Mark Gregston shares his story of facing rejection and loss after being fired from a ministry 36 years ago. Despite the pain and confusion, he reflects on how God's presence remained constant and how hardships shaped his faith. Mark encourages us to trust God through life's struggles — even when the purpose isn’t clear — believing that He works all things for good. Visit parentingtodaysteens.org/shop to shop Mark's books written to help guide you as you raise your teen. Parenting Today's Teens i...
Apr 09, 2025•12 min•Ep. 1253
In a world where communication often falls short, many teens find themselves craving meaningful connections that feel elusive. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two teens who share their journeys from fractured family relationships and troubled pasts, rooted in miscommunication and unmet emotional needs, towards a path of healing. One young lady opens up about how an emotional disconnect with her father led her to search for validation and understanding in different places. Tune in now to ...
Apr 08, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1252
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of paying attention to a teenager's smile as an indicator of emotional well-being. The two emphasize that when a teen stops smiling, it often signals underlying issues that parents should not ignore. Mark advises parents to approach their teens with empathy and understanding, acknowledging their own role in the problem if necessary. He encourages open conversations in neutral settings, offering support rather than judgment ...
Apr 07, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1251
It's normal for teens to want to connect, especially with the rise of social media — but how do we balance connection and boundaries? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives into the challenges of parenting in the digital age. He discusses how teens naturally crave connection and how technology has shifted their communication style away from face-to-face interactions. Mark emphasizes the need for parents to set appropriate boundaries with social media, while maintaining a strong, affirming relat...
Apr 04, 2025•13 min•Ep. 1250
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the challenges of motivating teens who seem to have lost hope. Mark explains that a lack of motivation can stem from issues like depression or feeling overwhelmed. He stresses that shaming teens isn't the answer and encourages parents to identify the root causes and support teens in finding a way forward. Visit parentingtodaysteens.org for more resources and advice from Mark as you raise your teens. Parenting Today's Teens is a part of th...
Apr 03, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1249
In today's heartfelt episode, Mark draws wisdom from 2 Peter to encourage parents and grandparents to create lasting memories with their families. He emphasizes the importance of not waiting until it's too late to invest in the next generation. Mark reminds listeners that a true legacy is not just about what you leave behind, but the meaningful moments and memories you share along the way. For Mark's book on leaving a legacy for the teens in your family, visit: bit.ly/ptt-leaving-a-legacy Parent...
Apr 02, 2025•19 min•Ep. 1248
Trauma — and the sense of loneliness that often follows — can leave teens feeling hopeless about their futures. That hopelessness can lead to some dark places, but finding help and support makes all the difference. Today, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who reflect on their stories. From grappling with depression and substance abuse to confronting family challenges, Hayden shares the heartache of losing a brother and dealing with his parents' divorce. Meanwhile, Tiller opens up about fe...
Apr 01, 2025•20 min•Ep. 1247
Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how easy it is for teens to access alcohol and marijuana today, and why they may engage in these behaviors. They remind parents that no teen is immune to exposure. Mark stresses the importance of creating a supportive home environment that meets teens’ needs in healthy ways, offering advice for parents and grandparents. He also provides guidance for those whose teens are already involved with substances, including when to seek professional help. Visit par...
Mar 31, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1246
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers listener-submitted questions from parents navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. From technology use and teen relationships to anxiety and personal expressions like dressing as a 'furry,' Mark offers thoughtful, biblically grounded advice. He also discusses how to maintain strong relationships with your children and the importance of staying engaged in their lives, while emphasizing that good parenting is rooted in fostering solid relationships,...
Mar 28, 2025•34 min•Ep. 1245
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the challenges of parent-teen disconnection and the importance of restoring relationships. They discuss how negativity, lack of quality time and excessive phone use contribute to disengagement. By setting boundaries, creating a positive home environment and actively listening, parents can rebuild trust. For more advice from Mark and to see all the resources he offers to support you as you parent your teen, visit parentingtodaysteens.org/ ...
Mar 27, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1244
Join Mark as he shares his journey of founding Heartlight after unexpected job losses left him feeling lost. Through reflection, he recognized personal shortcomings that shaped him into a more authentic leader. He challenges parents to confront their own struggles rather than just focusing on their child’s behavior. Mark emphasizes that hardships, though painful, can lead to growth, authenticity and deeper connections. See if Mark's ministry, Heartlight, can help you and your struggling teen by ...
Mar 26, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1243
An unfortunate reality is that many teens today turn to harmful behaviors as coping mechanisms for their deeper struggles. So, it's more important than ever that parents support their teens when they're walking through a tough time. Today, Mark sits down with two more teens from Heartlight who share their stories of hardship and growth, addressing challenges such as family dynamics, addiction and self-acceptance. Kate, adopted from Russia, opens up about her early struggles with self-harm and ho...
Mar 25, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1242
Does your teen get time to truly rest over spring break? Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd emphasize that rest is not laziness, and kids need time to refresh and reset from their busy routines. They encourage parents to be intentional about how they spend this time, focusing on connection, open conversations and understanding their teen’s needs rather than simply filling the schedule. Ultimately, spring break can be an opportunity to strengthen relationships and create a more restful, supp...
Mar 24, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1241
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives into real questions from parents and grandparents just like you. From dating non-believers and navigating church changes to setting tech boundaries and discussing sexual identity, Mark offers practical wisdom to strengthen your bond with your teens. Tune in for honest advice and hope-filled guidance to help you thrive through every season of parenting! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Chris...
Mar 21, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1240
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the role of pain as a powerful motivator in a teen's development. They emphasize the importance of allowing young people to experience natural consequences rather than rescuing them from every hardship. Through personal stories and real-life examples, they highlight how overprotection can hinder growth, while strategic parental guidance can foster responsibility. They also explore the balance between allowing beneficial struggles and step...
Mar 20, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1239
Join Mark Gregston as he reflects on how his generation’s tendency to avoid conflict led to broken relationships and a generation of children who fear abandonment. He emphasizes that true peace is not the absence of struggle but the presence of hope, encouraging parents to face challenges head-on. Through personal experiences with grieving families and troubled teens, he reassures parents that they can endure difficulties, trusting that God will walk with them. He urges parents to trust in God's...
Mar 19, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1238
Typically, change in a family doesn't happen overnight — it takes humility and a willingness on everyone's part to learn how to do things differently. Today, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who have both been on the show before and are nearly ready to graduate. Eli shares why he used to struggle with defiance, and how his time at Heartlight has helped him develop a deeper understanding and improved communication with his parents, especially in the wake of their divorce. Tune in now! For...
Mar 18, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1237
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explain why authoritarian parenting no longer works, as kids today are more skeptical of authority. Instead of demanding obedience, parents should build relationships, avoid perfectionism and be less judgmental. To parent effectively, you need to create open lines of communication while addressing issues with love and genuine concern. A supportive environment — one that still maintains boundaries — will help guide children down a healthy path. Jo...
Mar 17, 2025•24 min•Ep. 1236
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston discusses a variety of difficult scenarios that parents like you are navigating with their teens. From adoption-related challenges and teenage substance use to complex family dynamics in blended families, Mark offers profound insights and guidance. No matter the challenge, one truth remains: Teens are wired for connection, belonging and a strong sense of identity. Tune in for insights that will equip you to meet your teen’s deepest needs with understanding and g...
Mar 14, 2025•28 min•Ep. 1235
In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the valuable role grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives. They emphasize that involvement is a choice that offers a unique opportunity for connection, highlighting how grandparents can provide perspective and share wisdom that benefits younger generations. Tune in for practical advice on how grandparents can actively engage with and support their grandkids in meaningful ways! Join Mark and his team for a weekend at Heartlight...
Mar 13, 2025•25 min•Ep. 1234
In this episode, Mark offers a heartfelt message inspired by 1 John 3:8, urging parents to prioritize actions over words when raising their children. He emphasizes that teaching through example is far more impactful than simply giving instructions. Parents should focus on encouraging their teens rather than being overly critical, as constant criticism can be misinterpreted. Mark reminds us that every interaction with our teens reflects our feelings toward them — that's why it's so important to f...
Mar 12, 2025•11 min•Ep. 1233
Navigating trauma or family conflicts can often lead to teens shutting people out due to overwhelming emotions. Being isolated may seem "safer" to them, but it's a lonely place to be. In today's show, Mark sits down with two young men from Heartlight who reflect on why they kept people at arm's length. For Asa, everything started with a tragic incident in his childhood. He reveals how his stay at Heartlight helped him mend broken relationships, reignite his faith, and find a renewed sense of pur...
Mar 11, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1232
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share insights from Mark's decades of experience working with thousands of teens. Surprisingly, Mark has encountered only a handful of truly rebellious teens — which might be the case for your child, too. This conversation explores the key difference between a teen who is lost and one who is rebellious, and why understanding this distinction can transform your parenting approach. Join Mark at his Families in Crisis Conference on the Heartlight Mi...
Mar 10, 2025•26 min•Ep. 1241
In this Q&A episode, Mark Gregston tackles common parenting dilemmas, offering valuable insights and strategies for dealing with teens who don't respond to consequences, monitoring cell phone usage and fostering open communication. Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding the motivations behind a teen's behavior and adjusting parenting approaches accordingly. Whether it's grappling with vape discoveries or learning to stay calm when buttons are pushed, this episode is packed with prac...
Mar 07, 2025•23 min•Ep. 1230
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of being intentional in your parenting — as you prepare your child for the future, while staying true to your values and convictions. Mark highlights how parents can unintentionally compromise their beliefs and offers guidance on choosing compassion and understanding. Together, Mark and Wayne remind us that, as children of the King, we have His wisdom to share with the next generation. Is your teen struggling? See if Hea...
Mar 06, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1229
Join Mark Gregston as he answers a listener’s question on entitlement and teens. Mark explains why entitlement is an issue every family with teens will face and explores why today’s teens may feel more entitled than ever. Drawing from Luke 15, listen as he offers practical, actionable advice that parents can start using today to help navigate this common parenting challenge. Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore more resources from Mark designed to support you as you raise your teens! Parent...
Mar 05, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1228
Many teens feel the pressure to look like they "have it all together" — but secretly, they're struggling with self-doubt and worry about what others think. But as we hear in today's show, those struggles and imperfections can also lead to connection. Mark chats with two more teens from Heartlight, including Harrison, who opens up about his battle with self-doubt and the path he took to overcome substance use and rebuild trust within his family. Check it out! Want to learn more about the Heartlig...
Mar 04, 2025•22 min•Ep. 1227
Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss how today’s teens are overwhelmed by information and struggle to distinguish it from true wisdom. Mark encourages parents to recognize the value of their own wisdom and offers tips on presenting it in an engaging, relatable way that teens can connect with. To see if Heartlight Ministries can help your struggling teen, visit heartlightministries.org. Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practica...
Mar 03, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1226
In today’s Q&A episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough parenting questions, from a senior son disengaging from school and parental disagreements over substance use to post-divorce relationships and a child rejecting family values. He provides wisdom on respecting your teen's journey to adulthood, tackling tough relationship dynamics and understanding the importance of purpose and security for your kid. Whether it's encouraging your child to face their own consequences or embracing open dialogue...
Feb 28, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1225
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict with your teen, rather than just focusing on their behavior. They share examples of losses teens may face that cause them to act out, and offer advice on how to help them overcome these challenges. Mark emphasizes that helping your teen process their loss is more important than trying to change their behavior. Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Mark's resources he d...
Feb 27, 2025•17 min•Ep. 1224
