Parenting Today's Teens

In this episode, Mark dives into some more pressing questions from parents — from navigating dating relationships when faith values differ, to supporting teens through church transitions, and addressing concerns about technology and social media. You’ll hear real listener questions about boundaries, discipline and guiding adolescents through complicated issues like sexuality, mental health and ind...

Depression among teens is rising rapidly, with major studies showing increasing rates of persistent sadness, anxiety and even suicide. Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explain that depression doesn’t always have obvious warning signs, which is why parents must stay closely connected and ask deeper questions beyond “How are you?” Mark highlights common indicators like withdrawal, changes in...

Today, Mark Gregston shares a personal story about being unexpectedly fired, leading him into a painful season that left him feeling rejected and questioning God’s presence. Over time, he realized God was still at work, even when life didn’t make sense — and that faith often means believing without fully understanding. He reflects on Scripture and experiences that remind him God uses even hardship...

We all want to be seen, heard and valued — our teens are no different! In today's episode, Mark Gregston sits down with two Heartlight teens whose stories reveal a powerful, common thread: the desperate search for connection. One young lady shares how her risky choices and need to make a scene stemmed from feeling unheard, especially by her father, and how learning to have honest conversations...

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd today as they discuss what it means when your teen no longer smiles — and why parents shouldn’t ignore it. Mark explains that a missing smile is often a sign of deeper sadness, frustration or depression, and an invitation for parents to lean in with compassion. He encourages parents to respond with humility, honest conversation and a willingness to change. Ult...

In today's episode, Mark takes on more of listeners' most pressing questions about parenting adolescents in today’s world — from setting limits on screen time and understanding the difference between rules and boundaries, to getting your teen to actually talk to you (without just one-word answers). He dives into tough issues like teens questioning faith, dealing with challenging behaviors...

Managing your teen’s phone use starts with recognizing that phones aren’t just distractions — they’re a primary way teens connect, feel entertained and stay tied to their world. While excessive phone use can interrupt attention, reduce face-to-face relationships and fuel dopamine-driven habits, the technology isn’t going away. So, parents must lead intentionally. Setting age-appropriate boundaries...

Mark Gregston explains that today’s self-help culture constantly tells kids they’re “not enough,” fueling anxiety, confusion and a relentless pressure to perform. He reminds parents that Scripture points to God’s sufficiency and unconditional grace — our kids don’t need to earn their worth. One of a parent’s most important roles is to consistently communicate, through time, presence and validation...

Sometimes what looks like rebellion or risky behavior in teens is really just a signal flare for something deeper going on inside. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents, each with a different story but a similar struggle: trying to fill the emptiness and pain in their lives by acting out. Whether it’s substance use, running away or searching for connection in all the wro...

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how parents of teens with ADHD may need to adjust expectations and recognize that their teen may struggle with focus, impulsivity, follow-through and relational depth — not because they don’t care, but because their brain works differently. Shorter conversations, built-in breaks, clear structure and consistent reminders can reduce f...

Every parent worries about their teen’s online world — but what’s really driving all that screen time? In today’s show, Mark answers questions from two mothers concerned about their daughters’ search for connection through social media and texting. Behind the flirty messages and endless scrolling is a longing to feel valued and affirmed, both at home and with peers. Mark explores how technology ha...

A teen’s purpose isn’t discovered in a single moment or from sitting at home; it unfolds through exposure, experience and exploration. In today's show, we explore how parents play a vital role by expanding their teen’s world, encouraging curiosity, and allowing them to try, fail and grow without forcing a fixed path too early. Purpose develops as teens engage in real-world experiences, learn r...

Parents want the best for their teens, but good intentions can backfire when love feels tied to performance. This conversation reminds parents that kids need to know they are loved unconditionally — especially when they fail — because high standards without grace often lead to shame, secrecy and withdrawal. Healthy relationships balance clear expectations with forgiveness, making room for growth r...

Many parents might be surprised to learn that the behaviors and struggles their teens exhibit often stem from deep-rooted issues with self-worth. On today's episode, Mark sits down with two young women, each sharing honest accounts of their battles with anxiety, isolation and the need for validation. Whether it's navigating self-harm, tough family dynamics or the pressure to find acceptanc...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explain that raising responsible teens isn’t about perfection, but about preparing them for real life. Parents are encouraged to shift from constant teaching and correcting to intentional training — giving teens age-appropriate responsibility, room to make decisions, and space to fail and learn. Allowing natural consequence...

In today's show, Mark Gregston dives into some more pressing questions parents have about raising teenagers amidst the challenges of technology, screen time and social media. He discusses how to strike a balance between connection and safety, set healthy boundaries for internet and video game use, and recognize the impact of digital life on teens’ relationships and well-being. Drawing from rec...

Listen today as Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how it’s normal for teens to act differently in different settings, but it becomes concerning when they hide behavior that violates their values or are falling apart beneath a polished exterior. Mark explains that a “double life” isn’t about personality differences, but about secrecy, fear and the pressure to appear perfect. Parents can’t co...

Today, Mark Gregston shares a devotional from Psalm 86:15, exploring how children can grow up believing love must be earned through performance. When parents unknowingly reinforce this, kids begin to fear that failure will cost them acceptance, tying their value to behavior and achievement. Mark reminds parents to model God’s compassion, grace, patience and abounding love so children understand lo...

When teens seem demanding or expect the world handed to them, it's easy to chalk it up to “just being a teenager” — but there’s often more beneath the surface. Today, Mark talks with two more teens from Heartlight, both of whom open up about their journeys confronting a culture of entitlement in their families and themselves. For Isaac, easy access to anything he wanted became a way to receive...

As kids enter the teen years, parents often spend so much time correcting behavior that they unintentionally crowd out connection. Constantly fighting about every issue can push teens away, exhaust parents and hinder the independence teens need to develop. The key is learning to “choose your battles” by letting go of issues that don’t matter long-term and focusing on what truly shapes character an...

In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles another batch of real questions from listeners facing everyday parenting challenges. From helping quiet preteens open up and navigating the anxiety of an 18-year-old’s first relationship, to supporting grandchildren with low self-esteem and managing overwhelming situations, Mark Gregston offers practical, heartfelt advice. He discusses the importance of shifti...

In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how parents will inevitably feel hurt or disappointed by their teen’s mistakes, but those moments are opportunities to show grace rather than withdraw. Grace means moving toward teens when they fail — allowing consequences to stand while affirming that love and relationship remain secure. Teens need to know their parents’ love is not...

Listen in as Mark Gregston shares a devotional from the book of Proverbs, challenging parents to deepen their relationship with their teens. Mark reminds us that in a world where information is multiplying at an overwhelming pace, teens aren’t looking for more facts — they’re searching for wisdom. Proverbs 3 reminds us that wisdom brings peace, purpose and understanding that no amount of informati...

For many families, the journey through the teen years is marked by trust that’s been damaged — and the hope for restoration. Today, Mark sits down with two young men at Heartlight who share candid stories about their struggles with boundaries, addiction and feeling misunderstood at home. Both students open up about the hard work required to rebuild trust with their parents and themselves, finding...

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss the irreplaceable role grandparents play in the lives of their teenage grandchildren. Mark reminds grandparents that staying connected requires intentional effort and flexibility as grandchildren grow and the relationship changes — but their need for loving, steady grandparents is greater than ever. By listening more, meeting teens...