Teen Parenting in a Digital World With Pastor Gregg Matte

In this second conversation, Pastor Gregg Matte shifts from grief to the everyday challenge of parenting the “now generation” in a noisy, digital world. As a pastor, husband, and dad of two, he talks with Rania about the one currency parents are constantly losing without noticing: time with their kids. From shared dinners and “high/low” check-ins to making your home the place teens want to be, Pastor Gregg shares practical rhythms that build connection and influence.

He unpacks why parents should aim for the heart rather than just behavior, how to think about screens and social media across different ages, and why discernment matters more than a perfect rulebook. The two also discuss parenting defiant kids, letting natural consequences teach hard lessons, and how to keep your marriage and family identity strong through it all. With stories about shared Spotify accounts, Friday family fun nights, and “Team Matte,” this episode gives parents a hopeful, realistic vision for leading their kids with both grace and truth.

Key takeaways

•          Time is a parent’s most important asset; simple practices like no‑phone dinners and “high/low” questions can dramatically deepen connection.

•          Over-focusing on behavior can cost you your child’s heart; aim for the heart and the behavior will follow.

•          Tech and content decisions work best when tailored to a child’s age, stage, and track record, and when trust widens as kids demonstrate responsibility.

•          Defiant seasons require clear boundaries agreed on in advance and the willingness to let natural consequences do some of the teaching.

•          Families that prioritize shared fun, a clear “team” identity, and open conversation give kids a better story than what the world is offering.

On Parenting the Now Generation, host Rania Mankarious - author, therapist, attorney, CEO, family safety expert, mom and expert interviewer, delivers actionable conversations with specialists in adolescent health, digital challenges, development, faith and open communication. 

Each episode empowers parents to support their children’s journey through all the current and complex challenges of today’s world – and does so leaving you filled with hope for tomorrow. 

Find confidence, understanding, and compassion for modern parenting, all distributed by Hope Media Network.