Parenting Today's Teens

When is the right time to give your child a cell phone? And how can you help them use it wisely? Mark and Wayne discuss practical strategies for preparing kids to navigate today's digital world with wisdom and discernment. Mark explains why training is more important than simply restricting, how healthy boundaries should evolve as children mature and why parents should focus on building internal conviction instead of relying solely on external controls. Tune in for practical guidance on helping your teen develop healthy technology habits while strengthening your relationship along the way.Find the grandparenting resource mentioned in today's episode at bit.ly/grandparenting-todays-teens

In this week's Q&A episode, Mark tackles topics like guiding a 16-year-old boy struggling with pornography, supporting a daughter diagnosed with depression and mood disorders after divorce, and responding when kids face unkindness at school. Mark also addresses what to do when your teen would rather play video games than connect with family. With a focus on building authentic relationships and engaging conversations, he offers strategies to encourage accountability, nurture emotional health and create alternatives that draw your teen closer to you.Have a question for Mark? Go to markgregston.com to send it in!

What should you do when your teen no longer wants to go to church? Mark and Wayne explore why many teenagers begin losing interest in church during adolescence, and why that doesn't necessarily mean they're walking away from Christ. Mark encourages parents to distinguish between a crisis of faith and a season of spiritual growth, offering practical wisdom on fostering meaningful conversations, giving teens age-appropriate ownership of their faith and responding with grace instead of fear.During the teen years, it’s crucial to begin allowing your teen to take responsibility for their own faith. Find out how at bit.ly/help-teens-own-their-faith

Years from now, what will your children remember most about you? Mark reflects on the legacy parents leave behind — not through money or possessions, but through meaningful experiences and intentional relationships. Sharing personal stories about family, gratitude and his own father, Mark encourages parents to invest in memories that shape hearts long after childhood ends. He offers practical ideas for creating traditions, strengthening family bonds and making the most of the time you have together. Tune in for an inspiring reminder that the greatest inheritance you can leave your children is a life filled with love, presence and unforgettable moments.Grandparents also have an incredible opportunity to invest in teens. Find inspiration to start leaving your teen grandchildren fond memories here: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/a-legacy-of-hope

For a lot of teens, the pressure to fit in can make them forget who they really are — and sometimes even push them toward choices they regret. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two young men at Heartlight who know what it’s like to struggle with rejection, wrestle with guilt and question their self-worth. They share how chasing acceptance from others led them down difficult paths, and how their time at Heartlight helped them realize the importance of building self-esteem. Tune in to hear how these teens are learning that true belonging starts with accepting themselves and allowing love into their lives.For more information on the Heartlight residential program, visit heartlightministries.org

Why do teens take risks they know could hurt them — and how should parents respond? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the motivations behind dangerous teen behavior, from reckless decisions to substance use and other high-risk activities. Mark shares practical guidance for setting healthy boundaries, enforcing meaningful consequences and staying relational while addressing harmful choices. He also explains why understanding the heart behind a teen's behavior is just as important as correcting the behavior itself. Tune in for biblical wisdom and practical tools to help your teen navigate risk while growing in responsibility and maturity.Underage drinking is one of the most common potentially dangerous behaviors your teens may take part in. Learn how to help them say no to alcohol: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/underaged-drinking-3

In today's episode, Mark tackles some tough questions sent in by a family raising a teen with complex behavioral and emotional struggles. Diving into these real-life challenges, Mark shares how to navigate risky behavior, set boundaries that actually work and find consequences that motivate change. He also addresses how to handle vulgarity and threats at home, when to seek new counseling options and what to do when it feels like nothing is making an impact. With practical advice and a relational approach, Mark offers hope and strategies for parents feeling overwhelmed with their struggling teens.Have a question for the show? We'd love to hear it. Go to markgregston.com today!

Why does your teen seem like one person at home and another at school? Mark and Wayne explore the inner conflict many adolescents experience as they try to reconcile the values they've been taught with the pressures of today's culture. Mark explains why this tension is a normal part of growing up, how parents can avoid pushing their teens away with shame or criticism, and why walking alongside them is far more effective than lecturing from a distance. Tune in for practical encouragement on helping your teen navigate life's competing influences while strengthening their faith, confidence and relationship with you.More than anything else, your teen needs an example of what it looks like to live out a godly life. Explore tips for teaching your teen about faith at parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/the-cross-and-your-teen

Are you quick to offer your opinion, or do you help your teen see life from a broader perspective? In this episode, Mark shares two personal stories that transformed the way he views life's disappointments and hardships. Through humor, loss and unexpected moments of gratitude, Mark explains why perspective often matters more than having the right answer. He also challenges parents to move beyond lectures and opinions, offering the kind of wisdom that helps teens navigate life's challenges with resilience, gratitude and hope. Tune in for an encouraging reminder that a change in perspective can change everything.Learn the art of sharing your perspective and more tips here: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/the-power-of-perspective-2

Every journey through the teenage years comes with some bumps in the road. In this episode, Mark welcomes two teens from Heartlight who open up about what happens when life feels overwhelming and mistakes start to pile up. From hiding pain behind risky choices to wrestling with family expectations and the fear of letting loved ones down, their stories are honest and incredibly relatable. Listen in to hear how, even after setbacks and false starts, these young women are finding their way — with a little help from second chances, family support and learning to forgive themselves.For more information on the Heartlight residential program, visit heartlightministries.org

Raising a son is about more than helping him grow up — it's about helping him become the man God created him to be. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the unique challenges and opportunities of parenting boys through the adolescent years. Mark explains why boys often communicate differently than girls, how healthy independence is a sign of growth and why responsibility, meaningful conversations and shared experiences are essential in shaping a young man's character. Tune in for practical encouragement on strengthening your relationship with your son and guiding him confidently from boyhood to manhood.For more on how dads can positively influence their teens, visit bit.ly/how-dads-can-build-strong-relationships

In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into the growing distance between grandparents and grandkids, offering advice for bridging the generational gap and fostering real connection. He also addresses the pain of strained relationships when kids pull away after divorce, sharing how parents can invite — not force — closeness while staying open to change themselves. Listeners will hear guidance on setting healthy boundaries with teens, especially when it comes to letting go as they become young adults. Finally, Mark talks through the difficult issue of teens who struggle with lying, providing tools for holding them accountable while encouraging honesty and growth.Stuck on a parenting problem? Ask Mark about it! Send in your questions at markgregston.com

Do you feel like every conversation with your teen ends in frustration — or silence? In this episode, Mark and Wayne share eight practical strategies for improving communication with today’s adolescents. From listening more and correcting less to asking better questions and avoiding judgment, Mark explains how small shifts in your approach can open the door to deeper conversations. He also addresses the role technology plays in family communication and challenges parents to model the kind of engagement they hope to see in their teens.Getting your teen to open up is great, but what happens when you hear something you don't want to? Learn how to respond here: bit.ly/when-you-hear-things-from-your-teen-that-will-shock-you

Every parent wants to protect their child from pain. But what if some of life's greatest lessons come through it? Mark shares a personal story that transformed the way he thinks about pain and parenting. He explains how emotional pain often drives unhealthy behaviors, why teens sometimes make destructive choices simply to find relief and how parents can avoid rescuing their children too quickly. Instead, he encourages families to see pain as an opportunity for growth, maturity and deeper dependence on God. Tune in for a fresh perspective on helping your teen grow stronger through life's inevitable challenges.In this article, Mark identifies the pain that may be driving your teen’s behavior, and shares practical steps for getting to the heart of the matter: bit.ly/dealing-with-the-hurt-behind-the-behavior

As marijuana becomes more accepted in today’s culture, many parents are wondering how to respond when their teen is exposed to it — or begins using it. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the growing prevalence of teen marijuana use and why the issue often runs deeper than the drug itself. Mark explains how anxiety, depression, peer pressure and the desire to escape emotional pain can drive substance use, and why parents should focus on the underlying struggle, not just the behavior. Tune in for practical guidance on approaching this difficult conversation with truth, wisdom and compassion.Learn signs your teen may be using marijuana and more here: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/teens-smoking-weed-2

In today's Q&A episode, Mark dives into topics like why teen boys are more image-conscious than ever, how to handle a 17-year-old reading inappropriate romance novels and what consequences make sense for a teen who’s skipping class. Mark also addresses concerns about a young adult son who’s become withdrawn after a strict, non-relational upbringing, as well as how to support a 14-year-old with sensory processing challenges. With his signature blend of empathy and practical advice, Mark walks listeners through balancing rules and relationship, digging deeper into what’s driving teen behavior and how to open the door to meaningful connection.Have a question for a future episode? Go to markgregston.com to send it in!

In a world that constantly says, “Look at me,” how can parents help teens develop humility, empathy and healthy relationships? Mark and Wayne discuss how social media, peer pressure, and today's culture can encourage self-centered attitudes and unhealthy comparisons. Mark offers advice for recognizing narcissistic tendencies, addressing hurtful online behavior and creating opportunities for teens to grow through responsibility, vulnerability and real-life experiences. He also explains why parents often have more influence when they listen more and lecture less. Listen in for practical insight on helping your teen develop confidence without self-absorption and relationships that go deeper than appearances.In his book, Tough Guys and Drama Queens, Mark unpacks the cultural influences that are affecting today’s teens and shares strategies to address them. Find that and related resources at parentingtodaysteens.org/shop

Who helped shape the person you are today? And who are you shaping for tomorrow? In this episode, Mark reflects on the mentors who profoundly influenced his life through simple conversations, thoughtful questions and timeless words of wisdom. Rather than relying on lectures or criticism, Mark encourages parents and grandparents to invest in consistent, encouraging relationships that build trust over time. He shares why listening, telling stories and offering perspective often leave a greater legacy than having all the right answers.Find more practical parenting tips and resources for most every situation you face with your teen at parentingtodaysteens.org

Every teen wants to feel valued and understood, but sometimes that search leads them into situations they would never have expected. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight who open up about their journeys — one who looked for affirmation through relationships, and another who drifted into substance use to cope with social anxiety and pain. Both found themselves hiding the truth from the people who loved them most, but at the core, they just wanted to be seen and heard. Tune in as they share how real change began with learning to be honest, accepting love and building a new sense of self-worth.Interested in learning more about Heartlight? Go to heartlightministries.org today!

Does it feel like your parental authority just isn’t having the same impact it once did? Mark and Wayne explore why today’s teens respond differently to authority than previous generations — and what parents can do instead. Mark explains why lasting influence comes through relationship, not intimidation, and offers practical insight on earning your teen’s respect while maintaining healthy boundaries and expectations. He also discusses common parenting habits that unintentionally undermine authority and create distance. Tune in for practical encouragement on leading your teen with confidence, wisdom and a relationship that invites them to listen.Understanding what’s really driving a teen’s behavior changes everything about how to respond. Find five ways to help a rebellious teen here: bit.ly/what-you-need-to-know-about-a-rebellious-teenMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

In today's Q&A episode, Mark tackles everything from navigating boundaries around technology use and school responsibilities to dealing with grief after the loss of a parent, and addressing concerns over modesty and gender identity. He also unpacks how to navigate rules about which movies teens can watch and offers perspective on keeping relationships first, even when core beliefs are challenged. With heartfelt stories and practical advice, Mark encourages parents to lead with love, set clear standards and find God's wisdom in the midst of a rapidly changing culture.We want to hear your parenting questions! Send them in at markgregston.com

What should you do when your teen begins questioning — or even walking away from — their faith? In this episode, Mark and Wayne offer hope and practical wisdom for parents navigating one of the most difficult seasons of raising a teen. They discuss why many young people struggle with faith, how today’s culture shapes their questions and why unconditional love often speaks louder than repeated arguments. Mark also encourages parents to trust the seeds they’ve planted while continuing to model a genuine, grace-filled relationship with Christ. Listen today!So how do we live out our faith in front of our teens? Learn more at bit.ly/christian-life-is-more-caught-than-taught

When you think of missions, do you picture a faraway country — or the people living just down the street? In this episode, Mark reflects on two life-changing experiences that reshaped his understanding of what it means to serve others. Through stories of a mission trip overseas and caring for his aging father-in-law, Mark challenges parents to recognize the opportunities God places right in front of them. He encourages families to look beyond grand gestures and embrace the everyday acts of love that can transform lives. Tune in for an inspiring reminder that your greatest mission field may be closer than you think.Sometimes, the main mission we're called to is in our own family. If you have a teen who is hard to love at times, Mark has some tips for you: bit.ly/when-loving-teens-isnt-easy

Every teen wants to feel seen and valued, but sometimes that search for acceptance gets tangled up in pain and self-doubt. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens who share honest stories of feeling left out, misunderstood and desperate to belong. Whether facing the scars of adoption, the ache of loss or the pressures to fit in, both guests reveal how their choices were shaped by a deep need to be loved. Tune in as they talk about everything they're learning on the journey to genuine self-worth and connection.Is Heartlight the answer for your struggling teen? Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more today.Mentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

Most parents try to avoid conflict with their teens. But what if avoiding it is actually making things worse? Mark and Wayne discuss why unresolved issues rarely disappear — and how addressing them with wisdom and grace can strengthen your relationship instead of damaging it. Mark shares strategies for navigating difficult conversations, choosing which battles matter most, and creating an environment where honesty can replace tension and resentment. Tune in for encouragement on handling conflict in a way that builds trust, deepens connection and helps your teen grow through life’s challenges.Get five tips on engaging in conflict that draws your family closer instead of tearing it apart here: bit.ly/Five-truths-behind-arguing-with-a-teen

In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles another batch of tough questions parents are facing with their teens today. He discusses how to respond if your teen is having suicidal thoughts, including when to take immediate action and how to access help. Other listener questions cover balancing boundaries and trust when your teen starts dating, what to do about disrespectful behavior from grandchildren and how grandparents can build stronger relationships without stepping on parents’ toes. As always, the episode is rich with practical advice for strengthening connection, setting loving boundaries and meeting your teens right where they are.Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect On1. Would my teen say I have their best interests at heart?2. Who gets to decide what “disrespect” is?3. What from my past do I need to heal to have a better relationship with my teen?Have a parenting question for Mark? Go to markgregston.com — it may be featured on a future episode!Mentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

Today’s teens have unlimited access to information, but they’re still searching for wisdom. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss how parents and grandparents can move beyond lectures to offer the kind of wisdom that shapes a young person’s life. Mark explains how observation, reflection and experience help parents communicate in ways that teens will actually receive. He also shares why authentic conversations and a life that reflects God’s Word speak louder than endless advice. Tune in for practical encouragement on becoming the trusted source of wisdom your teen is looking for.Many teens can’t hear a word their parents are saying because their actions are speaking too loudly. This can be especially true when it comes to sharing your faith. Read what Mark has to say about it at bit.ly/the-christian-life-is-more-caught-than-taughtMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

Many parents want to give their teens every opportunity possible. But what happens when generosity unintentionally creates entitlement? In this episode, Mark explores how well-meaning parents can sometimes hinder their teen’s growth by meeting every demand, solving every problem and removing every responsibility. Drawing from the biblical story of the prodigal son, Mark unpacks the difference between grace and enabling, why responsibility is essential for maturity and how parents can help teens develop gratitude instead of entitlement. Tune in for practical wisdom on raising responsible young adults who understand hard work, healthy expectations and the true meaning of grace.Get 10 quick tips to address entitlement in teens here: bit.ly/Ten-ways-to-deal-with-an-entitled-teenMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

When teens struggle to connect, their worlds can feel small and lonely, leading to outbursts or unhealthy coping mechanisms just to get by. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight students, including Sam, who opens up about years of feeling left out and the walls she built to protect herself. Both guests reveal how learning to trust, compromise and value themselves has paved the way for new, healthier relationships. Tune in to hear how honesty, vulnerability and a supportive environment are helping these teens move from isolation to genuine connection.Is your teen struggling? Learn more about Heartlight today at heartlightministries.orgMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

How do you hold firm to your values without pushing your teen away? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the delicate balance between maintaining convictions and extending compassion during the adolescent years. Mark shares practical insight on setting healthy boundaries, enforcing consequences with grace and remaining relationally connected even when teens make poor choices. He also explains why parenting teens requires a shift from teaching to training — and why influence grows when parents lead with understanding rather than fear.Setting boundaries online for your teen is a major issue for parents these days. See what Mark has to say about it at bit.ly/boundaries-for-your-teens-online-lifeMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

In this week's Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more tough questions parents are facing with their teens right now. He talks through practical ways to support a daughter struggling in school and experiencing anxiety, and how to help an unmotivated college student who’s stepped back from faith. Mark also unpacks what to do if your teenager refuses to communicate with an overseas parent, and how to sensitively address the discovery of pornography on an eighth grader’s phone. Throughout the episode, Mark keeps the focus on having compassion, healthy boundaries and responding in ways that build lasting connections with your teen.Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect OnAre you easily manipulated by your teen?What beliefs are you willing to risk your relationship over?Would your child describe your love as conditional or unconditional?Have a question for Mark? Ask it here: markgregston.com

Do you feel like there’s a growing gap between you and your teen? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss practical ways parents can strengthen connection during the adolescent years. From improving communication and adjusting expectations to establishing healthy boundaries and shifting from teaching to training, Mark shares insights that can help parents stay engaged when relationships begin to feel strained. You’ll also learn why listening matters more than lecturing, how to communicate wisdom instead of information and what role a strong relationship plays in guiding teens through challenging seasons. Tune in today!The world is full of people who will tell your teen what to think and when they are wrong. But no one is better positioned to really listen to them. Get tips here: bit.ly/listening-to-your-teen-on-a-deeper-levelMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

In a world filled with pressure, anxiety and constant demands, does your home feel like a place of rest for your teen? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on creating a home environment where teens feel safe, supported and understood. Using the analogy of a favorite recipe, Mark unpacks key ingredients for stronger relationships, including shared experiences, encouraging messages, meaningful conversations and a parenting style that adapts to the changing needs of adolescence. Tune in for practical wisdom on building a home your teen wants to come back to.Showing gratitude is another great habit to instill in your home. Get tips from Mark here: bit.ly/creating-a-thankful-home

When teens act out, most parents focus on the behavior. But what if the behavior is only a symptom of something deeper? In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore how loss, disappointment, rejection, unmet expectations and emotional wounds often fuel the choices parents find most frustrating. Mark explains why every behavior has a purpose and how identifying the pain beneath the struggle can help parents move from simply managing behavior to addressing the real issue. Tune in for practical insight on recognizing the hidden losses that may be shaping your teen’s actions — and how to help them find healing and hope.One of the losses that could deeply affect teens is the break up of their family unit. Find out what your child may be going through and how to help at bit.ly/divorce-remarriage-and-the-effect-on-teensMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

In this week's Q&A episode, Mark sits down to address some real-life struggles parents are facing with their teens today. He tackles tough listener questions on topics like helping teens who feel hopeless about graduation, navigating the challenges of parenting neurodivergent kids who are glued to their screens, and how to respond when you discover your teen is making choices that deeply impact the relationship. Mark also speaks to parents dealing with family trauma and crisis, offering advice for single moms at the breaking point and families grappling with PTSD. Through it all, he underscores the importance of sharing your perspective instead of your opinions and finding ways to let go as kids grow.Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect OnHow comfortable are you with your child being uncomfortable as they grow?What might cause your child (or anyone you lead) to reject your authority?Are there experiences or relationships where you can create more safety or encourage growth by stepping back?Have a question for the show? Send it in at markgregston.com

In this thought-provoking episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore the common phenomenon of teens presenting different versions of themselves at home, at school and online. They discuss why this “double life” is a normal part of adolescent development, how the pressures of modern culture and social media impact teens’ search for identity, and what warning signs parents should watch for if deeper struggles might be present. The episode features a moving interview with a young woman who shares her journey through trauma, secrecy and restoration within her family. The hosts offer advice on how parents can address discrepancies in behavior without shame, foster open communication and ensure their unconditional love is felt even through turbulent times.Parents are often blindsided when they discover their teen has been hiding significant aspects of their life. Here's what you need to know: bit.ly/discovering-your-teens-inappropriate-behavior

Today’s teens have access to more information than any generation before them, but information alone doesn’t produce wisdom. In this episode, Mark shares why one of the most valuable gifts parents can offer is perspective. Through a memorable story involving a Taylor Swift concert and a lesson from his granddaughter, Mark explores how seeing the bigger picture can change everything. He also unpacks the challenges teens face in a culture driven by peers, social media, constant information and competing influences — and why parents still play a vital role in helping them navigate it all. Tune in for practical encouragement on becoming a trusted source of wisdom in your teen’s life.Mark says a parent’s longing to be heard can get in the way of what really needs to be communicated. Learn more at bit.ly/the-difference-between-giving-opinions-and-sharing-experiences

In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into a range of real-life parenting challenges sent in by listeners. He tackles questions about handling disrespect and entitlement from older teens, setting healthy dating boundaries, and navigating tough conversations when teens are exposed to controversial or harmful views. Mark also addresses issues like sibling resentment in adoptive families, managing technology use and coping with a teen pulling away during the transition to adulthood. Throughout, Mark reminds parents to prioritize relationship, communicate openly and look for ways to support their teens’ emotional health, all while maintaining necessary boundaries at home.Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect OnWhich emotions might be getting in your way as you try to guide your child?If you felt truly alone, what lengths would you go to for connection — and can you use this insight to empathize with your teen?In seasons of conflict, are you willing to hold on for a better long-term relationship?Have a question for Mark? Go to markgregston.com to send it in!

Today’s teens are surrounded by filtered images, fake personas and pressure to appear perfect. What they’re really searching for is something genuine. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss how authenticity, vulnerability, and honesty create deeper connection between parents and teens. You’ll hear practical insight on how parents can model healthy communication in ways that make teens feel safe and accepted. Plus, Alex shares her story of anxiety, isolation, partying and the healing that began when she finally shared what was really going on. Check it out!Teens can often feel they don’t measure up to their parents’ expectations or peers they see on social media. Counseling may help by providing a safe space for your child to open up. Find out if it’s right for your teen at bit.ly/benefits-of-counseling-for-teens

Could your attempts to help your teen actually feel like judgment to them? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional about the difference between offering help and communicating criticism. Using a personal story involving a dying llama, Mark illustrates how timing, tone and understanding can completely change how a message is received. He challenges parents to rethink constant correction, repeated lectures and judgmental responses that often push teens away during the adolescent years. Listen in for practical encouragement on building stronger connection through empathy, listening, truth and relationship.It may be a generation gap causing a rift between you and your teen. Instead of being frustrated and judgmental, learn insights into what separates the generations and what can bring them closer together: bit.ly/life-lessons-that-bridge-the-generation-gap.

Teens can go to extremes when trying to break free from loneliness, pain or feeling invisible. In this episode, we share interviews with two Heartlight teens who open up about what really drove their risky choices. From cheating and sneaking out to chasing acceptance in all the wrong places, both guests share how family struggles and emotional isolation left them aching for connection. You’ll hear how their journeys through depression, rebellion and damaged family ties led to some tough realizations — and how Heartlight helped them rebuild self-worth and find their place in the world.For more information on the Heartlight program, visit heartlightministries.org today!

If parents don’t talk to their teens about sex, someone else will. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss how parents can create healthy, ongoing conversations about sex, relationships, boundaries and God’s design for intimacy. Rather than one awkward “talk,” they encourage parents to build an atmosphere where questions, honesty and guidance are welcomed without fear or shame. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of unhealthy relationships, substance use, and the search for love and acceptance. Don’t miss practical wisdom on helping your teen navigate today’s confusing sexual culture.Some things your teen does may catch you off guard. Here’s how to be prepared: bit.ly/finding-out-about-your-teens-inappropriate-behavior

In this week's Q&A episode, Mark explores how to gradually transfer control to teens as they get older while maintaining healthy boundaries and connection. He answers listener questions on issues ranging from vaping, video game addiction and bullying to handling emotional struggles and technology boundaries. With an emphasis on relationship over control, Mark offers practical strategies for parents to respond with grace, foster honesty and prepare their teens for the challenges ahead.Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect On1. If you’re raising a non-biological teen, do you or your child represent a sense of loss to each other?2. How do you approach tough conversations when you’re scared — and is it setting up success for both of you?Have a question for the show? Send it in! Go to markgregston.com to submit your questions.

Do your teens feel heard … or just managed, corrected and talked at? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why listening is one of the most important skills parents can develop during the teen years. They discuss common communication mistakes, how judgment and constant correction shut teens down and practical ways to create safer, deeper conversations at home. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of rebellion, running away, family conflict and how learning to communicate honestly helped restore her relationship with her parents. Tune in today!Learn to identify the pain that may be driving your teen’s behavior here: bit.ly/dealing-with-hurt-behind-the-behavior

What if one simple change could transform the relationships inside your home? In this episode, Mark shares why listening may be one of the most powerful — and most overlooked — tools in parenting. In a world filled with interruptions, quick opinions and constant noise, many teens simply want someone who will slow down long enough to truly hear them. Mark unpacks common habits that damage communication, from interrupting and correcting to always trying to fix every problem. Listen in for practical encouragement on creating deeper conversations, stronger connection and a home where your teen feels genuinely heard.Listening to your teen is great, but what if they don’t want to talk? Find six ways to get your child to open up at bit.ly/why-your-teen-wont-talk

When teens spiral into destructive behaviors, it's rarely just about "bad choices." There's usually deep pain pushing them there. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share how they hit their lowest points with addiction, self-harm and rebellion. Both guests get real about what it’s like to hit rock bottom and realize you can’t do it alone. Listen in as they share how confronting the truth about themselves — and letting others in — became the first steps toward change, forgiveness and hope.Interested in learning more about the Heartlight program? Go to heartlightministries.org today!

Are you preparing your teen to handle money — or unintentionally making them dependent on you? In this episode, Mark and Wayne tackle one of the most overlooked life skills: financial responsibility. From entitlement and allowance to jobs, debt and real-world consequences, they unpack why teens need to learn how money works now, not later. You’ll discover practical ways to teach earning, saving, spending and giving. Plus, a teen shares how identity, pressure and growth shaped his journey toward responsibility and maturity.Entitlement is a common feature among today’s teens. Learn what to do about it: bit.ly/10-ways-to-deal-with-an-entitled-teenParenting 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 parentingtodayteens.org.

Could your teen feel like they have to be perfect to earn your approval? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on how well-meaning parents can unintentionally communicate pressure, criticism and impossible expectations. Mark explains why many teens interpret encouragement as judgment, standards as rejection and correction as proof they’re never enough. He also offers a healthier path forward, one rooted in grace, honesty and relationship. If you want your teen to feel loved for who they are — not just what they achieve — this conversation will challenge and encourage you.While we shouldn’t demand perfection in our children, there may be times your teen is truly lacking in motivation. Get some answers and tips here: bit.ly/how-to-motivate-an-underachieverParenting 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 parentingtodayteens.org.

Sometimes, the hardest battles teens face happen silently — loneliness, insecurity and the pressure to escape pain. On this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share how changing their environments — and the people around them — helped them break free from destructive cycles. Both teens describe being swept up in drug use as a way to cope with things they couldn’t change at home, but found hope through new relationships and honest conversations in a supportive community.Is Heartlight the right choice for your struggling teen? Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more.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 parentingtodayteens.org.

Few things shake a parent more than realizing their teen has run away. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the deeper reasons teens leave home. Often, they’re running from pain, conflict, shame or consequences — or running to freedom, attention or a place they believe feels better. You’ll learn how to respond wisely when your teen returns, what family patterns may need to change, and how grace and truth can help rebuild trust. Plus, Heartlight teen Anna shares her story of pain, attention-seeking and healing.Learn to identify the pain that may be driving your teen’s behavior and some practical steps for getting to the heart of the matter at bit.ly/the-hurt-behind-the-behaviorParenting 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 parentingtodayteens.org.