Parenting Today's Teens

On today’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles a variety of real issues families face with teens, including anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship struggles and the pitfalls of entitlement. We'll discuss healthy ways to set boundaries with older teens, how to handle issues of entitlement and responsibility, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships as your teens grow into adulthoo...

Why do some parent-teen relationships slowly drift apart — even when both sides still care deeply? In this episode, Mark and Wayne unpack some of the biggest barriers that can damage connection with teens, including misunderstanding, overly strict rules, constant correction, unrealistic expectations and discipline without relationship. You’ll also hear Andrew’s story of anger, isolation, drug use...

Could one simple parenting skill completely change your relationship with your teen? In this episode, Mark shares why listening may be the most powerful way to connect with today’s adolescents. In a culture full of noise, opinions and constant reactions, many teens feel unheard — even in their own homes. Mark offers practical wisdom on how to listen without interrupting, correcting or rushing to f...

Sometimes, being surrounded by people isn’t enough to shake off the feeling of isolation. In this episode, Mark chats with two teens from Heartlight who know that struggle all too well. Despite their different backgrounds, both have battled feelings of being “not enough” — whether it’s from family issues, school stress or just trying to find their place in the world. You’ll hear how trying to keep...

Could the biggest change in your relationship with your teen begin with simply listening better? In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore why today’s teens are desperate to feel heard, and why many stop talking when they believe no one is truly listening. You’ll learn practical ways to move from correcting and lecturing to understanding and connecting. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of hi...

In today's episode, Mark addresses one of the most pressing concerns among Christian parents: what to do when teens begin to struggle with or question their faith. Many teens, especially those facing trauma or feeling like they don't fit in, may not respond to traditional spiritual approaches. Mark discusses the critical transition from concrete to abstract thinking during adolescence and emphasiz...

How do you help your teen build a faith that truly becomes their own? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss why parents must move from simply teaching faith to gradually transferring ownership of it to their teens. You’ll hear practical wisdom on creating safe conversations around doubt, church and spiritual questions without losing relationship or influenc...

What if your teen’s struggles are also revealing something deeper in you? In this episode, Mark shares a deeply personal devotional about rejection, failure and the lifelong journey toward authenticity. Reflecting on being fired twice — including just months before starting Heartlight — Mark explains how painful experiences exposed unresolved issues in his own heart. He challenges parents to stop...

Sometimes, the pain teens carry becomes so overwhelming that they feel there’s no way out. In today’s show, we share Mark's interviews with two young women at Heartlight who both faced those darkest moments and attempted to take their own lives. One shares about the weight of bullying, rocky family relationships and feeling invisible, while the other opens up about grief, rejection and years of fe...

What should parents do when teens begin questioning faith, church or even God Himself? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss why doubt and questioning are often a normal part of spiritual growth during adolescence. Rather than responding with fear or control, parents are encouraged to stay relational, listen well and model authentic faith through their acti...

On today’s episode, Mark tackles some more real struggles parents face with their teens — from communication breakdowns and self-esteem issues to handling bad influences and tough questions about when scary shows are age-appropriate. He shares actionable strategies to build stronger connections, shift from lecturing to listening and create an environment where teens feel understood, not judged. Re...

Why do some teens shut down? And what can parents do to help them open up again? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why many teens stay silent out of fear, shame, anxiety or feeling misunderstood. You’ll learn practical ways to build trust, create emotional safety and connect without turning every conversation into correction or interrogation. Plus, Alex...

Why does parenting teens today feel harder than ever before? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional about raising teens in a culture that often pulls them away from truth, connection and stability. From anxiety and social pressure to screens, identity confusion and shifting values, today’s teens are navigating challenges previous generations never faced. Mark encourages parents not to panic — b...

Every teen craves a sense of belonging — sometimes even more than they realize. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share how they faced isolation, family struggles, depression and choices that spiraled out of control. Both girls describe growing up in families where connection with a parent felt out of reach, whether lost in busyness or overshadowed by life's upheava...

What if counseling could become one of the greatest gifts you give your teen? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss why counseling isn’t just for teens in crisis. Sometimes, a trusted voice outside the family can help teens process pain, understand their behavior and find hope in ways parents alone cannot. You’ll also hear Jack’s story of healing, vulnerabi...

Ever feel like you're on the outside looking in? For lots of teens, fitting in feels like a full-time job — and sometimes, the pressure to belong pushes them into some tough spots. In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles more real-life questions from parents facing the complexities of raising adolescents today. Covering topics such as teens’ technology use and privacy, navigating anxiety and lonelin...

Are you preparing your teen to handle money — or unintentionally making them dependent on you? In this episode, Mark and Wayne tackle one of the most overlooked life skills: financial responsibility. From entitlement and allowance to jobs, debt and real-world consequences, they unpack why teens need to learn how money works now, not later. You’ll discover practical ways to teach earning, saving, s...

Could your teen feel like they have to be perfect to earn your approval? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on how well-meaning parents can unintentionally communicate pressure, criticism and impossible expectations. Mark explains why many teens interpret encouragement as judgment, standards as rejection and correction as proof they’re never enough. He also offers a healthier path forward,...

Sometimes, the hardest battles teens face happen silently — loneliness, insecurity and the pressure to escape pain. On this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share how changing their environments — and the people around them — helped them break free from destructive cycles. Both teens describe being swept up in drug use as a way to cope with things they couldn’t change at h...

Few things shake a parent more than realizing their teen has run away. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the deeper reasons teens leave home. Often, they’re running from pain, conflict, shame or consequences — or running to freedom, attention or a place they believe feels better. You’ll learn how to respond wisely when your teen returns, what family patterns may need to change, and how grace...

When family life gets complicated, teens can feel lost, misunderstood or pushed away. In today's show, Mark answers questions from listeners facing challenging family situations, including coping with the loss of a parent, handling strained relationships after divorce and supporting young adults battling addiction. For parents dealing with these challenging situations, self-reflection, healthy...

Do your conversations with your teen turn into debates, shutdowns or eye rolls? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why teens often resist opinions, but still deeply need your wisdom. Learn how to replace lectures with perspective, listen in ways that draw your teen out, and use your life experiences to guide rather than control. You’ll also hear a powerf...

What will your teen remember most about you years from now? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on legacy, influence and the power of relationship. While many parents focus on rules, performance or getting everything right, Mark reminds us that what lasts longest is connection. He explores why listening matters, how love can remain strong even through disagreements and why your relationship...

Pushing parents away or being disrespectful usually isn’t about just being rebellious. Sometimes, it’s a defense — a way to survive when trust has been broken or home life feels like a battleground. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two teens from Heartlight who open up about keeping people at arm’s length, struggling with anger and wrestling with family changes that left them feeling alone. Bot...

Is school only about grades — or is there something more important your teen is learning there? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore the bigger purpose of school. From social development and resilience to responsibility and real-world skills, education goes far beyond academics. They also discuss what to do when your teen resists school, how to uncover wha...