Parenting Today's Teens

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