Parenting Today's Teens

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to view teen dating as a training ground, not just something to restrict or fear. Mark emphasizes that healthy, age-appropriate dating — guided by clear expectations and strong communication — can help teens learn respect, boundaries and what godly relationships look like. Not every relationship with the opposite sex has to be sexual, and parents play a key role by modeling healthy marriages and staying engaged with their teen. When handled well, dating can help teens grow toward wisdom and future commitment.Mark has designed many different resources to help you as you navigate parenting. To explore his podcasts, blogs, books, conferences and more, please visit parentingtodaysteens.orgParenting 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. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Mark tackles real questions from parents who are in the trenches with their teens. From navigating the challenges of adoption with children who have struggled for years, to conversations around sexuality, substance use and the whirlwind of teen relationships, this episode dives deep into the tough scenarios so many families face. Mark offers practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement for building stronger relationships with your teens — even when times are hard.Have a parenting problem you just can't solve? Ask Mark! Send in your questions at markgregston.comParenting 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. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how respect is foundational to a peaceful, healthy home, and it must be intentionally taught and modeled by parents. Mark explains that many teens struggle with respect because they don’t feel respected themselves, making it essential for parents to examine their words, reactions and expectations. Even in disagreement, families can maintain unity by committing to mutual respect, clear boundaries and consistent consequences. When parents lead by example, they create an environment where relationships can thrive rather than descend into chaos.Heartlight is hiring! Visit heartlightministries.org/careers to learn more!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.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Listen today as Mark Gregston reflects on a generation that pursued “peace at all costs” and avoided conflict, often weakening relationships instead of deepening them. Drawing on Galatians 6:9, he reminds parents that true, God-given peace doesn’t eliminate struggle — it carries us through it with hope. Even in the darkest family crises, perseverance, engagement and faithful investment matter more than immediate results. Don’t grow weary in doing good; if you don’t give up, God promises a harvest on the other side.Is your family in crisis? Join Mark in Texas at one of his Families in Crisis Conferences. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more and register!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.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

For many teens, the drive to fit in or feel worthy can shape almost every decision they make. Beneath the surface, those struggles often trace back to deep questions of value, trust and belonging. Today, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who each share their journeys through perfectionism, insecurity and the desire to be loved. For Emily, her struggles with anxiety and perfectionism started as early as 7 years old. She talks about feeling pressured to perform in every aspect of life, often seeking validation from others at the expense of her own well-being. Tune in for honest conversations about the power of validation — and the hope of finding true worth.Want to learn more about the Heartlight program? Go to heartlightministries.org today!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. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy