Parenting Today's Teens
Episodes
I Mustache Mark a Question: Communication, Connection and Conflict Resolution
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark shares practical advice and conversation starters that help parents tackle pressing issues such as friendships, internet us...
Instilling and Validating Value in Your Teen
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's not enough to just love your child; they need to feel valued by you. When teens don't believe they’re valued, they often seek validatio...
Why Listening Is the Ultimate Parenting Superpower
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Listening is more than just hearing words — it’s about understanding the heart behind them. As a parent, active listening can transform your relat...
Teen Stories: Reclaiming Self-Worth
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Developing a sense of identity as a teen is already a tough job, but when the heaviness of depression sets in, their self-worth can completely plummet...
Is Your Teen Going to Extremes?
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From bizarre trends to dangerous challenges, the digital age bombards teens with harmful ideas. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd ...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Social Exclusion, Sibling Rivalry and Setting Boundaries
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your toughest questions. From dealing with social exclusion and sibling rivalries to initiating di...
Connection Through Correction
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As a parent, you need to check your ego at the door. When your teen makes a mistake, it's not an opportunity to showcase your authority, but rathe...
Finding Balance in Our Expectations
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As parents, we love our children deeply, and naturally, we want the best for them. But, our expectations can sometimes convey a pursuit of perfection,...
Teen Stories: When Depression Takes Hold
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the overwhelming, high-pressure culture we live in, more teens than ever are dealing with depression. It's sometimes hard for parents to see wh...
More Than Meets the Eye: Unpacking Bad Behavior
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to understand your teen's behavior? You're not alone. Many parents only see the "fruit" (behavior) without recogniz...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Self-Worth, Substance Use and Secret Lives
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions sent in by parents, addressing concerns such as an adopted teen dismissing consequences and a da...
What Teens Wish Parents Knew
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fostering open communication in families is crucial. As parents, our role includes creating spaces where our kids feel safe and heard. In today’s ep...
What Will You Be Remembered For?
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Legacy isn't about big achievements — it's about the emotional and spiritual support you provide to your family that resonates through gener...
Teen Stories: The Roots of Rebellion
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For some teens, rebellion might be a way of testing limits with their parents, but oftentimes, there's something deeper going on behind the scenes...
Letting Go Gracefully: Tips on Raising Independent Teens
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hearing your teen say, "I can do this on my own!" can be conflicting. While it might feel like rebellion or them pushing you away, it's us...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Online Safety, Delayed Maturity and Sensitive Teen Topics
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Parenting has always been challenging, but today's teens encounter unique emotional and developmental hurdles shaped by societal shifts and the in...
Bridging the Gap: Effective Communication Strategies with Teens
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to connect with your teenager in a world crowded with texts, social media and generational gaps? In today’s episode, Mark Gregsto...
Guiding Teens Through Their Darkest Times
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Parenting is never straightforward, especially when you're thrown curveballs you never saw coming. In today's episode, we’re diving into the...
Teen Stories: Managing Mental Health
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So many teens today are battling anxiety and depression, leaving them vulnerable to self-destructive coping mechanisms. As shown by the impactful inte...
Finding Hope in the Chaos
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Conflict with our teens isn't just a challenge — it’s an opportunity for growth and learning. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne She...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Intimacy, Influence and Interfaith Relationships
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions sent in by parents navigating the turbulent waters of teen romance. Tune in as he discusses toug...
Why Do Teens Lie?
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our kids are navigating through a reality shaded by social media and cultural pressures, where lying seems all too common. In today’s episode, Mark ...
Sharing Wisdom in Your Teen's World
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Wisdom isn't just about age — it's about tapping into our experiences and sharing them meaningfully. You've got stories worth telling an...
Teen Stories: Craving Validation
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When teens struggle with perfectionism or low self-esteem, social media can seem like an easy way to get validation — but unfortunately, it often ma...
Protecting Purity: Approaching the Conversation With Wisdom
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Each stage of parenting presents its own challenges, and arguably, none are as daunting as the teen years, a time when kids encounter complex issues, ...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Pornography, Power Struggles and Parental Influence
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough conversations that can leave any parent feeling lost. Whether it's the struggle to converse with...
Balancing Protection and Autonomy
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Helicopter parenting, while well-intentioned, can hinder our teenagers from developing the necessary skills to succeed in the real world. In today’s...
Big Impacts from Small Talk
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Embracing the mundane, everyday moments with teens opens doors to deeper conversations. One of the best ways to show your child they matter is through...
Teen Stories: What's Behind Bad Choices?
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Teens make poor decisions for a lot of different reasons, but it's usually not just to be rebellious. Whether it's loneliness, a cry for love ...
When Silence Builds Walls
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kids today are bombarded with info in ways previous generations never were. Imagine being a teen now, with nearly unlimited access to the world's ...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Managing and Responding to Teen Attitude
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the toughest challenges facing parents, including managing a child's disrespect, addressing a teen&...
Navigating Teen Responses to Stress: Fight, Flight or Freeze
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd in this enlightening episode as they explore the typical stress responses exhibited by adolescents: fight, fligh...
The Risks of Overparenting: Preparing Teens for the Real World
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode, Mark Gregston ventures into the vital topic of teaching responsibility to adolescents, drawing upon Galatians 6:5 as a gro...
Teen Stories: Navigating Loss, Adoption and Rebellious Behavior
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston engages in heartfelt conversations with Amber and Maggie, two Heartlight teens. Mark delves into the intricate webs of ...
Beyond Correction: Building Loving Bonds with Your Teen
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd address the vital yet often challenging task of cultivating healthy relationships with teens. ...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Gender Identity, Social Media and Romance Novels
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Mark Gregston addresses a range of pressing questions submitted by parents. He offers deep insights into understanding the roo...
The Unexpected Rejection
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt like you've been "fired" by your teenager? Parents often feel devastated when their teen pushes them away, making them ...
Communicating With Compassion
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Being a parent to teens means learning when to speak, hush or walk away. It's not about winning an argument — it's about deepening the bond ...
Teen Stories: A Path to Peace
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Plenty of teens deal with anger, but if the root of it is never addressed, that anger can create much larger problems in their lives. In today's e...
Navigating the "I Don't Want to Go to Church" Conversation
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Teenagers expressing disinterest in going to church can cause loads of inner turmoil for parents — but these are conversations that can help you bet...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Love, Loss and Lifestyle Choices
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Mark Gregston tackles a wide variety of your questions. From fashion dilemmas and dealing with loss to understanding sexual or...
“The Cost of Conflict Avoidance”
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While it may initially seem like the more peaceful path, avoiding conflict with your teenager only leads to greater relational damage in the long run....
Life Lessons from a Near-Drowning Experience
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Mark shares a deeply personal and harrowing experience that serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges and unexpected twi...
Teen Stories: Seeking Belonging
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adoption is a beautiful thing, but as adopted kids get older, they can face unique challenges — many of them related to feeling abandoned or like th...
Teens and Faith: Figuring It Out Together
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's fast-paced world, it's not uncommon for teens to challenge and even stray from their long-held beliefs. This is an issue that many ...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Prioritizing Relationship Over Behavior
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston encourages parents not to lose heart when faced with a teen who is experimenting with substances. He highlights ho...
Embracing Brokenness: A Path to Healing for Parents and Teens
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When things are broken at home, life can seem hopeless. Whether you are a parent grappling with your own brokenness or seeking ways to support a strug...
Are You Nurturing Your Teen's Spirit?
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every conversation with our teens builds trust and lays the foundation for deeper, more meaningful discussions. As Mark explains in today's episod...
Teen Stories: Self-Sabotage
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So many of our teens today struggle with depression — and plenty of them aren't equipped with good coping mechanisms. Instead, they turn to beha...
Parent or Pal: Striking the Right Balance in Your Teen's Life
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you trying too hard to be your teen's friend? In today's episode of Parenting Today's Teens, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive int...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Lying, Loneliness and Love
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses pressing questions from parents, touching on everything from handling consequences for a 17-year-old'...
Recognizing and Healing Self-Harm in Teens
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Self-harm, particularly cutting, has become increasingly prevalent among teens, often serving as a coping mechanism for dealing with anxiety, frustrat...
Balancing Protection with Preparedness
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's always good to remember that our role as parents is not just to protect teens from pain, but to equip them with the resilience and understand...
Teen Stories: Growing Through Pain
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For kids who've gone through trauma and instability, finding — and keeping — a sense of control can feel incredibly important. But the need to...
Are You Missing the Meaningful Moments?
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As parents, we often get absorbed in our own activities and miss crucial moments with our teens. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Dating, Faith, Identity and Independence
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles pressing parental concerns head-on. From navigating teen dating and phone use to addressing sexual identit...
Should You Be Friends With Your Teen?
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to find the balance between friendship and parenting with your teen? Today’s parents often strive to have a close relationship wi...
Do You Have a Flexible Parenting Approach?
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As parents, we all want strong, positive relationships with our teens. But what happens when those relationships become strained? In this episode, Mar...
Teen Stories: Finding the Way Forward
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Trauma at any age can be devastating. For teens, who often haven't yet developed the coping skills they need to work through grief or bad experien...
What Every Parent Should Know About Navigating Social Media
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Parenting teens in the digital age comes with challenges no generation has seen before. We're all learning as we go! In this episode, Mark Gregsto...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Is Tough Love Still Unconditional Love?
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Your teen always needs to feel your love unconditionally, but sometimes, a tougher love is required. In today's episode, Mark Gregston addresses p...
Privacy vs. Protection in the Digital Realm
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As technology continues to evolve, it's crucial for parents to adapt right along with it. Balancing trust, privacy and safety in the online world ...
What Does Your Journey to Genuineness Look Like?
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The process of facing rejection and hurtful experiences can lead to a journey of genuineness and authenticity. As Mark explains in today's episode...
Teen Stories: When Technology Turns Harmful
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Social media and technology can be used in a lot of positive ways — but for teens, there are also a lot of ways it can hurt. In today's episode,...
Keeping Up With Your Teen
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's teens — and parents — seem busier than ever! In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the challenges of today&...
I Mustache Mark a Question: The Search for Connection and Identity
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles pressing questions sent in by parents as they navigate the complexities of raising teens in today's wo...
The Power of Pain
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As parents, it can be tough to watch our teens struggle. But if we want our children to grow in character and perseverance, we've got to resist th...
Navigating the Maze of Teen Struggles
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's show, Mark shares a personal devotional about the pursuit of peace in relationships and the importance of allowing relationships to sur...
Teen Stories: The Weight of Expectations
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The teenage years are full of pressures — big and small — everything from trying to do well on a test to figuring out your identity. In today'...
Building Trust with Teen Grandkids
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Building trust with grandchildren is all about deciding when to share your wisdom and perspective, and when to give them space to seek their own answe...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Reaching Your Teen's Heart
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who need guidance on everything from vaping and drinking to divorce and blended fam...
Building Character and Encouraging Integrity in Your Teen
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel like you're talking to a brick wall when you preach your values to your teen? You can recite them all day long, but it's the silen...
Letting Teens Take the Wheel
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How much do you trust your teen? For many parents, this can be a hard question to answer. But at some point, gradually letting go of control is the be...
Teen Stories: Turning Pain Into Progress
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As drug use is increasingly normalized among our teens, so many of them turn to self-medicating when they're hurting or lonely. Tragically, this c...
Preparing for Peer Pressure
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Peer pressure has been around for generations, it just manifests differently with today's teens than it used to. In today's show, Mark Gregsto...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Addressing Risky Teen Behavior
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston delves deep into listeners’ tough, but not uncommon, questions. From dealing with risky behaviors like vaping an...
Five Markers of a Healthy Relationship With Your Teen
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever stopped and thought about what really builds strong connections between people, especially your kids? Join hosts Mark Gregston and Wayne...
The Power of Perspective
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In order to effectively communicate wisdom to your teens, you need to know how to share your perspective AND see theirs! The viewpoints may look very ...
Teen Stories: Mending the Broken Pieces
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
High school is a tough time for many teens, full of different experiences and challenges — and sometimes bad influences. In today's episode, Mar...
Growing Up in a Changing World
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As parents, we want to protect our kids. But if you spend too much time trying to control your teen's world, you'll never have the chance to t...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Discouraging Grades, Divorce and Disturbing Media
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles pressing questions from parents about their teenagers' behavior and struggles. He shares valuable insights ...
Parenting Is Not for the Faint of Heart
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Feelings that aren't spoken out will be acted out. So, when actions speak louder than words, that’s your cue to dig a little deeper. In today’...
How Well Do You Understand Your Teen's World?
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our teens are growing up surrounded by a performance-driven, selfish culture. It leaves them overwhelmed and looking for real guidance — but you nee...
Teen Stories: Rebuilding Communication Lines
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When teens make poor choices or start spiraling, communication between kids and their parents often start shutting down, leading to more problems. In ...
Handling Teen Struggles Without Stressing Your Marriage
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you're married, you've probably experienced the difficulties of keeping a united front with your spouse when your teen is struggling. So ho...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Understanding Behavior and Setting Boundaries
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions submitted by parents about dealing with teens who don't seem to learn from consequences. He ...
Relationship First, Rules Second
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re relying on authority alone to get through to your teen, you won’t get very far. Kids are more likely to follow rules and accept conseque...
Keep Seeking Your Child's Heart
31 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You can do all the "right" things as a parent and still not understand the hopes and fears inside your child's heart unless you cultivate ...
Teen Stories: The Quest for Independence
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Teens rarely rebel at random. All behavior — even the rebellious kind — is goal-driven. As we hear in today's stories, sometimes teens act out...
Practical Parenting Tactics in a Me-Centric Culture
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does it sometimes seem like your teen expects the world to revolve around them? It's no secret — teens can be very selfish. So, what should you ...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Controversial Conversations
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As parents, it's essential to navigate tough conversations with teens while maintaining a deep relationship, even when faced with controversial is...
Is Your Love Conditional?
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Teens long to be loved unconditionally, especially when they deserve it the least. When kids feel that they'll lose love for making mistakes, they...
Building Bridges, Not Walls
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Being judgmental when your teen has made a mistake and needs help can build a wall between you that is hard to tear down. There's a time for conse...
Teen Stories: Why Family Support Matters
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Teens who are hurting may feel like the best thing to do is pull away and face their problems alone, but at the end of the day, having support from pa...
Tackling Teen Entitlement
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An entitled, demanding teen can be a nightmare. There are plenty of parents out there who feel this pain, but in today's episode, Mark Gregston an...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Guiding Teens with Grace
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Mark Gregston responds to questions from parents, offering advice on everything from navigating relationship complexities to g...
Discipline Without Shame
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How parents respond to their teens' mistakes and missteps plays a significant role in the length of time kids spend in darkness and the type of re...
Letting Go of Perfect Parenting
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you trapped in a cycle of trying to be a "perfect" parent? We all want to do the best we can for our kids — and have them do THEIR best ...
Teen Stories: Masking Emotions
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Almost everyone has found themselves bottling up their feelings at one point or another — but if that habit keeps up, the bottle is bound to burst. ...
Do You Know How to Parent With Grace?
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Extending grace to a teen who's acting out can be challenging, but responding to your teen's mistakes in a firm but gentle way can make a huge...