Parenting Today's Teens

Osad

• 
  I Mustache Mark a Question: Moods, Mental Health and Parenting Through Change 25.09.2026 26min

  In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more common challenges parents are facing with their teens today. From navigating the difference between sarcasm and disrespect to supporting kids through anxiety, depression and OCD — no topic is off limits. Mark addresses questions about parenting through divorce, rebuilding trust when teens habitually lie and how to create clear boundaries without losing connection. Full of relatable stories and down-to-earth advice, this episode is packed with practical ways to encourage honesty, set realistic expectations and keep relationships strong during the turbulent teen years.Have a question for a future episode? Go to markgregston.com to send it in!
• 
  Is Your Teen Trying to Get Your Attention? 24.09.2026 23min

  Every teen wants to feel seen, valued and noticed. But what happens when they start looking for that attention in unhealthy places? Mark and Wayne explore what can be behind attention-seeking behavior and why parents should look beyond the behavior to understand what their teen is really longing for. Mark shares practical ways to offer meaningful attention, set healthy boundaries and strengthen connection. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen, who candidly shares how her desire for acceptance and affirmation contributed to a painful series of choices — and what she has since learned about the relationships that truly matter.Sometimes your teen acts out to get attention. Sometimes it may be something you, as a parent, are doing. Learn more here at bit.ly/tipping-points-in-relationships-with-teens
• 
  Helping Teens Separate Real Life From Social Media 23.09.2026 22min

  Is social media shaping the way your teen sees themselves — and convincing them they don’t measure up? In this episode, Mark Gregston explores how carefully curated posts, altered images and constant comparison can distort a teen’s view of reality and contribute to feelings of inadequacy, isolation and poor self-esteem. Rather than trying to eliminate social media altogether, Mark offers practical ways parents can help teens become wiser consumers of what they see online, recognize what’s real and what isn’t, and build healthier boundaries and perspectives. Listen in for guidance on helping your teen escape the comparison trap and stay grounded in real life.Parents, you are the ones who can best help your teens develop healthy habits when it comes to their lives online. Get more tips here: bit.ly/boundaries-for-teens-online-life
• 
  Teen Stories: Feeling Hopeless at Home 22.09.2026 24min

  Family conflict isn’t just loud arguments or silent standoffs — it can leave deep marks that shape the way teens see themselves and their future. In this episode, Mark sits down with two young ladies from Heartlight who open up about what happens when home stops being a sanctuary and relationships fall apart. From stubborn fights with parents to feeling isolated and misunderstood, they share how painful family dynamics and past hurts pushed them to the edge. Listen in as they discuss what it took to begin letting go of resentment, accept help and start rebuilding trust — both at home and within themselves.If you have a struggling teen, Heartlight may be able to help. Visit heartlightministries.org to learn more.
• 
  When Good Kids Make Bad Choices 21.09.2026 24min

  Your teen is going to make mistakes. How you respond can either deepen your relationship or create greater distance. Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss what parents should do when they discover their teen has made a serious or inappropriate choice. They explain how to respond without shame, maintain firm consequences without sacrificing connection, and use mistakes as opportunities to help teens grow in responsibility and maturity. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen who candidly shares about a painful setback, the guilt and shame that followed, and how knowing her parents still loved her helped her move forward. Tune in for practical encouragement on helping your teen learn from mistakes, bounce back and keep growing.Why do teens do the crazy things they do? And how can you protect your relationship while still teaching them a valuable lesson? Learn more at bit.ly/teens-and-inappropriate-behavior
• 
  I Mustache Mark a Question: Double Lives, Depression and Difficult Conversations 18.09.2026 29min

  In this Q&A episode, Mark addresses some tough challenges parents are facing with their teens today. He answers listener questions on supporting a teen dealing with depression and drug use, how to respond when teens show no interest in talking about relationships and what to do if you feel desperate about getting your child help — especially when resources are tight. Mark also shares advice for parenting special needs teens, managing explosive anger outbursts, and what to do when your 18-year-old ignores chores and becomes glued to video games. All throughout, Mark emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations and knowing when to set firm boundaries as you guide your teen through an ever-changing culture.Stumped by your teen's behavior? Ask Mark about it! Send in your questions at markgregston.com
• 
  Are You Giving Your Teen Enough Responsibility? 17.09.2026 24min

  Your job as a parent isn’t simply to teach your teen what to do — it’s to prepare them to eventually do it without you. Mark, Wayne and Courtney unpack the important progression from teaching to training to transferring responsibility. They explain why parenting must change during adolescence and how giving teens opportunities to make decisions, take responsibility and even fail can prepare them for adulthood. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen, who shares how honest conversations and growing personal responsibility helped transform his relationships and outlook. Tune in for advice on helping your teen mature while knowing you’ll still be there when they need you.Teaching your teen to take responsibility can be exhausting. If you find yourself drained by conflict at home, get tips to shake things up at bit.ly/constant-conflict-and-exhausted-parents
• 
  Turning Life Lessons Into Lasting Wisdom 16.09.2026 28min

  Your teen has access to more information than ever before. What they need from you is something Google can’t give them: wisdom. In this episode, Mark explains how parents and grandparents can turn biblical truth, personal experiences, mistakes and lessons learned into wisdom teens can actually apply to their lives. He shares why storytelling can be such a powerful way to connect, how to approach difficult subjects with truth and love, and why intentional conversations matter more than simply dispensing advice. Listen in for practical encouragement on becoming a trusted source of perspective, hope and wisdom in your teen’s life.Your teen is getting plenty of messages throughout each day. Find five things your teen needs to hear from YOU at bit.ly/five-messages-your-teen-needs-to-hear
• 
  Teen Stories: Mending Complicated Relationships 15.09.2026 20min

  Every teen has a story, and sometimes the pain they carry comes out in ways parents don’t expect. In today’s show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share how broken relationships at home — whether with parents or grandparents — pushed them toward destructive choices. Both guests open up about the struggles that led them to Heartlight, from anger and rebellion to depression and self-medication. Yet, underneath those behaviors is a longing for connection. Today, these teens are finding new hope by rebuilding trust and opening their hearts to the family members who never gave up on them.To learn more about the Heartlight residential program, visit heartlightministries.org today.
• 
  The Keys to Better Conversations With Your Teen 14.09.2026 22min

  Does your teen feel truly heard — or are you already preparing your response while they're still talking? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Courtney explain why listening is one of the most powerful ways parents can strengthen their relationship with their teen. They share practical strategies for asking deeper questions, resisting the urge to lecture or correct, and creating conversations where teens feel safe opening up. You'll also hear from a Heartlight teen who shares how better communication helped transform her relationship with her parents. Tune in for tips to help you listen more intentionally and better understand your teen's heart.Mark mentioned in today's episode that many adopted teens who come to Heartlight struggle with self-worth. Visit bit.ly/the-four-issues-adopted-teens-face to better understand what these young people are going through.
• 
  I Mustache Mark a Question: Trust, Consequences and Second Chances 11.09.2026 16min

  In this week’s episode, Mark dives into the complex world of trust between parents and teens. He tackles what to do when your teen keeps repeating behaviors that broke your trust, how to respond when lies have become a pattern and how to keep going when you’ve given chance after chance but nothing seems to improve. Mark unpacks why teens might struggle to be honest, and shares advice for handling repeated disappointment while still helping teens grow in decision-making. With real-life examples and candid wisdom, Mark encourages parents to focus less on broken trust and more on creating an environment where good decisions — and second chances — can flourish.Have a question for the show? We'd love to hear it! Go to markgregston.com to submit your topic.
• 
  Helping Your Teen Overcome Guilt and Shame 10.09.2026 25min

  Every teen makes mistakes. The question is whether those mistakes become a source of growth or a burden of shame. Mark and Wayne discuss the important difference between guilt and shame and how parents can help their teens move beyond both. You'll also hear a candid conversation with a Heartlight student, who shares how unresolved trauma led to destructive choices — and how honesty, grace and the support of others helped her begin finding healing. Tune in for biblical encouragement and practical wisdom on helping your teen find healing, forgiveness and hope after they've messed up.Like the student in today's episode, some teens work hard to project an ideal image while privately battling shame, guilt or depression. What's a parent to do? Find out here: bit.ly/is-my-teen-leading-a-double-life
• 
  Loving Your Teen Beyond Their Mistakes 09.09.2026 14min

  Every parent wants the best for their teen. But could high expectations unintentionally leave them wondering if your love depends on their performance? In this episode, Mark challenges parents to distinguish between holding biblical standards and communicating unconditional love. Mark explains why teens need grace as much as guidance, how performance-based relationships can lead to shame and discouragement, and why the strongest families separate a child's actions from their worth. He also shares practical conversation starters to help parents better understand what their teens are really feeling. Tune in for a timely reminder that while expectations matter, your relationship with your teen should always be rooted in grace, love and acceptance.Loving your children through their mistakes is key to helping them learn a better way. Get practical tips how here: bit.ly/helping-teens-get-past-guilt-and-shame
• 
  Teen Stories: When Home Is a Battleground 08.09.2026 18min

  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!
• 
  The Grandparent Advantage 07.09.2026 24min

  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
• 
  I Mustache Mark a Question: Discipline, Depression and Digital Dilemmas 04.09.2026 28min

  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.
• 
  Four Things Every Teen Needs From Their Parents 03.09.2026 23min

  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
• 
  Does Your Teen Feel They Have to Earn Your Love? 02.09.2026 15min

  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
• 
  Teen Stories: When Secrets Take Over 01.09.2026 27min

  Sometimes the battles our teens face are hidden — masked by distance, secrecy and behaviors we struggle to understand. On today’s show, Mark and Courtney sit down with two young women at Heartlight who share honest stories of pain, isolation and the search for trust. Whether it’s hiding self-harm or locking themselves away, both guests reveal how hard it was to let parents in — and how healing began when their families learned to listen and simply love. Tune in to hear their powerful journeys from silent suffering to finding hope for the future.To learn more about the Heartlight program, visit heartlightministries.org today.
• 
  Helping Your Teen Survive the School Year 31.08.2026 25min

  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