Parenting Today's Teens

Are You Ready to Move From Teaching to Training?

01 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Inevitably, when your child begins to move into their adolescent years, everything will change — and to keep a relationship with them, you have to b...

Looking for Love in the Wrong Places

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today's culture has given teens permission to be more sexually involved than ever before — so how do you prepare to confront your child about th...

A Parent's Greatest Challenge

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this devotional, Mark Gregston shares that moms, dads and grandparents have all accumulated something that teens desperately need in today's wo...

Recovering from Bad Coping Mechanisms

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Teens have more pressure on them today than ever before, and when that pressure is coupled with internal pain, betrayal or strained parental relations...

Dealing With an Entitled Teen

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

So many parents have good intentions and start freely giving money and material things to their children at a very young age. Unfortunately, this can ...

Growing Closer With Your Child

24 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

All of us want to feel like we have significance in life — and for teens, the search for their purpose can take them in a lot of different direction...

Teens and Porn: Shaming Is the Wrong Approach

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The easy accessibility of pornography in today's culture is something that has a widespread impact on both teen guys and girls, so how can parents...

Getting to the Heart of Your Teen's Anger

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As practically every parent of a teen knows, when your child doesn't get what they want, it can lead to angry outbursts. And if you lose your temp...

Taking a Break From Screens

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We live in a digital age, and many teenagers today feel like they would really struggle if they didn't have their phones. In this episode, Mark Gr...

Can Failure Be a Good Thing?

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you, as a parent, look at failure as something to be ashamed of, chances are your teens will too — but inevitably, they WILL take risks and make ...

Creating New Opportunities

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As a parent, what should you do with a teenager who just wants to stay in her room all the time? Or what about when your child really wants to go to a...

Adoption: Staying the Course

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to have a special discussion on the challenges parents experience when their adopted children become teenage...

Moving From Teaching to Training

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In today's digital world, we are under a constant bombardment of information — this is especially true for teens. In this week's devotional,...

Are Your Kids Truly Being Heard?

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston chats with two Heartlight teens who share their stories of turning to drugs and alcohol to mask pain they felt in their hearts. Both you...

For Teens, Image Is Everything

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does your teen act like a totally different person on social media than they do at home? This behavior is all too common. Mark Gregston is joined by W...

Getting to the Root of the Problem

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston sits down to answer some questions from parents about the often challenging reality of raising teenagers in today's culture. This we...

Finding Boundaries and Balance in the Digital World

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to talk about different ways to handle and be engaged in your teen's online life. In order to parent wel...

Stop Controlling, Start Trusting

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this special devotional, Mark Gregston shares advice for parents who are engaged in one of the most common struggles you can have with your teen: t...

The Hunt for Identity

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you're a teenager, figuring out who you are and shaping your identity can be a huge challenge and can often lead down some dark paths. Mark G...

Teens and Drugs: What to Look Out For

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As a parent, you always hope your teen will never turn to drugs or underage drinking — but the reality is the majority of high schoolers have tried ...

Can Screen Time Limitations Prevent Connectivity?

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston answers all your questions about screen time. He shares that the number of teens and pre-teens with cell phones has dra...

Single Parents, God Has Not Forgotten You

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to discuss advice for divorced parents with part-time custody arrangements. When your teen doesn't live ...

All Behavior Is Goal-Oriented

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As a parent, one of the most important realizations you can come to with your teen is that every behavior you see is a direct result of hidden motivat...

The Battle for Control

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's no secret — sometimes teens try to take full control of their own lives too early and it doesn't turn out so well. In this episode, Mar...

The Do's and Don'ts of Raising Teens

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you remember what your mom and dad did that annoyed YOU when you were a teenager? Do you do any of those things to your kids today? In this episode...

Consistency Is Key

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston answers questions submitted by concerned parents, including one family seeking advice on how to handle their teen son&#...

Keeping Your Teen Close While Letting Go

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wayne Shepherd joins Mark Gregston to discuss how parents can find a balance between keeping teens close relationally while slowly letting them have m...

Bad Timing Can Ruin Good Intentions

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You may have the best of intentions when you're trying to speak the truth into your kids' lives, but if your tone or timing is off, it can lea...

Learning to Open Up

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston chats with a couple of Heartlight teens who are learning the powerful role that openness and vulnerability can play in healing deep woun...

When Good Parenting Yields Bad Results

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are plenty of good parents who do all the "right" things in raising their children — and yet are still caught by surprise when their t...

The Art of Talking to Teens

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever go out to a fun dinner with your teen, but struggle to come up with things to talk about? Well, you're not alone! In this episode, Mar...

Helping Your Teen Spread Their Wings

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to go over four ways you can help your teenager become independent. As a parent, you need to create an atmos...

Encouraging the Next Generation

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As you look back on your teenage and young adult years, can you picture the mentors that left a lasting, positive impact on you? In this episode, Mark...

Taking an Unexpected Path

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston chats with two Heartlight teens, Gabe and Anna, who each reflect on how they found themselves in a world of trouble in the quest to fit ...

Keeping Up With the Kids

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Teens are natural social butterflies and in today's culture, the majority of their communication is often through texting and social media. In thi...

Perfection Is Not the Goal

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston sits down to answer some questions submitted by parents and caretakers, including a single mom who wants to bring more fun into her rela...

Should Parents Be Internet Watchdogs?

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how you as a parent should approach guiding and directing your kids when it comes to their activities on the ...

Hey Mom and Dad, Stop Nagging

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you find yourself repeating the same requests to your teen over and over? Well, you might be guilty of nagging. In this devotional, Mark Gregston s...

Stopping the Spiral of Addiction

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston sits down with two teens who both struggled with drug addiction at a young age, but found clarity and sobriety through treatment at Hear...

How Will Your Grandkids Remember You?

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to discuss how grandparents can fulfill a special role in their teenage grandkids' lives that is unlike ...

Mark Answers Your Questions

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out C...

Does Pain Have a Purpose?

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about the purpose of pain in the life of your teen.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens...

Establishing a Relationship with Your Teen

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston talks about how establishing a relationship with your teen is the most important thing you'll ever do.  To learn m...

Stories From Heartlight

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens.  To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.or...

Does Traditional Parenting Still Work?

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about whether or not traditional parenting still works.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysT...

Mark Answers Your Questions

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out C...

Conflict Resolution

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how you can diffuse angry conflict and resolve the tension in your home.  To learn more,...

A Devotional from Mark

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen.  To learn more,...

Stories From Heartlight

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens.  To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.or...

Should You Be Saying "YES" More Often?

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd question if you might be saying NO to your teen, when you should be saying YES.  To learn more, vis...

Mark Answers Your Questions

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out C...

Conflict Resolution

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how you can diffuse angry conflict and resolve the tension in your home.  To learn more,...

A Devotional from Mark

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen.  To learn more,...

Mark's Interviews with Teens

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens.  To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.or...

Helping Our Teens Find Their Way Back

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about what to do when our teens get lost, and how we can help them find their way back home.  ...

Mark Answers Your Questions

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out C...

The Challenges of Being a Single Parent

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss ways to handle the challenges of being a single parent.  To learn more, visit ParentingToda...

A Devotional from Mark

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen.  To learn more,...

Mark's Interviews with Teens

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens.  To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.or...

Independence Day

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about healthy ways to raise an independent child.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.o...

Mark Answers Your Questions

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out C...

Dealing with Conflict

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk to parents about changing their perspective on teen conflict.  To learn more, visit ParentingT...

A Devotional from Mark

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen.  To learn more,...

Mark's Interviews with Teens

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens.  To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.or...

Teen Grief

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss dealing with teen grief.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponsors:* Check...

Mark Answers Your Questions

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out C...

Drugs, Alcohol and Your Teen

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about handling your teen's involvement with drugs and alcohol.  To learn more, visit Paren...

A Devotional from Mark

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen.  To learn more,...

Mark's Interviews with Teens

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens. To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.org....

Holding On to Hope

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how to find and hold on to hope even in the middle of conflict. To learn more, visit Pare...

Mark Answers Your Questions

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out C...

Nothing But the Truth

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how to handle a dishonest teen.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponso...

A Devotional from Mark

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen.  To learn more,...

Mark's Interviews with Teens

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens.  To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.or...

No More Tension

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd outline different ways you can release built up tension in your home.  To learn more, visit Parenti...

Mark Answers Your Questions

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out C...

Guiding Your Teen to Make Wise Choices

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd outline ways that parents can help their teens make wise choices.  To learn more, visit ParentingTo...

A Devotional from Mark

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen.  To learn more,...

Mark's Interviews with Teens

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens.  To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.or...

What to Do When Your Teen Has a "Failure to Launch"

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about what to do when your teen doesn’t want to do anything.  To learn more, visit Parenting...

Mark Answers Your Questions

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Cas...

Dealing with Mistakes

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how to handle it when your teen makes mistakes.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTee...

A Devotional from Mark

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen.  To learn more,...

Mark's Interviews with Teens

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens.  To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.or...

Guys, Control and Your Daughter

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about what to do when a guy is trying to control the life of your teenage daughter.  To learn ...

Mark Answers Your Questions

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out C...

Connecting with Your Teen

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss different ways to connect with your teen.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur...

A Devotional from Mark

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen.  To learn more,...

Mark's Interviews with Teens

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens.  To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.or...

Building a Dream Family in a Dream Home

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about different ways to build a dream family in a dream home.  To learn more, visit ParentingT...

Mark Answers Your Questions

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions.  To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out C...

How Does a Teen Handle Difficulty and Hardship?

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about what options your teen might resort to when faced difficulty and hardship.  To learn mor...

A Devotional from Mark

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen.  To learn more,...

Mark's Interviews with Teens

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens.  To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.or...

Is Teaching Abstinence Practical Anymore?

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about the practicality of abstinence in our current culture.  To learn more, visit ParentingTo...

Mark Answers Your Questions

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Cas...

When Communication Goes Bad

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how to bounce back from a communication mistake with your teen.  To learn more, visit Pa...

A Devotional from Mark

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen.  To learn more,...

Mark's Interviews with Teens

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens.  To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.or...

Don't Let Silence Build a Wall Around Your Teen

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about what to do when silence builds a wall around your teen.  To learn more, visit ParentingT...