Parenting Today's Teens

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, and a renewed perspective on life and ministry.

Do you have a question you would like to ask Mark? Visit markgregston.com to ask his advice!

Parenting Today's Teens is 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Behind every “reckless” or withdrawn teen is a journey they’re struggling to navigate.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. Depression and anxiety were at the heart of his behavior — not a desire to hurt others, but a desperate attempt to escape pain. Tune in to hear these honest reflections!

To learn more about Hear...

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 more than finding the right words. Ultimately, loss can shape us, and God remains present even when we don't understand the pain.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org/shop to discover all of Mark's resources designed to...

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, strategies for handling disrespectful communication at the dinner table and the unique pain that comes when a teen yearns for a distant parent. Throughout, Mark encourages parents to engage in honest, empathetic conversations with their teens while setting appropriate boundaries, focusing on building trust...

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 sometimes the best response is silent presence, not advice. Parents are encouraged to model authentic grief, trust God’s presence in the unknown and walk alongside their teens through pain rather than around it.

Finding yourself in a...

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 listeners that even simple, ongoing conversations can influence a life deeply. He encourages us to become that same kind of presence for the next generation, offering wisdom, perspective, and God’s love through consistent and intentional relationships.

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 life traumas, feeling like an outsider and her struggle for acceptance, which led her down a tough path. Tune in to hear these stories!

For more info about the Heartlight residential program, go to hear...

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, having restorative follow-up conversations and practicing self-reflection. By leading with empathy, you can rebuild trust and strengthen your relationship with your teen.

In a tough spot with your teen? Join Mark at the Families in Crisis Conference! Learn...

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, encourages parents to look deeper into underlying issues and shares resources for getting professional help. Whether your teen is withdrawing into video games, wrestling with negative thoughts or in need of specialized support, this episode offers hope, guidance and actionable steps for families in al...

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 faith and develop their own convictions. 

Join Mark in July for our Families in Crisis Conference. Visit parentingtodaysteens.org/families-in-crisis-conference to learn more!

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast N...

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-reflection to remove these barriers. He encourages listeners to ask their family members how well they feel heard, reminding us that sometimes, the greatest act of love is simply listening.

To see all the resources Mark has designed specifically to help...

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 of trauma and the difficulty of learning a new family’s rules. She speaks candidly about the poor choices she made and how Heartlight has helped her find healthier ways to cope.

Is Heartlight the...

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 questions, avoid controlling or critical attitudes, and maintain open, judgment-free conversations about church and spirituality. Ultimately, the goal is to help teens develop a personal, lasting faith rather than one rooted only in parental expectations.

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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 encouragement, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable advice to help strengthen your connection with your teen, no matter what challenges arise. Tune in now!

Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Pa...

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 influence through love, patience and wisdom — rather than control or correction. 

Join Mark for one of our Families in Crisis Conferences at Heartlight. Learn more and register at familycrisisretreat.org.

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Pod...

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 differ from their values. Using a passage from 1 Timothy, Mark encourages us to let the Holy Spirit do the convicting, while we remain steadfast in grace and relationship.

Are you struggling with your teen? Visit familycrisisretreat.com to le...

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 toward rebuilding trust and moving into a brand new chapter. 

For more info about the Heartlight residential program, visit heartlightministries.org 

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Ch...

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 today, visit cpgive.org. 

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want 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 power struggles to supporting LGBTQ+ kids while staying true to one’s beliefs. Whether you're facing difficult discussions about boundaries or seeking guidance on how to be a Christ-like influence, this episode will help you build deeper, lasting connections with your teen. Listen now!<...

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 rather provide a judgment-free space filled with emotional and physical rest, where teens feel safe and valued. They encourage grandparents to listen more than they speak, share wisdom when invited and support parents rather than undermine them.<...

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 opinions — with their teens to foster deeper connection and understanding.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org for practical and effective resources for parents and grandparents as they raise their teens.

Parenting Today's Teens is a part o...

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 revelations that followed his time in a wilderness program.

Want to learn more about the Heartlight residential program? Go to heartlightministries.org today!

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Pare...

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 stress the importance of non-judgmental conversations to help teens build deeper relationships and a stronger sense of self.

In a tough spot with your teen right now? Visit familycrisisretreat.org to learn about ou...

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 your invitations for feedback, and how to manage structure and discipline as your child grows. Packed with practical advice and genuine encouragement, this episode will leave you better equipped to connect with your teen and guide them toward heal...

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 safe, judgment-free environment where teens feel comfortable opening up about difficult topics. They also urge parents to start conversations early, listen with empathy and seek professional help if drug use becomes a pattern.

If y...

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 family struggling right now? We encourage you to come to our next Families In Crisis Conference, July 24-26. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more! 

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practic...

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 similar issues created authentic friendships and a support system unlike anything she had at home. She shares how stepping back from outside influences — even social media — helped her gain confidence.

To find out i...

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 restoration in your home. Listen in as they share practical advice on how to help your teen when they need you the most!

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org for practical and effective resources for parents and...

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 experience, Mark emphasizes the importance of affirming relationships, setting healthy boundaries and loving teens through their struggles, even when the path forward isn't clear. If you're seeking honest, faith-based guidance to deepen your relationship with your teen or help them through difficult time...

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 your children.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org for more practical and effective resources for parents and grandparents.

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and...

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 parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Mark's past podcasts, articles, books and more designed to support you as you raise your teens.

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network...

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 episode explores how facing heartache — and learning to understand it — is the first step toward real healing. Listen in now!

Interested in learning more about Heartlight? Go to heartligh...

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 with your teen? Our next Families in Crisis Conference is coming up July 24-26! Learn more at familycrisisretreat.com 

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spir...

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, practical advice drawn from his years of experience. You'll hear insights on when to let consequences teach important life lessons and how to support teens as they begin making their own choices. 

Have a question for Mark? S...

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 they raise their teens in a rapidly changing culture.

If your family is struggling, see if Mark's ministry can help. Visit heartlightministries.org for more info. 

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the C...

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 trust and waiting for an invitation to speak truth in love. Mark reminds us that genuine influence comes through relationship, not arguments. Choose love and grace over winning debates.

Get Mark's newest devotional for your family by visiting dailyhopeforfamilies.com

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 with her parents. In these conversations, you'll hear the lessons both girls learned about empathy, love and being truly known.

Do you long for more peace in your home? Join us in July for our next Families in...

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 has designed to support you as you raise your teen, please visit parentingtodaysteens.org

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help...

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough listener-submitted questions about raising teens in today’s culture. From discovering a child's vaping habit and managing sibling conflict to supporting an adopted teen through promiscuity and responding to a daughter's mental health crisis, Mark offers practical wisdom framed by a relational approach. He addresses tough topics like setting boundaries in adolescent relationships, handling exposure to pornography, and finding the right balance between consequences and grace. Whether you're looking for tools to build trust, guidance on difficult conversations or simply reassurance that you're not alone, this episode is packed with honest insi...

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how today’s teens are growing up in an overwhelming and chaotic world, saturated with constant information, conflicting values, and social pressures that fuel anxiety and confusion. Mark emphasizes that teens deeply desire stability, security, and authentic relationships with their parents and grandparents, even if they don’t always show it. He urges parents to be present, listen well and offer calm, faith-rooted guidance — reminding them that they are a lifeline for their children in a stormy culture.

Explore all of Mark's resources designed to help you as you ra...