Parenting Today's Teens

When teens push others away, there’s usually more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye. Whether it’s anger, a need for independence or past hurts, these defensive walls can signal a deep need for connection. In today’s show, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight who’ve struggled to let their families truly get close to them. For Joey, growing up adopted left a lasting impact on his ability to trust others — even when he longed for close relationships. Both teens are learning what it takes to break down barriers and reconnect. Listen in now!

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Go to heartlightministries.org today.

Teen depression doesn't always look the way parents expect. Sometimes the warning signs are obvious, but other times a teen may be struggling deeply without showing any outward signs at all. Mark and Wayne discuss the growing concern of teen depression, including changes in behavior, withdrawal, hopelessness, self-harm and other warning signs parents shouldn't ignore. Mark also explains how to start meaningful conversations, take your teen's feelings seriously and recognize when professional help is needed. You'll also hear from a Heartlight teen who shares how depression and anxiety contributed to conflict at home and unhealthy coping behaviors — and how he's learning to understand his emotions, ask for support and find healthier ways forward. Tune in to this important conversation today!

Learn what signs of depression to look for and the hopeful bottom line here: bit.ly/teens-depression-and-its-consequences

In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles some more parenting dilemmas you’re facing with your teens. He shares insight on navigating disagreements over values and lifestyle with adult children — especially when financial support is on the line. He also dives into how to set house rules for teens who are nearing adulthood but still living at home, and how step-parents and significant others can build trust with reluctant teens. Other questions cover handling a teen’s exposure to pornography, responding to grief and anger after the loss of a parent, and what to do when a child seems unmotivated at school. Throughout the episode, Mark’s advice centers on staying present and meeting teens where they are as they grow, stumble and find their own path.

Has your teen's behavior left you stumped? Ask Mark! Go to markgregston.com to submit your question.

Every parent wants their teen to become a responsible, independent adult. But could doing too much for your child actually be holding them back? Mark and Wayne discuss why preparing teens for adulthood needs to begin long before they turn 18. Mark shares ways to gradually transfer responsibility, teach essential life skills, encourage employment and establish expectations that help young adults become self-sufficient. You’ll also hear from Heartlight teen Eli, who shares how his desire for control led to defiance, substance use and conflict with his parents — and how learning to accept responsibility has changed his outlook and relationships. Tune in for practical guidance on helping your teen develop the maturity and independence they'll need to thrive beyond your home.

Is your teen spending too much time on screens, struggling to find motivation or expecting you to provide everything without lifting a finger? Mark offers a simple prescription: bit.ly/your-teen-needs-a-job

When your teen lashes out in anger, it's easy to focus on their behavior. But what if their frustration is telling you something deeper? Mark explores three common reasons teens become angry: feeling controlled, feeling judged or shamed, and not getting what they want. He explains why parents need to look beyond angry outbursts to understand what's happening in their teen's heart. Drawing on James 1:19, Mark also shares practical ways to defuse conflict, ask better questions, listen without becoming defensive and model healthy responses to frustration. Tune in to discover how understanding your teen's anger can help you turn heated confrontations into opportunities for growth, trust and stronger relationships.

Find out two of the most common ways parents drive a wedge between themselves and their teens, and practical tools to close that gap before it grows any wider: bit.ly/how-not-to-drive-a-wedge-between-you-and-your-teen

Behind every rebellious choice often lies a longing to belong. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two teens from Heartlight about the complicated reasons behind their struggles with drugs, running away and broken relationships. Both guests open up about learning independence at an early age and the risky paths they chased in hopes of being noticed and feeling loved. Their stories reveal how the search for acceptance and validation can lead teens down dangerous roads — and how honest conversations, second chances and the right support can spark real change. Listen in as these teens reflect on what it takes to mend family bonds and find true connection.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Visit heartlightministries.org today.

Dating can make parents nervous, but it can also give teens valuable opportunities to learn about relationships, communication and what they may eventually want in a spouse. Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss the benefits and risks of teen dating, when to allow greater interaction with the opposite sex, and how parents can establish healthy boundaries without creating shame or pushing their teen away. Above all, they encourage parents to stay involved as their teen’s relationships become increasingly important. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen who shares how an abusive relationship contributed to alcohol abuse, anxiety and broken family relationships — and how healing has helped her take responsibility and reconnect with the people she loves.

Learn when and how to broach the subject of sex with your teen at bit.ly/how-to-talk-to-your-teen-about-sex

In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles some deeply personal challenges parents are facing with their teens. How do adoptive parents move forward after years of conflict and heartache? How should a parent respond when a 14-year-old says she’s gay? What do you say when your 18-year-old insists marijuana helps him cope with anxiety? And how do you handle a teen romance that’s moving way too fast? Mark also addresses what to do when your teen doesn’t want to talk despite your best efforts to connect, and how to support a daughter who has withdrawn after bullying and the suicide of a close friend. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes maintaining the relationship, setting appropriate boundaries and knowing when giving a teen some space may actually draw them closer.

Have a parenting situation you can’t quite figure out? Send your question to Mark at markgregston.com, and he may tackle it on an upcoming episode!

Respect is essential to a healthy family, but demanding it from your teen isn’t enough. Parents also need to model the kind of respect they want to receive. Mark and Wayne discuss how parents can make respect a priority at home, establish clear boundaries and consequences for disrespect, and examine whether their own words and reactions are contributing to the problem. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen as he candidly shares how trauma, anger and isolation affected his relationship with his mom — and how working through his past helped him discover who he wants to become. Tune in for practical guidance on building a home where respect is both expected and given.

Entitlement is just one form of disrespect from teens. Here are 10 tips to deal with it: bit.ly/ten-ways-to-deal-with-an-entitled-teen

When your family is in crisis, it can feel like the conflict, heartache and exhaustion will never end. But the difficult season you’re walking through today doesn’t have to define your relationship with your teen tomorrow. In this episode, Mark draws on decades of walking alongside struggling families to offer hope to parents who feel worn out and ready to give up. He explains why conflict can actually deepen relationships, why hope requires action and why parents should focus not only on getting through today’s crisis, but on building the relationship they want with their teen five years from now. Listen in for encouragement to keep showing up, keep investing and trust that God is still at work — even when you can’t yet see the other side.

Gain a new perspective on conflict with your teen and recover from the exhaustion that’s draining your ability to parent: bit.ly/hope-for-constant-conflict-exhausted-parents