Parenting Today's Teens
Episodes
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...
Teen Stories: Dual Realities
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's often shallow, performance-based culture, many of our teens find themselves navigating complex dual lives. In this episode, we hear fro...
Modesty and My Daughter
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss the importance of modesty. They emphasize the need for parents to teach their daughters the valu...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Girlfriends, Gaming and Guardrails
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the toughest questions parents face regarding their kids. He shares insights on connecting with a ...
Hope for Families at Easter
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they share a powerful message of hope for families this Easter season. In this episode, they encourage parent...
Ingredients for Parenting Your Teens
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Mark Gregston today as he speaks specifically to parents of children becoming teens. He reminds them that what has worked in the earlier years wo...
Teen Stories: Searching for Acceptance
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A tough part of the teen years is figuring out how you fit into the world — and with whom. Everyone wants to feel accepted, but sometimes that desir...
Responding to a Teen's Substance Abuse
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how the increased normalization of drugs is affecting teens. Mark emphasizes the import...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Controversial Conversations
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Difficult conversations with teens can be uncomfortable, but avoiding them isn’t the answer. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston encourages parents ...
Teen Depression and Its Consequences
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about depression among adolescents and how it is rising at an alarming rate, with many teens experiencing major ...
Trusting God Through Life’s Hardships
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Gregston shares his story of facing rejection and loss after being fired from a ministry 36 years ago. Despite the pain and confusion, he reflect...
Teen Stories: Rebuilding Broken Connections
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a world where communication often falls short, many teens find themselves craving meaningful connections that feel elusive. In today's episode,...
Does Your Teen Smile Anymore?
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of paying attention to a teenager's smile as an indicator of emotional we...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Screentime, Social Media and Setting Limits
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's normal for teens to want to connect, especially with the rise of social media — but how do we balance connection and boundaries? In today’...
Motivating Your Unmotivated Teen
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the challenges of motivating teens who seem to have lost hope. Mark explains that a lack of ...
Making Memories Before You Lose Yours
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's heartfelt episode, Mark draws wisdom from 2 Peter to encourage parents and grandparents to create lasting memories with their families....
Teen Stories: Finding Hope in the Darkness
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trauma — and the sense of loneliness that often follows — can leave teens feeling hopeless about their futures. That hopelessness can lead to some...
Your Teen in a World of Alcohol and Marijuana
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how easy it is for teens to access alcohol and marijuana today, and why they may engage in these behaviors. T...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Addressing Anxiety, Technology and Identity
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers listener-submitted questions from parents navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. From technology ...
Reconnecting the Disconnected Relationships at Home
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the challenges of parent-teen disconnection and the importance of restoring relationships. T...
A Journey to Genuineness
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Mark as he shares his journey of founding Heartlight after unexpected job losses left him feeling lost. Through reflection, he recognized persona...
Teen Stories: Finding Clarity Through Struggle
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An unfortunate reality is that many teens today turn to harmful behaviors as coping mechanisms for their deeper struggles. So, it's more important...
Be Intentional This Spring Break
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does your teen get time to truly rest over spring break? Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd emphasize that rest is not laziness, and kids need ti...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Church Changes, Digital Dilemmas and Dating Decisions
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives into real questions from parents and grandparents just like you. From dating non-believers and navigating ch...
Why You Shouldn't Always Rescue Your Teen
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the role of pain as a powerful motivator in a teen's development. They emphasize the imp...
Is Conflict Avoidance Hurting Your Relationships?
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Mark Gregston as he reflects on how his generation’s tendency to avoid conflict led to broken relationships and a generation of children who fe...
Teen Stories: Embracing Real Change
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Typically, change in a family doesn't happen overnight — it takes humility and a willingness on everyone's part to learn how to do things di...
Your Authoritative Parenting Style Doesn’t Work
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explain why authoritarian parenting no longer works, as kids today are more skeptical of authority. ...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Vaping, Drinking and Family Tension
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston discusses a variety of difficult scenarios that parents like you are navigating with their teens. From adoption-re...
Grandparenting Today's Teens
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the valuable role grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives. They emphasize ...
What You Do Matters More Than What You Say
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark offers a heartfelt message inspired by 1 John 3:8, urging parents to prioritize actions over words when raising their children. ...
Teen Stories: At Arm's Length
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating trauma or family conflicts can often lead to teens shutting people out due to overwhelming emotions. Being isolated may seem "safer"...
Is Your Teen Rebellious or Lost?
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share insights from Mark's decades of experience working with thousands of teens. Surprisingly, ...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Consequences, Communication and Connection
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Q&A episode, Mark Gregston tackles common parenting dilemmas, offering valuable insights and strategies for dealing with teens who don'...