Parenting Today's Teens

Every teen has a story behind the choices they make — sometimes, it's not about simple rebellion, but about a deeper search for belonging and understanding. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens whose journeys might sound familiar to many parents. For Andrew, who came to Heartlight from Toronto, frequent moves and underlying anger led him toward rebellion and drug use. He shares ho...

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss how teens often act recklessly or impulsively due to underlying emotional needs such as curiosity, a desire to escape or low self-worth. Mark emphasizes that such behavior is a visible sign of invisible struggles in a teen’s heart. Parents should seek to understand the root causes by asking questions and staying engaged, rather than just trying...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses some of the most pressing questions sent in by parents just like you. From managing screen time addiction and understanding the difference between boundaries and rules, to helping teens open up and dealing with challenging behaviors in single-parent households, Mark draws from decades of experience to deliver practical, heartfelt advice. He addresses iss...

Is your teen glued to their phone? You’re not alone. In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney LaFleur and Wayne Shepherd dive into the tricky world of teen phone use. They explore how smartphones impact relationships, focus and family dynamics — and what you can do about it. Discover practical tips on setting healthy, age-appropriate boundaries, fostering trust and encouraging more face-to-face co...

Today, Mark Gregston reminds parents of their powerful role in affirming a child’s worth in a world flooded with self-help messages that often imply we’re not enough. Kids are longing for validation — not just recognition — and parents must take intentional time to invest in their children’s hearts. Through consistent love, listening and presence, parents can communicate the unshakable truth that...

When a teen is really struggling, it can sometimes be hard for them to see the situation clearly — whether it's poor choices they're making or why their parents are concerned. But taking a step back from the situation can make all the difference. Today, Mark talks with two teens who open up about what led them down difficult paths. Both teens reveal the ways that broken communication at ho...

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd explore how parents can better support teens with ADHD by adjusting expectations and parenting styles. They highlight the value of shorter conversations, academic flexibility and activities that match the teen's energy. While ADHD presents challenges, it can also bring strengths like creativity and verbal skills. Parents are e...

In this episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the most pressing concerns parents face — from navigating your teen’s reluctance to attend church to dealing with monitoring apps for their phones. He also addresses communication breakdowns and the heartbreaking reality of teen mental health and suicide. Mark offers practical advice on building trust, fostering open conversations and giving your t...

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney LaFleur and Wayne Shepherd explore how divorce deeply impacts teens, often in ways parents don’t fully realize. Teens may internalize blame and struggle with trust, especially when parents speak poorly of each other or set conflicting rules. The three urge divorced parents to put aside personal hurt, communicate respectfully, maintain consistency and be pre...

Today, Mark Gregston talks about updates on his health after a near-drowning incident revealed a chronic lung infection and led to a kidney transplant due to polycystic kidney disease. Thanks to his son Adam, who was a donor match, Mark received a new kidney and is recovering well despite some complications, including a rare allergic reaction. He reflects on the challenges with gratitude, humor, a...

Behind every “reckless” or withdrawn teen is a journey they’re struggling to navigate. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who open up about the hidden battles fueling their choices. One young man, Will, shares how his struggle with depression drove him towards rebellion and poor decisions, impacting his home life and especially his bond with his younger sister. Depres...

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd discuss how teens experience loss — not just through death, but also through breakups, rejection and life changes. The three stress the importance of creating a safe space for teens to express their grief without rushing to fix it or offer easy answers. Grief is personal and often confusing, so being present and listening matters...

In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles some pressing and heartfelt questions from listeners. From handling a 17-year-old's dishonesty about school and addressing natural consequences, to supporting teens feeling left out or struggling with fading friendships, Mark offers practical wisdom rooted in relational and biblical principles. He also discusses how to approach parenting teens with ADHD,...

Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd explore how parents can help their teens navigate grief and loss — not just from death, but from life changes like breakups, missed opportunities or transitions. They emphasize the importance of creating a safe space where teens can express their emotions without being rushed, fixed or given shallow answers. Grief looks different for everyone, and...

Join Mark Gregston as he reflects on 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 and the lasting impact of wise mentors and intentional relationships throughout his life. He shares a story about his granddaughter simply wanting to feel valued, illustrating the power of showing up and listening. Mark honors the voices of encouragement and godly wisdom that shaped his journey from pastors to teachers to friends — reminding...

Teens who struggle with fitting in, rejection or betrayal often build tough walls to protect themselves — but what's really hiding behind those defenses? On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women at Heartlight who share how feeling misunderstood and losing trust in others shaped their choices and attitudes. Meredith, who has been on the show before, shares about navigating big li...

Mark Gregston, Courtney LaFleur and Wayne Shepherd discuss why teens may use harsh or offensive language, explaining that such words often reflect deeper emotional pain or frustration. Rather than reacting immediately, parents are encouraged to listen for the heart behind the words and provide a safe space for open communication. The three emphasize the value of setting respectful boundaries, havi...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston discusses some of the most pressing questions parents are facing with their teens today. From dealing with chronic disrespect and dishonesty to navigating substance abuse and supporting struggling adopted teens, Mark provides practical advice grounded in both personal experience and biblical wisdom. He discusses strategies for building respectful relationships, en...

Join Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss your teen and their faith. Stressing the importance of modeling integrity and faith through everyday actions rather than just words, and creating a safe, open environment for honest questions and doubts. They encourage parents to shift from teaching to training during the teen years, allowing their children to wrestle with fai...

In this episode, Mark Gregston emphasizes the power of truly listening within families. Drawing from decades of experience working with teens and parents, he explains how active, empathetic listening can open the door to connection, healing and lasting relationships. Mark outlines common habits that hinder listening — like interrupting, always teaching or trying to fix things — and urges self-refl...

Learning how to deal with stress and difficult emotions doesn't always come naturally — especially for teens who've already endured a lot in their young lives. Today, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who explain what they've learned in the program so far. Adopted as a young teen after living in multiple homes, 16-year-old Whitney describes the struggle to fit in, the aftermath...

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explore how parents can help teens take ownership of their faith as they grow more independent. With many teens leaving the church after high school, it's important to gradually shift from teaching to training to transferring responsibility for faith while teens are still at home. They encourage parents to create space for que...

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...