Parenting Today's Teens

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...

A Mental Health Checkup for Teens

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how many teens today silently struggle with anxiety, depression and loneliness, often due to overwhelming cul...

The Power of Listening

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston as he shares his heart with parents and grandparents. Today, Mark emphasizes that listening is one of the most powerful tools adult...

Teen Stories: What Really Drives Rebellion

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every teen has a story behind the choices they make — sometimes, it's not about simple rebellion, but about a deeper search for belonging and un...

Why Do Teens Act Recklessly?

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss how teens often act recklessly or impulsively due to underlying emotional needs such as curiosit...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Screentime, Structure and Standards

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses some of the most pressing questions sent in by parents just like you. From managing screen time addictio...

Phones, Teens & Boundaries: How to Stay Connected Without Losing Control

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is your teen glued to their phone? You’re not alone. In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney LaFleur and Wayne Shepherd dive into the tricky world ...

Are We Good Enough?

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston reminds parents of their powerful role in affirming a child’s worth in a world flooded with self-help messages that often imply...

Teen Stories: Taking a Step Back

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When a teen is really struggling, it can sometimes be hard for them to see the situation clearly — whether it's poor choices they're making ...

Supporting Your Teen with ADHD

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd explore how parents can better support teens with ADHD by adjusting expectations a...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Culture, Connection and Crisis

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the most pressing concerns parents face — from navigating your teen’s reluctance to attend churc...

The Silent Struggle — Your Teen And Divorce

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney LaFleur and Wayne Shepherd explore how divorce deeply impacts teens, often in ways parents don’t fully real...

Reflecting on a Health Journey

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Teen Stories: Running From Reality

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Behind every “reckless” or withdrawn teen is a journey they’re struggling to navigate. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight ...

How Loss Can Change a Teen

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd discuss how teens experience loss — not just through death, but also through bre...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Dishonesty, Discipline and Distance

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles some pressing and heartfelt questions from listeners. From handling a 17-year-old's dishonesty about school...

Helping Your Teen Through Loss

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd explore how parents can help their teens navigate grief and loss — not just from death, but from ...

The Power of Presence and Legacy

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Teen Stories: Learning How to Trust Again

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Teens who struggle with fitting in, rejection or betrayal often build tough walls to protect themselves — but what's really hiding behind those ...

When Your Teen's Tongue Turns Toxic

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston, Courtney LaFleur and Wayne Shepherd discuss why teens may use harsh or offensive language, explaining that such words often reflect dee...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Addiction, Attitude and Accountability

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston discusses some of the most pressing questions parents are facing with their teens today. From dealing with chronic...

The Cross and Your Teen

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss your teen and their faith. Stressing the importance of modeling integrity and ...

The Importance of Listening

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston emphasizes the power of truly listening within families. Drawing from decades of experience working with teens and pare...

Teen Stories: Learning Healthy Ways to Cope

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learning how to deal with stress and difficult emotions doesn't always come naturally — especially for teens who've already endured a lot in...

Teens and Faith

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Bullying, Boundaries and Beliefs

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses real-life scenarios drawing directly from listener-submitted questions. He discusses everything from dea...

How to Handle Hot Topics with Your Teen

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston, Courtney Lefleur and Wayne Shepherd as they explore how parents can effectively engage their teens in conversations about hot-butt...

Relationship Over Expectations

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston reflects on the painful experience of initially rejecting his son during a difficult season and how that taught him the importanc...

Teen Stories: The Road to Rebuilding Trust

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 wh...

How to Gain Your Teen's Respect

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Faith, Family and Friction

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses real-life dilemmas sent in by listeners — ranging from navigating technology boundaries, handling grie...

The Mentoring Role of Grandparents

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lefleur explore the powerful and unique role grandparents play in the lives of teenagers. ...

The Importance of Perspective

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Teen Stories: The Value of Real Self-Worth

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, M...

Is Your Teen Leading a Double Life?

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd remind parents that it’s normal for teens to wrestle with identity and appear different in...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Trust, Tech and Transitions

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you struggling to connect with your teens or set boundaries that really work? In today’s session, Mark Gregston shares practical advice on shift...

Teens and the Attraction of Drugs

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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-r...

Rethinking Screen Time: How Phones Are Reshaping Childhood

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston reflects on psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s article about how smartphones have “rewired” childhood. Though initially skeptica...

Teen Stories: Does Isolation Fuel Rebellion?

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 toda...

An Intervention With Your Teen Before It’s Too Late

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur share their list of 10 characteristics that show a teen may need intervention, addressing th...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Grief, Guidance and Grace

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s heartfelt episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the most complex and pressing questions submitted by listeners. From grandparents concer...

How to Talk to Your Teen About Sex

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney LeFleur and Wayne Shepherd discuss a parent's role in navigating the often difficult topic of sex. Mark e...

Quit Correcting and Start Connecting

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark shares a personal devotion from Hebrews 10:24, encouraging parents to focus less on correcting and more on connecting with their teens. He remind...

Teen Stories: Grieving and Growing

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 H...

Producing Authenticity in Your Home

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston, Courtney LeFleur and Wayne Shepherd explore the power of authenticity in parenting, and why it’s essential for building strong connec...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Freedom, Focus and Faith

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the most pressing — and often tricky — questions parents are asking about their teenagers. He ...

Busting Parenting Myths

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur debunk five common parenting myths that often mislead moms and dads during the tee...

Listen More, Argue Less

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston reflects on how today’s culture — especially among teens — is saturated with arguments as people fight to be hear...

Teen Stories: Are We Truly Seeing Their Hurt?

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

The Power of Saying I’m Sorry

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore the power of a sincere apology in strengthening parent-teen relationships. They encourage p...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Consequences, Connection and Conversations That Matter

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough listener-submitted questions about raising teens in today’s culture. From discovering a child'...

Help for Teens Growing Up in a Chaotic World

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how today’s teens are growing up in an overwhelming and chaotic world, saturated with cons...

A Lifetime of Lessons on Making Things Right

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this heartfelt episode, Mark Gregston reflects on his decades-long journey of working with teens and families, beginning with a single act of compa...

Teen Stories: Burdened by Expectations

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every parent wants the best for their teen, but what happens when the pressure to be perfect becomes too much to bear? In today’s episode, Mark sits...

10 Things to Consider When Adopting

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore adoption as one of the greatest acts of love and sacrifice a family can make. Drawing from ...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Boundaries, Bullying and Belonging

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the most pressing issues facing parents of teenagers — from navigating adoption challenges an...

What’s to Blame?

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into a question every parent wrestles with: What’s really behind my teen’s bad behavior? Th...

Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston as he reflects on Proverbs 22:6, offering heartfelt reminders for parents raising teens today. He encourages parents to train their...

Teen Stories: Feeling Unseen

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every parent hopes their teen feels loved and valued — but what happens when a teen’s pain goes unnoticed or unaddressed? In today's show, we ...

When Your Teen Is Driving You Crazy

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the challenging seasons when your teen’s behavior feels overwhelming. They explore how parents can r...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Video Games, Internet Safety and Smartphone Usage

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mark Gregston addresses the ever-evolving challenges of parenting in the digital age. Diving into questions about the impact of inter...

Mean Girls and Social Media

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur join Mark to discuss teen daughters and the impact of mean girls and social media on their lives. Together,...

Walk with the Wise

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Drawing from Proverbs 13:20, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotion as he reflects on his adolescence and how that time differs so much from today. ...

Teen Stories: Finding True Connection

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the quest to be accepted and liked, many teens only form surface-level connections with their peers. They're missing out on what a genuine rela...

Are You Really Listening to Your Teen?

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd emphasize the importance of truly listening to your teen rather than lecturing, correcting or constantly givin...

I Mustache Mark a Question: Self-Esteem, Screens and Social Scenes

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "Parenting Today's Teens," Mark Gregston dives into a series of pressing questions sent in by concerned parents navigat...

Getting at the Heart of Your Teen's Anger

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the topic of teens and anger. They cover key strategies like setting ground rules, creating space for ...

Rules of the Road for Grandparents

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join Mark Gregston as he shares heartfelt lessons and insights from his life, focusing on the vital role grandparents play within their families. In t...