Could the biggest change in your relationship with your teen begin with simply listening better? In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore why today’s teens are desperate to feel heard, and why many stop talking when they believe no one is truly listening. You’ll learn practical ways to move from correcting and lecturing to understanding and connecting. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of hidden pain, family conflict, anxiety and how finally feeling heard helped bring healing and restoration.

Find practical ways to create an atmosphere conducive to honest conversation with your teen at bit.ly/when-your-teen-wont-open-up

Mentioned in this episode:

FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

In today's episode, Mark addresses one of the most pressing concerns among Christian parents: what to do when teens begin to struggle with or question their faith. Many teens, especially those facing trauma or feeling like they don't fit in, may not respond to traditional spiritual approaches. Mark discusses the critical transition from concrete to abstract thinking during adolescence and emphasizes the importance of patience, relationship and modeling Christ’s love. Parents are encouraged not to shame or pressure their teens, but instead to offer ongoing support and authentic living that gently points them to Jesus.

Have a question for Mark? We want to hear it! Go to markgregston.com to send it in.

What if counseling could become one of the greatest gifts you give your teen? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss why counseling isn’t just for teens in crisis. Sometimes, a trusted voice outside the family can help teens process pain, understand their behavior and find hope in ways parents alone cannot. You’ll also hear Jack’s story of healing, vulnerability and restored family relationships. Because when struggles stay hidden, they often get acted out — but healing begins when someone finally feels heard.

Find out 10 characteristics of a teen who needs intervention at bit.ly/intervention-before-its-too-late

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.

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.org

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. 

As the back-to-school season rapidly approaches, your teen might be nervous about returning to the pressures of middle school or high school. So how can you, as a parent, help shift their gaze away from what could go wrong and focus on the positives instead? Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to share advice for parents on how to come alongside their kids and help them make this the best school year yet. Tune in for their insights!   

Need some more encouragement on this topic? Download Mark's FREE e-book, "4 Fears of Parents During the School Year," at bit.ly/3cteI1B

So, your teen has declared they no longer want to go to church — what now?! In this episode, Mark Gregston sits down to answer some tough questions, including what a parent's response should be when their teen decides they don't believe in God or they hate attending church. It might be time to examine whether your child's God-given gifts are actually being nurtured in your church, or if they feel like they've been pushed away. Don't miss this important discussion!   

Have your own parenting question for Mark? Ask it here: bit.ly/3NzKC9K  

For more on how to help your child as they wrestle with their faith, visit parentingtodaysteens.org/blog/category/faith/

Do you know how to tell if you have a good, healthy relationship with your teenager? Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share FIVE markers you can use to gauge how well you're connecting with your teen and where you could do better. A great starting point is to simply spend more one-on-one time with them! Listen in for more of Mark and Wayne's tips.  

For some extra help fine-tuning your parenting approach, check out Mark's Parenting Toolbox at bit.ly/3tGbSMb

As kids enter their teen years, they get completely bombarded by information, gossip and negative messaging from media sources all around them. Unfortunately, as your teen's head spins with all the info, they can begin to view people as unworthy of respect — especially people in authority. In this devotional, Mark Gregston focuses on how you can maintain the respect you have cultivated with your child throughout their teen years and beyond.  

Want to learn more about what the Bible says about parenting? Take a look at Mark's two-week devotional series, "How to Parent Your Teen in a Biblical Way," at bit.ly/3tQqGb5

Adopted teens — and their parents — often have a unique set of challenges throughout the adolescent years as the teen explores questions about their birth parents. Mark sits down to chat with some Heartlight teens, including a 16-year-old boy who was adopted at a very young age. He explains that he struggled to feel a real, genuine attachment to his adoptive parents, which led to fights in the home. Tune in now to hear his story!   

If you have an adopted teen in your family, check out Mark's FREE e-book, "Parenting An Adopted Teen," at bit.ly/3P8jn7i

No matter how well-intentioned they are, many parents have habits they may not even be aware of that drive their teens crazy and damage the relationship. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd go over some of the most common parenting pitfalls you might stumble into that can end up pushing your teen away from you. Listen in now to hear their advice!  

Need some more ideas on how to keep a close relationship with your teen? Check out Mark's article, "The Greatest Gift to Give Your Teen," at bit.ly/3O5STSO

Most parents experience their teens breaking their trust. But what if you've given multiple chances and the behavior continues? On today's episode, Mark answers some of your most pressing questions on the topic of trust.  

Kids are going to break your trust ... but you can use those situations as teachable moments. Whether you've given them two chances or 20, don't give up. Consequences should be given, but should go hand in hand with encouragement to make the right decisions in the future.  

Tune in for more and share your own questions with Mark by sending an email to questions@parentingtodaysteens.org.

Parents are engaging with their kids more than ever before, but when those same kids grow up thinking the world revolves around them, they're in for a rude awakening. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss what happens when you've lost authority with your teen.  

Tune in to hear Mark and Wayne answer questions from listeners, as well as share how to have a good relationship with your kids — while not losing authority.  

For more information on what to do when your teen is not respecting authority, read one of Mark's many articles on the topic right here: bit.ly/3nyP1yU

As kids enter their teen years, they become increasingly aware of how uncertain the world can be. They are surrounded by news of wars, school shootings, natural disasters and other anxiety-inducing information — on top of the normal social pressures they face in day-to-day life. Mark Gregston shares a devotional to encourage you to be the certain, steadfast presence your kids so desperately need in their lives. Tune in for his insights!  

For more tips and insight on navigating the challenging teen years alongside your child, check out Mark's book, "What's Happening To My Teen?" Order your copy at bit.ly/3zbI5hW

So many teens battle depression and other mental health issues, and as parents, it's extremely important to be able to identify cries for help when your teen is in a dark place. In this episode, Mark Gregston has conversations with both current and former Heartlight teens, including a brave young woman who is recovering from injuries caused by a suicide attempt. Tune in to hear her powerful story of finding hope for her future!  

If you have a teen that is struggling with self-harm, please check out Mark's free e-book, "What Do I Do When My Teen is Cutting?" at bit.ly/3PeimKT

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.com

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. 

Can you remember when someone gave you a second chance after you made a mistake? In the harsh world we live in, your teens need that grace from you, too! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how you need to recognize that your child WILL inevitably make mistakes, and you should be ready to give them more chances to get it right. Don't miss this discussion!   

For more on the small changes you can make that add up to a great relationship with your child, read Mark's article, "Being a Superhero When Their Lives Suck," at bit.ly/3ujpVaR

Creating a home environment with balanced, reasonable rewards and consequences can be crucial for your teen's growth into an independent adult — but it's not an easy process. In this episode, Mark Gregston answers more great questions from parents just like you who want to see their teens succeed. He shares tips on how to avoid arguments, set up house rules for your teen's boyfriend or girlfriend, and more! Listen in now!  

In the midst of your own parenting dilemma? Ask Mark about it! Submit questions here: bit.ly/3NzKC9K  

For more help setting up boundaries and ensuring your home is an emotionally safe place for your child, check out Mark's e-book, "When Your Teen is Struggling," at bit.ly/3nuDAbo

It's okay for teens to feel guilt when they do something they know is wrong — but when parents then approach them with shame-filled comments and criticisms, it can cause damage that lasts a lifetime. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to discuss the importance of implementing natural consequences for your teen WITHOUT any shame piled on top. Listen in for more on how to discipline your teen without damaging the relationship!  

Mark's article, "Five Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Rules" features more insight on how to establish healthy consequences in your home. Check it out here: bit.ly/3OzJcwM

Parenting teenagers is no walk in the park — especially when your child is going through a difficult phase and declaring they don't need you anymore. If you have unresolved hurts in your own heart, their behavior can leave you feeling lost and rejected. Mark Gregston shares a heartfelt devotional about how important it is for you, as a parent, to spend time reflecting on who YOU are and any lingering traumas you may have so that you can begin a true journey of authenticity with your child.  

For more on working through emotional wounds that might affect your parenting, read Mark's article, "Forgiveness," at bit.ly/3AhH6xk

Experiencing trauma and betrayal at a young age can leave a lasting, devastating impact on a teen's life, and sometimes they need a helping hand to lead them out of the darkness. Mark Gregston interviews two Heartlight teens who share their stories of transformation, including one young woman who found freedom and healing through learning to trust in Jesus. Don't miss these impactful stories!   

Interested in learning more about Heartlight's residential counseling center? Please visit heartlightministries.org/about-us/

Practically every parent can think of things their child does that are bothersome, but are you spending too much time correcting — or worse — nagging your teen about the little things? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share how important it is for you to have the right motives and timing when giving feedback or corrections to your teen. Listen in now to hear their advice!   

Looking for more tips on how to navigate talking to your teen about their behavior? Read Mark's article, "The Teen Spin Cycle," at bit.ly/3QRWXsq

Do you make a point to sit down with your teen at least once a week and simply spend some time with them? If not, it may be time to start! In this special episode, Mark Gregston shares a list of conversation starters for you to use with your teen in the midst of a conflict or to encourage them to open up about the challenges they face. Listen in now for Mark's tips on how to have meaningful conversations with your child!  

Have a parenting challenge you'd like to ask Mark about? Submit it here: bit.ly/3NzKC9K  

If your family is going through a crisis and you'd like some help from counseling professionals, check out Parenting Today's Teens' Crisis Coaching Program. To learn more, visit parentingtodaysteens.org/phone-counseling/

Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to discuss how parents should naturally fall into the role of being a moral compass for their kids as they navigate through their adolescent years. Teens can get lost pretty easily — and it's YOUR job as a parent to spend some time understanding the world and culture they live in. After all, you can't navigate well with outdated maps! Don't miss this important discussion!  

For more on helping your teen find their calling in life, take a look at Mark's article, "Teenagers Seeking Purpose," at bit.ly/3Og7zPX

It can be very tempting to totally avoid conflict when there's tension between you and your teen, but it's usually better to confront the problem and walk alongside them in their struggles. In this episode, Mark explains that how you relate and interact with your child during the darkest times of their lives will determine your relationship with them in the future. The best investment you can make is investing in the life of your child!  

Looking for more biblical insights on how to have a healthy, rewarding relationship with your teen? Check out Mark's free two-week devotional series, "How to Parent Your Teen in a Biblical Way," at bit.ly/3tQqGb5

When a teen's home life becomes full of pain and tension, sometimes they see no other way out of the situation other than suicide. But no teenager is beyond help. Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of teens living at Heartlight, including Daniel, who shares how depression and strained parental relationships led him to a suicide attempt. Don't miss his powerful story!   

For more on understanding the warning signs that a teen may be severely depressed, read Mark's article, "Suicide Epidemic Among Teens," at bit.ly/3tTmuHP

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.

Today's generation of teens faces so many challenges and areas where they can stumble into behaviors that harm themselves or the people around them. It is VITAL for parents to be aware of these pitfalls and be ready to help their teens. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd go over a list of the most common pitfalls so parents can be aware of what to look out for. Listen in now!   

Do you have a teen in a downward spiral? Check out Mark's book, "When Your Teen Is Struggling," for more insight on how to help them. Learn more here: bit.ly/3QHC7Mn

Inevitably, when your child begins to move into their adolescent years, everything will change — and to keep a relationship with them, you have to be ready to change too. In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles some more great questions from parents, including what to do when your kids are using foul language and how to effectively transition your parenting style from a teaching model to a training model. Listen in for the answers! 

Do YOU have a parenting question for Mark? Ask it here: bit.ly/3NzKC9K  

Need some extra help with a struggling teen? Check out the Parenting Toolbox, a collection of Mark's best-selling books and teachings, at bit.ly/3tGbSMb

Today's culture has given teens permission to be more sexually involved than ever before — so how do you prepare to confront your child about this behavior or, better yet, prevent it from happening? Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to talk about the reason why teens are sexually active more often and how parents can approach this topic with their kids without shaming them. Tune in now for this important episode!  

Need some more pointers on how to continue the conversation about sexual activity with your teen? Read Mark's article, "Teaching Purity in a Seductive Culture" at bit.ly/3oVZ6XD

In this devotional, Mark Gregston shares that moms, dads and grandparents have all accumulated something that teens desperately need in today's world: wisdom. However, the challenge lies in finding ways to truly connect with your teen and share that wisdom in a way that is applicable to THEIR current culture, not the one you grew up in. Tune in now for more insight!   

For more on how to raise teens to be able to face the challenges of today's world, read Mark's book, "Raising Teens in a Contrary Culture." Order it here: bit.ly/38Dy7eq

Teens have more pressure on them today than ever before, and when that pressure is coupled with internal pain, betrayal or strained parental relationships, they often turn to substances to cope. In this episode, Mark Gregston speaks with a couple of Heartlight teens, including one young man who is learning to have an open, loving relationship with his parents again after self-medicating with drugs for years. Don't miss these stories of hope!   

For more insight on why teens turn to drugs and alcohol, read Mark's article, "The Hidden Culprit of Teen Troubles," at bit.ly/3MRs2sV

So many parents have good intentions and start freely giving money and material things to their children at a very young age. Unfortunately, this can create a monster: an entitled teen. Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to discuss some tips you can use if you find yourself with a demanding, entitled teen. Listen in now for ideas on how to teach your teen the value of hard work and responsibility!   

Looking for more tips on how to create healthy expectations for your child? Check out Mark's e-book, "Developing Rules & Consequences" at bit.ly/3OdwGm8

All of us want to feel like we have significance in life — and for teens, the search for their purpose can take them in a lot of different directions. In this episode, Mark answers some more questions from parents and caretakers, including one mom whose daughter's rebellion seems to be getting out of hand. Mark shares how important it is to walk alongside and communicate with your teens as they search for their identities. Listen in for the rest of these great questions!  

Have your own pressing parenting question for Mark? Ask it here: bit.ly/3NzKC9K  

For more on how to support your teens in today's challenging world, read Mark's book, "Raising Teens in a Contrary Culture." Learn more at bit.ly/38Dy7eq

The easy accessibility of pornography in today's culture is something that has a widespread impact on both teen guys and girls, so how can parents be prepared to confront this topic? Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how shaming or guilting a child who is struggling with porn is not the correct approach, and share some tips for parents on how to have this tough talk with their kids. Tune in to hear their insights!  

For more advice on how to safeguard your teen's internet habits, check out Mark's article, "Parenting the Internet," at bit.ly/3xlOTae

As practically every parent of a teen knows, when your child doesn't get what they want, it can lead to angry outbursts. And if you lose your temper too, it creates the perfect storm. In this devotional, Mark Gregston explains the top three reasons that teens get angry, and how to approach the situation with a calm spirit, a listening ear and gentle words. Listen in now!  

If you want to learn more about how to effectively communicate with your teen, check out Mark's book, "Tough Guys and Drama Queens." Order your copy here: bit.ly/3MGVhPi

We live in a digital age, and many teenagers today feel like they would really struggle if they didn't have their phones. In this episode, Mark Gregston speaks with some insightful Heartlight teens about their experiences at the boarding school, including what it has been like living without a cellphone. The surprising verdict? They DON'T miss social media! Tune in now to hear their stories!  

To learn more about the Heartlight program and how it helps struggling teens, visit heartlightministries.org/boarding-school/

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.

If you, as a parent, look at failure as something to be ashamed of, chances are your teens will too — but inevitably, they WILL take risks and make mistakes. So how should you handle it? Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to talk about how parents need to prepare for when their teens will make mistakes and use those situations as opportunities to grow closer instead of just being critical. Don't miss this important discussion!  

For more insight on what to do when your teen slips up, read Mark's article, "Confronting Your Teen's Mistakes," at bit.ly/3MApRtH

As a parent, what should you do with a teenager who just wants to stay in her room all the time? Or what about when your child really wants to go to a different school than the one you had planned for him? In today's episode, Mark Gregston answers these questions and more submitted by parents just like you. Don't miss these insights!  

Do YOU have a pressing parenting question you want to ask Mark? Submit it here: bit.ly/3NzKC9K  

If you have a teen who is spiraling out of control and you need some more help and encouragement, check out Heartlight Ministries' Families in Crisis online course at familycrisisretreat.com/families-in-crisis-course/

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to have a special discussion on the challenges parents experience when their adopted children become teenagers. Adopted kids often struggle with their sense of identity during their teen years, but if God called you to adopt, you must remain faithful to that calling even when the road gets rocky. As a bonus, Wayne shares his own adoption story! Tune in now!   

For more on this tough topic, check out Mark's free e-book, "Parenting an Adopted Teen," at bit.ly/3GHcab8

In today's digital world, we are under a constant bombardment of information — this is especially true for teens. In this week's devotional, Mark shares that when your child enters their teenage years, it's time for you as a parent to shift from teaching mode to TRAINING mode. Our kids don't need another source of info, they need real wisdom. Don't miss this great devotional!   

For more wisdom on how to shift your parenting style, check out Mark's book, "Raising Teens in a Contrary Culture," at bit.ly/38Dy7eq

Mark Gregston chats with two Heartlight teens who share their stories of turning to drugs and alcohol to mask pain they felt in their hearts. Both young ladies agreed that if they felt their parents would truly listen to them — without judgement — their stories might have turned out differently. Listen to these amazing tales of transformation now!   

For more insight on WHY teens turn to drug use, read Mark's article, "Experimenting With Drugs," at bit.ly/3NKpUUP

Does your teen act like a totally different person on social media than they do at home? This behavior is all too common. Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to discuss how the pressures of today's culture on the internet often push teens to portray themselves as someone they're not — or worse, put themselves in real-life danger.   

Mark's book, "What's Happening to My Teen?" offers more help for parents who are watching their teen transform into a different person. Check it out here: bit.ly/3zbI5hW

Mark Gregston sits down to answer some questions from parents about the often challenging reality of raising teenagers in today's culture. This week, Mark tackles what a homeschooling mom should do when her son is acting out, how a Christian family should approach their teen when she declares she is an atheist, and much more! Don't miss this episode!  

Do YOU have a parenting question for Mark? Submit it here: bit.ly/3NzKC9K

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to talk about different ways to handle and be engaged in your teen's online life. In order to parent well in today's culture and keep up with your teens, you need to commit to becoming a lifelong learner when it comes to technology. Letting your teen teach you their favorite video game or app can be an opportunity to connect. Listen in now!  

For more of Mark's insights on how to approach your teen's online activities, visit bit.ly/3MTIWb5

In this special devotional, Mark Gregston shares advice for parents who are engaged in one of the most common struggles you can have with your teen: the battle for control. Teens want nothing more than to take control of their own lives, and while they WILL make mistakes, it's up to you as a parent to begin trusting them to apply all the good lessons you've instilled. Don't miss this episode!  

For more insight on this issue, read Mark's article, "Turning Over Control to Your Teen" at bit.ly/3lM3EOe

When you're a teenager, figuring out who you are and shaping your identity can be a huge challenge and can often lead down some dark paths. Mark Gregston chats with two Heartlight teens whose quests to find out how they fit into this crazy world led them to rock bottom — but thanks to the counseling staff at Heartlight, they now have a brighter outlook on their futures. Listen to these young ladies' powerful stories now!  

If these stories sound familiar to you, check out Mark's e-Book, "When Your Teen is Struggling," at bit.ly/3LUUv0I

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. 

As a parent, you always hope your teen will never turn to drugs or underage drinking — but the reality is the majority of high schoolers have tried alcohol and 50 percent have reported using marijuana, according to the CDC. Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to talk about things parents need to keep an eye out for that might indicate your teen has begun seeking relief from life's stresses through substances. Don't miss this heavy-hitting discussion!  

For more help on this topic, check out Parenting Today's Teens' resources on drug use here:  bit.ly/3wNNE3l

In this episode, Mark Gregston answers all your questions about screen time. He shares that the number of teens and pre-teens with cell phones has dramatically increased over the last several years and shares advice from David Murrow’s book, “Drowning in Screen Time.” Tune in for more on helping your teens learn to make independent decisions that help them and you!