I Mustache Mark a Question: Tech Rules, Frustration and Family Rifts

Today, Mark Gregston fields real questions from parents grappling with the challenges of guiding older teens toward adulthood. Drawing from decades of experience, he addresses issues such as fostering independence in 17- and 18-year-olds, setting boundaries with troubled teens, navigating the complexities of homeschooling, and providing support for teens with depression and anxiety. Mark offers practical advice on when to let natural consequences unfold, how to motivate teens who lack drive, when to intervene and the importance of clear expectations.

Have a parenting question for Mark? Send it in at markgregston.com your question may be answered on the show!

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. 

Many teens today grow up believing theyre owed privileges and constant attention. Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how this entitlement is fueled by parents doing too much for them. Mark encourages moms and dads to shift the conversation focusing not on criticizing selfish behavior, but on helping teens grow in independence, responsibility and real-world readiness. By setting new expectations and saying no when needed, parents help their kids mature rather than stay dependent. Ultimately, breaking entitlement is a gift that prepares teens for healthy relationships, future jobs and adult life.

If your teen is struggling right now, Heartlight, our residential counseling ministry, may be able to help. Learn more by visiting heartlightministries.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. 

Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash Apps bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

Teens today are growing up in a world of online communication, constant negativity and shallow expert voices leaving them hungry for real connection and honest guidance. Mark explains that parents often miss what teens truly want because they react to behavior instead of the deeper needs behind it. The nonstop criticism and shallow praise of social media make teens sensitive to correction and blind to needed truth. He urges parents to deepen relationships, engage face-to-face and speak truth in love to help their teens grow into grounded, responsible adults.

Would you like to ask Mark questions about parenting your teen? Visit markgregston.com to submit a question 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. 

Many parents notice their teens acting out whether through rebellion, risky choices or shutting down but whats driving those behaviors is often a deep pain kept out of sight. On todays episode, Mark Gregston sits down with two Heartlight residents who both reveal how hurts from their past, like adoption struggles, family loss, confusion and unmet expectations, shaped their choices and relationships. Both teens share how their journey at Heartlight is helping them face whats beneath the surface, reconnect with family and begin real healing. 

Interested in learning 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. 

Listen in as Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why teens might spin out of control." They explain this can happen when they cant manage life within the boundaries of home, which can lead to disrespect, dishonesty, risky behavior or shutting down emotionally. Mark explains that these patterns are often a cry for help, revealing deeper struggles teens cant navigate alone. Parents are encouraged to recognize early warning signs, adjust home structure with clear expectations and seek outside support when needed. Above all, teens dont actually want their lives to fall apart they need intervention, guidance and a restored relationship with their parents.

Join Mark in Texas at one of the Families In Crisis Conferences, an event designed to help parents who are struggling with their teens. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more or 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.

Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash Apps bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.