Parenting Today's Teens

Épisodes

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  Before You Share Your Opinion... 05.08.2026 16min

  Are you quick to offer your opinion, or do you help your teen see life from a broader perspective? In this episode, Mark shares two personal stories that transformed the way he views life's disappointments and hardships. Through humor, loss and unexpected moments of gratitude, Mark explains why perspective often matters more than having the right answer. He also challenges parents to move beyond lectures and opinions, offering the kind of wisdom that helps teens navigate life's challenges with resilience, gratitude and hope. Tune in for an encouraging reminder that a change in perspective can change everything.Learn the art of sharing your perspective and more tips here: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/the-power-of-perspective-2
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  Teen Stories: When Progress is Messy 04.08.2026 20min

  Every journey through the teenage years comes with some bumps in the road. In this episode, Mark welcomes two teens from Heartlight who open up about what happens when life feels overwhelming and mistakes start to pile up. From hiding pain behind risky choices to wrestling with family expectations and the fear of letting loved ones down, their stories are honest and incredibly relatable. Listen in to hear how, even after setbacks and false starts, these young women are finding their way — with a little help from second chances, family support and learning to forgive themselves.For more information on the Heartlight residential program, visit heartlightministries.org
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  The Journey From Boys to Men 03.08.2026 15min

  Raising a son is about more than helping him grow up — it's about helping him become the man God created him to be. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the unique challenges and opportunities of parenting boys through the adolescent years. Mark explains why boys often communicate differently than girls, how healthy independence is a sign of growth and why responsibility, meaningful conversations and shared experiences are essential in shaping a young man's character. Tune in for practical encouragement on strengthening your relationship with your son and guiding him confidently from boyhood to manhood.For more on how dads can positively influence their teens, visit bit.ly/how-dads-can-build-strong-relationships
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  I Mustache Mark a Question: Letting Go, Holding On and Parenting Through Change 31.07.2026 25min

  In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into the growing distance between grandparents and grandkids, offering advice for bridging the generational gap and fostering real connection. He also addresses the pain of strained relationships when kids pull away after divorce, sharing how parents can invite — not force — closeness while staying open to change themselves. Listeners will hear guidance on setting healthy boundaries with teens, especially when it comes to letting go as they become young adults. Finally, Mark talks through the difficult issue of teens who struggle with lying, providing tools for holding them accountable while encouraging honesty and growth.Stuck on a parenting problem? Ask Mark about it! Send in your questions at markgregston.com
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  8 Ways to Improve Communication with Your Teen 30.07.2026 11min

  Do you feel like every conversation with your teen ends in frustration — or silence? In this episode, Mark and Wayne share eight practical strategies for improving communication with today’s adolescents. From listening more and correcting less to asking better questions and avoiding judgment, Mark explains how small shifts in your approach can open the door to deeper conversations. He also addresses the role technology plays in family communication and challenges parents to model the kind of engagement they hope to see in their teens.Getting your teen to open up is great, but what happens when you hear something you don't want to? Learn how to respond here: bit.ly/when-you-hear-things-from-your-teen-that-will-shock-you
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  What Pain Can Teach Your Teen 29.07.2026 20min

  Every parent wants to protect their child from pain. But what if some of life's greatest lessons come through it? Mark shares a personal story that transformed the way he thinks about pain and parenting. He explains how emotional pain often drives unhealthy behaviors, why teens sometimes make destructive choices simply to find relief and how parents can avoid rescuing their children too quickly. Instead, he encourages families to see pain as an opportunity for growth, maturity and deeper dependence on God. Tune in for a fresh perspective on helping your teen grow stronger through life's inevitable challenges.In this article, Mark identifies the pain that may be driving your teen’s behavior, and shares practical steps for getting to the heart of the matter: bit.ly/dealing-with-the-hurt-behind-the-behavior
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  Teen Stories: Healing from the Inside Out 28.07.2026 22min

  Teens don't always know how to work through big emotions like hurt, rejection or anger. Their inner pain often spills outward, resulting in some poor choices. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies at Heartlight, including Amber, who talks about how being adopted and feeling rejected by her birth parents left a deep void, one she tried to fill with unhealthy relationships and rebellion. These young women both discovered that real acceptance can’t be found in taking risks or seeking approval from others — it starts with healing on the inside. Listen in for an honest look at what it really means to belong!Is Heartlight the right choice for your struggling teen? Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more about the residential program.
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  Beyond the Smoke: A Warning About Marijuana 27.07.2026 15min

  As marijuana becomes more accepted in today’s culture, many parents are wondering how to respond when their teen is exposed to it — or begins using it. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the growing prevalence of teen marijuana use and why the issue often runs deeper than the drug itself. Mark explains how anxiety, depression, peer pressure and the desire to escape emotional pain can drive substance use, and why parents should focus on the underlying struggle, not just the behavior. Tune in for practical guidance on approaching this difficult conversation with truth, wisdom and compassion.Learn signs your teen may be using marijuana and more here: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/teens-smoking-weed-2
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  I Mustache Mark a Question: House Rules, Isolation and Independence 24.07.2026 22min

  In today's Q&A episode, Mark dives into topics like why teen boys are more image-conscious than ever, how to handle a 17-year-old reading inappropriate romance novels and what consequences make sense for a teen who’s skipping class. Mark also addresses concerns about a young adult son who’s become withdrawn after a strict, non-relational upbringing, as well as how to support a 14-year-old with sensory processing challenges. With his signature blend of empathy and practical advice, Mark walks listeners through balancing rules and relationship, digging deeper into what’s driving teen behavior and how to open the door to meaningful connection.Have a question for a future episode? Go to markgregston.com to send it in!
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  Raising Humble Teens in a Selfie World 23.07.2026 17min

  In a world that constantly says, “Look at me,” how can parents help teens develop humility, empathy and healthy relationships? Mark and Wayne discuss how social media, peer pressure, and today's culture can encourage self-centered attitudes and unhealthy comparisons. Mark offers advice for recognizing narcissistic tendencies, addressing hurtful online behavior and creating opportunities for teens to grow through responsibility, vulnerability and real-life experiences. He also explains why parents often have more influence when they listen more and lecture less. Listen in for practical insight on helping your teen develop confidence without self-absorption and relationships that go deeper than appearances.In his book, Tough Guys and Drama Queens, Mark unpacks the cultural influences that are affecting today’s teens and shares strategies to address them. Find that and related resources at parentingtodaysteens.org/shop
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  The Power of Speaking Life Into Your Teen 22.07.2026 15min

  Who helped shape the person you are today? And who are you shaping for tomorrow? In this episode, Mark reflects on the mentors who profoundly influenced his life through simple conversations, thoughtful questions and timeless words of wisdom. Rather than relying on lectures or criticism, Mark encourages parents and grandparents to invest in consistent, encouraging relationships that build trust over time. He shares why listening, telling stories and offering perspective often leave a greater legacy than having all the right answers.Find more practical parenting tips and resources for most every situation you face with your teen at parentingtodaysteens.org
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  Teen Stories: Secrets, Lies and the Search for Help 21.07.2026 22min

  Every teen wants to feel valued and understood, but sometimes that search leads them into situations they would never have expected. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight who open up about their journeys — one who looked for affirmation through relationships, and another who drifted into substance use to cope with social anxiety and pain. Both found themselves hiding the truth from the people who loved them most, but at the core, they just wanted to be seen and heard. Tune in as they share how real change began with learning to be honest, accepting love and building a new sense of self-worth.Interested in learning more about Heartlight? Go to heartlightministries.org today!
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  Why Your Teen Won’t Respond to Authority 20.07.2026 19min

  Does it feel like your parental authority just isn’t having the same impact it once did? Mark and Wayne explore why today’s teens respond differently to authority than previous generations — and what parents can do instead. Mark explains why lasting influence comes through relationship, not intimidation, and offers practical insight on earning your teen’s respect while maintaining healthy boundaries and expectations. He also discusses common parenting habits that unintentionally undermine authority and create distance. Tune in for practical encouragement on leading your teen with confidence, wisdom and a relationship that invites them to listen.Understanding what’s really driving a teen’s behavior changes everything about how to respond. Find five ways to help a rebellious teen here: bit.ly/what-you-need-to-know-about-a-rebellious-teenMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman
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  I Mustache Mark a Question: Grief, Boundaries and Blurred Lines in Culture 17.07.2026 34min

  In today's Q&A episode, Mark tackles everything from navigating boundaries around technology use and school responsibilities to dealing with grief after the loss of a parent, and addressing concerns over modesty and gender identity. He also unpacks how to navigate rules about which movies teens can watch and offers perspective on keeping relationships first, even when core beliefs are challenged. With heartfelt stories and practical advice, Mark encourages parents to lead with love, set clear standards and find God's wisdom in the midst of a rapidly changing culture.We want to hear your parenting questions! Send them in at markgregston.com
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  Helping Teens Through Seasons of Doubt 16.07.2026 10min

  What should you do when your teen begins questioning — or even walking away from — their faith? In this episode, Mark and Wayne offer hope and practical wisdom for parents navigating one of the most difficult seasons of raising a teen. They discuss why many young people struggle with faith, how today’s culture shapes their questions and why unconditional love often speaks louder than repeated arguments. Mark also encourages parents to trust the seeds they’ve planted while continuing to model a genuine, grace-filled relationship with Christ. Listen today!So how do we live out our faith in front of our teens? Learn more at bit.ly/christian-life-is-more-caught-than-taught
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  The Mission Right Outside Your Door 15.07.2026 9min

  When you think of missions, do you picture a faraway country — or the people living just down the street? In this episode, Mark reflects on two life-changing experiences that reshaped his understanding of what it means to serve others. Through stories of a mission trip overseas and caring for his aging father-in-law, Mark challenges parents to recognize the opportunities God places right in front of them. He encourages families to look beyond grand gestures and embrace the everyday acts of love that can transform lives. Tune in for an inspiring reminder that your greatest mission field may be closer than you think.Sometimes, the main mission we're called to is in our own family. If you have a teen who is hard to love at times, Mark has some tips for you: bit.ly/when-loving-teens-isnt-easy
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  Teen Stories: Longing to Be Loved 14.07.2026 23min

  Every teen wants to feel seen and valued, but sometimes that search for acceptance gets tangled up in pain and self-doubt. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens who share honest stories of feeling left out, misunderstood and desperate to belong. Whether facing the scars of adoption, the ache of loss or the pressures to fit in, both guests reveal how their choices were shaped by a deep need to be loved. Tune in as they talk about everything they're learning on the journey to genuine self-worth and connection.Is Heartlight the answer for your struggling teen? Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more today.Mentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman
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  Facing Conflict Without Fear 13.07.2026 16min

  Most parents try to avoid conflict with their teens. But what if avoiding it is actually making things worse? Mark and Wayne discuss why unresolved issues rarely disappear — and how addressing them with wisdom and grace can strengthen your relationship instead of damaging it. Mark shares strategies for navigating difficult conversations, choosing which battles matter most, and creating an environment where honesty can replace tension and resentment. Tune in for encouragement on handling conflict in a way that builds trust, deepens connection and helps your teen grow through life’s challenges.Get five tips on engaging in conflict that draws your family closer instead of tearing it apart here: bit.ly/Five-truths-behind-arguing-with-a-teen
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  I Mustache Mark a Question: Disrespect, Depression and Decision-Making 10.07.2026 28min

  In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles another batch of tough questions parents are facing with their teens today. He discusses how to respond if your teen is having suicidal thoughts, including when to take immediate action and how to access help. Other listener questions cover balancing boundaries and trust when your teen starts dating, what to do about disrespectful behavior from grandchildren and how grandparents can build stronger relationships without stepping on parents’ toes. As always, the episode is rich with practical advice for strengthening connection, setting loving boundaries and meeting your teens right where they are.Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect On1. Would my teen say I have their best interests at heart?2. Who gets to decide what “disrespect” is?3. What from my past do I need to heal to have a better relationship with my teen?Have a parenting question for Mark? Go to markgregston.com — it may be featured on a future episode!Mentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman
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  From Lectures to Life Lessons 09.07.2026 15min

  Today’s teens have unlimited access to information, but they’re still searching for wisdom. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss how parents and grandparents can move beyond lectures to offer the kind of wisdom that shapes a young person’s life. Mark explains how observation, reflection and experience help parents communicate in ways that teens will actually receive. He also shares why authentic conversations and a life that reflects God’s Word speak louder than endless advice. Tune in for practical encouragement on becoming the trusted source of wisdom your teen is looking for.Many teens can’t hear a word their parents are saying because their actions are speaking too loudly. This can be especially true when it comes to sharing your faith. Read what Mark has to say about it at bit.ly/the-christian-life-is-more-caught-than-taughtMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman