In order to effectively communicate wisdom to your teens, you need to know how to share your perspective AND see theirs! The viewpoints may look very different, but with a little work, you both can find understanding. In today's show, Mark reflects on lessons he's learned in his own life about the power of perspective. He also highlights the importance of parents understanding and engaging differently with their teens while helping them see the bigger picture. Listen in for this great devotional...
Feb 14, 2024•21 min•Ep. 953
High school is a tough time for many teens, full of different experiences and challenges — and sometimes bad influences. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two teens who found themselves in a downhill spiral in high school, including one young lady who succumbed to bad influences after transferring schools, where she struggled to fit in at first. She also discussed her newfound understanding of love and forgiveness and the positive changes she's witnessing in herself during her time at Hear...
Feb 13, 2024•19 min•Ep. 952
As parents, we want to protect our kids. But if you spend too much time trying to control your teen's world, you'll never have the chance to teach them how to live in the real one. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd address the challenges faced by Christian parents who are navigating the delicate balance between setting boundaries and allowing their teens the freedom to explore. They delve into the issues of saying "no" too often and explore the importance of finding opportunities...
Feb 12, 2024•11 min•Ep. 951
In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles pressing questions from parents about their teenagers' behavior and struggles. He shares valuable insights on connecting with reserved teens, guiding struggling students, addressing self-esteem issues, rebuilding after divorce, and navigating the allure of dark and disturbing content. Whether it's handling tough conversations or setting boundaries, Mark's wisdom serves as a roadmap for parents aiming to understand their kids better while fortifying their bo...
Feb 09, 2024•27 min•Ep. 950
Feelings that aren't spoken out will be acted out. So, when actions speak louder than words, that’s your cue to dig a little deeper. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to move toward their teens during challenging times rather than pulling away as a remedy for the invisible issues plaguing their visible behavior. They remind us that conflict can be a precursor to change if we’re brave enough to extend grace and compassion alongside discipline. Tune in now! For...
Feb 08, 2024•13 min•Ep. 949
Our teens are growing up surrounded by a performance-driven, selfish culture. It leaves them overwhelmed and looking for real guidance — but you need to understand where they're coming from to be able to give them practical advice. In today's episode, Mark offers essential insights for parents navigating the complex challenges of raising teens in today's world. He explores the impact of the internet on teen communication, the culture of negativity, the prevalence of "know-it-alls" and the allure...
Feb 07, 2024•24 min•Ep. 948
When teens make poor choices or start spiraling, communication between kids and their parents often start shutting down, leading to more problems. In today's episode, Mark talks to two young ladies from Heartlight, both of whom talk about the importance of communication and understanding between parents and teens. They share how they longed for their parents to really listen and empathize with their struggles, rather than simply laying down rules. Listen in to these great interviews! Interested ...
Feb 06, 2024•17 min•Ep. 947
If you're married, you've probably experienced the difficulties of keeping a united front with your spouse when your teen is struggling. So how do you protect your marriage when chaos strikes? In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore how the pressures of parenting a struggling teen can impact the dynamics of a marriage, offering practical advice on how to maintain a unity as parents and prioritize the health of the marital relationship. Listen in for these great tips! Want to le...
Feb 05, 2024•17 min•Ep. 946
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions submitted by parents about dealing with teens who don't seem to learn from consequences. He shares valuable insights on how to approach discipline, communicate effectively and stay calm when faced with challenging situations. From breached cell phone rules to finding vape paraphernalia, Mark has got you covered — listen now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting P...
Feb 02, 2024•21 min•Ep. 945
If you’re relying on authority alone to get through to your teen, you won’t get very far. Kids are more likely to follow rules and accept consequences when they’re rooted in a solid relationship. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into the crucial role of bonding with your teen before exercising your authority. Learn why a strong parent-teen relationship is key, how to establish relevant and beneficial rules and the importance of implementing fair consequences without usi...
Feb 01, 2024•14 min•Ep. 944
You can do all the "right" things as a parent and still not understand the hopes and fears inside your child's heart unless you cultivate a true relationship with them. In today's show, Mark shares his insights on parents' crucial role in guiding and nurturing teens. He emphasizes that parenting is about more than just imparting discipline and rules — it's about fostering meaningful connections that span generations. Listen in for his advice on relationship-building! To see our whole collection ...
Jan 31, 2024•20 min•Ep. 943
Teens rarely rebel at random. All behavior — even the rebellious kind — is goal-driven. As we hear in today's stories, sometimes teens act out because they're seeking freedom and feel smothered by their parents. Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens, including Manny, who shares his personal struggles with strained family relationships, experimentation with drugs and the quest for independence. Tune in now! Interested in learning more about the Heartlight program? Go to heartlightministries.or...
Jan 30, 2024•18 min•Ep. 942
Does it sometimes seem like your teen expects the world to revolve around them? It's no secret — teens can be very selfish. So, what should you do to correct this behavior? In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd have a thought-provoking conversation about the impact of selfish behavior in teenagers and how it is affected by the environment they are raised in. They emphasize the need for intentional parenting and setting boundaries to address and change this behavior. Join us for th...
Jan 29, 2024•17 min•Ep. 941
As parents, it's essential to navigate tough conversations with teens while maintaining a deep relationship, even when faced with controversial issues. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses questions sent in by parents on issues from transgender ideology and substance abuse to rebellion and peer pressure. He discusses the need for open communication, setting firm but fair boundaries and juggling the challenges of teens testing their autonomy. Tune in now for insightful advice on establishi...
Jan 26, 2024•27 min•Ep. 940
Teens long to be loved unconditionally, especially when they deserve it the least. When kids feel that they'll lose love for making mistakes, they may resort to lying or seeking love in the wrong places. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd provide practical strategies for parents to communicate unconditional love to their teens, such as reining in negative comments, validating their kids regardless of how they perform and being careful in communicating expectations. Remember, ou...
Jan 25, 2024•14 min•Ep. 939
Being judgmental when your teen has made a mistake and needs help can build a wall between you that is hard to tear down. There's a time for consequences, but there is also a time for empathy and support. In today's episode, Mark discusses the importance of offering assistance rather than judgment, listening without imposing opinions, and engaging in open, non-judgmental dialogue with teenagers as they navigate life's challenges. Tune in for this insightful episode! Need some extra help overcomi...
Jan 24, 2024•18 min•Ep. 938
Teens who are hurting may feel like the best thing to do is pull away and face their problems alone, but at the end of the day, having support from parents and grandparents can make all the difference. In today's episode, Mark talks with two more Heartlight teens, including Abby, who reflects on the pivotal role of her grandparents in her life when they stepped in to help raise her. Listen in now! If you've ever lost a pet, you know how deeply the loss of that special friendship can hurt. Mark w...
Jan 23, 2024•18 min•Ep. 937
An entitled, demanding teen can be a nightmare. There are plenty of parents out there who feel this pain, but in today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd provide practical strategies for empowering parents to raise respectful teens. Their discussion emphasizes the significance of teaching financial responsibility and setting early expectations, highlighting the need for proactive parenting in today's world. Tune in now to hear their advice! For more on navigating behavioral issues with ...
Jan 22, 2024•17 min•Ep. 936
In today's episode, Mark Gregston responds to questions from parents, offering advice on everything from navigating relationship complexities to guiding a boundary-pushing 20-year-old and understanding troubled teen behavior. He advocates for a shift from teaching to training, highlighting the significance of relational engagement and the transformative power of grace and mercy. Tune in now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Chris...
Jan 19, 2024•28 min•Ep. 935
How parents respond to their teens' mistakes and missteps plays a significant role in the length of time kids spend in darkness and the type of relationship parents have with them. While guilt can serve as a healthy indicator of wrongdoing, shame can inflict deep emotional wounds that may hinder a teen's personal growth and development. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the difference between the two, emphasizing the need for parents to be intentional in their approach...
Jan 18, 2024•16 min•Ep. 934
Are you trapped in a cycle of trying to be a "perfect" parent? We all want to do the best we can for our kids — and have them do THEIR best — but chasing perfection can do more harm than good. In this episode, Mark shares a personal and thought-provoking devotional about the dangers of perfectionism in parenting. He discusses how parents' well-intentioned expectations can be interpreted as demands for perfection by their teens, and why open, honest communication is the way to go. Listen in now! ...
Jan 17, 2024•24 min•Ep. 933
Almost everyone has found themselves bottling up their feelings at one point or another — but if that habit keeps up, the bottle is bound to burst. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight, including Santana, who was court-ordered to come to the boarding school after facing legal trouble. He opens up about substance use and struggling with hiding his emotions behind a facade of "being okay." Listen in for these insightful interviews! Have you checked out our special Gran...
Jan 16, 2024•20 min•Ep. 932
Extending grace to a teen who's acting out can be challenging, but responding to your teen's mistakes in a firm but gentle way can make a huge difference in your relationship. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into the difference between grace and mercy, tackling the difficulties — and rewards — of showing grace to your teen. Mark shares some of his experiences living with high school kids and offers advice on how to apply grace in real-life parenting situations. Don't m...
Jan 15, 2024•15 min•Ep. 931
If you think your parenting journey ends at 18, think again. Join Mark Gregston in today’s episode, where he tackles pressing questions from parents with older adolescents. He addresses issues such as setting boundaries for older teens, the delicate balance of providing support while promoting independence and the role of parents in guiding their child's motivation and responsibility. Listen now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the ...
Jan 12, 2024•21 min•Ep. 930
Hey parents! Are you tired of getting one-word answers from your teen? Whether you're struggling to engage in meaningful conversations with your kid or simply want to enhance your communication skills, it all starts with asking questions that demand more than a yes or no. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how good questions stimulate deep thought and help your teen find their own answers to life. It's time to help them learn to discuss, share and express themselves mor...
Jan 11, 2024•12 min•Ep. 929
Do you want to have a deep, lasting relationship with your teen? Intentionality is key! In this episode of Parenting Today's Teens, Mark shares insights on how to connect with your teen in a more meaningful way. Using personal stories and scripture, Mark emphasizes the importance of sharing wisdom with intentionality. Tune in to gain valuable insights on nurturing a deeper connection with your teen! Want to dive deeper into our collection of parenting resources? Visit our online store at parenti...
Jan 10, 2024•28 min•Ep. 928
The teenage years are full of ups and downs as our kids try to figure out who they are and how they fit into the world. But when self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy creep into the picture, it can lead them into a spiral. In today's interviews with Heartlight teens, Mark Gregson sits down with two young men, including a 16-year-old who opens up about his struggles with anxiety, depression and a feeling of never being good enough. Tune in to hear how he's developing healthy coping skills at the ...
Jan 09, 2024•20 min•Ep. 927
Our teens are faced with a world that judges them based on performance — whether it's their grades, their athletics or if they're keeping up with the latest makeup trends. If your child also feels like they need to gain your approval through performance, it can damage your relationship. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the topic of performance-based parenting and offer practical advice on moving toward your kids in their moments of struggle instead of pulling away. Lis...
Jan 08, 2024•14 min•Ep. 926
In today's episode, Mark Gregston addresses some of the most challenging questions parents are facing in their relationships with their teens. From dealing with adopted children struggling with anger and mental health issues, to navigating conversations around sexual orientation and drug use, Mark offers practical and compassionate advice for parents. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships with teens, setting boundaries and seeking outside support when facing difficult ...
Jan 05, 2024•23 min•Ep. 925
Have you ever met a parent who dreams of their child being forever dependent on them? We bet not! In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the challenges of understanding and supporting a teen's need for independence. Offering four practical ways to make this transition smoother, they stress the importance of trusting teens with responsibilities, even while they're still learning. Tune in now for essential insights! For more inspiration and encouragement, check out Mark's n...
Jan 04, 2024•14 min•Ep. 924
