Parenting Today's Teens

I Mustache Mark a Question: The Journey to Adulthood

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Guiding our older teens toward independence, while rewarding, is a challenge. In this week’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents w...

Wisdom vs. Information

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our teens live in the age of information, and are downright overwhelmed by it! In a sea of opinions, our kids need wisdom as a steadfast anchor — bu...

Loss Isn't Always Visible

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Some losses in our teens' lives are obvious, like the death of a parent, a best friend moving away or their family splitting up. But some aren&#39...

Teen Stories: Grief's Impact on Behavior

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When a parent passes away, everyone in the family is impacted — but it's often hard for each to see beyond their own grief. For teens in this si...

The Three Most Important Things in the Teen Years

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How you cultivate a relationship with your child in their teen years will likely also define the relationship you have with them as adults. But what a...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Specks and Planks

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Mark Gregston delves into the transformative power of self-reflection in parenting. If you're yearning for a change in you...

The Relationship Factor

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The underlying problem of most behavioral issues in teens is a weak relationship with their parents. If we are too busy for our kids, they will fill t...

Does Time Truly Heal All Wounds?

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When people suffer trauma, abuse or cruel words in their childhood, it can leave a permanent sense of loss in their lives. Sometimes, they may not eve...

Teen Stories: Why Real Relationships Matter

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it's with their parents or with friends, teens need genuine, deep relationships in their lives. Unfortunately, the culture we live in can ...

12 Ways to Shift Your Parenting Style

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to move from a teaching model to a training model in your parenting, there are some essential shifts you'll need to make. Continuing t...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Navigating Intervention

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston in this week's episode as he addresses crucial questions from parents about knowing when and when not to intervene in their tee...

Surviving the Age of Anxiety

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's fast-paced and uncertain world, teen anxiety has become a growing concern affecting more than 1 in 20 children between the ages of 6-17...

What's the Real Reason for Your Child's Anger?

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Anger in teens can come from feeling judged, shamed or ultimately, not getting something they wanted. However, many parents simply address the surface...

Teen Stories: Temporary Escapes

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Many teens who struggle with mental illness try to escape the depression or anxiety they feel every day by turning to drugs, bad relationships or isol...

Fighting Selfishness in Our Teens (and Ourselves)

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The "me first" attitude is all around us in culture, and our teens are affected by it perhaps more than any other group. In order to combat te...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Encouraging Independence

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who want to know how to best motivate and support their teens across the finish...

Out With the Old, In With the New

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have the tendency to parent the way that we were parented, but today’s culture has its own unique challenges that cannot be faced with an old sch...

Little Conversations Make a Big Difference

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to one day have critical, important conversations with your teen, you need to invest time in the little, inconsequential chats now. Showin...

Teen Stories: Losing Control

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Most teens want to be in control of their own lives, but when they try to take the reins by force, it can lead to ongoing conflict with their families...

How to Discipline With Kindness

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's obvious the types of discipline many parents experienced when they were growing up do NOT work on teens today. So, what does? In this episode...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Finding the Middle Ground

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Over involved parents run the risk of losing their teens, but under involved parents risk having to watch their teens lose themselves. In this week’...

The Path Home

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When our teens veer off course and struggle to find their way back, it is our responsibility as parents to guide them home. In today’s episode, Mark...

Parents, Do You Reflect or Deflect?

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to have a stronger relationship with your teen, the first step is reflecting on the one person whose actions you can truly control: yourse...

Teen Stories: The Burden of Loss

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Loss can take many forms, and impact teens in many different ways. Oftentimes, the pain they carry inside can shape their everyday behavior. In today&...

Diffusing an Anger Explosion

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When conflict gets out of control at home, do you know how to de-escalate the situation? Or do you and your teen find yourselves stuck in a shouting m...

I Mustache Mark a Question: The Why

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All behavior is goal-oriented ... the key to getting through to your teen is understanding what motivates their poor choices. In this week’s episode...

Do Teens Deserve Privacy?

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Parenting in the digital age comes with its own set of challenges, one of the biggest concerns being teenage privacy. How are you to find the balance ...

Look Behind Your Teen's Anger

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If your teen throws a fit whenever you ask them to come home at curfew or to dress more appropriately, it can be incredibly frustrating. But do you ev...

Teen Stories: The Bumpy Road to Healing

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When teens live in a house where there's a lot of conflict, wanting to get away from it comes as a pretty natural response. Whether that's thr...

Defining Privileges and Expectations

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to creating expectations for a teen's behavior, being too strict OR giving too much leeway can both backfire. So, how do you find th...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Family Dynamics

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Parenting takes on a new level of complexity when traditional family structures are disrupted. Disruptions can occur due to things like divorce, the l...

Portrait of a Sheltered Teen

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Any good parent wants the best for their child, but beware: Overprotection leads to under-preparedness. If your kid is hidden away, they will never ex...

Are You Building a Relationship That Lasts?

12 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's great if you can get your teen to keep their room clean or always turn in their homework on time ... but at the end of the day, that's no...

Teen Stories: Taking Responsibility

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When teens are acting out of hurt or desperation, they may try to cope by deflecting responsibility for poor choices onto anyone but themselves. But e...

An Appearance-Driven World

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The social media world where many of our teens spend their time is primarily focused on appearances — not real connections. Kids will do almost anyt...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Foolishness

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You are just as much tied to the hardships brought on by your child as they are. As a parent, it’s your job to develop your teen's foolishness i...

Out With the Old, in With the New

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As kids mature, their needs evolve, calling for different parenting styles. If you don’t adapt your approach in order to meet your teen where they a...

Why Teens Need Your Wisdom More Than Ever

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our teens walk around all day with access to any information they could possibly want in the palm of their hands. However, they need WISDOM to know wh...

Teen Stories: Numbing Grief

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When you're walking through a season of grief or healing from trauma, being alone can be incredibly hard — and for many teens, numbing their pai...

Approaching Internet Safety With Wisdom

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The digital world our teens live in continues to change and develop every single day, and while it offers great ways for kids to communicate with thei...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Imperfect Role Models

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As children become teenagers, their thinking switches from concrete to abstract. While exploring the world they come to find that it’s not as perfec...

Constructive Correction

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not IF your teen makes a mistake, but rather a matter of WHEN. How we, as parents, choose to respond in those moments significantly impacts our...

It's Time to Start Trusting

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Trusting teens is tough — but if you want your child to learn how to make wise decisions on their own, you have to start transferring control to the...

Teen Stories: Why Can't We Just Get Along?

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you have a teenager, you're bound to get into arguments with them from time to time — it happens! But when the conflict turns into an ongoing...

Teens and Dating: Overcontrolling Guys

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Teenage dating relationships come with a fair share of ups and downs, but as a parent, it's important for you to know when to step in if things ar...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Building Bridges

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

No man is an island — but what about teens? In this episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who want to know how to go about building...

Now What? — When All Tactics Have Failed

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever found yourself knee-deep in parenting books and podcasts only to have your best efforts fall flat? When it seems like all attempts to tr...

Recovering From Perfectionism

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Many parents spend their child's younger years telling them everything they're doing right but spend their teen years telling them everything ...

Teen Stories: Making the Most of It

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Some teens arrive at Heartlight feeling prepared and knowing what to expect, while others didn't know they were coming to the boarding school unti...

Are You Missing Opportunities With Your Teen?

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Life can be full of obligations and packed schedules — we've all been there! But in our busyness, parents can often miss the best opportunities ...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Freedom and Consequences

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who are seeking out the cure for disrespectful and immature teens. From letting natural ...

Understanding Self-Harm in Teens

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The unfortunate reality of self-harm is that it is becoming increasingly prevalent in our culture today. From relieving stress and depression to creat...

How Pain Changes Us

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you've stubbed your toe or had your heart broken, pain changes you — short term AND long term. So, when your teen is acting out or begin...

Teen Stories: How Far We've Come

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When teens first arrive at Heartlight, many of them struggle with anger, frustration or take the "fake it 'til you make it" approach to th...

Six Ways to Raise Independent Adolescents

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Your child will only grow and mature into independence if you encourage and enable them to do it. They've got to flex those decision-making muscle...

I Mustache Mark a Question: The Right Path

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, join Mark Gregston as he tackles the pressing concerns of parents seeking guidance on how to guide their teenagers in the righ...

Hopeless Teens and Suicide

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to shine a light on the alarming trend of hopelessness among teenagers and the heartbreaking reality of suicide. Kids today live in an inc...

Sharing Wisdom With Your Kids

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the biggest challenges you will likely face as a parent is figuring out how to pass down wisdom to your teens in a way that is applicable to to...

Teen Stories: Fighting Alone

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever felt isolated or misunderstood? It's a lonely place to be. And for some teens in this position, the only thing they know to do is is...

Do You Have a Selfish Teen?

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have a selfishness epidemic among our teens, and, unfortunately, parents probably play a role in it. If you're not careful, provision can quick...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Parental Intervention

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston in this episode as he tackles the challenges faced by parents when it comes to determining their level of involvement in their teen...

Why Is My Teen So Angry?

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The adolescent years are characterized by rapid changes, emotional upheavals and a quest for independence. As parents, we find ourselves grappling wit...

Why Mentorship Matters

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Your words can have a profound influence on the impressionable minds of adolescents and young adults. In this episode, Mark reshares his devotional hi...

Teen Stories: Trying to Escape Our Problems

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it's drugs, video games or social media, teens often get engulfed in things they see as an escape from the problems of everyday life. But ...

Let's Talk Video Games

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Many teens are crazy about video games, and that's not always a bad thing, but it's important for parents to uphold some rules and expectation...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Teen Autonomy

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who are aiming to foster independence, nurture faith and navigate the influence of ...

Is There Still Hope for My Kid?

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The majority of people overestimate the effects of their parenting and underestimate the influence of the culture. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston...

Raising a Responsible Teen

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The high school years are important for many reasons, but a huge one is that this time is the primary season to be preparing your teen to be a respons...

Teen Stories: Finding Strength in Vulnerability

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Many teens — and adults — struggle with opening up and sharing their hearts and struggles with others. Vulnerability can be scary, but very benefi...

Becoming a Trainer — Not a Teacher

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Teens today don't need their parents to just share more information with them — they have all the information they could need in the palm of the...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Adult Kids

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston advises a parent questioning how to set boundaries with her son now that he’s 18. Which rules can become flexibl...

Encouragement for Emotionally Drained Parents

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel like you're constantly running on empty as the parent of a troubled teen? Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd on today’s episode a...

How Great Is Your Impact?

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Adolescents and young adults soak up comments and info like a sponge, so never underestimate the power your words — positive OR negative — can hol...

Teen Stories: A Cry for Help

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If a teen gets to a point where they feel like their life doesn't have a clear purpose and no one is there to listen to them, they can arrive at a...

Five Ways to Connect With Your Teen Grandchildren

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a grandparent, maintaining a close relationship with your teen grandkids can be a truly wonderful thing — for you AND them! But someti...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Effective Communication

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston in this episode as he shares valuable insights on how parents can be present in their children's lives without being overbearin...

Building Character in Your Teen

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Teens don’t just wake up one morning full of maturity, good character and strong values — it’s our job as parents to sow and cultivate those see...

Are You Ready to Go Beyond the Small Talk?

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Asking good questions has a special way of creating real connections between people — it shows you're genuinely interested in their lives. The s...

Teen Stories: Kicking Addiction

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it's due to the impact of trauma or a battle with mental health, plenty of teens turn to drugs thinking they'll find a temporary escap...

Why You Need Clear Rules and Boundaries

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Making sure your teen understands their role and what is — and is not — expected of them can help your entire home run smoother. Have you taken th...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Restoring Trust

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who are exhausted and downright hurt by their teen’s constant lying. He explains ...

Navigating Privacy in the Digital Age

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The internet isn’t just a way for your kid to reach out into the world, it’s also a way for the world to reach into your home. The need to monitor...

Does Your Love Come With Conditions?

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's great to want and encourage your teen to perform well in school, work, sports and more, but if they fail, do they feel like they'll lose ...

Teen Stories: Behind a Happy Face

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's not uncommon for hurting teens to develop methods of masking their pain from others — which means that even the happiest and bubbliest kids...

Intentionality Is the Key to Grandparenting

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The role of a grandparent in the life of a teen can be a very special one indeed — if they're willing to intentionally maintain the relationship...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Screentime

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from mothers who want to know how to get their daughters off of their phones and out into the re...

The Purpose of Pain

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A parent’s role is not to eliminate the pain in their child’s life, but to prepare them for the real world. Teens will choose their inappropriate ...

Helping Your Child Navigate a Negative Culture

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There seems to be no end to the negativity in today's culture — teens are exposed to it through the news, their peers and social media every sin...

Teen Stories: How Porn Impacts Young Minds

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Because of the internet and social media, today's teens have easier access to pornography than ever before. But do they realize the negative impac...

Battling the Busyness

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In order to have a close relationship with your teen, you have to know what's going on in their world — and to do that, you need to make time fo...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Growing Pains

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

No one is ever fully prepared to be a parent; just when you think you’re getting the hang of it, everything changes. Like it or not, you should be g...

Why Doesn’t My Teen Listen to My Advice?

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part of our job as parents is to find a way to effectively pass our wisdom on to the next generation. In today’s world, however, kids have an overwh...

Through the Lens of Legacy

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How do you want your kids to remember you? What about your grandchildren? It's important to keep in mind that the relationship you build with your...

Teen Stories: Understanding the Impact of Drugs

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the cases of many teens who get into drugs at a young age, hindsight is definitely 20/20. Looking back, they often regret doing drugs in the first ...

Seven Ways to Argue Effectively

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There's no doubt about it, most teens love to argue. But the good news is that there ARE ways to have these difficult discussions with your teens ...

I Mustache Mark a Question: When to Hold Your Tongue

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Parents have spent their lives acquiring wisdom, and any good parent has the desire to share their valuable lessons with their kids — but is there s...

Balancing Rules and Relationships

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The purpose of rules and consequences is to guide teens to where they want to go and to keep them from where they don’t want to end up. They do not ...

What's Driving Your Child's Behavior?

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Both good and bad behaviors always have motivations behind them, and as a parent, it's your job to try to understand what's driving your teen ...

Teen Stories: Unexpected Connections

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When many teens arrive at Heartlight, they're apprehensive about making new friends with other kids who come from very different backgrounds and l...

Teens Want to Be Prepared, Not Protected

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes down to it, you can't protect your teen from everything — as much as you might like to! In order to be ready for adulthood, teens ...