Parenting Today's Teens

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...

Teen Stories: Wrestling With Rejection

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The fear of rejection can shape a teen’s choices in powerful and sometimes destructive ways. In this episode, Mark Gregston talks with two young lad...

Helping Your Teen Build Resilience

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of building resilience in teens including the ability to bounce back from mistakes, setbacks a...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Vaping, Video Games and Values

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses the real-life challenges parents of teens face, including vaping, bullying, video games, emotional strug...

How Important Is School?

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore why school is about much more than academics — it’s the training ground where teens lea...

Why Criticism Hurts More Than It Helps

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston reflects on his lifelong love of animals and tells the story of his llama, Tony, whose decline became a lesson in parenting. In the mids...

Teen Stories: Healing Through Honesty

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every struggling teen has their own story, but many share a deeper need: to be truly understood. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartli...

Sharing Your Perspective Rather Than Your Opinion

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss how teens are bombarded with opinions from social media and culture — but wh...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Motivation, Mistakes and Maturity

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the toughest questions sent in by parents, ranging from anxiety over grades and skipping school to...

The Benefits of Counseling for Teens

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explore how counseling can be a life-changing tool for teens — not just those in...

Making Every Day a Special Occasion

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston reflects on the true treasures in life and how parents and grandparents can leave lasting legacies for the next ge...

Teen Stories: Turning Points

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes, the hardest moments in a teen's life are what finally reveal the need for real change. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two He...

When Your Teen Won't Open Up

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When teens won’t open up, building trust takes time and consistency. Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur stress creating a saf...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Anxiety, Attitude and Accountability

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston takes on the real-life questions and struggles sent in by parents just like you. He offers practical wisdom on han...

Raising Socially Awkward Teens

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd, and Courtney Lafleur discuss the growing issue of socially awkward teens and the cultural forces contr...

Unlocking Your Teen's Heart With Questions

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston shares a devotional from Matthew 7:7, as he emphasizes the power of asking questions as a means of deepening our connection with ...

Teen Stories: Longing for Connection

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

So many teens today struggle with feeling isolated. It becomes hard — even scary — to open up to others and learn to trust. In today’s episode, ...

How Dads Can Build Strong Relationships With Their Teens

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur talk about the powerful impact fathers can have on their children’s lives — especially d...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Rules, Rebellion and Relationship

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses some of the most pressing and poignant questions from parents and grandparents of teens today. From navi...

Mean Girls and Social Media

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LeFleur discuss the emotional toll that mean-girl behavior and social media pressure can have on teenage gi...

Learning From Pain

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston reflects on a personal experience of physical pain to illustrate how pain affects behavior, decision-making and empathy — especially i...

Teen Stories: When Fitting in Leads to a Falling Out

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every parent knows how much teens long to belong — yet sometimes the choices they make in pursuit of acceptance can lead them down a difficult path....

Sharing Your Faith With Your Teen

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s culture, teens are overwhelmed with information and often skeptical of traditional approaches to faith. Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Sh...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Ministry, Motive and Mission

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston responds to a powerful and important question: “Does your ministry point kids to Jesus?” Mark’s thoughtful a...

Listening to Your Teen on a Deeper Level

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they remind us that listening is one of the most powerful tools you can use to connect with your teen. As kid...

An Anchor of Certainty

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this devotional, Mark Gregston highlights the deep anxiety teens face today due to overwhelming uncertainty in their world — like social instabil...

Teen Stories: Letting Go of Old Habits

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many parents see their teens retreat — whether into substance use, technology or isolation — and wonder what they're really running from. In t...

Barriers to a Good Relationship with Your Teen

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston discusses key barriers that hinder strong relationships between parents and teens, including misunderstanding, overly strict rule...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Identity, Influence and Intimacy

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston discusses real-world issues that parents are facing with their teens today. He covers everything from guiding teen...

What’s Driving Today’s Teen Radicalization?

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this eye-opening episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into why so many teens today are passionately embracing social or political causes....

Raising Responsible Teens

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston for a devotional as he reflects on Galatians 6:5, emphasizing the importance of teaching teens to carry their own responsibilities ...

Teen Stories: The Masks We Wear

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Almost every parent knows the worry that comes when a teen starts to change — pulling away, making risky choices or hiding behind a version of thems...

Making the Most of Summertime with Your Teen

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to make the most of summer with their teens by creating intentional and meaningful...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Screen Time Struggles

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark tackles one of the biggest challenges modern parents face: navigating screen time, smartphones and developing healthy bound...