Parenting Today's Teens

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the toughest questions sent in by parents, ranging from anxiety over grades and skipping school to concerns about dating, lack of motivation in college, strained relationships with an absent parent and even the discovery of pornography on a teen’s phone. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the real issues behind teens’ behaviors, keeping...

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explore how counseling can be a life-changing tool for teens — not just those in crisis. They discuss why unresolved struggles during adolescence often resurface later in life with even greater consequences. Proactive counseling can offer hope, healing and a brighter future for the whole family. Tune in to hear practical advice fo...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston reflects on the true treasures in life and how parents and grandparents can leave lasting legacies for the next generation. Drawing on biblical wisdom, poignant family experiences and the story of a cherished friend, Mark challenges us to invest our time and resources where our hearts truly are — our relationships. He reminds us that memories, love and shared expe...

Sometimes, the hardest moments in a teen's life are what finally reveal the need for real change. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share their journeys through deep struggles — including negative thought patterns, depression and feeling disconnected from family. Eighteen-year-old Jake discusses his battles with substance use and isolation, along with the eve...

When teens won’t open up, building trust takes time and consistency. Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur stress creating a safe, judgment-free space where kids feel valued. Casual, agenda-free conversations about everyday topics are a great starting point. Parents should invest in the relationship without pushing for quick results, letting connection develop before addressing...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston takes on the real-life questions and struggles sent in by parents just like you. He offers practical wisdom on handling anxiety, depression, substance use, entitlement, the pull of technology and the unique dynamics of split households. Mark stresses the importance of shifting responsibility to teens as they near adulthood, focusing on relationships over authorita...

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd, and Courtney Lafleur discuss the growing issue of socially awkward teens and the cultural forces contributing to it — especially isolation caused by screens, gaming and social media. They emphasize that kids today are missing out on crucial face-to-face experiences that develop emotional intelligence, social cues and resilience. Parents are encourage...

Today, Mark Gregston shares a devotional from Matthew 7:7, as he emphasizes the power of asking questions as a means of deepening our connection with our teens. Rather than lecturing or interrogating, parents are encouraged to engage their children through thoughtful, nonjudgmental inquiry — asking, seeking and knocking to access their hearts and minds. Questions help teens feel valued, spark crit...

So many teens today struggle with feeling isolated. It becomes hard — even scary — to open up to others and learn to trust. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who open up about the emptiness and insecurity that fueled their destructive choices, from substance use to pushing family away. Both teens share how feeling unworthy of love or belonging left them feeling alone...

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur talk about the powerful impact fathers can have on their children’s lives — especially during the teen years. The three discuss how dads can connect with their teens by being present, listening well, engaging in their children's interests (even outside their comfort zone) and communicating unconditional love. They emphasize that the sac...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses some of the most pressing and poignant questions from parents and grandparents of teens today. From navigating teen anxiety, depression and substance use, to setting boundaries with technology and communication, Mark provides practical wisdom rooted in compassion. Listeners will find guidance on fostering connection over control, all while encouraging ho...

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LeFleur discuss the emotional toll that mean-girl behavior and social media pressure can have on teenage girls. From exclusion and cyberbullying to unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards, social media amplifies insecurities and public shaming, often leading to anxiety, depression or isolation. Parents are encouraged to foster real-life connections, mo...

Mark Gregston reflects on a personal experience of physical pain to illustrate how pain affects behavior, decision-making and empathy — especially in teens. He explains that when teens act out or seem disengaged, it may be rooted in deep emotional pain they don’t know how to express or escape. Rather than rushing to fix or shield kids from discomfort, parents should allow them to experience approp...

Every parent knows how much teens long to belong — yet sometimes the choices they make in pursuit of acceptance can lead them down a difficult path. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women from Heartlight, who share how struggles with fitting in and unresolved family pain fueled seasons of bad decisions and heartache. Anna discusses her initial shock at being sent away and the proc...

In today’s culture, teens are overwhelmed with information and often skeptical of traditional approaches to faith. Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to shift from preaching to modeling — living out their beliefs through consistent, grace-filled actions rather than just words. Teens need safe, honest conversations, space to wrestle with doubt, and parents who are willing to...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston responds to a powerful and important question: “Does your ministry point kids to Jesus?” Mark’s thoughtful answer goes beyond one-size-fits-all approaches, reminding us that parenting teens, especially those struggling with faith, requires both patience and creativity. Remember, it’s not just about lecturing your kids, but showing them love through your actions an...

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they remind us that listening is one of the most powerful tools you can use to connect with your teen. As kids grow into adolescence, they crave someone who will truly hear them — without judgment or constant advice. Mark explains that parents must shift from a teaching role to a training role by asking questions, being quiet and listening with the intent t...

In this devotional, Mark Gregston highlights the deep anxiety teens face today due to overwhelming uncertainty in their world — like social instability, global crises and cultural pressures. He compares this with Luke’s purpose in writing his Gospel: to offer certainty about the truths we’ve been taught. Mark urges parents to become a source of steady, reliable certainty for their children by mode...

Many parents see their teens retreat — whether into substance use, technology or isolation — and wonder what they're really running from. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with Dean and RJ, two Heartlight residents, who share the personal struggles that led them to seek refuge in unhealthy habits — Dean through drugs, and RJ through hours of video games. Both young men open up about how avoid...

Today, Mark Gregston discusses key barriers that hinder strong relationships between parents and teens, including misunderstanding, overly strict rules, unrealistic expectations and discipline without connection. He encourages parents to reflect on their own behavior, communicate openly, and create a safe space where teens feel heard and valued. Mark emphasizes that relationships grow through shar...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston discusses real-world issues that parents are facing with their teens today. He covers everything from guiding teens through questions of gender identity and same-sex attraction to helping them with struggles like dyslexia, anxiety and anger, navigating the music they listen to, and even tackling tricky situations like an 18-year-old dating a much older partner. Wi...

In this eye-opening episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into why so many teens today are passionately embracing social or political causes. While some are motivated by strong convictions, many are simply searching — for identity, belonging, independence or even just a way to stand out. Mark shares practical, heartfelt advice for parents facing this challenge: stay calm, keep the lines o...

Join Mark Gregston for a devotional as he reflects on Galatians 6:5, emphasizing the importance of teaching teens to carry their own responsibilities rather than parents doing everything for them. He shares the story of a young woman named Rachel, whose immaturity and lack of real-world readiness stemmed from a father who overprotected and overprovided. Mark urges parents to gradually transfer res...

Almost every parent knows the worry that comes when a teen starts to change — pulling away, making risky choices or hiding behind a version of themselves that’s hard to recognize. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share honestly about how desperately they wanted to fit in, and what it cost them. Each tells their story of putting on a mask to please friends, avoid dis...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to make the most of summer with their teens by creating intentional and meaningful experiences. They share five tips for parents to try out, and Mark stresses the importance of balancing productivity with rest while building lifelong memories through shared activities. The goal is to use summer as a valuable season for connection,...