Wisdom isn't just about age — it's about tapping into our experiences and sharing them meaningfully. You've got stories worth telling and lessons worth sharing, but you need to make them relevant to the world your teen lives in. In this episode, Mark explores the timeless task of imparting wisdom to our teens without alienation or judgment. He shares reflections on his own teen years that debunk the notion that the past was better, urging parents to connect with teens rather than criticize. Tune in now!

For more on this topic, check out "Raising Teens in a Contrary Culture." Order your copy today at bit.ly/contrary-culture

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

When teens struggle with perfectionism or low self-esteem, social media can seem like an easy way to get validation — but unfortunately, it often makes the problem worse. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies from Heartlight, including Carly, who opens up about the repercussions of bullying on her self-esteem. She reflects on rebelling against her parents and getting obsessed with her phone, seeking the opinions and approval of others on social media. Tune in to these insightful interviews!

Is Heartlight the answer for your struggling teen? Learn more about the program at heartlightministries.org

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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, including those related to sexuality and relationships. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd address the challenging topic of maintaining teen purity amidst a culture saturated with messages of sexual promiscuity. They encourage parents to engage with their teens about this issue openly to protect and prepare them for healthier, happier relationships. Listen in now!

For more practical advice on helping your teens navigate these issues, check out our eBook, "Teens and Dating." Download it at bit.ly/teens-and-dating

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough conversations that can leave any parent feeling lost. Whether it's the struggle to converse with a defiant teen, the heartache of a mother discovering her son viewing porn or the desire to stay connected with a grown-up daughter living with her boyfriend, he offers empathy, realistic advice and encouragement. If you’re a parent who is earnestly trying to bridge gaps and build a stronger bond with your teen, listen now!

Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Helicopter parenting, while well-intentioned, can hinder our teenagers from developing the necessary skills to succeed in the real world. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the pitfalls of over-protecting our kids, and the challenges of letting go. They emphasize the importance of entrusting teens with choices, managing the consequences of those choices effectively and celebrating their strides towards independence. Tune in now!

For more inspiration and encouragement, check out Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," at dailyhopeforfamilies.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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 attentiveness to the little things. Through the lens of 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Mark shares anecdotes of his own journey in today's show, highlighting the valuable lessons he absorbed from mentors who chose to foster hope over criticism. He explains how the nurturing presence and wise words of role models helped shape his values and calling. Listen in!

For more on connecting with your kids, check out our free "Bridging the Gap With Your Teen" e-course. Enroll now at bit.ly/bridging-the-gap-course

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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 or projecting anger, there's always motivation behind the behavior. In today's show, Mark is joined by two young women from Heartlight who share the struggles they were going through before arriving at the boarding school. For Elizabeth, a tumultuous journey of broken trust and a desperate search for acceptance led to rule-breaking behaviors. Don't miss these interviews!

To learn more about the Heartlight program, go to heartlightministries.org

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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 knowledge — and its misinformation — through the internet. Open discussions with your kids matter more than ever, and that's what Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss in today's show. They emphasize the importance of encouraging open dialogue on sensitive topics and the dangers of letting silence build walls between parents and teens. Check it out!

If you're a grandparent interested in learning to better connect with the teens in your life, check out the "Leaving a Legacy of Hope" e-course. Enroll today at bit.ly/legacy-ecourse

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the toughest challenges facing parents, including managing a child's disrespect, addressing a teen's anxiety about activities and fostering open communication during family outings. Mark provides pragmatic advice for dealing with the delicate dynamics of a mother caught between a daughter and an angry father, as well as strategies for curtailing persistent disrespectful behavior without exacerbating tension. Listeners will also discover engaging questions to ask their teens on casual outings that can lead to meaningful conversations and deeper connections. With his heartfelt and experienced guidance, Mark equips parents with the tools to strengthen their relationships with their teens and navigate the rocky road of adolescence with grace and understanding. Tune in today!

Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd in this enlightening episode as they explore the typical stress responses exhibited by adolescents: fight, flight or freeze. The discussion delves into the underlying reasons for teens' outbursts of anger, their tendency to withdraw or run away, and the concerning signs of depression that can lead to seeking escape through unhealthy means. The hosts examine real-life scenarios provided by listener emails, offering valuable insights and practical advice on setting boundaries, understanding the need for coping mechanisms like gaming, and addressing the critical importance of seeking professional help when needed. This episode promises to empower parents with the tools to compassionately and effectively support their teens through the challenging dynamics of growing up in today's world. Listen in!

For more inspiration and encouragement, check out Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," at dailyhopeforfamilies.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In this insightful episode, Mark Gregston ventures into the vital topic of teaching responsibility to adolescents, drawing upon Galatians 6:5 as a grounding principle. He shares a cautionary tale about a young lady named Rachel, whose over-involved parent ultimately hindered her ability to cope with adult challenges. Mark emphasizes the significance of the adolescent period as a critical time for parents to shift from protecting and providing to preparing their teens for the realities of adulthood. He encourages parents to find the delicate balance between being overbearing and hands-off, prompting a reflection on how best to guide their teens in becoming self-reliant, responsible individuals ready to bear their own load in life. Don't miss this important message to all parents!

For more support on your parenting journey, check out our online store! Visit parentingtodaysteens.org/shop to browse all our resources.

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In this episode, Mark Gregston engages in heartfelt conversations with Amber and Maggie, two Heartlight teens. Mark delves into the intricate webs of defiance, loss and the search for acceptance that led these young individuals to residential treatment. Amber shares her struggle with anger stemming from childhood revelations about her adoption and subsequent life events, such as the death of loved ones. Maggie recounts her journey toward healing from substance abuse and disrespect that was fueled by a deep sense of pain and a desire for control. Both stories underscore their ongoing processes of reconciliation with their families and finding peace within themselves. Don't miss this compelling conversation!

Visit heartlightministries.org to learn more about how the Heartlight residential program helps teens and their families.

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In this episode, hosts Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd address the vital yet often challenging task of cultivating healthy relationships with teens. Exploring the delicate balance between correction and connection, Mark emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and responsibility as foundations for a lasting parental bond. With a focus on communication, setting clear expectations and consistent parenting, Mark and Wayne provide listeners with actionable strategies to create an environment where teens can thrive and relationships can endure the tumultuous teen years. Be sure to tune in!

For more on building healthy expectations within your family, check out "Developing Rules and Consequences." Order your copy at bit.ly/developing-rules

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In today's episode, Mark Gregston addresses a range of pressing questions submitted by parents. He offers deep insights into understanding the root causes of inappropriate behavior and the balance between setting boundaries and understanding your teen's underlying struggles. Mark addresses concerns about gender identity, the influence of social media on teens, consequences for skipping class, handling highly sexual content in romance novels and more — tune in now!

Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Have you ever felt like you've been "fired" by your teenager? Parents often feel devastated when their teen pushes them away, making them feel unwanted and unneeded. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into the underlying issues causing this rejection and explore how parents might unintentionally trigger these responses. They offer encouragement, highlighting how being dismissed by your child can serve as an opportunity for both personal growth and a turning point in the relationship. Tune in now!

For more inspiration and encouragement, check out Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," at dailyhopeforfamilies.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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 and establishing a place of safety and rest for your teen. In today's episode, Mark shares insights on the importance of effective communication and the art of listening when navigating challenging conversations with teens. Drawing from his personal experiences, Mark emphasizes the value of creating a space for teens to express themselves, even when their views may differ from yours. Tune in!

For more on creating healthy structure in your family, check out "Developing Rules and Consequences" at bit.ly/developing-rules

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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 episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who have experienced struggles with drug addiction and anger management. For Ethan, deep-seated anger started at a young age, and he struggled to handle his emotions. He opens up about his journey to manage his anger and pride, and shares why addressing these things early on is crucial. Check it out!

For more information about the Heartlight residential program, visit heartlightministries.org

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Teenagers expressing disinterest in going to church can cause loads of inner turmoil for parents — but these are conversations that can help you better understand your teen's heart. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd address the importance of approaching the situation with understanding and openness, asking thoughtful questions to uncover the root of the reluctance. They also emphasize the need for parents to foster an environment where their teens can question and grow in their own faith and spiritual journeys. This is a great topic, so listen in!

To browse all of our parenting resources, check out our online store! Go to parentingtodaysteens.org/shop

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

In today's episode, Mark Gregston tackles a wide variety of your questions. From fashion dilemmas and dealing with loss to understanding sexual orientation and handling the influence of today's entertainment on family values, Mark's parenting trinity remains the key to success. Even when you're at odds with your teen's choices, these principles — love, respect and open communication — hold true. Listen now!

Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore how sidestepping conflict can harm the parent-teen dynamic by heightening tension and stress, creating emotional distance and limiting the depth of the relationship. They provide practical guidance for parents who are ready to face conflict head-on, emphasizing the importance of scheduling dedicated discussions and modeling healthy conflict resolution. Don’t miss out — tune in now!

For more inspiration and encouragement, check out Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," at dailyhopeforfamilies.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org