In this episode, Mark Gregston explores how loss affects children, asking the key question: "When does loss truly hit?" He explains that it happens when a child fully understands their loss. Drawing from Ephesians 2:10, Mark shares the story of Brendan, a boy who lost his father on 9/11, but only felt the full weight of that loss years later. Mark emphasizes that while loss is unavoidable, parents play a vital role in helping children process grief. By encouraging open conversations and building...
Oct 23, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1133
When there's conflict in the family, a lot of teens find it's easier to just shut down and stop engaging entirely — unfortunately, that often makes things worse. In today's show, Mark and Courtney, a Heartlight counselor, talk with two Heartlight teens who are working on repairing their relationships with their parents. One young lady opens up about grappling with her adoption and the complexities of feeling different and distanced from her family. Now, through counseling, she and her family are...
Oct 22, 2024•25 min•Ep. 1032
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the profound impact of absent fathers — whether physically or emotionally — on families. They discuss how a father's absence affects not only the children but also the mother, underscoring the vital role dads play in a child’s development. Mark and Wayne stress the importance of fostering a fun connection with children, showing how shared experiences can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships. Tune in for valuable insights and e...
Oct 21, 2024•13 min•Ep. 1131
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses some challenging and heartfelt questions sent in by listeners. He covers tough topics like navigating a teen's unexpected lifestyle choices, managing defiant behavior and handling the sensitive issue of pornography with your kids. Mark shares practical advice on how to maintain love through difficult times, while setting effective boundaries and consequences. Tune in now for actionable insights and wisdom to help you strengthen your relationship with y...
Oct 18, 2024•27 min•Ep. 1130
Your teen's disrespect often stems from deeper issues — are you looking past the surface? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the need for honest dialogue and appropriate consequences when a serious lack of respect occurs. They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and having open conversations with your kid concerning their attitude and behavior. Tune in now for practical strategies on fostering healthier communication with your teen! For the book bundle mentioned...
Oct 17, 2024•15 min•Ep. 1129
In this episode, Mark Gregston shares how to support teens through various forms of loss — from the death of a loved one to the impact of bullying. He emphasizes the need for parents to recognize these subtle emotional struggles and engage with their children by asking meaningful questions. Tune in for practical tips to help guide your teen through these emotional challenges. For more ways to engage with your teen at a deeper level, check out the e-course, Five Ways to Stay Engaged With Your Tee...
Oct 16, 2024•12 min•Ep. 1128
Sometimes it might seem like our teens make choices without a thought about what consequences could follow — but that's rarely really the case. All behavior is goal-oriented. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Courtney LaFleur talk with two Heartlight teens, including Ben, who'd previously been arrested for stealing cars at only 13 years old. He describes his turbulent journey through various programs before landing at Heartlight, where he learned the importance of change, taking responsibility ...
Oct 15, 2024•22 min•Ep. 1127
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the essential role of consistency in parenting. Mark explains that when parents are inconsistent with discipline, it’s the children who ultimately bear the consequences. While avoiding discipline may seem easier in the moment, children thrive when given the structure and guidance needed to shape their behaviors and life patterns. Tune in for practical advice on creating a unified parenting strategy that benefits the entire family. To join...
Oct 14, 2024•13 min•Ep. 1126
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston delves into the challenges of parenting sent in by listeners like you. From setting boundaries in post-divorce dating to addressing concerns about a 21-year-old in a same-sex relationship, Mark offers practical advice on fostering open communication and unconditional love. He also shares a prayer request for Cheyenne, a 12-year-old with congenital heart issues. Tune in now for insights on navigating these sensitive topics and building stronger, more supportive f...
Oct 11, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1125
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the growing issue of bullying, with a special focus on the impact of cyberbullying. They explore how the anonymity of online platforms can encourage harmful behavior that wouldn’t be said face-to-face. Mark and Wayne also discuss the unique ways bullying affects boys and girls, offering valuable tips for parents to start meaningful conversations with their teens. Tune in for actionable advice to help your family confront and overcome th...
Oct 10, 2024•19 min•Ep. 1124
In this heartfelt episode, Mark Gregston shares a deeply personal story about the long-lasting effects of early-life abuse on someone close to him. He highlights how, without reflection and healing, past wounds can distort our sense of identity, pulling us away from the person God created us to be. Mark reminds us that both the good and bad moments from our childhood shape who we are, and encourages listeners to invite God into their healing journey. Through this message, Mark offers hope and in...
Oct 09, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1123
Broken and abusive relationships during the adolescent years can leave hurts that last a lifetime. But, as we see in today's interviews with Heartlight teens, when they're given support, guidance and a listening ear, it can make all the difference. Sixteen-year-old Jack's journey reminds us how deeply family dynamics shape our lives. From facing trauma to rebuilding trust with his mom, he shows how facing our past can open doors to a brighter future. Don't miss this powerful episode! Is Heartlig...
Oct 08, 2024•22 min•Ep. 1122
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the power of a thoughtful approach when working with teens. Mark shares a personal story about how a father’s poor response to a difficult situation strained his relationship with his son and highlights the importance of making children feel loved. He also explains the difference between guilt from bad decisions and the damaging effects of shame. Mark and Wayne also respond to a listener’s letter, offering practical advice for navigating ...
Oct 07, 2024•19 min•Ep. 1121
In today’s insightful episode, Mark Gregston dives into the pressing questions that every parent faces while raising teens in today's complex world. From handling a teen who seems unfazed by consequences to managing the intricacies of cell phone use and digital communication, Mark offers wisdom and actionable tips for fostering better understanding and stronger connections with your teens. He provides strategies for modifying communication patterns, addressing the root causes of behaviors and ba...
Oct 04, 2024•22 min•Ep. 1120
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of creating a clear family belief system rooted in grace, drawing from Proverbs 16:9. They explain how a simple, written belief statement can set clear expectations and establish appropriate consequences. Mark offers practical examples, encouraging families to tailor their system to reflect their values and meet the needs of their children. To purchase Tough Guys and Drama Queens, the 9-week video course referenced in this ...
Oct 03, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1119
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotion, diving into the complex issue of teen anger and how to apply the wisdom of James 1:19. Mark encourages parents to look beyond surface-level behaviors and understand the deeper heart issues fueling anger in teens. He highlights three common sources of anger and offers practical ways to turn these challenging moments into valuable opportunities for growth. For more parenting insights and resources from Mark, visit parentingtodaysteens.o...
Oct 02, 2024•18 min•Ep. 1118
When you've hit one of the lowest points in your life, it can be hard to picture things ever getting better. But as these teen interviews show, healing does happen a little bit at a time — and it's okay to seek some help along the way. In this episode, we're sharing a couple of Mark's past interviews with Heartlight teens, like Christian, who discusses the tumultuous path that led him to Heartlight, including his struggles with drugs following the tragic deaths of his mother and grandmother from...
Oct 01, 2024•19 min•Ep. 1117
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the struggles teens often face, including issues like drugs, addiction and pornography. Mark emphasizes the importance of parents being proactive, understanding that teens are likely to encounter these challenges, often at a younger age than expected. He discusses how building an open, honest dialogue can help guide teens through tough situations. Together, they encourage parents to be equipped and ready to support their children, empo...
Sep 30, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1116
In today’s Q&A episode of Parenting Today's Teens, Mark Gregston tackles some of the most pressing concerns voiced by listeners. From navigating the complexities of post-college estrangement and dealing with severe depression in young adults to addressing issues of online pornography and LGBTQ+ questions, Mark provides insightful, compassionate advice rooted in real-life experience. He emphasizes the importance of community support, the need for realistic boundaries and the value of professi...
Sep 27, 2024•28 min
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the important topic of preparing teens for independence. Mark explains how misunderstanding a teen's need for freedom can stop parents from giving them the space to grow. They outline four key strategies to promote independence in teenagers and discuss why it can be hard for parents to let go. Tune in for practical tips to help your teen grow into a confident, self-reliant adult! For the Teen Struggle Bundle mentioned in today’s episode, v...
Sep 26, 2024•15 min•Ep. 1114
In this episode, Mark shares the 10 key influences that have shaped his life, recounting impactful moments and lessons from those who have made a lasting difference. Inspired by 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Mark urges parents and grandparents to embrace their roles as influencers, reminding them how a lack of encouragement can lead to unintended outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of listening, sharing wisdom and offering support to the next generation. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on the pow...
Sep 25, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1113
Whether it's escaping through drugs or physically running away from home, some teens aren't sure how else to cope with life's hurts and challenges other than running from them. In today's show, Mark Gregston is joined by Courtney Lafleur, a counselor at Heartlight, to talk to two teens who reflect on why they were sent to the program and what they've learned since being here. One young man opens up about his journey from impulsivity and drug use to newfound sobriety and self-awareness — and why ...
Sep 24, 2024•26 min•Ep. 1112
Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle an important issue: how to respond when your teen’s friends may be a negative influence. While protecting our teens is essential, overprotection can hinder their growth and independence. Instead of shielding them from every possible bad influence, Mark and Wayne encourage parents to reflect on how their own parenting approach might affect their teen’s behavior and social circle. Remember, you could also be a positive influence on your teen’s friends...
Sep 23, 2024•15 min•Ep. 1111
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles a variety of pressing questions from parents dealing with the complexities of raising teenagers. He delves into listener queries ranging from managing teen substance use, handling the challenges of blended families, fostering better relationships amidst contrasting parenting styles, and the fine line between privacy and parental oversight. With practical advice and heartfelt wisdom, Mark offers guidance to help parents navigate these complicated issues, ...
Sep 20, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1110
Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd in today’s podcast as they discuss how to prevent entitlement from taking root in your teen’s life and cultivate a heart of gratitude instead. Mark highlights the importance of addressing entitlement at its source and shares insightful tips on creating a home environment that fosters gratitude. He offers practical strategies for shifting your teen's mindset from "I deserve" to "I'm grateful," and reminds us that it begins with modeling gratitude in our own l...
Sep 19, 2024•14 min•Ep. 1109
In this episode, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotional based on Romans 16:17, offering a vital warning for parents: There will always be influences trying to create division between you and your teen. As parents, it’s our responsibility to guard against this. In a world that’s increasingly confusing and contradictory for teenagers, they need our guidance more than ever — even if they don’t realize it! Mark emphasizes the importance of staying flexible in your parenting and how adapting to y...
Sep 18, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1108
Social media can keep teens trapped in a cycle of comparison, always wondering what others think of them. As shared in this episode, it can feel incredibly isolating. Today, Mark sits down with two young ladies at Heartlight who discuss the valuable lessons they've learned about healthy relationships and self-worth. Camille, who's been on the show before, discusses her battle with self-consciousness and the toxic impact of social media, and how Heartlight has empowered her to build authentic fri...
Sep 17, 2024•19 min•Ep. 1107
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore a pivotal aspect of parenting: empowering your teen to make their own decisions. They discuss the importance of gradually transferring decision-making power to your teen, helping them build independence and confidence — even when mistakes are made. Mark and Wayne highlight why giving your teen room to grow is essential for their development and caution about the potential pitfalls of holding on to too much control. Tune in for practical a...
Sep 16, 2024•15 min•Ep. 1106
In today's Q&A session, our host Mark Gregson tackles some of the most pressing and challenging questions you've sent our way. From dealing with a 16-year-old boy's exposure to pornography and handling a daughter's major depression amidst post-divorce trauma, to addressing issues of adolescent disrespect and battling the lure of video games, Mark provides practical wisdom. Tune in for an insightful discussion aimed at equipping you with the tools to support your teen through their toughest c...
Sep 13, 2024•18 min•Ep. 1105
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how to respond when your teen's behavior becomes dangerous. While risky decisions are a part of growing up, it's crucial to know what to do when those choices become harmful. Mark emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries and values early on. He discusses how to communicate expectations and consequences with your teen, and offers guidance on when to intervene and how to handle situations after dangerous behavior has occurred. ...
Sep 12, 2024•14 min•Ep. 1104
