Parenting Today's Teens

Teen Stories: Reckoning with Privilege

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

What Is Worth Fighting For?

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As kids enter the teen years, parents often spend so much time correcting behavior that they unintentionally crowd out connection. Constantly fighting...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Quiet Preteens, First Love and Grandparent Dilemmas

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles another batch of real questions from listeners facing everyday parenting challenges. From helping quiet preteens...

Giving Grace When Teens Make Mistakes

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how parents will inevitably feel hurt or disappointed by their teen’s mistakes, but...

Wisdom Over Knowledge

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Listen in as Mark Gregston shares a devotional from the book of Proverbs, challenging parents to deepen their relationship with their teens. Mark remi...

Teen Stories: Searching for Trust

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Grandparents Are a Gift

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss the irreplaceable role grandparents play in the lives of their teenage grandchildren...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Discipline, Divorce and the Digital Age

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Mark tackles some more challenging questions parents are facing with their teenagers today. From motivating a checked-out high...

Types of Parenting That Will Push Teens Away

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Parents often unintentionally push their teens away by demanding perfection, forcing authority or coming across as judgmental. In this episode, Mark G...

When a Once-Close Relationship Feels Distant

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotional from Romans 16:17. Listen as he discusses what to do when a once-close relationship with your child ...

Teen Stories: Learning to Cope Without Drugs

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when teens turn to drugs to cope with struggles that feel too heavy to bear? Many young people use substances as a way to escape feelings...

Dating and Your Teen

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to view teen dating as a training ground, not just something to restrict or fear. Mark empha...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Bullying, Beliefs and Battling Teen Angst

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark tackles real questions from parents who are in the trenches with their teens. From navigating the challenges of adoption with children who...

Fostering Respect at Home

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how respect is foundational to a peaceful, healthy home, and it must be intentionally taught and model...

Don’t Give Up: Hope Grows Through the Struggle

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Listen today as Mark Gregston reflects on a generation that pursued “peace at all costs” and avoided conflict, often weakening relationships inste...

Teen Stories: Searching for Validation

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

For many teens, the drive to fit in or feel worthy can shape almost every decision they make. Beneath the surface, those struggles often trace back to...

Making the Most of One-on-One Time with Your Teen

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd today as they discuss the powerful opportunity parents have to shape their teens’ hearts and direction through...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Tough Conversations, Growing Up and Coming Home

02 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into some of the most sensitive questions parents are facing right now. Addressing tough topics like puberty and s...

A Fresh Start for Your Family

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As a new year begins, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur encourage families to pause and have honest, grace-filled conversations with ...

Knowing What’s Normal in the Teen Years

31 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston reminds parents that many frustrating teen behaviors are actually normal parts of adolescence and part of how kids learn to grow into ad...

Teen Stories: Weathering the Storm

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Family relationships aren’t always easy, and sometimes the toughest struggles can lead to the strongest connections. On today’s episode, Mark sits...

Help for When Parents Feel Hopeless

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On today's episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur remind parents who feel overwhelmed by a child’s struggles — whether ad...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Structure, Screen Time and Stepping into Adulthood

26 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark dives into some more pressing challenges parents face today — from transitioning your parenting style as kids grow, to managing teens’...

Grandparenting During the Holidays

25 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Merry Christmas! The holidays can unite families, and grandparents play a unique role in setting a warm, meaningful tone for those gatherings. Today, ...

Giving Teens Certainty in an Uncertain World

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston as he talks about how Luke’s account of Christ’s birth highlights a powerful idea often overlooked. Mark explains that modern a...

Teen Stories: When Parents Really Listen

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when teens feel unheard at home? This week, Mark talks with two Heartlight teens, who bravely share their battles with depression, insecu...

Allowing Teens to Control Their Lives

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how parents often hold tightly to control out of fear, but doing so can stunt a teen’s ability to de...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Tough Calls on Therapy, Consequences and Connection

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Mark dives into some more pressing questions from parents who are struggling with their teens and young adults. From addressin...

Christmas in the Midst of Conflict

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen today as Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss the reality that Christmas often brings conflict rather than peace, especia...

Small Conversations Build Lifelong Influence

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark reflects on the lessons he’s learned as a parent and grandparent, emphasizing how small, consistent conversations build trust and open the door...

Teen Stories: Breaking the Mold

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every teen's journey is shaped by a search for identity — a need to take ownership of their life, make choices and discover who they truly are. ...

When You're at the End of Your Rope

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Families in crisis often feel overwhelmed, isolated and “at the end of their rope,” but Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur remind ...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Faith, Freedom and Figuring Out Family Rules

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the toughest questions parents face with their teenagers today. From encouraging faith in a 1...

Balancing Tough Love and Compassion

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explain that effective discipline flows out of a healthy relationship, not anger or authorit...

Mark's Journey to Genuineness

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston shares how unexpected setbacks — including getting fired — became the catalyst for founding Heartlight Ministries and beginning a li...

Teen Stories: Breaking Through Isolation

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Navigating the teen years can sometimes mean facing invisible walls — barriers of isolation, anger or uncertainty about how to let others in. Today,...

Setting Boundaries for Your Family

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, join Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lefleur as they discuss setting boundaries for your family. They explain that healthy boundarie...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Motivation, Boundaries and Mental Health

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston fields real questions from parents grappling with the challenges of guiding older teens toward adulthood. Drawing from decades of...

Six Steps to Take with Your Entitled Teen

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many teens today grow up believing they’re owed privileges and constant attention. Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how this entitlem...

Speaking Truth in a Culture of Confusion

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Teens today are growing up in a world of online communication, constant negativity and shallow “expert” voices — leaving them hungry for real co...

Teen Stories: Beneath the Surface

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many parents notice their teens acting out — whether through rebellion, risky choices or shutting down — but what’s driving those behaviors is o...

Is Your Teen Spinning Out of Control?

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen in as Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why teens might “spin out of control." They explain this can happen when they can’t mana...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Drugs, Discipline and the Search for Support

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark dives deep into the real-life struggles facing families — from navigating a teen’s anxiety, depression and drug use, to managing explo...

Thanksgiving, Gratitude and Entitlement in Teens

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur unpack why gratitude can be difficult for teens, especially during the holidays when entitlement an...

Passing Down Wisdom, Not Just Information

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston for a devotional from Joel 1:3 as he explains why teens need wisdom, not just information. Through Scripture and a personal story, ...

Teen Stories: Overcoming Darkness

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When teens act out, it’s often a sign of much deeper issues at play. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston chats with two more Heartlight teens, inclu...

Are You Hearing Your Teen's Heart?

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how listening is one of the most powerful ways parents can build connection with the...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Busy Teens, Broken Homes and Boy Band Fandoms

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark dives into some of the toughest and most relatable dilemmas families face: transitioning your parenting style as teens leav...

What to Expect When Adopted Children Become Teens

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Adopted kids often enter adolescence with deep questions about identity, belonging and why they were given up — even if they cannot consciously reme...

Choose Grace Over Perfectionism

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark shares how perfectionism in ministry once nearly burned him out — and how many parents unknowingly pass that same pressure onto their te...

Teen Stories: When Discipline Divides

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many families wrestle with discipline, hoping rules will keep their teens on track — but sometimes, those boundaries end up building walls instead o...

Why Heartlight?

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen as Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss the benefits of Heartlight and the program's relational approach to residenti...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Consequences, Communication and Culture Clashes

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Mark Gregston dives into listener questions about navigating consequences, teen privacy, anxiety, complex faith and identity i...

Attention-Seeking Teens

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Teens have always sought attention, but today’s social media culture amplifies it — often leading to risky or inappropriate behavior when their em...

Love in Actions, Not Just Words

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen today as Mark Gregston reflects on a listener’s concern that his ministry doesn’t mention Jesus often enough, using it as a reminder that f...

Teen Stories: Finding Purpose Through Pain

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When life gets tough, teens often find themselves searching for answers in the middle of their struggles — but sometimes, clarity takes time and pat...

Your Teen's Exposure to Pornography

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur discuss the difficult but essential topic of teens’ exposure to pornography. They emphasiz...

I Mustache Mark a Question: When Sarcasm Hurts, Bullies Strike and Trust Is Broken

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston tackles the complex challenges that parents face with their teenagers, from navigating shifting moods and sarcasm to coping with ...

Teaching, Training and Transferring Responsibility to Your Teen

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lefleur explore the process of guiding teens from dependence to maturity through three stages — te...

Helping Teens See Beyond the Screen

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen in as Mark Gregston reflects on how today’s teens struggle to distinguish “true life” from the filtered world of social media. He explain...

Teen Stories: Healing Broken Bonds

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's important to remember that the struggles we see on the surface of a teen's life may have roots a lot deeper than we realize. In today’s...

Your Teen's Inappropriate Behavior

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When parents discover their teen’s inappropriate behavior, it’s important to respond with calmness and perspective rather than anger or shame. Tod...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Tech Rules, Frustration and Family Rifts

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles some more of the toughest, most heartfelt questions sent in by listeners. From managing frustration and anger a...

Teens and Politics

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how parents can wisely talk about politics with their teens. They emphasize that while poli...

The Heart Behind Your Teen's Behavior

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston explains that parents must look beyond their teen’s behavior to understand the deeper heart issues driving it. Drawing from Pro...

Teen Stories: Beyond Surface Level

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every troubled teen has a story that goes much deeper than their behavior shows. Behind acting out, running away, or self-destruction, there's oft...

Keeping Your Identity Outside of Parenting

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how many parents lose their personal identity by becoming overly consumed with their childr...

I Mustache Mark a Question: College, Curfews and Restoring Connection

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston draws on over three decades of experience to tackle the questions parents are most desperate to have answered. From nav...

Responding to Sexually Abused Teens

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sexual abuse leaves deep scars that affect a teen’s safety, relationships and self-worth. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share bo...

Grandparenting with Grace: A Home Teens Can Trust

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston reflects on Matthew 11:28–30, emphasizing the need for homes — especially grandparents’ homes — to be places of rest and ...

Teen Stories: Talking It Out

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

So much changes when teens and parents start talking — and really listening — to each other. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartli...

Helping Your Teen Heal from the Pain of Divorce

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Divorce deeply impacts teens, often leaving them with feelings of abandonment, loss, guilt and confusion. Mark Gregston explains that many teens inter...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Grief, Growth and Guiding Teens Through Tough Choices

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's Q&A episode, Mark addresses heartfelt questions from parents and grandparents facing the everyday struggles and big transitions tha...

When It's Time for Your Teen to Grow Up

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of preparing your children for adulthood before they reach their late teens. Parents should gr...

It's All About Perspective

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen in as Mark Gregston shares a personal story and scripture to illustrate the importance of perspective. While he complained about having the wor...

Teen Stories: You Can't Run From Your Struggles

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Running away isn’t just about escaping home — it’s often a sign of deeper issues beneath the surface. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with ...

Is Dating Right for Your Teen?

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us today as Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LeFleur explore whether dating is right for teens. The three discuss how dating can provid...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Respecting Privacy, Navigating Identity and Surviving Turmoil

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Mark tackles some more of the toughest questions that parents are facing in today’s world. From navigating strict parenting ...

Are You Listening to Your Teen’s Heart?

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore why listening is one of the most powerful tools parents can use with their teens. Teens don’t always need m...

How to Influence Your Teen

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston shares the most effective way to influence a teen — by spending intentional, consistent time together. He encourages parents to set as...

Teen Stories: Covering Hurt with a Smile

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every teen faces pressures, but some feel compelled to hide behind a mask — covering up pain or anxiety with risky behaviors or a perfect facade. On...

Stop Teen Foolishness and Promote Wisdom

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore how parents can guide teens away from foolish choices and toward wisdom. Teens often repeat negative behavior...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Dating Drama, Destructive Decisions and Disconnection

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston takes on some of the most pressing and sensitive questions parents face in their journey with teens. From handling a da...

Acting on What You Believe

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why it’s essential for parents to live out their core beliefs while raising teens. Parents need to know whi...

Letting Go of “Perfect Parenting”

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark highlights the danger of perfectionism in ministry, parenting and life. He shares how early experiences working under a demanding pastor l...

Teen Stories: Breaking the Cycle of Shame

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Behind every rebellious act or risky decision, there’s often a story of shame that teenagers carry alone. Shame can trap teens in a cycle — fuelin...

Teen Suicide: Knowing the Warning Signs

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss a difficult but very important topic: teen suicide. Mark emphasizes that parents must pay close attent...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Safe Spaces, Serious Signs and Self-Reflection

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the most pressing questions parents and grandparents are facing with their teens today. Drawing from...

Responding to a Teens Substance Abuse

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston joins Wayne Shepherd to discuss the dangers of teen substance abuse and how parents can respond. Mark emphasizes the importance of setti...

Listening and Loving Well

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's devotional on 2 Peter 1:12 emphasizes that the foundation of parenting is listening and maintaining strong relationships with your childre...

Teen Stories: From Isolation to Connection

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every family faces seasons where connection feels out of reach, especially with teens wrestling for independence or struggling to find where they belo...

Teen Depression and Its Consequences

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd highlight the steep rise in teen depression and suicide, with more than a third of teens reporting persistent sadness...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Social Struggles, Secret Scars and Shifting Stances

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles complex questions that listeners have been asking about their teens. He offers practical wisdom — rooted in e...

Teens and Running Away

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Few fears are greater for parents than a teen who runs away. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why teens take this step — wh...

Understanding the Heart Behind Teen Anger

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we join Mark Gregston for a devotional drawing from James 1:19. Parents and teens both experience anger when their desires clash, but unchecked...

Teen Stories: Searching for Direction

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s not uncommon for today’s teens to feel lost — drifting through life without a sense of purpose or direction. In this episode, Mark sits dow...

Teaching Teens Financial Responsibility

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss the importance of teaching teens financial responsibility. They note that far fewer teens work t...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Senior Slumps, Screen Time and Safe Spaces

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles questions from parents on motivating teens who are losing steam before graduation and supporting neurodive...

Sibling Conflict in Your Home

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how sibling rivalry is a common challenge, fueled by differences in personality, comparisons...

The Power of Relationship in Parenting

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Parenting is about far more than discipline, survival or raising kids toward independence — it is ultimately rooted in relationship. When parents in...