Parenting Today's Teens

Sometimes, life throws more at you than you think you can handle — and it’s easy to lose sight of who you are. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who open up about what drove them to the edge, from battling depression and losing a brother to numbing pain with drugs and alcohol. Both share honestly about what happens when you start living for everyone else — or try to escape your hurt instead of facing it. Through stories of loss, fractured families and hard-won moments of hope, these teens talk about what it’s like to truly begin the journey back to yourself.

Want to learn more about the Heartlight residential program? Go to heartlightministries.org today.

With alcohol and marijuana becoming increasingly accessible and socially accepted, how can parents prepare their teens to make wise choices? In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore why teens experiment with substances, from the desire to fit in to the need to escape anxiety, depression and other emotional struggles. Mark explains why parents must look beyond the behavior to understand what's driving it, while keeping communication open, establishing boundaries and responding with love rather than anger. Tune in for guidance on having honest conversations about substance use, strengthening your relationship with your teen and helping them navigate a culture filled with temptation.

The key to understanding your teen’s attraction to drugs is uncovering the why behind their choices. Learn more here: bit.ly/what-is-the-attraction-of-drugs

In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles your pressing parenting questions, from navigating the heavy topic of teen suicide and supporting teens with depression to setting healthy boundaries when it comes to dating. The conversation focused on practical ways to approach issues like teens attending events held in clubs, managing disrespectful behavior and not letting your own past mistakes influence your parenting. Mark also shares thoughts on the unique role of grandparents, the importance of relational connection and how parents can reflect on their own behavior to foster better relationships with their kids. With stories, actionable advice and a dash of humor, Mark offers guidance for building strong bonds with your teens during their toughest moments.

Have a question for Mark? We'd love to hear it! Send it in at markgregston.com

Discovering that your teen is using drugs or alcohol can be frightening. But how you respond could make all the difference in helping them turn their life around. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the dangers of teen substance abuse and why many adolescents turn to drugs or alcohol to escape anxiety, depression and other emotional struggles. Mark offers guidance on getting your teen out of danger, understanding what's driving their behavior, establishing boundaries and knowing when to seek professional help. You'll also hear from Heartlight teen Robert, who shares how drinking and marijuana use affected his emotional well-being and relationships — and why he wishes his parents had connected with him on a deeper level. Find out why Mark urges parents not to ignore substance use in their child.

Explore new ways to restore peace and joy in your home as you better understand your child. Order Mark's book, "What's Happening to My Teen?" here: bit.ly/whats-happening-to-my-teen

When your children look back on their lives, what will they remember most about you? Your rules, your advice and your accomplishments — or the relationship you built with them? Mark reflects on how becoming a grandfather changed his perspective on parenting, relationships and the legacy he wants to leave behind. He explains why listening, staying connected and loving your teen unconditionally matter far more than raising a child who always thinks and acts like you. Tune in for a thoughtful reminder that the most meaningful legacy you can leave isn't measured by what you accomplish, but by the lives you touch through loving relationships.

You may not say you demand perfection from your teen, but are your actions sending a different message? Visit bit.ly/three-ways-to-let-your-teen-be-imperfect for more.

When teens push others away, there’s usually more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye. Whether it’s anger, a need for independence or past hurts, these defensive walls can signal a deep need for connection. In today’s show, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight who’ve struggled to let their families truly get close to them. For Joey, growing up adopted left a lasting impact on his ability to trust others — even when he longed for close relationships. Both teens are learning what it takes to break down barriers and reconnect. Listen in now!

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Go to heartlightministries.org today.

Teen depression doesn't always look the way parents expect. Sometimes the warning signs are obvious, but other times a teen may be struggling deeply without showing any outward signs at all. Mark and Wayne discuss the growing concern of teen depression, including changes in behavior, withdrawal, hopelessness, self-harm and other warning signs parents shouldn't ignore. Mark also explains how to start meaningful conversations, take your teen's feelings seriously and recognize when professional help is needed. You'll also hear from a Heartlight teen who shares how depression and anxiety contributed to conflict at home and unhealthy coping behaviors — and how he's learning to understand his emotions, ask for support and find healthier ways forward. Tune in to this important conversation today!

Learn what signs of depression to look for and the hopeful bottom line here: bit.ly/teens-depression-and-its-consequences

In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles some more parenting dilemmas you’re facing with your teens. He shares insight on navigating disagreements over values and lifestyle with adult children — especially when financial support is on the line. He also dives into how to set house rules for teens who are nearing adulthood but still living at home, and how step-parents and significant others can build trust with reluctant teens. Other questions cover handling a teen’s exposure to pornography, responding to grief and anger after the loss of a parent, and what to do when a child seems unmotivated at school. Throughout the episode, Mark’s advice centers on staying present and meeting teens where they are as they grow, stumble and find their own path.

Has your teen's behavior left you stumped? Ask Mark! Go to markgregston.com to submit your question.

Every parent wants their teen to become a responsible, independent adult. But could doing too much for your child actually be holding them back? Mark and Wayne discuss why preparing teens for adulthood needs to begin long before they turn 18. Mark shares ways to gradually transfer responsibility, teach essential life skills, encourage employment and establish expectations that help young adults become self-sufficient. You’ll also hear from Heartlight teen Eli, who shares how his desire for control led to defiance, substance use and conflict with his parents — and how learning to accept responsibility has changed his outlook and relationships. Tune in for practical guidance on helping your teen develop the maturity and independence they'll need to thrive beyond your home.

Is your teen spending too much time on screens, struggling to find motivation or expecting you to provide everything without lifting a finger? Mark offers a simple prescription: bit.ly/your-teen-needs-a-job

When your teen lashes out in anger, it's easy to focus on their behavior. But what if their frustration is telling you something deeper? Mark explores three common reasons teens become angry: feeling controlled, feeling judged or shamed, and not getting what they want. He explains why parents need to look beyond angry outbursts to understand what's happening in their teen's heart. Drawing on James 1:19, Mark also shares practical ways to defuse conflict, ask better questions, listen without becoming defensive and model healthy responses to frustration. Tune in to discover how understanding your teen's anger can help you turn heated confrontations into opportunities for growth, trust and stronger relationships.

Find out two of the most common ways parents drive a wedge between themselves and their teens, and practical tools to close that gap before it grows any wider: bit.ly/how-not-to-drive-a-wedge-between-you-and-your-teen

Behind every rebellious choice often lies a longing to belong. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two teens from Heartlight about the complicated reasons behind their struggles with drugs, running away and broken relationships. Both guests open up about learning independence at an early age and the risky paths they chased in hopes of being noticed and feeling loved. Their stories reveal how the search for acceptance and validation can lead teens down dangerous roads — and how honest conversations, second chances and the right support can spark real change. Listen in as these teens reflect on what it takes to mend family bonds and find true connection.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Visit heartlightministries.org today.

Dating can make parents nervous, but it can also give teens valuable opportunities to learn about relationships, communication and what they may eventually want in a spouse. Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss the benefits and risks of teen dating, when to allow greater interaction with the opposite sex, and how parents can establish healthy boundaries without creating shame or pushing their teen away. Above all, they encourage parents to stay involved as their teen’s relationships become increasingly important. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen who shares how an abusive relationship contributed to alcohol abuse, anxiety and broken family relationships — and how healing has helped her take responsibility and reconnect with the people she loves.

Learn when and how to broach the subject of sex with your teen at bit.ly/how-to-talk-to-your-teen-about-sex

In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles some deeply personal challenges parents are facing with their teens. How do adoptive parents move forward after years of conflict and heartache? How should a parent respond when a 14-year-old says she’s gay? What do you say when your 18-year-old insists marijuana helps him cope with anxiety? And how do you handle a teen romance that’s moving way too fast? Mark also addresses what to do when your teen doesn’t want to talk despite your best efforts to connect, and how to support a daughter who has withdrawn after bullying and the suicide of a close friend. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes maintaining the relationship, setting appropriate boundaries and knowing when giving a teen some space may actually draw them closer.

Have a parenting situation you can’t quite figure out? Send your question to Mark at markgregston.com, and he may tackle it on an upcoming episode!

Respect is essential to a healthy family, but demanding it from your teen isn’t enough. Parents also need to model the kind of respect they want to receive. Mark and Wayne discuss how parents can make respect a priority at home, establish clear boundaries and consequences for disrespect, and examine whether their own words and reactions are contributing to the problem. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen as he candidly shares how trauma, anger and isolation affected his relationship with his mom — and how working through his past helped him discover who he wants to become. Tune in for practical guidance on building a home where respect is both expected and given.

Entitlement is just one form of disrespect from teens. Here are 10 tips to deal with it: bit.ly/ten-ways-to-deal-with-an-entitled-teen

When your family is in crisis, it can feel like the conflict, heartache and exhaustion will never end. But the difficult season you’re walking through today doesn’t have to define your relationship with your teen tomorrow. In this episode, Mark draws on decades of walking alongside struggling families to offer hope to parents who feel worn out and ready to give up. He explains why conflict can actually deepen relationships, why hope requires action and why parents should focus not only on getting through today’s crisis, but on building the relationship they want with their teen five years from now. Listen in for encouragement to keep showing up, keep investing and trust that God is still at work — even when you can’t yet see the other side.

Gain a new perspective on conflict with your teen and recover from the exhaustion that’s draining your ability to parent: bit.ly/hope-for-constant-conflict-exhausted-parents

Growing up today means living in a world obsessed with appearances, fitting in and being “enough.” In this episode, Mark chats with two young women at Heartlight who open up about battling anxiety, insecurity and the pressure to perform. Both share how their struggles — whether from family tension, past trauma or the constant hunt for validation — left them feeling isolated and misunderstood. Listen as they unpack how the unhealthy cycles took root and what it really looks like to start finding confidence and self-worth from the inside out.

Looking for hope for your struggling teen? Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more about our residential counseling program.

The teen years go by faster than most parents realize. And while your schedule may be packed, the time you intentionally spend with your teen today can shape your relationship for years to come. Mark and Wayne discuss why regular one-on-one time is so important — and how listening without judging, asking thoughtful questions and simply enjoying time together can build trust and open the door to deeper conversations. Mark also shares a personal lesson from his relationship with his own son, while a Heartlight teen offers a powerful perspective on what struggling teens really need from their parents. Don’t underestimate your influence. The time you invest in your teen now could make all the difference later.

Learn practical ways to engage differently with your teen, so they actually want to talk to you: bit.ly/how-to-communicate-differently-with-your-teens

In this insightful Q&A episode, Mark dives into some tough questions parents are facing with their older teens on the verge of adulthood. He tackles real-life situations like helping teens develop independence as they approach age 18, addressing defiance and disrespect, and making difficult decisions about letting kids stay at home. Mark also discusses how to help teens who are struggling with depression or lack motivation, and when to intervene versus letting natural consequences play out — especially when anxiety and risky behaviors are involved. With his signature wisdom and compassion, Mark offers practical advice for parents on setting boundaries, encouraging responsibility and preparing their teens for life in the real world.

Have a question for a future episode? We'd love to hear it! Go to markgregston.com to send it in.

Does your teen expect you to provide everything they want — and push back when you don’t? In this episode, Mark and Wayne tackle the problem of entitlement and share six practical ways parents can help teens become more responsible and independent. Mark explains why doing less for your teen can actually prepare them for more, how to transfer responsibility as they mature and why love doesn’t always have to come in the form of giving them something. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen, who candidly shares about his struggles with drugs, depression and a deteriorating relationship with his parents, and the changes that are helping him rebuild those relationships. Tune in for practical ways to move your teen toward independence while affirming the relationship along the way.

Learn how to cultivate gratitude in your home versus entitlement here: bit.ly/create-a-thankful-home

Your teen is surrounded by voices competing for their attention, but what are they really looking for from you? In this episode, Mark explores how today’s culture of negativity, self-proclaimed experts and social media fantasy can make it difficult for teens to separate information from wisdom and truth from opinion. He explains why constant criticism can leave teens emotionally exhausted, while shallow affirmation can keep them from facing the truth they need to grow. Mark encourages parents to fill that gap by building the kind of relationship that allows them to speak truth in love — offering honesty without constant negativity, wisdom without acting like a know-it-all and encouragement grounded in reality. Listen in and discover how you can become a positive, trustworthy voice your teen will turn to when the rest of the world feels like noise.

One of the most common questions Mark gets from parents is, “How old should my child be when I give them a cell phone?” His answer usually surprises them. Find out more at parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/q-a-on-cell-phones