Parenting Today's Teens

Self-harm, particularly cutting, has become increasingly prevalent among teens, often serving as a coping mechanism for dealing with anxiety, frustration and depression. It's a sign that teens are struggling with life and desperately seeking an outlet for their emotions. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the underlying reasons and motivations behind self-harming behaviors and provide valuable guidance for parents on how to recognize the signs, engage in open discussion with their teens and seek appropriate professional help. Don’t miss this crucial conversation — tune in now for insights on supporting your teenager's journey toward healing.For more inspiration and encouragement, check out Mark's devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," at dailyhopeforfamilies.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 www.ChristianParenting.org

In this episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who are seeking out the cure for disrespectful and immature teens. From letting natural consequences take their course to being brave enough to let your kid go, Mark provides insightful advice on guiding your teen's journey toward adulthood successfully. Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: /markgregston.com For more successful strategies to build a strong relationship with your child, check out "Tough Guys and Drama Queens." Order your copy today at bit.ly/3ZC9Yub

The unfortunate reality of self-harm is that it is becoming increasingly prevalent in our culture today. From relieving stress and depression to creating excitement and fitting in, this destructive behavior is just a symptom, albeit a dangerous one. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into the psychology of these tendencies and explore the importance of providing healthy alternatives for alleviating pressure and finding healing in teens. For more on how to navigate tough times with your child, check out "What's Happening To My Teen?" Order your copy at bit.ly/3zbI5hW

Whether you've stubbed your toe or had your heart broken, pain changes you — short term AND long term. So, when your teen is acting out or begins to hate things they once loved, it might be time to look at what pain could be behind that behavior. In today's episode, Mark recalls some personal stories of how pain impacted and changed the way he interacted with the world, and shares advice for how you can better understand how pain changes your teen. Would you like to be closer with your child? Check out our free e-course, "Bridging the Gap With Your Teen," today at bit.ly/3DWPwun

When teens first arrive at Heartlight, many of them struggle with anger, frustration or take the "fake it 'til you make it" approach to the program. But as time passes, these same kids begin to learn valuable things about themselves and find healing they never knew they needed. In this episode, Mark chats with two young ladies who both appeared on the show before when they first got to the boarding school. Tune in to hear them reflect on how Heartlight has changed their lives — so far! Is Heartlight the right option for your struggling teen? Learn more today at heartlightministries.org

Your child will only grow and mature into independence if you encourage and enable them to do it. They've got to flex those decision-making muscles! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd are sharing specific ways you can help your teen begin their journey toward independence and think about their future in brand new ways. This topic is important for all parents, so listen in! For daily biblical parenting insight, check out Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families." Order yours at dailyhopeforfamilies.com

In today's episode, join Mark Gregston as he tackles the pressing concerns of parents seeking guidance on how to guide their teenagers in the right direction. From addressing the delicate balance between screen time and fostering genuine connections to nurturing spirituality and handling disrespect, Mark provides invaluable insights and practical strategies that you don’t want to miss out on! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Have you checked out our grandparenting resource bundle yet? Get five great resources at a special price today at bit.ly/3jMe9DV

It’s time to shine a light on the alarming trend of hopelessness among teenagers and the heartbreaking reality of suicide. Kids today live in an increasingly fragile social ecosystem where one word from their peers can make or break them. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd provide guidance on how parents can help their struggling teens by fostering connections, providing a safe space for open communication and assisting them in envisioning a future where they can find their place. Do you have a struggling teen? Heartlight may be the answer. Learn more here: heartlightministries.org

One of the biggest challenges you will likely face as a parent is figuring out how to pass down wisdom to your teens in a way that is applicable to today's culture. It's no easy task, but your teens will be grateful for it one day. In this episode, Mark explains why you can't share wisdom without first fostering real connection and showing interest in your child's world. Tune in now for this insightful devotional! Have you visited our Parenting Today's Teens online store? Check out our full catalog today at resources.parentingtodaysteens.org

Have you ever felt isolated or misunderstood? It's a lonely place to be. And for some teens in this position, the only thing they know to do is isolate themselves even further. In today's show, Mark Gregston chats with two teens at Heartlight who share how they're working through deep struggles, like one young man whose depression caused him to feel like he couldn't connect with anyone, including his parents. Listen in now! For more insight on walking with your teen through struggles, check out "Raising Teens in a Contrary Culture." Order your copy at bit.ly/38Dy7eq

We have a selfishness epidemic among our teens, and, unfortunately, parents probably play a role in it. If you're not careful, provision can quickly move to enabling your teen — which can lead to a selfish and entitled young adult. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss what to look out for if you have a self-centered teen and share some tips to help your child move past an entitled mentality. Listen in for this important topic! For more help with the tough teen years, check out our Teen Struggle Bundle. Visit bit.ly/42IcWhC to get these resources!

Join Mark Gregston in this episode as he tackles the challenges faced by parents when it comes to determining their level of involvement in their teenager's life. From navigating issues of disrespect, anger and complicated relationships, Mark provides valuable insights on striking the right balance. Don't miss out on his expert advice — tune in today! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com Could the Heartlight program be right for your teen? Learn more today at heartlightministries.org

The adolescent years are characterized by rapid changes, emotional upheavals and a quest for independence. As parents, we find ourselves grappling with the challenging task of understanding and effectively addressing our teenager's anger. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd provide five valuable insights on how to de-escalate anger, avoid arguments and nurture strong connections with your kids. Tune in now! Have you gotten your copy of Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," yet? Order yours today at dailyhopeforfamilies.com

Your words can have a profound influence on the impressionable minds of adolescents and young adults. In this episode, Mark reshares his devotional highlighting the lasting impact of positive and negative comments on his life. He discusses invaluable insights shared by the mentors who championed his dreams and believed in the calling God had for him. Listen in now! Have you seen our Parenting Toolbox yet? This resource kit will help YOU feel more prepared and confident to raise your teen. Get yours today at bit.ly/3tGbSMb

Whether it's drugs, video games or social media, teens often get engulfed in things they see as an escape from the problems of everyday life. But what happens when they inevitably realize escapism has gotten them nowhere? In today's interview with Heartlight teens, Mark sits down with two young men who tried to avoid their issues, like RJ, who used video games to avoid his troubles — and his parents. Listen to these insightful interviews now! Need some help navigating a crisis with YOUR teen? Check out our Families in Crisis online course! Visit parentingtodaysteens.thinkific.com/courses/families-in-crisis

Many teens are crazy about video games, and that's not always a bad thing, but it's important for parents to uphold some rules and expectations around gaming time. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss WHY kids love this technology so much and share some practical tips for parents who are navigating boundaries with their teen's video game habits. Don't miss this great topic! Looking for more practical ways to guide your child through the challenging teen years? Check out our free e-course, "Five Ways to Stay Engaged With Your Teen," at bit.ly/3ObygbF

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who are aiming to foster independence, nurture faith and navigate the influence of friends. He delves into the importance of allowing teens to make their own choices while providing guidance that can shape their future decisions. Don’t miss out — tune in now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: https://markgregston.com/ For more on how to navigate tough times with your child, check out "What's Happening To My Teen?" Order your copy at bit.ly/3zbI5hW

The majority of people overestimate the effects of their parenting and underestimate the influence of the culture. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive deep into the challenges parents face in a rapidly changing world. Join them as they offer brutal honesty, important questions, and a glimmer of hope for every parent struggling with rebellious teens — listen now! For more successful strategies to build a strong relationship with your child, check out "Tough Guys and Drama Queens." Order your copy today at http://bit.ly/3ZC9Yub

The high school years are important for many reasons, but a huge one is that this time is the primary season to be preparing your teen to be a responsible young adult. So, how do you find the balance of knowing when to be hands-off and when to help them through challenges? In this episode, Mark explains what can happen when a parent's provision turns into enabling a spoiled teen and why you need to find a healthy level of involvement in your child's life. Listen in now! For more resources on guiding your teen, check out our Teen Struggle Bundle. Order yours today at bit.ly/42IcWhC

Many teens — and adults — struggle with opening up and sharing their hearts and struggles with others. Vulnerability can be scary, but very beneficial in healing. In today's show, Mark talks with two Heartlight high schoolers who've learned this firsthand, including Jake, who shares how he was finally able to take off his "mask" and talk about his depression to counselors and friends at the boarding school. Don't miss these great interviews! To learn more about how the Heartlight program works, visit heartlightministries.org