Join Mark Gregston as he reflects on Matthew 11:28 and explores the importance of rest in creating a peaceful home for your teen. He shares how strategies that worked during the pre-teen years may no longer be effective, and reveals the key elements you need to connect with your teenager. Mark challenges parents to create a safe space at home where their teen can find relief from the pressures of the outside world. For Mark's special devotional for families, go to dailyhopeforfamilies.com Parent...
Feb 26, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1223
It can be difficult to admit when you need help — at any age. As we hear in this episode, lots of teens at Heartlight struggle at first with accepting the support and tools that the program offers. Today, Mark chats with two young ladies who've walked through trauma and struggles with their mental health, but are learning the importance of self-care and seeking support. Meredith recounts her difficult journey through depression, substance use and coping with the loss of a parent. Her story offer...
Feb 25, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1222
Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share practical tips for parents looking to strengthen their connection with their teen. They emphasize flexibility, age-appropriate approaches and the importance of seeking God first. This episode also highlights the value of open communication and understanding during the teen years. Tune in for actionable advice to build a deeper bond with your teen today! Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of the resources available. Parenting Today's Teens is a pa...
Feb 24, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1221
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives deep into some of the most pressing questions sent in by listeners. From dealing with the complexities of college decisions and living arrangements to managing behavioral issues and entitlement, Mark offers practical advice and strategies grounded in core beliefs and values. He discusses how drawing a line in the sand, facing entitlement and allowing natural consequences can guide your teen to maturity. Whether you're dealing with a college-bound daughter ...
Feb 21, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1220
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the impact of yelling at your teen and what it reveals about you as a parent. They highlight Proverbs 15:1 and the importance of listening to your teen’s heart to strengthen your relationship. Mark and Wayne also share strategies for using conflict as an opportunity for positive change and offer practical tips for handling conversations more effectively. Is your teen struggling? Mark has resources to help! Check out the teen struggle bund...
Feb 20, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1219
In this episode, Mark Gregston uses 1 John 3:18 to encourage parents to do the right thing in their relationships. Sharing a personal story, he discusses how unresolved anger can affect those around us and emphasizes the importance of making things right. Mark also offers practical steps to help restore and strengthen family bonds. Tune in to learn how you can be the key to deepening and redeeming your relationships. Get Mark's daily devotional for families at dailyhopeforfamilies.com. Parenting...
Feb 19, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1218
So many of today's teens experience depression and feelings of hopelessness — the voice of their inner critic can be a hard one to silence. In today's negative culture, it's more important than ever to support them! In this episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight, including Matt, who has struggled with his mental health. He opens up about the heated arguments and misunderstandings that led him to Heartlight, the shifts in his family dynamics and his newfound perspective on relatio...
Feb 18, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1217
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd offer encouragement to parents of adopted children. Adoption is a beautiful gift to be celebrated! They reassure parents that seasons of disconnect are temporary — love will prevail. With patience, trust and God’s guidance, parents can navigate their child’s questions and challenges, knowing He placed them in their family for a purpose. Is your teen struggling? See if Heartlight Ministries can help: https://heartlightministries.org Parenting Toda...
Feb 17, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1216
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses a variety of pressing concerns that parents face, from managing inappropriate group texting in young children to navigating complex family dynamics involving domestic violence, mental health issues and sexual orientation. Mark provides thoughtful, practical advice on establishing rules and consequences while maintaining open, rewarding relationships with teens. He emphasizes the importance of understanding, respect, and structured support in helping te...
Feb 14, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1215
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd warn parents not to become disconnected in the midst of life’s pressures and to not drift away from their teens, even though teens still deeply desire time with their parents. Mark encourages parents to stay committed and present, guiding their kids as God guides us, regardless of family conflicts. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the heart of your teen and gives practical tips for strengthening your relationship. Looking for additio...
Feb 13, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1214
In this episode, Mark Gregston delivers a special message for grandparents, drawing wisdom from Hebrews 10:34. Sharing insights from his own experiences, Mark discusses how to embrace the unique role of a grandparent without stepping into the role of a second parent. He also shares his 'Rules of the Road' for grandparenting, offering practical advice to help grandparents thrive in their important role within the family. For more, check out Mark's book, Grandparenting Teens: Leaving a Legacy of H...
Feb 12, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1213
Self-medicating seems increasingly common in today's teenagers — but experimenting with drugs as an "escape" can quickly turn into a dependency on them. In today's show, Mark chats with two teens from Heartlight who reflect on their early exposure to drugs and alcohol, and how they quickly fell into a downward spiral. Seventeen-year-old Gabe opens up about his battles with substance abuse, legal troubles and the strained family relationships that landed him at Heartlight. Listen in! Want to find...
Feb 11, 2025•19 min•Ep. 1212
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of balancing parenting by finding opportunities to say "yes" instead of always saying "no." Overprotective parenting, though well-intended, can lead to rebellion, making it crucial to give children space to grow. Parents should focus on guiding and supporting their teens rather than controlling them, helping them navigate life's challenges with wisdom. To ask Mark a question about raising your teen, please visit markgregsto...
Feb 10, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1211
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses concerns ranging from dealing with a son's troubling response to a friend's suicide to managing an adopted daughter's rebellious attitude and setting boundaries for a tech-obsessed teen. Tune in as Mark provides not just practical advice, but also emphasizes the importance of building relationships, developing structure and ensuring the mental health of your teen through counseling. Whether you're dealing with a teen's risky behavior or struggling to m...
Feb 07, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1210
Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how to navigate changes in the family home. They highlight that change is tough but possible, urging parents not to expect perfection. Mark offers practical steps for preparing your family, stressing the importance of including children in the conversation and planning process. By fostering open communication and teamwork, families can make transitions smoother and more successful. To explore more resources from Mark or to ask him a question you’d like hi...
Feb 06, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1209
In today’s episode, Mark examines James 1:9 and unveils what he considers one of the Bible’s most powerful parenting tips. He encourages parents to incorporate this scripture into daily life with teens and offers one key insight that could transform your relationship. Mark also provides practical, actionable tips to help you develop and apply this skill, creating stronger, more impactful connections with your child. Mark wrote a devotional specifically for families to spend time together leaning...
Feb 05, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1208
When trust and respect are broken between parents and teens, it can take time to heal the rift. Everyone has to be willing to put in the work! In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies from Heartlight who've faced tremendous challenges, from substance abuse and self-worth struggles to family disconnects and searching for acceptance. Together, their stories offer valuable insights into building stronger relationships with teens, and the power of listening, understanding and creating bound...
Feb 04, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1207
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd respond to a listener's letter, discussing the challenges teens face today regarding sexual activity and pregnancy. They share insights and suggest guidelines on when — and how — to have age-appropriate conversations, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and consequences without shame. With practical advice, they encourage parents to engage openly and effectively with their teens on this vital topic. Is your teen struggling? See if He...
Feb 03, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1206
In this insightful Q&A episode, Mark Gregston addresses some of the most pressing and complex parenting challenges sent in by listeners. From recognizing and addressing the warning signs of eating disorders and potential sexual abuse in teenagers to knowing when and how to effectively intervene, Mark offers practical wisdom and compassionate guidance. He reminds parents that while exploring the deeper, darker areas of our teen's life may be uncomfortable, it is crucial. Tune in for guidance ...
Jan 31, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1205
Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they unpack characteristics of a healthy argument and offer valuable insights on navigating conflict in relationships. While conflict is inevitable, they remind us how we approach it makes all the difference. The key is keeping the relationship at the heart of the conversation, ensuring that resolving the issue doesn’t come at the cost of connection. Mark also urges parents to lead by example, helping teens understand that conflicts aren’t about winning o...
Jan 30, 2025•12 min•Ep. 1204
In today's episode, Mark Gregston offers a heartfelt devotional inspired by John 15:12, sharing personal stories that have deeply impacted his life. Through this scripture and his experiences, he reminds us that our most important mission projects might not require traveling far — they could be in our own backyard or even within our own families. Mark encourages listeners to open their hearts and look for the opportunities to support and uplift those around them as he shares practical ways to ma...
Jan 29, 2025•10 min•Ep. 1203
For teens who are having a tough time at home, drugs can seem like a welcome escape from their problems. But that escape often spirals into dependency, and before they know it, they end up feeling totally lost. In today's show, Mark chats with two teens who started using drugs at a very young age. Drew opens up about how peer pressure and family turmoil pushed him towards substance abuse, beginning as early as seventh grade. He shares candidly about arguments with his parents and the turning poi...
Jan 28, 2025•27 min•Ep. 1202
Have you ever wondered why teens may experiment or self-medicate? In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how parents can address their teen's potential marijuana use with wisdom rather than just facts. They offer practical advice for fostering open communication and creating a supportive home environment, encouraging parents to trust that God has equipped them with the wisdom they need to navigate these challenges. Join Mark in Texas for a weekend designed specifically for ...
Jan 27, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1201
In today’s Q&A episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the most pressing concerns parents have sent in regarding their teens. From dealing with lying and teaching integrity to handling sibling rivalries and getting reclusive kids to engage, Mark provides practical advice and wisdom. He also dives into sensitive topics such as accommodating a transgender child's new identity, guiding teens through feelings of inadequacy and exclusion, and helping anxious kids feel safe in a world full of fears...
Jan 24, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1200
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how loss and anger affect teens, with boys and girls responding differently. They explore how past grief can resurface later in life and how parents can guide their teens through these emotions by showing them how God helps us cope. Mark and Wayne remind us that supporting our teens during these challenging times strengthens our relationship with them. Join Mark and friends for a weekend specifically designed for parents of adopted teens....
Jan 23, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1199
In this episode, Mark Gregston offers valuable insights on navigating the complex world of social media and its impact on today's teens. He explores how the constant stream of online content fuels comparison and self-doubt among teenagers and shares nine practical strategies for parents to help their kids process the overwhelming influence of social media. Tune in for more on fostering healthy conversations and building resilience in the face of unrealistic online portrayals. For a FREE online c...
Jan 22, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1198
Every teen responds to divorce differently, but that kind of family turmoil can leave emotional scars and a desperate search for stability. In today's episode, Mark chats with two young ladies who both have parents who've divorced, and they reflect on how a divided household impacted their decisions. For Lily, it meant she turned to a party-driven lifestyle — but at Heartlight, she's finding strength, self-worth and a supportive community. Tune in now! Want to learn more about the Heartlight res...
Jan 21, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1197
Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they explore the crucial topic of bullying in today’s world. They examine the various forms bullying can take —both in person and online — and how the digital age has transformed the way teens experience it and cope. Mark and Wayne offer practical advice on recognizing the signs of bullying, understanding how it affects your teenager and providing real solutions to these challenges. For more resources on helping your teen navigate the web and social media...
Jan 20, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1196
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston shares essential strategies for building positive parent-teen relationships amidst modern challenges. He addresses tough issues like destructive behavior, social media’s impact, and pornography, offering actionable advice on setting boundaries and fostering open communication. Whether you're navigating difficult behavior or seeking deeper connection, this episode is a must-listen! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Parenting Today's Teens...
Jan 17, 2025•31 min•Ep. 1195
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the challenge of dealing with selfishness in teens. While it’s natural for teenagers to be self-focused, it’s equally natural for parents to feel frustrated. Mark offers fresh insights on how to approach your teen’s selfish behavior with patience and understanding, drawing from the story of the Prodigal Son. He encourages parents to look beyond the surface and consider what deeper emotional needs might be driving the apathy. Join Mar...
Jan 16, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1194
