Parenting Today's Teens

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses real-life scenarios drawing directly from listener-submitted questions. He discusses everything from dealing with mean texts and peer behavior, guiding adopted teens with anger issues, navigating interfaith friendships, supporting a sexually active teen and encouraging open communication with quiet adolescents. With practical wisdom and heartfelt encoura...

Join Mark Gregston, Courtney Lefleur and Wayne Shepherd as they explore how parents can effectively engage their teens in conversations about hot-button topics like gender, politics and morality. They emphasize the importance of listening without interrupting, respecting differing opinions and recognizing that teens are forming their own beliefs. Their goal for parents? Maintain connection and inf...

Today, Mark Gregston reflects on the painful experience of initially rejecting his son during a difficult season and how that taught him the importance of prioritizing relationships over rigid expectations. He shares stories from his ministry and personal life, urging parents and grandparents to lead with love, understanding and presence — especially when their children make choices that hurt or d...

Every troubled teen has a story behind their struggles — often rooted in pain, loss or broken trust. We hear a couple more of those stories today when Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight, including Jared, who reflects on arriving in a tough place with depression, anxiety and substance abuse — but six months later, sees real change in himself and his family. Together, they are working tow...

Join Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lefleur as they explore how parents can earn the respect of their teens. The three emphasize the power of tone, empathy and understanding the world your teen is navigating. Tune in as they share six practical steps you can take today to build mutual respect and strengthen your relationship.  To download the Marriage Simplified guide Mark mentioned to...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses real-life dilemmas sent in by listeners — ranging from navigating technology boundaries, handling grief and loss, and dealing with issues around sexuality and gender identity, to those classic struggles over clothing choices and R-rated movies at home. He offers practical wisdom on tackling everything from enforcing household standards and addressing pow...

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lefleur explore the powerful and unique role grandparents play in the lives of teenagers. Mark shares a heartfelt story about how becoming a grandfather unexpectedly softened his heart and prepared him to be a source of love and rest for his grandchildren. The three emphasize that grandparents shouldn't act as second parents, but rath...

Today, Mark Gregston reflects on a heartfelt story about a moment with his daughter and granddaughter at a concert that offered him a powerful lesson in perspective. His granddaughter’s simple insight shifted the way he saw the situation. Mark uses this experience to highlight the value of perspective in parenting. He encourages parents to focus on sharing their perspective — not just their opinio...

Almost every teen’s story holds a search for acceptance, even if that journey is sometimes disguised by rebellion or pain. In today's episode, Mark talks with two more Heartlight students who open up about the challenges they’ve faced. Jacob, who had only recently arrived at Heartlight, reflects on growing up with divorced parents, feeling disconnected from his father and the personal revelati...

Today, Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd remind parents that it’s normal for teens to wrestle with identity and appear different in various settings as they try to figure out who they are. They encourage parents to show patience and empathy, remembering their own journeys through adolescence. The hosts explore how this season of discovery can differ between boys and girls, and str...

Are you struggling to connect with your teens or set boundaries that really work? In today’s session, Mark Gregston shares practical advice on shifting from just teaching to truly training your teens — owning mistakes, building trust through genuine conversations and setting healthy boundaries around things like screen time and independence. He addresses what to do when teens don't respond to...

In this episode, Mark Gregston shares a personal story about recovering from a kidney transplant and how it gave him insight into the appeal of pain-relieving drugs — especially for teens. Wayne Shepherd, Courtney Lefleur and Mark discuss the deeper reasons behind teen drug use, such as a desire to escape emotional pain, fit in socially or simply feel “normal.” They encourage parents to build a sa...

Today, Mark Gregston reflects on psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s article about how smartphones have “rewired” childhood. Though initially skeptical, Mark was struck by the evidence linking phone use to rising anxiety, depression and isolation in teens. He encourages parents to rethink screen time, set healthy boundaries and consider how technology is shaping their family relationships. Is your famil...

When teens act out or pull away, there’s often a deeper struggle beneath the surface — a longing for connection and a search for identity. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women from Heartlight who share how feelings of isolation, whether from a sheltered upbringing or broken relationships, led them down challenging paths. For Megan, being surrounded by other teens working through...

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur share their list of 10 characteristics that show a teen may need intervention, addressing the questions many parents ask: "When should we act? How do we confront the issues? And what happens if we don’t?" Mark emphasizes that it takes boldness and strength to address these challenges head-on — but doing so can lead to healing and re...

In today’s heartfelt episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the most complex and pressing questions submitted by listeners. From grandparents concerned about estranged grandchildren and families navigating grief after the loss of a loved one to teens facing ADHD, gender identity questions and substance abuse — Mark offers practical wisdom and compassionate advice. Drawing from decades of experienc...

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney LeFleur and Wayne Shepherd discuss a parent's role in navigating the often difficult topic of sex. Mark encourages creating a home atmosphere where teens feel free to talk openly. They share how and when to have these conversations, along with key cultural issues parents should be aware of. Listen in for practical advice on approaching this subject with...

Mark shares a personal devotion from Hebrews 10:24, encouraging parents to focus less on correcting and more on connecting with their teens. He reminds parents to build in breaks from correction to allow teens space to rest. While correction may change behavior, connection reaches the heart. Tune in as Mark offers practical insights to help strengthen your relationship with your teen. Visit parent...

Loss can turn a teen’s world upside down — and sometimes, all that pain comes out in unexpected ways. On today’s show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share how the loss of their fathers shaped their choices, relationships and self-image. Both struggled to connect with their moms, acted out or withdrew, yet underneath it all was deep grief they didn’t know how to express. This epi...

Mark Gregston, Courtney LeFleur and Wayne Shepherd explore the power of authenticity in parenting, and why it’s essential for building strong connections at home. As teens long for genuine relationships, the hosts challenge parents to let go of pretense and be real. By modeling authenticity, parents can foster deeper trust, stronger communication and healthier family dynamics.  Are you struggling...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the most pressing — and often tricky — questions parents are asking about their teenagers. He discusses how to navigate the shift in communication with increasingly independent 17- and 18-year-olds, as well as how to handle privacy and GPS tracking issues. Mark also dives into how to introduce godly sexuality to preteens, offering compassionate, pr...

On this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur debunk five common parenting myths that often mislead moms and dads during the teen years. They stress that teens don’t need perfect parents or best friends — they need relational, trustworthy guides who are willing to be vulnerable and adapt their approach. They encourage parents to remain teachable, relational and flexible as th...

In this episode, Mark Gregston reflects on how today’s culture — especially among teens — is saturated with arguments as people fight to be heard, validated and valued. Drawing from Proverbs 17:28 and 2 Timothy 2, he urges parents to replace quarrels with compassionate listening, emphasizing that not every disagreement needs to be voiced. Instead of criticizing your teen, he encourages building tr...

Underneath teen rebellion and withdrawal, there’s often a deeper struggle for identity and a place to belong. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies from Heartlight, including Grace, who candidly opens up about the pain of abandonment and identity stemming from being adopted from China. She discusses how her journey through depression and self-isolation impacted her relationship wit...

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore the power of a sincere apology in strengthening parent-teen relationships. They encourage parents to model humility by saying “I’m sorry” when needed, showing their teens that mistakes are a normal part of life. A heartfelt apology can break down walls, foster trust and open the door to deeper connections.  To explore more resources Mark h...