Parenting Today's Teens

Does your teen seem uninterested in school, unwilling to take responsibility or content to spend the day doing nothing? Before you label them lazy, consider what might be happening beneath the surface. Mark and Wayne explore the reasons teens lose motivation, including emotional overwhelm, depression, substance use and family conflict. Mark shares ways to identify the underlying issues, establish appropriate expectations and help teens develop the internal drive they need to move forward. You'll also hear from a Heartlight teen who shares how family struggles, declining grades, depression and substance use contributed to his downward spiral — and what has helped him begin making positive changes. Tune in to discover how to move beyond nagging and frustration to help your teen take responsibility, regain a sense of purpose and become more engaged in life.
Chances are your teen has motivations — they just may not be the same as yours! In this article, you learn what really motivates your teen and how to move them toward productivity: bit.ly/5-things-to-know-about-your-unmotivated-teen

The words you speak to your teen today may stay with them for a lifetime. Will they remember criticism and discouragement — or the encouragement and wisdom that helped shape who they became? In this episode, Mark reflects on the people whose words and guidance profoundly influenced his life, including those who believed in him when others doubted his abilities. Drawing from those experiences, he shares 10 lessons about building relationships that allow parents and grandparents to pass along wisdom, offer encouragement and make a lasting difference.
Learn some barriers that get in the way of healthy communication and nine practical steps you can take to overcome them: bit.ly/9-ways-to-get-your-teen-to-talk-to-you

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