Parenting Today's Teens

Today’s teens have access to more information than any generation before them, but information alone doesn’t produce wisdom. In this episode, Mark shares why one of the most valuable gifts parents can offer is perspective. Through a memorable story involving a Taylor Swift concert and a lesson from his granddaughter, Mark explores how seeing the bigger picture can change everything. He also unpacks the challenges teens face in a culture driven by peers, social media, constant information and competing influences — and why parents still play a vital role in helping them navigate it all. Tune in for practical encouragement on becoming a trusted source of wisdom in your teen’s life.Mark says a parent’s longing to be heard can get in the way of what really needs to be communicated. Learn more at bit.ly/the-difference-between-giving-opinions-and-sharing-experiences

Grandparents have a unique opportunity to offer teens something many are desperately searching for — a safe place to rest, feel loved and be heard. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss the special mentoring role grandparents can play during the teen years. Rather than becoming “parents on steroids,” grandparents are encouraged to create a home marked by warmth, wisdom, listening and unconditional love. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares how her grandparents became a steady “safe zone” during some of the hardest moments of her life. Tune in for practical encouragement on building a legacy for your grandchildren.Three million kids have grandparents parenting them. Are you one of those grandparents? Are you in need of some help? Learn to love the teens in your life and relate to them in genuine, honest, life-changing ways through Mark's resource here: bit.ly/grandparenting-teens-leaving-a-legacy-of-hope

Today’s teens are surrounded by filtered images, fake personas and pressure to appear perfect. What they’re really searching for is something genuine. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss how authenticity, vulnerability, and honesty create deeper connection between parents and teens. You’ll hear practical insight on how parents can model healthy communication in ways that make teens feel safe and accepted. Plus, Alex shares her story of anxiety, isolation, partying and the healing that began when she finally shared what was really going on. Check it out!Teens can often feel they don’t measure up to their parents’ expectations or peers they see on social media. Counseling may help by providing a safe space for your child to open up. Find out if it’s right for your teen at bit.ly/benefits-of-counseling-for-teens

Teens can go to extremes when trying to break free from loneliness, pain or feeling invisible. In this episode, we share interviews with two Heartlight teens who open up about what really drove their risky choices. From cheating and sneaking out to chasing acceptance in all the wrong places, both guests share how family struggles and emotional isolation left them aching for connection. You’ll hear how their journeys through depression, rebellion and damaged family ties led to some tough realizations — and how Heartlight helped them rebuild self-worth and find their place in the world.For more information on the Heartlight program, visit heartlightministries.org today!

In today's episode, Mark addresses one of the most pressing concerns among Christian parents: what to do when teens begin to struggle with or question their faith. Many teens, especially those facing trauma or feeling like they don't fit in, may not respond to traditional spiritual approaches. Mark discusses the critical transition from concrete to abstract thinking during adolescence and emphasizes the importance of patience, relationship and modeling Christ’s love. Parents are encouraged not to shame or pressure their teens, but instead to offer ongoing support and authentic living that gently points them to Jesus.Have a question for Mark? We want to hear it! Go to markgregston.com to send it in.

What if your teen’s struggles are also revealing something deeper in you? In this episode, Mark shares a deeply personal devotional about rejection, failure and the lifelong journey toward authenticity. Reflecting on being fired twice — including just months before starting Heartlight — Mark explains how painful experiences exposed unresolved issues in his own heart. He challenges parents to stop focusing only on their teen’s behavior and begin asking honest questions about themselves, their motivations and the wounds they may still carry. Because sometimes the greatest transformation in a family begins when parents are willing to grow too.Are you a parent in need of a little help getting through a crisis with your teen? Heartlight offers counseling and experienced residential staff as a resource to parents. Learn more: parentingtodaysteens.org/coaching/Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.

What should parents do when teens begin questioning faith, church or even God Himself? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss why doubt and questioning are often a normal part of spiritual growth during adolescence. Rather than responding with fear or control, parents are encouraged to stay relational, listen well and model authentic faith through their actions. You’ll also hear Caleb’s honest story of wrestling with spirituality, family relationships, identity and learning how to accept love. Understanding how to ease your teen into taking ownership of their faith can help set them on the path to success. Learn more here: bit.ly/giving-teens-ownership-of-their-faithParenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.

Why do some teens shut down? And what can parents do to help them open up again? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why many teens stay silent out of fear, shame, anxiety or feeling misunderstood. You’ll learn practical ways to build trust, create emotional safety and connect without turning every conversation into correction or interrogation. Plus, Alex shares her story of anxiety, isolation and how she’s learning to open up to her parents. Listen today!Giving your teen a safe place to share their heart is one way you can combat your child’s loneliness. Find out about that and more here: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/teen-lonelinessParenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.