Parenting Today's Teens

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