Parenting Today's Teens

In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight counselor Courtney Lafleur tackle teens and dating, exploring what it means for parents to set realistic boundaries and stay involved as their children begin to experience romance.  They share relatable stories about early dating experiences, practical advice on age-appropriate guidelines and the importance of open communication to help parents guide tee...

In this eye-opening episode, Mark dives deep into a common parenting dilemma — striking the right balance between guidance and control as teens seek independence. Drawing from a real-life story of a family whose well-intentioned rules backfired, Mark highlights the negative impact that excessive control can have on teenagers. He shares practical wisdom, anecdotes and biblical insights, encouraging...

When life feels unpredictable, teens often seek control in unexpected ways. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women at Heartlight who share how loss and longing for independence shaped their choices. One opens up about the impact of losing her father and the turbulent relationship with her mom that followed, while the other reflects on her drive to grow up too fast and how that inf...

In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight counselor Courtney Lafleur explore ways parents pass down bad habits to their teens — from being overly critical and avoiding conflict to setting unrealistic expectations. They offer practical advice for recognizing these patterns, reversing their impact and healing parent-teen relationships. We also hear from a Heartlight teen, who bravely shares her jo...

In this episode, Mark tackles some more tough questions parents are asking about raising teens in today's rapidly changing world. From navigating conversations about sexuality and social media's impact on relationships, to setting boundaries around concerts, vaping and modesty, Mark offers practical wisdom and heartfelt advice. You'll hear insights into why teens struggle with connecti...

In this episode, Heartlight counselor Courtney Lafleur joins Mark and Wayne to tackle the issue of "mean girl" culture and the impact of social media on teenage girls. They discuss how bullying, exclusion, gossip and unrealistic online standards can deeply affect a teen's mental health and self-worth. The episode features a candid interview with a teen who opens up about her personal s...

In this episode, Mark shares a personal devotional about the impact of loss on teens and families. Drawing from personal stories and experiences at Heartlight, Mark explains how loss shapes behavior and emotional responses in both kids and parents. He highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these losses — whether obvious or hidden — in order to foster healing and deepen relationshi...

Even the most loving families can struggle to truly hear one another. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share their experiences with communication breakdowns at home. For Tucker, clashing with his mom over identity and expectations made it feel impossible to bridge the gap between who he is and who she wants him to be. Tune in as both teens reflect on how the inabili...

In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the challenges and opportunities parents face in sharing their faith with teenagers in a rapidly changing world. Drawing from real-life experiences and expert research, they discuss practical ways to establish biblical values at home, emphasizing authenticity, honest conversation and grace-based parenting. A special interview with Josh, a teen attending Hear...

On today's Q&A episode, Mark shares some more insights into the struggles families are facing while raising teenagers today. He answers questions from parents about everything from vaping and drinking to tricky relationships, divorce and blending families. With decades of experience helping teens at Heartlight, Mark shares practical tips, some humor and plenty of encouragement for parents...

In this insightful episode, Mark and Wayne explore what drives today's teenagers to embrace radical ideas, delving into the underlying motives of identity, independence and acceptance. The conversation offers practical advice for parents on remaining involved without being judgmental, setting healthy boundaries and keeping the lines of communication open — even when viewpoints clash. The episo...

In this heartfelt episode, Mark addresses the complex world of adolescent loss and its impact on behavior and emotional well-being. Drawing from real-life stories and personal experiences, Mark sheds light on both obvious and hidden hurts teens may carry. The episode emphasizes the importance of focusing on the root causes of teens' struggles, rather than just their behaviors, and encourages p...

Many teens wrestle with the challenge of fitting in — sometimes at the cost of losing themselves. On today's show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share their stories of wearing masks to please others while chasing popularity. Both young women reveal how their struggles led to broken trust with family, poor choices and a sense of disconnection from who they truly are. Now, thr...

In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore what drives teens to risky behaviors — often in search of adventure, escape or affirmation. The conversation goes deeper during an interview with a Heartlight teen, who shares her personal story of coping with family struggles, addiction and the journey to finding self-worth and reconciliation. With practical insights and heartfelt advice, this episode empow...

In today's Q&A episode, Mark dives into the real-life struggles parents are dealing with right now. From trying to convince your teen to go to church, to figuring out if you should monitor their phone with apps like Bark, Mark gives practical advice without sugarcoating things. He also covers tough topics like teen mental health, handling tragic loss, and what to do when your teen shuts yo...

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how divorce deeply impacts teens, often creating hidden emotional struggles that parents may not recognize. They explain that teens can develop unhealthy beliefs and behaviors when they feel caught in the middle, experience inconsistent rules or hear one parent badmouth the other. Parents are encouraged to provide structure and neve...

Today, Mark Gregston shares how, years into his marriage, his wife Jan revealed deep pain from childhood sexual abuse — pain that eventually led them both into an 18-month counseling journey that changed their relationship. Mark realized how unresolved loss creates emotional voids that often drive behavior, both in adults and in teens. He explains that many destructive or perfection-driven choices...

So many of today’s teens are quietly battling anxiety, depression and the pressures of fitting in — a reality that often goes unseen. In this episode, Mark sits down with two more Heartlight residents who open up about their mental health journeys. For Will, depression fueled his reckless behavior and created distance at home. But when he saw how his struggles impacted his little sister, he decide...

Join Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur today as they discuss the power of perspective when parenting teens, and why it matters more than simply sharing opinions. Mark explains that teens are surrounded by loud opinions everywhere, but what they truly need from parents is calm, experience-based wisdom that helps them see the bigger picture. Instead of rushing to “fix” their problem...

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...