All behavior is goal-oriented, but sometimes, it can be really hard to see what your teen's goal was when they make a bad decision or act out of character. What are they actually looking for? In today's episode, Mark shares a personal devotional on understanding what teenagers truly want. He discusses the impact of internet communication on today's teens and the need for parents to help fill the communication and connection gap. Listen in for this thought-provoking topic! Are you trying to guide...
Jan 03, 2024•24 min•Ep. 923
Part of being a teen is trying to figure out where you fit in, and, unfortunately, feeling rejected sometimes comes with the territory. But for many adopted teens, rejection can open up old wounds. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two young ladies from Heartlight, including Anna Grace, who shares her powerful story of adoption from Russia and her journey of overcoming feelings of rejection and abandonment to finding her self-worth and acceptance. Don't miss these stories! If you'd like to...
Jan 02, 2024•20 min•Ep. 922
Happy New Year, listeners! We're wishing the very best for you and your loved ones in 2024! In today's holiday episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the topic of making a fresh start in the new year with your family. They discuss the importance of reflecting on the past year and making changes for the year ahead, while sharing practical ways to identify and communicate the need for change. Listen in! Looking for some new parenting resources to kick off the new year? Check out our onli...
Jan 01, 2024•14 min•Ep. 921
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers pressing questions from parents dealing with everything from a senior son who's checked out of school, to addressing substance abuse, the loss of friends and navigating a post-divorce life. Mark reminds us that walking alongside our teens and making an effort to understand their journey of self-discovery is the key to guiding them toward healthier paths. Don't miss out on the wealth of wisdom to better understand and support your kid during their tumultu...
Dec 29, 2023•19 min•Ep. 920
Holding onto bitterness can be detrimental to any family. Teens will make mistakes and disappoint, but as parents, forgiveness is the release valve that prevents bitterness from building up and causing explosive situations. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the necessity of forgiveness and grace in a home with teens, emphasizing the importance of letting go and not allowing the past to define the future with your kid. They remind us that complete forgiveness is vital f...
Dec 28, 2023•15 min•Ep. 919
Life with busy teens is hectic, and it can be hard to slow down and enjoy the small moments. But at the end of the day, they can be some of the most important. In today's show, Mark reflects on the life lessons that taught him to understand the value of the present moment. Sharing heartfelt insights, Mark urges us to invest time in creating lasting memories with our kids and grandkids. Don't miss this topic! For more ideas on making the most of time with your kids, check out our free e-course, "...
Dec 27, 2023•19 min•Ep. 918
When parents and teens have different ideas of how the teen's life should look, it can lead to frustration, disappointment and hurt feelings. Learning to communicate appropriate expectations is key! In today's episode, Mark sits down with some young men from Heartlight, including Tucker, who shares his experiences with conflicted family relationships and the struggle to be accepted for who he truly is. Listen in now! Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Visit hea...
Dec 26, 2023•21 min•Ep. 917
Merry Christmas, Parenting Today's Teens family! In today's special holiday episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the challenges of parenting in a constantly changing world. They share insights on how parents can create a lasting relationship with their teens, communicate effectively and provide a safe harbor at home for kids struggling with anxiety. Listen in now! If you'd like to help our ministry continue expanding resources for parents, please consider making a year-end gift at p...
Dec 25, 2023•17 min•Ep. 916
In today's episode, Mark Gregston tackles pressing questions from parents grappling with issues like the value of integrity and handling unbiblical sexuality without compromise. His advice underscores the importance of setting an example through actions, fostering a comfortable home environment and maintaining love and acceptance in the face of challenging situations. Tune in now for valuable insights! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Parenting Today's Teens is a part o...
Dec 22, 2023•21 min•Ep. 915
Are you a parent looking to strengthen your relationship with your teen? Today's fast-paced world makes building and maintaining a strong bond with your kid quite the challenge. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share seven keys to building a strong, healthy connection with your adolescent. From believing in your child and being honest about your own mistakes to encouraging open discussions and consistently expressing love, these insights provide valuable guidance for parents....
Dec 21, 2023•14 min•Ep. 914
Plenty of parents don't feel like they know what "normal" teen behavior is supposed to look like in today's culture. Do they have a messy room because they're depressed? Or are they just distracted with the busyness of life? In today's show, Mark provides a list of typical behaviors exhibited by teenagers, highlighting the need for parents to have realistic expectations. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing when behaviors cross the line and require prompt intervention or professional help...
Dec 20, 2023•11 min•Ep. 913
Whether it's moving across the country or watching family dynamics shift around you, dealing with big life changes is hard at any age. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two more teens from Heartlight to hear their unique stories. Andrew opens up about how moving a lot as a child impacted him, while Heather shares her emotional journey through her parents' divorce and the impact it had on her self-worth and relationships. Don't miss these compelling interviews! Right now, you can make a las...
Dec 19, 2023•23 min•Ep. 912
Single parenting without spousal support can be tough, but you can still have a thriving, deep relationship with your teen as you walk through life together. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd offer encouragement, practical tips and hope for parents navigating the difficulties of unsupported parenting. They also touch on the importance of self-care, community and finding rest in the midst of parenting challenges. If you're a single parent, you don't want to miss this episode! T...
Dec 18, 2023•14 min•Ep. 911
Those heart-to-heart talks that might feel like a challenge, are usually the glue that bonds parents and teens. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers pressing questions from parents about how to successfully navigate hard conversations. He addresses topics from racism and politics to porn sexuality. Listen now to hear his advice! 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 practical and spiri...
Dec 15, 2023•21 min•Ep. 910
Talking to our kids about sex can be uncomfortable and challenging, but as parents, it's crucial to understand our teens when it comes to sexuality, especially in today's culture. In this insightful episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of engaging with our teens about this topic. Whether they are experimenting or are already sexually active, this episode provides valuable guidance on maintaining a positive parent-child relationship and influencing their choices in a w...
Dec 14, 2023•16 min•Ep. 909
Teens may like to act like nothing phases them, but for many of our kids, the turmoil and uncertainty of the world today really does weigh on them. In today's show, Mark reflects on the theme of uncertainty and its profound impact on teenagers. Using scripture from the book of Luke, he underscores the vital role that parents play in providing a sense of stability for their teens amid a world that is often rife with doubt and confusion. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode! For more inspirat...
Dec 13, 2023•26 min•Ep. 908
If you have an angry teen in your home, it can sometimes feel like trying to dodge a hurricane. But coming alongside them and helping them develop healthy ways to deal with their frustrations will benefit them for the rest of their lives. In this episode, Mark has powerful conversations with two teens from Heartlight, including Sam, who talks about her journey from explosive behavior and frustration to a more calm and respectful approach in her relationships. Listen in now! To learn more about t...
Dec 12, 2023•19 min•Ep. 907
Are you noticing destructive patterns in your relationship with your teen? Our own habits have a big impact on our kids — but it's never too late to make positive changes. On today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the types of behaviors that parents exhibit that can make their teens rebel. They discuss the detrimental effects of overprotective parenting, performance-based dynamics, avoidance of conflict and more. Tune in for this important discussion! For more help developing ...
Dec 11, 2023•16 min•Ep. 906
Have you ever struggled to know where, or how, to put your foot down? In today's episode, Mark Gregston tackles questions from parents who are wrestling with setting some serious boundaries. From a daughter expecting parental funding for her and her boyfriend's apartment to a son stacking up fake accounts as a means of trading explicit content, Mark provides insights, wisdom and actionable advice — listen now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Parenting Today's Teens is ...
Dec 08, 2023•21 min•Ep. 905
Parenting is tough, especially when it comes to giving teens the space they need to grow! It goes against our parental instincts to “back off,” but if we don't, we risk raising an adult who's not prepared to face the real world. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the importance of maintaining a strong connection with your teen while letting them navigate their own path. Tune in for valuable insights on how to achieve this delicate balance, such as making yourself avai...
Dec 07, 2023•14 min•Ep. 904
The impact we have on our teens goes far beyond what we say. While it's crucial to have meaningful conversations about faith, it's equally important to live out our principles in our day-to-day lives. In today's episode, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotional that addresses a question from a listener about the presence of Jesus in our conversations with teens. This is a thought-provoking episode, so tune in now! For more biblical insights on parenting teens, check out our Family Devotional B...
Dec 06, 2023•11 min•Ep. 903
Many parents can probably look back on their own teen years and remember some crazy things they did in the name of fitting in or being liked. As much as things have changed, today's teens aren't much different. In this episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight, including Sam, who shares his journey of rebellion, cheating and substance abuse, which stemmed from feelings of depression and a need for acceptance. There's a lot to learn from these conversations, so tune in! Interested in...
Dec 05, 2023•18 min•Ep. 902
Are you struggling to navigate the challenges of parenting in today's chaotic world? In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the topic of traditional parenting — and why it no longer works. Letting go of trying to be a "perfect parent" can actually foster a healthier relationship between you and your teen. If you want to adapt your parenting style and learn how to create an environment of understanding and respect, don't miss this episode! For more on building a thriving rela...
Dec 04, 2023•10 min•Ep. 901
We were created as relational beings with a desire to connect with others — and that's no different for teenagers. But how can you know your teens are learning how to properly engage with others in a digital world? In today's episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents about setting appropriate boundaries with your teen and the reason they might be so intent on being on their phones. Times are changing and we can no longer use the same tools that may have been effective during a child'...
Dec 01, 2023•11 min•Ep. 900
Are you struggling to understand your teen's anger? It seems like everywhere we look, we see young people expressing their angst through violence, disrespectful behavior and heated arguments. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how anger is often a symptom of deeper issues and share valuable insights on how parents can understand and address their teen's anger in a constructive and supportive way. Discover how to look beneath the anger, uncover the root causes and create...
Nov 30, 2023•14 min•Ep. 899
Teens long to be validated, but today's social media environment often leaves them seeking that validation by comparing themselves to others. It's a vicious cycle that will never leave them fulfilled. In today's episode, Mark revisits some examples and insights that will help parents better understand why teens are so susceptible to comparison and creating unhealthy expectations for themselves due to social media. This is an important topic for all parents to consider, so listen in! For more on ...
Nov 29, 2023•23 min•Ep. 898
Some teens go through their high school years feeling like they never quite fit in or that other kids are able to do things that they can't. Eventually, that'll take a toll on anyone's self-esteem! In today's episode, Mark talks with two teens who've both felt like the odd one out at different times in their lives. For one young lady, her social anxiety and negative thoughts led her to lash out at her family, but she's working on seeing her true value while at Heartlight. Listen in! Is Heartligh...
Nov 28, 2023•23 min•Ep. 897
When your kids are elementary school age, it's easy to get settled into a particular parenting style. But when the middle and high school years come along, your child is going to change — and you have to be open to changing along with them. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how to adjust when good parenting seems to yield bad results and share why it's important to be able to admit when you've made a mistake. Don't miss this great discussion! For more on parenting styles,...
Nov 27, 2023•12 min•Ep. 896
As parents, we have the responsibility to guide our teens toward adulthood with care and intention. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents grappling with the challenges and joys of that process. From video game and drug addictions to gender issues and piercings, the importance of effective communication, maintaining loving relationships and setting appropriate boundaries cannot be understated. Tune in now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Paren...
Nov 24, 2023•31 min•Ep. 895
As technology becomes an integral part of our daily lives, it's crucial for parents to engage with and understand their teen's digital experiences. If you're struggling to navigate your kid's online life, you're not alone. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the relevance, impact, challenges and opportunities that come with social media. They provide five healthy, effective and practical ways to handle your teen's online life. Listen now! For more info on how to adapt yo...
Nov 23, 2023•14 min•Ep. 894
