Parenting Today's 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

Your teen is surrounded by voices competing for their attention, but what are they really looking for from you? In this episode, Mark explores how today’s culture of negativity, self-proclaimed experts and social media fantasy can make it difficult for teens to separate information from wisdom and truth from opinion. He explains why constant criticism can leave teens emotionally exhausted, while shallow affirmation can keep them from facing the truth they need to grow. Mark encourages parents to fill that gap by building the kind of relationship that allows them to speak truth in love — offering honesty without constant negativity, wisdom without acting like a know-it-all and encouragement grounded in reality. Listen in and discover how you can become a positive, trustworthy voice your teen will turn to when the rest of the world feels like noise. One of the most common questions Mark gets from parents is, “How old should my child be when I give them a cell phone?” His answer usually surprises them. Find out…

When teens spiral out — experimenting with drugs, running with the wrong crowd or shutting out family — there’s almost always a deeper hurt they’re trying to escape. On today’s show, we share Mark's interviews with two Heartlight residents who bravely discussed how their choices were just attempts to numb what they felt inside, like abandonment, overwhelming expectations and tragic loss. Both teens worked hard to face the pain they once pushed away. Listen as they unpack the pressure to be "perfect," the loneliness that fueled their mistakes and how facing their emotions at Heartlight helped them reconnect with their families — and themselves. Could Heartlight help your struggling teen? Learn more at heartlightministries.org

How can you tell when typical teenage struggles have become something more serious? Mark and Wayne discuss the warning signs that a teen may be spinning out of control — from escalating rebellion, dishonesty and disregard for consequences to isolation, substance use, self-harm and other dangerous behaviors. Mark also shares practical steps parents can take to intervene, establish healthier boundaries and recognize when it’s time to seek outside help. You’ll also hear a candid conversation with a Heartlight teen, who shares how drinking, drugs and unhealthy relationships gradually took priority in her life. Addressing the deeper reasons behind her choices helped her begin rebuilding her relationship with her parents. Tune in to learn how to recognize a teen’s cry for help and step in before a downward spiral becomes a crisis. Learn to address the pain behind your teen's behavior at bit.ly/the-hurt-behind-your-teens-behavior

In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles questions spanning nearly every stage of the teen years and beyond. How can grandparents build stronger relationships with their grandkids? Is it too late to shift from teaching to training once your child leaves for college? Do busy teens really need jobs? And what happens when Mom and Dad disagree about how to parent? Mark also addresses how grandparents can support teens caught in the middle of divorce, why parents should stay relational when an adult child makes choices they disagree with and what one mom should do about her 11-year-old’s growing obsession with K-pop band BTS. What’s on your mind about parenting your teen? Send Mark your question at markgregston.com — it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

How do you know when your teen’s struggles have reached the point where your family needs outside help? Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss when residential counseling may be appropriate — and why lasting change requires more than simply correcting behavior. They explain how a relationship-based approach can help teens address the deeper issues driving their choices while helping restore relationships throughout the family. You’ll also hear from Heartlight teen Jack, who shares how counseling, vulnerability and his parents’ willingness to grow alongside him transformed their relationship. Listen in for practical guidance on recognizing when your teen needs additional help and choosing a path toward healing for the whole family. Find out the 12 warning signs your teen may need a residential counseling program at heartlightministries.org

You want the best for your teen. But could your encouragement and high expectations be sending the message that they aren't good enough? Mark explores how well-meaning parents can unintentionally create a culture of perfection at home. He shares why teens may interpret guidance as judgment, standards as impossible expectations and correction as evidence that they’ll never measure up. Mark encourages parents to trade perfection for authenticity — admitting their own mistakes, making room for struggle, and assuring their teens that love isn’t based on appearance or performance. Listen in for a powerful reminder that grace and genuine connection can give your teen something perfection never will: a safe place to grow. You may be signaling perfectionism to your teen without knowing it. In this article, Mark exposes why demanding perfection backfires: bit.ly/3-ways-to-let-your-teen-be-imperfect

If you've ever wondered why a teen seems to pull away, sometimes the rules and consequences meant to help can actually drive a wedge. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight, Austin and Kennedy, who share candid stories about how discipline in their homes went from well-intentioned to relationship-breaking. Both teens open up about how strict systems, misunderstandings, and a lack of real connection pushed them toward anger and isolation. At Heartlight, they're learning just how much healing can happen when discipline takes a back seat to building genuine relationships. Interested in learning more about the Heartlight program? Visit heartlightministries.org today!

Adoption can give a child a loving family and a place to belong, but the teen years may bring difficult questions about identity, loss and acceptance to the surface. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Courtney explore some of the unique struggles adopted teens may experience as they begin thinking more deeply about their past and wondering where they fit. Mark encourages parents to listen without assuming they understand, see life from their teen’s perspective, and remain a steady source of connection and love. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen, who shares how feelings of being unwanted affected her self-worth, friendships and choices — and how greater understanding is helping strengthen her relationship with her parents. Listen in for compassionate, practical encouragement for walking alongside an adopted teen through the challenges of adolescence. Thinking of adopting a child? Mark offers some food for thought here: bit.ly/things-to-consider-when-adopting

In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more common challenges parents are facing with their teens today. From navigating the difference between sarcasm and disrespect to supporting kids through anxiety, depression and OCD — no topic is off limits. Mark addresses questions about parenting through divorce, rebuilding trust when teens habitually lie and how to create clear boundaries without losing connection. Full of relatable stories and down-to-earth advice, this episode is packed with practical ways to encourage honesty, set realistic expectations and keep relationships strong during the turbulent teen years. Have a question for a future episode? Go to markgregston.com to send it in!

Every teen wants to feel seen, valued and noticed. But what happens when they start looking for that attention in unhealthy places? Mark and Wayne explore what can be behind attention-seeking behavior and why parents should look beyond the behavior to understand what their teen is really longing for. Mark shares practical ways to offer meaningful attention, set healthy boundaries and strengthen connection. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen, who candidly shares how her desire for acceptance and affirmation contributed to a painful series of choices — and what she has since learned about the relationships that truly matter. Sometimes your teen acts out to get attention. Sometimes it may be something you, as a parent, are doing. Learn more here at bit.ly/tipping-points-in-relationships-with-teens

Is social media shaping the way your teen sees themselves — and convincing them they don’t measure up? In this episode, Mark Gregston explores how carefully curated posts, altered images and constant comparison can distort a teen’s view of reality and contribute to feelings of inadequacy, isolation and poor self-esteem. Rather than trying to eliminate social media altogether, Mark offers practical ways parents can help teens become wiser consumers of what they see online, recognize what’s real and what isn’t, and build healthier boundaries and perspectives. Listen in for guidance on helping your teen escape the comparison trap and stay grounded in real life. Parents, you are the ones who can best help your teens develop healthy habits when it comes to their lives online. Get more tips here: bit.ly/boundaries-for-teens-online-life

Family conflict isn’t just loud arguments or silent standoffs — it can leave deep marks that shape the way teens see themselves and their future. In this episode, Mark sits down with two young ladies from Heartlight who open up about what happens when home stops being a sanctuary and relationships fall apart. From stubborn fights with parents to feeling isolated and misunderstood, they share how painful family dynamics and past hurts pushed them to the edge. Listen in as they discuss what it took to begin letting go of resentment, accept help and start rebuilding trust — both at home and within themselves. If you have a struggling teen, Heartlight may be able to help. Visit heartlightministries.org to learn more.

Your teen is going to make mistakes. How you respond can either deepen your relationship or create greater distance. Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss what parents should do when they discover their teen has made a serious or inappropriate choice. They explain how to respond without shame, maintain firm consequences without sacrificing connection, and use mistakes as opportunities to help teens grow in responsibility and maturity. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen who candidly shares about a painful setback, the guilt and shame that followed, and how knowing her parents still loved her helped her move forward. Tune in for practical encouragement on helping your teen learn from mistakes, bounce back and keep growing. Why do teens do the crazy things they do? And how can you protect your relationship while still teaching them a valuable lesson? Learn more at bit.ly/teens-and-inappropriate-behavior

In this Q&A episode, Mark addresses some tough challenges parents are facing with their teens today. He answers listener questions on supporting a teen dealing with depression and drug use, how to respond when teens show no interest in talking about relationships and what to do if you feel desperate about getting your child help — especially when resources are tight. Mark also shares advice for parenting special needs teens, managing explosive anger outbursts, and what to do when your 18-year-old ignores chores and becomes glued to video games. All throughout, Mark emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations and knowing when to set firm boundaries as you guide your teen through an ever-changing culture. Stumped by your teen's behavior? Ask Mark about it! Send in your questions at markgregston.com

Your job as a parent isn’t simply to teach your teen what to do — it’s to prepare them to eventually do it without you. Mark, Wayne and Courtney unpack the important progression from teaching to training to transferring responsibility. They explain why parenting must change during adolescence and how giving teens opportunities to make decisions, take responsibility and even fail can prepare them for adulthood. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen, who shares how honest conversations and growing personal responsibility helped transform his relationships and outlook. Tune in for advice on helping your teen mature while knowing you’ll still be there when they need you. Teaching your teen to take responsibility can be exhausting. If you find yourself drained by conflict at home, get tips to shake things up at bit.ly/constant-conflict-and-exhausted-parents

Your teen has access to more information than ever before. What they need from you is something Google can’t give them: wisdom. In this episode, Mark explains how parents and grandparents can turn biblical truth, personal experiences, mistakes and lessons learned into wisdom teens can actually apply to their lives. He shares why storytelling can be such a powerful way to connect, how to approach difficult subjects with truth and love, and why intentional conversations matter more than simply dispensing advice. Listen in for practical encouragement on becoming a trusted source of perspective, hope and wisdom in your teen’s life. Your teen is getting plenty of messages throughout each day. Find five things your teen needs to hear from YOU at bit.ly/five-messages-your-teen-needs-to-hear

Every teen has a story, and sometimes the pain they carry comes out in ways parents don’t expect. In today’s show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share how broken relationships at home — whether with parents or grandparents — pushed them toward destructive choices. Both guests open up about the struggles that led them to Heartlight, from anger and rebellion to depression and self-medication. Yet, underneath those behaviors is a longing for connection. Today, these teens are finding new hope by rebuilding trust and opening their hearts to the family members who never gave up on them. To learn more about the Heartlight residential program, visit heartlightministries.org today.

Does your teen feel truly heard — or are you already preparing your response while they're still talking? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Courtney explain why listening is one of the most powerful ways parents can strengthen their relationship with their teen. They share practical strategies for asking deeper questions, resisting the urge to lecture or correct, and creating conversations where teens feel safe opening up. You'll also hear from a Heartlight teen who shares how better communication helped transform her relationship with her parents. Tune in for tips to help you listen more intentionally and better understand your teen's heart. Mark mentioned in today's episode that many adopted teens who come to Heartlight struggle with self-worth. Visit bit.ly/the-four-issues-adopted-teens-face to better understand what these young people are going through.

In this week’s episode, Mark dives into the complex world of trust between parents and teens. He tackles what to do when your teen keeps repeating behaviors that broke your trust, how to respond when lies have become a pattern and how to keep going when you’ve given chance after chance but nothing seems to improve. Mark unpacks why teens might struggle to be honest, and shares advice for handling repeated disappointment while still helping teens grow in decision-making. With real-life examples and candid wisdom, Mark encourages parents to focus less on broken trust and more on creating an environment where good decisions — and second chances — can flourish. Have a question for the show? We'd love to hear it! Go to markgregston.com to submit your topic.

Every teen makes mistakes. The question is whether those mistakes become a source of growth or a burden of shame. Mark and Wayne discuss the important difference between guilt and shame and how parents can help their teens move beyond both. You'll also hear a candid conversation with a Heartlight student, who shares how unresolved trauma led to destructive choices — and how honesty, grace and the support of others helped her begin finding healing. Tune in for biblical encouragement and practical wisdom on helping your teen find healing, forgiveness and hope after they've messed up. Like the student in today's episode, some teens work hard to project an ideal image while privately battling shame, guilt or depression. What's a parent to do? Find out here: bit.ly/is-my-teen-leading-a-double-life

Every parent wants the best for their teen. But could high expectations unintentionally leave them wondering if your love depends on their performance? In this episode, Mark challenges parents to distinguish between holding biblical standards and communicating unconditional love. Mark explains why teens need grace as much as guidance, how performance-based relationships can lead to shame and discouragement, and why the strongest families separate a child's actions from their worth. He also shares practical conversation starters to help parents better understand what their teens are really feeling. Tune in for a timely reminder that while expectations matter, your relationship with your teen should always be rooted in grace, love and acceptance. Loving your children through their mistakes is key to helping them learn a better way. Get practical tips how here: bit.ly/helping-teens-get-past-guilt-and-shame

Every family has its battles, but for some teens, the struggle goes way beyond curfews and chores. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two Heartlight teens who open up about what really drove their rebellious choices — from strict rules and broken trust to feeling invisible at home. Through honest stories of addiction, conflict and searching for acceptance, both reveal how the craving for freedom can backfire and make home life feel even harder. Listen in to hear how they’re working through misunderstandings with their parents, facing the realities of social media and learning why "feeling seen" can mean so much. Is Heartlight the answer for your struggling teen? Go to heartlightministries.org today to learn more!

Grandparents have a unique opportunity to influence the next generation in ways few others can. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the unique role grandparents play in the lives of teenagers. Mark explains why grandparents often have an advantage: They can offer perspective instead of pressure, encouragement instead of correction and a listening ear without the day-to-day tensions of parenting. You'll also hear the moving story of a Heartlight student whose journey highlights the life-changing impact of having caring adults who offer hope, wisdom and unconditional love. Mark's book, "Grandparenting Teens," is a valuable resource that helps grandparents love their teens and relate to them in genuine, honest, life-changing ways. Get your copy here: bit.ly/grandparenting-teens-a-legacy-of-hope

In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more of your toughest parenting questions — tackling everything from handling teen anger and destructive behavior to navigating faith differences in the home. He covers what to do when your teen returns from residential treatment and the problems continue, how to respond when your daughter seems like a different person at church than at home and ways to handle harsh parenting styles that create disconnection. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, creating safe structure and getting to the heart behind your teen’s behavior. Have a parenting challenge? Ask Mark about it! Go to markgregston.com to send in your questions.

Your teen may not always know how to say it, but they're longing for more than rules, advice and correction. Mark and Wayne explore four things every teen deeply desires from their parents. Through practical wisdom and a powerful conversation with a Heartlight student, Mark explains how these foundational needs can transform a family's relationship and help teens find security at home instead of searching for it elsewhere. Tune in for practical encouragement on becoming the safe, steady presence your teen needs most. Old-school communication tactics and lecturing fall flat with today’s teens. Learn more effective ways to draw out your teen at bit.ly/how-to-engage-differently-with-your-teen

In this episode, Mark challenges parents to examine whether their words and actions unintentionally communicate that love is conditional. Through the heartbreaking story of a young woman who struggled with self-worth and rejection from her birth mother and others, Mark explains how performance-based relationships can leave lasting emotional wounds. He offers practical encouragement for separating your relationship from your teen’s performance, reflecting God’s unconditional love and creating a home where grace — not achievement — is the foundation. For more help for parents of adopted teens, visit bit.ly/seeing-adoption-from-your-teens-perspective

Sometimes the battles our teens face are hidden — masked by distance, secrecy and behaviors we struggle to understand. On today’s show, Mark and Courtney sit down with two young women at Heartlight who share honest stories of pain, isolation and the search for trust. Whether it’s hiding self-harm or locking themselves away, both guests reveal how hard it was to let parents in — and how healing began when their families learned to listen and simply love. Tune in to hear their powerful journeys from silent suffering to finding hope for the future. To learn more about the Heartlight program, visit heartlightministries.org today.

For many teens, going back to school means far more than buying new supplies and settling into a routine. It also brings pressure, comparison, loneliness and other new challenges. Mark and Wayne discuss how parents can help their teens navigate the emotional and social pressures of a new school year. Through practical advice and a powerful conversation with a Heartlight student, Mark reminds parents to focus on connection over performance, communicate with empathy and look beneath behaviors to understand what their teen is really experiencing. Tune in to help your teen face the school year with confidence, resilience and the support they need at home. As your teen goes back to school, you may notice some behavioral changes that concern you. Get insights on keeping communication open with your child here: bit.ly/whats-going-on-with-my-teen

In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into more pressing parenting questions, covering everything from enforcing boundaries with teens who push limits to navigating tough conversations surrounding faith, identity and relationships. He shares real-world advice on how to keep teens accountable — like when a 16-year-old disregards bedroom door rules with a girlfriend — while preserving trust and respect at home. Mark also discusses shifting from teaching to training as your kids mature and finding healthy approaches for homeschool families. If you’re struggling to let go of control, manage kids’ risky behaviors or keep connection alive through the hard stuff, you’ll find practical encouragement in this episode. Have a question for a future episode? Go to markgregston.com to send it in!

No parent wants to see their teen suffer. But could protecting them from every hardship actually keep them from growing? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the important role pain plays in developing maturity, responsibility and resilience. Mark explains the difference between helping and rescuing, why natural consequences often become life's greatest teachers and how parents can walk alongside their teens without removing every obstacle. Most importantly, he reminds parents to be a consistent source of hope, even in the middle of difficult circumstances. Tune in for practical wisdom on helping your teen grow stronger through life's challenges while showing them they're never alone. Trying to control your teen's life can show up in different ways, and it will likely lead to alienating them. See some of the most common pitfalls and ways to reverse the damage at bit.ly/tipping-points-in-a-teens-relationship

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

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