Parenting Today's Teens

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