Parenting Today's Teens

What are you saving for someday that could be enriching your relationships today? Mark reflects on how quickly life passes and why the greatest inheritance we leave isn’t our possessions, but the time and experiences we share with the people we love. Through the moving story of a dear friend, Mark offers a powerful reminder not to postpone what matters most. He encourages parents and grandparents to invest their time, resources and presence in their families now. Tune in and be inspired to stop waiting for someday, because the special occasion is today.

It can be easy to take loved ones and life for granted when all is going well. Get tips for growing gratitude in your family at bit.ly/how-to-create-a-thankful-home

When life gets tough at home, teens can end up feeling alone and misunderstood — even by those who love them most. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two Heartlight residents who found themselves spiraling after family problems and personal struggles. Whether it was turning to substances or pushing people away, both realized their coping skills weren’t working. Through honest conversations at Heartlight, these teens share how they’ve learned to open up about their pain, rebuild trust and reconnect with family. Listen in for a down-to-earth look at why talking it out really does make a difference — and how healing starts when everyone feels heard.

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

Your teen still needs your wisdom, even when it seems like they no longer want your advice. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss how parents can remain a trusted voice as their children move through adolescence. Mark explains why this season calls for a shift from lectures and instructions to thoughtful questions, genuine listening and conversations that help teens apply what they've already been taught. He also encourages parents to be honest about their own mistakes, creating room for teens to wrestle with choices without feeling they must be perfect. Listen in for practical ways to share wisdom your teen will be more likely to hear — and eventually seek out for themselves.

Your teen is getting plenty of messages, from just about everyone, but you still have more influence than you think. Wondering where to start? Get some tried and true advice at bit.ly/5-messages-your-teen-needs-to-hear

In today's Q&A episode, Mark tackles topics like handling teens who are hooked on video games, managing tech boundaries when consequences have been lacking and helping kids who are losing motivation. Mark also discusses how to deal with the interim period when teens are almost adults — like when a daughter wants to get a tattoo as soon as she turns 18 — and how parents can navigate their mixed feelings on it. Through it all, Mark emphasizes keeping relationships first, balancing consequences with connection, and knowing when to step back and just listen.

Has parenting left you stumped? Ask Mark your questions! Send them in at markgregston.com

Do your teens think they have to be perfect ... or do they know it's safe to make mistakes at home? Mark and Wayne discuss why striving for a "perfect family" can unintentionally create pressure, fear and distance. Mark shares how embracing your own imperfections can strengthen relationships, encourage honest conversations and give your teen hope that mistakes don't define them. He also explains why grace, healthy consequences and authenticity create an environment where real growth can take place. Tune in to discover how an imperfect home can become the perfect place for your teen to experience love, acceptance and lasting transformation.

If your teen thinks they can't be "perfect enough" for you, chances are they will rebel. Find five ways to help your rebellious teen and more here: bit.ly/teen-rebellion-what-you-need-to-know

When your teen is struggling, it's easy to wonder if anything you're doing is making a difference. In this episode, Mark offers a heartfelt devotional for parents who feel exhausted, discouraged or uncertain about the future. Drawing from decades of walking alongside families in crisis, Mark reminds listeners that difficult seasons don't last forever, and faithful, intentional parenting is never wasted. He shares practical encouragement for staying engaged, holding onto hope and investing in your teen even when you can't yet see the outcome. Tune in for a timely reminder that God is still at work, and your perseverance today can have an eternal impact on your family's future.

Learn how to manage conflict with your teen in a way that pulls your family together instead of driving it apart at bit.ly/using-conflict-to-pull-together

When you feel misunderstood at home and overwhelmed by the pressures of life, it's hard not to sink into despair ... but someone lending a listening ear can make all the difference. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who open up about drifting apart from family, battling anxiety and getting caught up in comparisons that left them feeling not quite “enough.” They talk honestly about how phone addiction, peer drama and never getting real face time made everything worse — until Heartlight offered a new way to connect. Listen in as they share what helped them start rebuilding family bonds and find the courage to actually talk things out.

Want to learn what the Heartlight program is all about? Visit heartlightministries.org today!

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