Show Notes
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
More from Parenting Today's Teens
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!