Parenting Today's Teens

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

Growing up today means living in a world obsessed with appearances, fitting in and being “enough.” In this episode, Mark chats with two young women at Heartlight who open up about battling anxiety, insecurity and the pressure to perform. Both share how their struggles — whether from family tension, past trauma or the constant hunt for validation — left them feeling isolated and misunderstood. Listen as they unpack how the unhealthy cycles took root and what it really looks like to start finding confidence and self-worth from the inside out.

Looking for hope for your struggling teen? Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more about our residential counseling program.

The teen years go by faster than most parents realize. And while your schedule may be packed, the time you intentionally spend with your teen today can shape your relationship for years to come. Mark and Wayne discuss why regular one-on-one time is so important — and how listening without judging, asking thoughtful questions and simply enjoying time together can build trust and open the door to deeper conversations. Mark also shares a personal lesson from his relationship with his own son, while a Heartlight teen offers a powerful perspective on what struggling teens really need from their parents. Don’t underestimate your influence. The time you invest in your teen now could make all the difference later.

Learn practical ways to engage differently with your teen, so they actually want to talk to you: bit.ly/how-to-communicate-differently-with-your-teens

In this insightful Q&A episode, Mark dives into some tough questions parents are facing with their older teens on the verge of adulthood. He tackles real-life situations like helping teens develop independence as they approach age 18, addressing defiance and disrespect, and making difficult decisions about letting kids stay at home. Mark also discusses how to help teens who are struggling with depression or lack motivation, and when to intervene versus letting natural consequences play out — especially when anxiety and risky behaviors are involved. With his signature wisdom and compassion, Mark offers practical advice for parents on setting boundaries, encouraging responsibility and preparing their teens for life in the real world.

Have a question for a future episode? We'd love to hear it! Go to markgregston.com to send it in.

Does your teen expect you to provide everything they want — and push back when you don’t? In this episode, Mark and Wayne tackle the problem of entitlement and share six practical ways parents can help teens become more responsible and independent. Mark explains why doing less for your teen can actually prepare them for more, how to transfer responsibility as they mature and why love doesn’t always have to come in the form of giving them something. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen, who candidly shares about his struggles with drugs, depression and a deteriorating relationship with his parents, and the changes that are helping him rebuild those relationships. Tune in for practical ways to move your teen toward independence while affirming the relationship along the way.

Learn how to cultivate gratitude in your home versus entitlement here: bit.ly/create-a-thankful-home