Parenting Today's Teens
Episodes
I Mustache Mark a Question: Identity, Defiance and Discipline
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses some challenging and heartfelt questions sent in by listeners. He covers tough topics like navigating a ...
Why Teens Show Disrespect — and How to Respond
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Your teen's disrespect often stems from deeper issues — are you looking past the surface? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd disc...
Helping Your Teen Navigate Behavior Changes and Loss
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Teen Stories: From Rebellion to Redemption
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes it might seem like our teens make choices without a thought about what consequences could follow — but that's rarely really the case. ...
Consistency in Parenting: A Unified Approach
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the essential role of consistency in parenting. Mark explains that when parents are inconsis...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Balancing Love, Rules and Healing
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston delves into the challenges of parenting sent in by listeners like you. From setting boundaries in post-divorce dat...
Navigating Bullying with Your Teen
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Healing Your Heart: Discovering Your Identity in God
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Teen Stories: Overcoming a Painful Past
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Broken and abusive relationships during the adolescent years can leave hurts that last a lifetime. But, as we see in today's interviews with Heart...
Parenting with Purpose: The Power of a Thoughtful Approach
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the power of a thoughtful approach when working with teens. Mark shares a personal story abo...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Consequences, Cell Phones and Vaping
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s insightful episode, Mark Gregston dives into the pressing questions that every parent faces while raising teens in today's complex wo...
Building a Family Belief System: Clarity and Grace
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of creating a clear family belief system rooted in grace, drawing from Prover...
Helping Your Teen Navigate Anger
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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....
Teen Stories: Healing Happens One Step at a Time
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, he...
Supporting Your Teen Through Life's Challenges
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the struggles teens often face, including issues like drugs, addiction and pornography....
I Mustache Mark a Question: Identity Crises and Serious Mental Health Issues
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s Q&A episode of Parenting Today's Teens, Mark Gregston tackles some of the most pressing concerns voiced by listeners. From naviga...
Helping Teens Become Independent
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the important topic of preparing teens for independence. Mark explains how misunderstanding a...
The Power of Influence: Reflections on Encouragement and Legacy
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 last...
Teen Stories: Fleeing Your Problems
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ch...
Helping Teens Navigate Bad Influences
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle an important issue: how to respond when your teen’s friends may be a negative influence. While protec...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Navigating Grief, Boundaries and Relationships
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles a variety of pressing questions from parents dealing with the complexities of raising teenagers. He delves...
Entitlement vs. Gratitude: Shaping Your Teen's Heart
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 culti...
Is It Time to Rethink Your Approach to Parenting?
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotional based on Romans 16:17, offering a vital warning for parents: There will always be influenc...
Teen Stories: Why Social Media Can Be a Lonely Place
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 incre...
Empowering Your Teen: The Key to Building Independence
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore a pivotal aspect of parenting: empowering your teen to make their own decisions. They discus...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Pornography, Depression and Disrespect
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 dealin...
Dangerous Behavior and Your Teen
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how to respond when your teen's behavior becomes dangerous. While risky decisions are a ...
Creating Lasting Memories Before They're Gone
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's devotional, Mark Gregston reflects on the wisdom of 2 Peter 1:15, emphasizing the vital importance of creating meaningful memories with...
Teen Stories: Worthy of Love
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling teens sometimes push others away — often starting with their parents — because they don't feel like they're worthy of love and...
When Church Feels Like a Chore: Helping Your Teen Stay Engaged
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore why many teens drift away from church during their adolescent years. Often, it’s not a con...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Integrity, Anxiety and Family Tension
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Mark Gregston tackles some tough questions sent in by parents. He offers valuable insights on fostering integrity in a world w...
The Anatomy of Anger
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to help your teen deal with anger? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd read an email from a parent reaching out for a...
How to Handle a Disrespectful Teen
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark shares a devotional from Philippians 2:3 about how humility and valuing others above ourselves leads to an expression of respect...
Teen Stories: Finding Direction After Disruption
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Watching parents get divorced can be incredibly challenging for teens to cope with. It can feel like the foundation of their life has been shaken — ...
From Reconciliation to Restoration
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Reconciliation is hard work — but worth it. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the process of reconciliation with our teens a...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Teen Social Media Use
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough questions sent in by parents about managing teens' screen time. From managing social media bound...
Creating a Home with Room for Forgiveness
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about the importance of forgiveness in our homes. It can be difficult and takes time, but it st...
Helping or Hurting? Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Teen
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this devotional, Mark talks about the expectations we set for our teens. He cautions us against setting expectations so high that our teens feel as...
Teen Stories: Shielded by Anger
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever dealt with an angry teen, you probably know there are layers behind that anger they don't want to talk about. A lot of hurt kid...
Handling Anger and Disrespect From Your Teen
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd teach us that anger and disrespect may not always be a bad thing. These can serve as a "warning ...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Tech Troubles, Tattoo Talks and Teen Gaming
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever feel overwhelmed by the challenges of raising teens in today's world? You're not alone! In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses a r...
Cell Phones and Boundaries
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's discussion, hosts Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into one of the hottest and most debated topics for modern parents: teens and ...
How to Do More Than Just "Get Through" Conflict
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Mark shares a devotional that encourages parents who may be feeling hopeless from continued conflict. He reminds us that some ...
Teen Stories: Overcoming Communication Barriers
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Communicating with teens today can sometimes be a real challenge. Between family struggles and tech distractions, it's a tough landscape! But for ...
How to Create — and Embrace — an Imperfect Home
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of creating and embracing an imperfect home. Mark believes imperfection attra...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Adopted Teens and Consequences
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful Q&A episode, Mark Gregston addresses a pressing question from a listener named David, who is struggling with his adopted daught...
Rescuing Your Teen
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bad choices ... unfortunate events ... tough situations ... Could these be the very things that will strengthen your teen and teach them to look to Go...
Finding Joy in Life's Ups and Downs
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt episode, Mark opens up about his personal struggles with kidney disease and the life-changing journey he's about to embark on wi...
Teen Stories: "Broken, But Healing"
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Trauma can cause kids to have to grow up too quickly — and no matter how resilient a teen may seem, having a supportive family can make a huge diffe...
Learning to Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Ears
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk with us about what happens when parents talk too much and listen too little. They share the importance of...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Video Game Addiction
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives into a real-life issue: a 14-year-old spending thousands of dollars on video games using his parents' cr...
Turning Down the Heat: Managing Teen and Parent Anger
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it can make all the difference, especially when it comes to our teens. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston a...
What Are Teens Really Looking For?
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adapting to your teen's world doesn't mean compromising your values. It means meeting them where they are, understanding their reality and gui...
Teen Stories: When Strict Parenting Backfires
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many parents make the mistake of focusing too much on correcting their teens — and not enough on actually connecting with them. It can make a huge d...
10 Common Parenting Mistakes That Drive Teens Away
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does it ever seem like your teen is avoiding you or doesn't want to talk about anything that matters? In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne...
I Mustache Mark a Question: The Power of Asking Questions
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's engaging Q&A session, host Mark Gregston dives deep into one of the most common questions he gets from parents: How do I connect wi...
Balancing Traditional Values and Modern Realities
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As our society rapidly changes, parents must adapt their approaches to meet the ever-shifting needs of their teens. In today’s episode, Mark Gregsto...
Keeping Your Cool While Raising an Angry Teen
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt at your wit's end trying to understand why your teen is so angry? In today's episode, Mark explores the underlying reasons ...
Teen Stories: Surviving the Dark Days
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It takes a lot for most teens to ask for help when they're struggling — and many of them won't say it out loud. That's why cultivating a...
How Can We Show Our Kids They're Valued?
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Teens, like all of us, want to feel appreciated. Adolescence is when the quest for identity is toughest. They often feel awkward, out of place and des...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Encouraging Self-Sufficiency
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles pressing questions from parents who are struggling with how to get their teenagers to be more self-suffici...
The Impact of Digital Overexposure
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With the rise of internet access and the bombardment of information, our teens are navigating a landscape that is vastly different from what we experi...
Guiding Teens in a World Drowning in Information
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Parenting effectively in today's digital age means becoming a wellspring of wisdom rather than just another source of information. As Mark shares ...
Teen Stories: Breaking Cycles
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Substance use and other poor choices are often hiding deeper issues in our teens — it's important to make sure your child knows your listening e...
How to Truly Connect with Your Teen in a Digital World
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the importance of building genuine connections with your teenager in an era dominated by dig...
I Mustache Mark a Question: When to Consider Heartlight
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's Q&A episode, Mark Gregston tackles one of the most frequently asked questions: "When is it time to send my child to a residenti...
Finding the Balance: Involved Parenting vs. Helicopter Parenting
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is more parental involvement always better? It's all well-intended, but where do we draw the line? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne S...
Is Your Teen Fighting for Control?
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Teens crave control in their lives. As our kids get older, it's crucial to balance your guidance and rules with trusting them to make their own de...
Teen Stories: Second Chances
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If there's one thing we know about teens, it's that they are going to mess up. They're going to have setbacks. But how you respond to them...
Tips for Supporting a Grieving Teen
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Teen grief isn't solely about losing loved ones. Divorce, break-ups and fading dreams can also create emotional wounds. In this episode, Mark Greg...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Teen Anxiety
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives deep into the challenge of teen anxiety, sparked by a heartfelt question from a brave high school senior nam...
Why Are Teens Struggling With Real Connections?
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Modern teens may seem endlessly connected through social media, but these aren't the deep connections that matter. True connection requires meanin...
What Motivates Your Child’s Choices?
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Teens might mask their pain with anger, humor or avoidance. Often, their seemingly rebellious acts are cries for help and understanding — but it'...
Teen Stories: The Struggle for Control and Freedom
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Behind every addiction lies a root cause — for many of our teens, drugs offer an "escape" or a way to feel like they're taking back cont...
When Your Teen Won’t Leave the Nest
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have an older teen who seems WAY too comfortable at home? Not every teen needs to move out at 18, but they should be looking ahead to the futur...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Discipline, Deception and Developing Independence
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers a range of questions sent in by parents seeking biblical wisdom and actionable strategies in regard to ra...
Understanding the Impact of Divorce on Teens
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When parents separate, kids suffer. It may seem obvious, but we often underestimate the depth of that suffering. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston a...
Are Your Expectations Pushing Your Teen Away?
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our teens are wrestling with the pressures of their world. They don't need more “you should do this” lectures — they need your listening ear...
Teen Stories: Why Open Communication Is Important
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Assuming we know all the challenges in our teens' lives can be a big mistake — many teens WANT to talk to their parents, but don't feel like...
Instilling Competence, Compassion and Self-Control in Teens
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What do you REALLY want for your kids? It’s about more than clean rooms and not driving fast. As parents, we should also be focused on helping them ...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Loving Teens Through Challenges and Changes
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston discusses the critical balance between loving your child unconditionally while setting firm boundaries, the import...
Embracing Your Role as a Grandparent
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder what kind of legacy you'll leave for your grandchildren? It should run deeper than pie recipes and family traditions; It's about t...
Is It Time for a Fresh Perspective?
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Teens hear people's opinions all day long, but what they truly need is your perspective, shaped by the lessons you've learned throughout your ...
Teen Stories: Silently Struggling
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No matter how happy or outgoing a teen may seem, appearances aren't everything. It's important to recognize the signs of a teen who's quie...
Tips for Correcting Your Teen (Without the Drama)
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Struggling with giving effective feedback to your teen without causing friction at home? In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle ...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Handling a Troubled Teen
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses some tough questions posed by a parent dealing with a 15-year-old son facing numerous behavioral and emo...
Creating Healthy Boundaries
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Parenting isn't just about setting rules; it's about defining the limits that help parents and teens understand who they are, what they stand ...
Rewiring Childhood: Understanding the Impact of Smartphones
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you noticed your teen glued to their phone screen for hours? You're definitely not alone. In today's show, Mark looks at the profound eff...
Teen Stories: From Rock Bottom to Redemption
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many of the teens at Heartlight arrive after hitting the lowest point in their lives — but it's only at that point when they accept that somethi...
Building Responsibility in Tweens
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our approach to parenting must shift as our kids’ world changes — which means we have to recognize the complex issues our pre-teens are being face...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Identity, Independence and Influence
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough questions and real-life scenarios sent in by concerned parents. Topics range from addressing LGBTQ m...
Do You Need to Reevaluate Your Parenting Strategies?
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever find yourself questioning whether your current parenting tactics are effective? On today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd cha...
Teaching Teens to Respect Authority in Today's World
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Teens live in a world bombarded by celebrity scandals and news about flawed leaders, which often means they easily lose respect for authority figures....
Teen Stories: Digital Detox
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's teens have grown up with instant access to the internet, social media and the ability to talk to their friends whenever they want. It can ...
Turning Everyday Moments Into Meaningful Connections
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It often feels like we're all running 100 miles an hour, juggling work, errands and life. But in the rush, we might miss the chance to connect wit...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Building Strong Families
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses listener questions on navigating difficult family dynamics. He offers valuable insights on improving rel...
Parenting a Prodigal
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Even in the most devout Christian homes, teens can sometimes lose their way. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd open up about the ...
Connecting Over Correcting
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Correction may change behavior temporarily, but it's the connection you have with your teen that changes their heart in the long run. In today'...
Teen Stories: Alone in the World
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Loneliness hurts at any age. For our teens, who long to be accepted and feel like they belong, that pain can be enough to make them feel hopeless. In ...
Figuring Out Teen Triggers
03 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever wonder what lies behind the confusing behavior of teens? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into the complex world of...