Parenting Today's Teens

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