how we can best protect them by building up internal boundaries in the absence of exter...
Oct 12, 2023•11 min•Ep. 864
