Parenting Today's Teens
The Parenting Today's Teens Podcast is a daily resource for parents raising teenagers. Hosted by Mark Gregston, a parenting expert with over 45 years of experience, it offers practical advice for navigating challenges like defiance and emotional issues. Episodes are co-hosted by Courtney LaFleur, a licensed professional counselor, providing professional insights. The podcast aims to help parents build stronger relationships with their teens and understand today's adolescent culture.
Episodes
When Parenting Feels Hopeless
When your family is in crisis, it can feel like the conflict, heartache and exhaustion will never end. But the difficult season you’re walking through today doesn’t have to define your relationship with your teen tomorrow. In this episode, Mark draws on decades of walking alongside struggling families to offer hope to parents who feel worn out and ready to give up. He explains why conflict can act
Teen Stories: When Fitting in Feels Impossible
Growing up today means living in a world obsessed with appearances, fitting in and being “enough.” In this episode, Mark chats with two young women at Heartlight who open up about battling anxiety, insecurity and the pressure to perform. Both share how their struggles — whether from family tension, past trauma or the constant hunt for validation — left them feeling isolated and misunderstood. List
Making the Most of Time with Your Teen
The teen years go by faster than most parents realize. And while your schedule may be packed, the time you intentionally spend with your teen today can shape your relationship for years to come. Mark and Wayne discuss why regular one-on-one time is so important — and how listening without judging, asking thoughtful questions and simply enjoying time together can build trust and open the door to de
I Mustache Mark a Question: Motivation, Mental Health and Growing Up
In this insightful Q&A episode, Mark dives into some tough questions parents are facing with their older teens on the verge of adulthood. He tackles real-life situations like helping teens develop independence as they approach age 18, addressing defiance and disrespect, and making difficult decisions about letting kids stay at home. Mark also discusses how to help teens who are struggling with
Stop Doing Everything for Your Teen
Does your teen expect you to provide everything they want — and push back when you don’t? In this episode, Mark and Wayne tackle the problem of entitlement and share six practical ways parents can help teens become more responsible and independent. Mark explains why doing less for your teen can actually prepare them for more, how to transfer responsibility as they mature and why love doesn’t alway
Give Your Teen Something the Internet Can’t
Your teen is surrounded by voices competing for their attention, but what are they really looking for from you? In this episode, Mark explores how today’s culture of negativity, self-proclaimed experts and social media fantasy can make it difficult for teens to separate information from wisdom and truth from opinion. He explains why constant criticism can leave teens emotionally exhausted, while s
Teen Stories: Numbing Reality
When teens spiral out — experimenting with drugs, running with the wrong crowd or shutting out family — there’s almost always a deeper hurt they’re trying to escape. On today’s show, we share Mark's interviews with two Heartlight residents who bravely discussed how their choices were just attempts to numb what they felt inside, like abandonment, overwhelming expectations and tragic loss. Both teen
When Your Teen’s Behavior Becomes a Cry for Help
How can you tell when typical teenage struggles have become something more serious? Mark and Wayne discuss the warning signs that a teen may be spinning out of control — from escalating rebellion, dishonesty and disregard for consequences to isolation, substance use, self-harm and other dangerous behaviors. Mark also shares practical steps parents can take to intervene, establish healthier boundar
I Mustache Mark a Question: Independence, Relationships and a K-Pop Obsession
In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles questions spanning nearly every stage of the teen years and beyond. How can grandparents build stronger relationships with their grandkids? Is it too late to shift from teaching to training once your child leaves for college? Do busy teens really need jobs? And what happens when Mom and Dad disagree about how to parent? Mark also addresses how grandpare
Knowing When Your Teen Needs Outside Help
How do you know when your teen’s struggles have reached the point where your family needs outside help? Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss when residential counseling may be appropriate — and why lasting change requires more than simply correcting behavior. They explain how a relationship-based approach can help teens address the deeper issues driving their choices while helping restore relationship
When High Standards Say, 'You’re Not Enough'
You want the best for your teen. But could your encouragement and high expectations be sending the message that they aren't good enough? Mark explores how well-meaning parents can unintentionally create a culture of perfection at home. He shares why teens may interpret guidance as judgment, standards as impossible expectations and correction as evidence that they’ll never measure up. Mark encourag
Teen Stories: When Discipline Distances
If you've ever wondered why a teen seems to pull away, sometimes the rules and consequences meant to help can actually drive a wedge. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight, Austin and Kennedy, who share candid stories about how discipline in their homes went from well-intentioned to relationship-breaking. Both teens open up about how strict systems, misunderstandings, a
When Your Adopted Teen Feels Unwanted
Adoption can give a child a loving family and a place to belong, but the teen years may bring difficult questions about identity, loss and acceptance to the surface. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Courtney explore some of the unique struggles adopted teens may experience as they begin thinking more deeply about their past and wondering where they fit. Mark encourages parents to listen without as
I Mustache Mark a Question: Moods, Mental Health and Parenting Through Change
In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more common challenges parents are facing with their teens today. From navigating the difference between sarcasm and disrespect to supporting kids through anxiety, depression and OCD — no topic is off limits. Mark addresses questions about parenting through divorce, rebuilding trust when teens habitually lie and how to create clear boundaries wi
Is Your Teen Trying to Get Your Attention?
Every teen wants to feel seen, valued and noticed. But what happens when they start looking for that attention in unhealthy places? Mark and Wayne explore what can be behind attention-seeking behavior and why parents should look beyond the behavior to understand what their teen is really longing for. Mark shares practical ways to offer meaningful attention, set healthy boundaries and strengthen co
Helping Teens Separate Real Life From Social Media
Is social media shaping the way your teen sees themselves — and convincing them they don’t measure up? In this episode, Mark Gregston explores how carefully curated posts, altered images and constant comparison can distort a teen’s view of reality and contribute to feelings of inadequacy, isolation and poor self-esteem. Rather than trying to eliminate social media altogether, Mark offers practical
Teen Stories: Feeling Hopeless at Home
Family conflict isn’t just loud arguments or silent standoffs — it can leave deep marks that shape the way teens see themselves and their future. In this episode, Mark sits down with two young ladies from Heartlight who open up about what happens when home stops being a sanctuary and relationships fall apart. From stubborn fights with parents to feeling isolated and misunderstood, they share how p
When Good Kids Make Bad Choices
Your teen is going to make mistakes. How you respond can either deepen your relationship or create greater distance. Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss what parents should do when they discover their teen has made a serious or inappropriate choice. They explain how to respond without shame, maintain firm consequences without sacrificing connection, and use mistakes as opportunities to help teens gro
I Mustache Mark a Question: Double Lives, Depression and Difficult Conversations
In this Q&A episode, Mark addresses some tough challenges parents are facing with their teens today. He answers listener questions on supporting a teen dealing with depression and drug use, how to respond when teens show no interest in talking about relationships and what to do if you feel desperate about getting your child help — especially when resources are tight. Mark also shares advice fo
Are You Giving Your Teen Enough Responsibility?
Your job as a parent isn’t simply to teach your teen what to do — it’s to prepare them to eventually do it without you. Mark, Wayne and Courtney unpack the important progression from teaching to training to transferring responsibility. They explain why parenting must change during adolescence and how giving teens opportunities to make decisions, take responsibility and even fail can prepare them f
Turning Life Lessons Into Lasting Wisdom
Your teen has access to more information than ever before. What they need from you is something Google can’t give them: wisdom. In this episode, Mark explains how parents and grandparents can turn biblical truth, personal experiences, mistakes and lessons learned into wisdom teens can actually apply to their lives. He shares why storytelling can be such a powerful way to connect, how to approach d
Teen Stories: Mending Complicated Relationships
Every teen has a story, and sometimes the pain they carry comes out in ways parents don’t expect. In today’s show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share how broken relationships at home — whether with parents or grandparents — pushed them toward destructive choices. Both guests open up about the struggles that led them to Heartlight, from anger and rebellion to depression and self-med
The Keys to Better Conversations With Your Teen
Does your teen feel truly heard — or are you already preparing your response while they're still talking? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Courtney explain why listening is one of the most powerful ways parents can strengthen their relationship with their teen. They share practical strategies for asking deeper questions, resisting the urge to lecture or correct, and creating conversations where te
I Mustache Mark a Question: Trust, Consequences and Second Chances
In this week’s episode, Mark dives into the complex world of trust between parents and teens. He tackles what to do when your teen keeps repeating behaviors that broke your trust, how to respond when lies have become a pattern and how to keep going when you’ve given chance after chance but nothing seems to improve. Mark unpacks why teens might struggle to be honest, and shares advice for handling
Helping Your Teen Overcome Guilt and Shame
Every teen makes mistakes. The question is whether those mistakes become a source of growth or a burden of shame. Mark and Wayne discuss the important difference between guilt and shame and how parents can help their teens move beyond both. You'll also hear a candid conversation with a Heartlight student, who shares how unresolved trauma led to destructive choices — and how honesty, grace and the
Loving Your Teen Beyond Their Mistakes
Every parent wants the best for their teen. But could high expectations unintentionally leave them wondering if your love depends on their performance? In this episode, Mark challenges parents to distinguish between holding biblical standards and communicating unconditional love. Mark explains why teens need grace as much as guidance, how performance-based relationships can lead to shame and disco
Teen Stories: When Home Is a Battleground
Every family has its battles, but for some teens, the struggle goes way beyond curfews and chores. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two Heartlight teens who open up about what really drove their rebellious choices — from strict rules and broken trust to feeling invisible at home. Through honest stories of addiction, conflict and searching for acceptance, both reveal how the craving for freedom
The Grandparent Advantage
Grandparents have a unique opportunity to influence the next generation in ways few others can. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the unique role grandparents play in the lives of teenagers. Mark explains why grandparents often have an advantage: They can offer perspective instead of pressure, encouragement instead of correction and a listening ear without the day-to-day tensions of parentin
I Mustache Mark a Question: Discipline, Depression and Digital Dilemmas
In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more of your toughest parenting questions — tackling everything from handling teen anger and destructive behavior to navigating faith differences in the home. He covers what to do when your teen returns from residential treatment and the problems continue, how to respond when your daughter seems like a different person at church than at home and ways t
Four Things Every Teen Needs From Their Parents
Your teen may not always know how to say it, but they're longing for more than rules, advice and correction. Mark and Wayne explore four things every teen deeply desires from their parents. Through practical wisdom and a powerful conversation with a Heartlight student, Mark explains how these foundational needs can transform a family's relationship and help teens find security at home instead of s
Does Your Teen Feel They Have to Earn Your Love?
In this episode, Mark challenges parents to examine whether their words and actions unintentionally communicate that love is conditional. Through the heartbreaking story of a young woman who struggled with self-worth and rejection from her birth mother and others, Mark explains how performance-based relationships can leave lasting emotional wounds. He offers practical encouragement for separating
Teen Stories: When Secrets Take Over
Sometimes the battles our teens face are hidden — masked by distance, secrecy and behaviors we struggle to understand. On today’s show, Mark and Courtney sit down with two young women at Heartlight who share honest stories of pain, isolation and the search for trust. Whether it’s hiding self-harm or locking themselves away, both guests reveal how hard it was to let parents in — and how healing beg
Helping Your Teen Survive the School Year
For many teens, going back to school means far more than buying new supplies and settling into a routine. It also brings pressure, comparison, loneliness and other new challenges. Mark and Wayne discuss how parents can help their teens navigate the emotional and social pressures of a new school year. Through practical advice and a powerful conversation with a Heartlight student, Mark reminds paren
I Mustache Mark a Question: Open Doors, Open Minds and Challenging Choices
In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into more pressing parenting questions, covering everything from enforcing boundaries with teens who push limits to navigating tough conversations surrounding faith, identity and relationships. He shares real-world advice on how to keep teens accountable — like when a 16-year-old disregards bedroom door rules with a girlfriend — while preserving trust and respec
The Parenting Mistake That Prevents Growth
No parent wants to see their teen suffer. But could protecting them from every hardship actually keep them from growing? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the important role pain plays in developing maturity, responsibility and resilience. Mark explains the difference between helping and rescuing, why natural consequences often become life's greatest teachers and how parents can walk alongsi
Don’t Save the Best for Last
What are you saving for someday that could be enriching your relationships today? Mark reflects on how quickly life passes and why the greatest inheritance we leave isn’t our possessions, but the time and experiences we share with the people we love. Through the moving story of a dear friend, Mark offers a powerful reminder not to postpone what matters most. He encourages parents and grandparents
Teen Stories: Healing Starts With Honest Conversations
When life gets tough at home, teens can end up feeling alone and misunderstood — even by those who love them most. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two Heartlight residents who found themselves spiraling after family problems and personal struggles. Whether it was turning to substances or pushing people away, both realized their coping skills weren’t working. Through honest conversations at Hea
Wisdom in the World of Foolishness
Your teen still needs your wisdom, even when it seems like they no longer want your advice. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss how parents can remain a trusted voice as their children move through adolescence. Mark explains why this season calls for a shift from lectures and instructions to thoughtful questions, genuine listening and conversations that help teens apply what they've already be
I Mustache Mark a Question: Video Games, Tattoos and Troubled Teens
In today's Q&A episode, Mark tackles topics like handling teens who are hooked on video games, managing tech boundaries when consequences have been lacking and helping kids who are losing motivation. Mark also discusses how to deal with the interim period when teens are almost adults — like when a daughter wants to get a tattoo as soon as she turns 18 — and how parents can navigate their mixed
How Your Imperfections Can Help Your Teen
Do your teens think they have to be perfect ... or do they know it's safe to make mistakes at home? Mark and Wayne discuss why striving for a "perfect family" can unintentionally create pressure, fear and distance. Mark shares how embracing your own imperfections can strengthen relationships, encourage honest conversations and give your teen hope that mistakes don't define them. He also explains w
When You Feel Like Giving Up on Your Teen
When your teen is struggling, it's easy to wonder if anything you're doing is making a difference. In this episode, Mark offers a heartfelt devotional for parents who feel exhausted, discouraged or uncertain about the future. Drawing from decades of walking alongside families in crisis, Mark reminds listeners that difficult seasons don't last forever, and faithful, intentional parenting is never w
Teen Stories: When It Feels Like No One Gets You
When you feel misunderstood at home and overwhelmed by the pressures of life, it's hard not to sink into despair ... but someone lending a listening ear can make all the difference. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who open up about drifting apart from family, battling anxiety and getting caught up in comparisons that left them feeling not quite “enough.” They talk honestl
Cell Phones and Teens: Where Do You Draw the Line?
When is the right time to give your child a cell phone? And how can you help them use it wisely? Mark and Wayne discuss practical strategies for preparing kids to navigate today's digital world with wisdom and discernment. Mark explains why training is more important than simply restricting, how healthy boundaries should evolve as children mature and why parents should focus on building internal c
I Mustache Mark a Question: Divorce, Digital Dangers and Difficult Kids
In this week's Q&A episode, Mark tackles topics like guiding a 16-year-old boy struggling with pornography, supporting a daughter diagnosed with depression and mood disorders after divorce, and responding when kids face unkindness at school. Mark also addresses what to do when your teen would rather play video games than connect with family. With a focus on building authentic relationships and
When Church Feels Like a Chore
What should you do when your teen no longer wants to go to church? Mark and Wayne explore why many teenagers begin losing interest in church during adolescence, and why that doesn't necessarily mean they're walking away from Christ. Mark encourages parents to distinguish between a crisis of faith and a season of spiritual growth, offering practical wisdom on fostering meaningful conversations, giv
What Will Your Children Remember?
Years from now, what will your children remember most about you? Mark reflects on the legacy parents leave behind — not through money or possessions, but through meaningful experiences and intentional relationships. Sharing personal stories about family, gratitude and his own father, Mark encourages parents to invest in memories that shape hearts long after childhood ends. He offers practical idea
Teen Stories: Learning to Love Who You Are
For a lot of teens, the pressure to fit in can make them forget who they really are — and sometimes even push them toward choices they regret. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two young men at Heartlight who know what it’s like to struggle with rejection, wrestle with guilt and question their self-worth. They share how chasing acceptance from others led them down difficult paths, and how their
Protecting Teens Without Controlling Them
Why do teens take risks they know could hurt them — and how should parents respond? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the motivations behind dangerous teen behavior, from reckless decisions to substance use and other high-risk activities. Mark shares practical guidance for setting healthy boundaries, enforcing meaningful consequences and staying relational while addressing harmful choices. H
I Mustache Mark a Question: Substance Use, Anger and Restoring Respect
In today's episode, Mark tackles some tough questions sent in by a family raising a teen with complex behavioral and emotional struggles. Diving into these real-life challenges, Mark shares how to navigate risky behavior, set boundaries that actually work and find consequences that motivate change. He also addresses how to handle vulgarity and threats at home, when to seek new counseling options a
Understanding Your Teen's Inner Conflict
Why does your teen seem like one person at home and another at school? Mark and Wayne explore the inner conflict many adolescents experience as they try to reconcile the values they've been taught with the pressures of today's culture. Mark explains why this tension is a normal part of growing up, how parents can avoid pushing their teens away with shame or criticism, and why walking alongside the
Before You Share Your Opinion...
Are you quick to offer your opinion, or do you help your teen see life from a broader perspective? In this episode, Mark shares two personal stories that transformed the way he views life's disappointments and hardships. Through humor, loss and unexpected moments of gratitude, Mark explains why perspective often matters more than having the right answer. He also challenges parents to move beyond l
Teen Stories: When Progress is Messy
Every journey through the teenage years comes with some bumps in the road. In this episode, Mark welcomes two teens from Heartlight who open up about what happens when life feels overwhelming and mistakes start to pile up. From hiding pain behind risky choices to wrestling with family expectations and the fear of letting loved ones down, their stories are honest and incredibly relatable. Listen in
The Journey From Boys to Men
Raising a son is about more than helping him grow up — it's about helping him become the man God created him to be. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the unique challenges and opportunities of parenting boys through the adolescent years. Mark explains why boys often communicate differently than girls, how healthy independence is a sign of growth and why responsibility, meaningful conversatio
I Mustache Mark a Question: Letting Go, Holding On and Parenting Through Change
In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into the growing distance between grandparents and grandkids, offering advice for bridging the generational gap and fostering real connection. He also addresses the pain of strained relationships when kids pull away after divorce, sharing how parents can invite — not force — closeness while staying open to change themselves. Listeners will hear guidance on setti
8 Ways to Improve Communication with Your Teen
Do you feel like every conversation with your teen ends in frustration — or silence? In this episode, Mark and Wayne share eight practical strategies for improving communication with today’s adolescents. From listening more and correcting less to asking better questions and avoiding judgment, Mark explains how small shifts in your approach can open the door to deeper conversations. He also address
What Pain Can Teach Your Teen
Every parent wants to protect their child from pain. But what if some of life's greatest lessons come through it? Mark shares a personal story that transformed the way he thinks about pain and parenting. He explains how emotional pain often drives unhealthy behaviors, why teens sometimes make destructive choices simply to find relief and how parents can avoid rescuing their children too quickly. I
Teen Stories: Healing from the Inside Out
Teens don't always know how to work through big emotions like hurt, rejection or anger. Their inner pain often spills outward, resulting in some poor choices. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies at Heartlight, including Amber, who talks about how being adopted and feeling rejected by her birth parents left a deep void, one she tried to fill with unhealthy relationships and rebellion.
Beyond the Smoke: A Warning About Marijuana
As marijuana becomes more accepted in today’s culture, many parents are wondering how to respond when their teen is exposed to it — or begins using it. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the growing prevalence of teen marijuana use and why the issue often runs deeper than the drug itself. Mark explains how anxiety, depression, peer pressure and the desire to escape emotional pain can drive su
I Mustache Mark a Question: House Rules, Isolation and Independence
In today's Q&A episode, Mark dives into topics like why teen boys are more image-conscious than ever, how to handle a 17-year-old reading inappropriate romance novels and what consequences make sense for a teen who’s skipping class. Mark also addresses concerns about a young adult son who’s become withdrawn after a strict, non-relational upbringing, as well as how to support a 14-year-old with
Raising Humble Teens in a Selfie World
In a world that constantly says, “Look at me,” how can parents help teens develop humility, empathy and healthy relationships? Mark and Wayne discuss how social media, peer pressure, and today's culture can encourage self-centered attitudes and unhealthy comparisons. Mark offers advice for recognizing narcissistic tendencies, addressing hurtful online behavior and creating opportunities for teens
The Power of Speaking Life Into Your Teen
Who helped shape the person you are today? And who are you shaping for tomorrow? In this episode, Mark reflects on the mentors who profoundly influenced his life through simple conversations, thoughtful questions and timeless words of wisdom. Rather than relying on lectures or criticism, Mark encourages parents and grandparents to invest in consistent, encouraging relationships that build trust ov
Teen Stories: Secrets, Lies and the Search for Help
Every teen wants to feel valued and understood, but sometimes that search leads them into situations they would never have expected. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight who open up about their journeys — one who looked for affirmation through relationships, and another who drifted into substance use to cope with social anxiety and pain. Both found themselves hiding th
Why Your Teen Won’t Respond to Authority
Does it feel like your parental authority just isn’t having the same impact it once did? Mark and Wayne explore why today’s teens respond differently to authority than previous generations — and what parents can do instead. Mark explains why lasting influence comes through relationship, not intimidation, and offers practical insight on earning your teen’s respect while maintaining healthy boundari
I Mustache Mark a Question: Grief, Boundaries and Blurred Lines in Culture
In today's Q&A episode, Mark tackles everything from navigating boundaries around technology use and school responsibilities to dealing with grief after the loss of a parent, and addressing concerns over modesty and gender identity. He also unpacks how to navigate rules about which movies teens can watch and offers perspective on keeping relationships first, even when core beliefs are challeng
Helping Teens Through Seasons of Doubt
What should you do when your teen begins questioning — or even walking away from — their faith? In this episode, Mark and Wayne offer hope and practical wisdom for parents navigating one of the most difficult seasons of raising a teen. They discuss why many young people struggle with faith, how today’s culture shapes their questions and why unconditional love often speaks louder than repeated argu
The Mission Right Outside Your Door
When you think of missions, do you picture a faraway country — or the people living just down the street? In this episode, Mark reflects on two life-changing experiences that reshaped his understanding of what it means to serve others. Through stories of a mission trip overseas and caring for his aging father-in-law, Mark challenges parents to recognize the opportunities God places right in front
Teen Stories: Longing to Be Loved
Every teen wants to feel seen and valued, but sometimes that search for acceptance gets tangled up in pain and self-doubt. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens who share honest stories of feeling left out, misunderstood and desperate to belong. Whether facing the scars of adoption, the ache of loss or the pressures to fit in, both guests reveal how their choices were shaped by a deep
Facing Conflict Without Fear
Most parents try to avoid conflict with their teens. But what if avoiding it is actually making things worse? Mark and Wayne discuss why unresolved issues rarely disappear — and how addressing them with wisdom and grace can strengthen your relationship instead of damaging it. Mark shares strategies for navigating difficult conversations, choosing which battles matter most, and creating an environm
I Mustache Mark a Question: Disrespect, Depression and Decision-Making
In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles another batch of tough questions parents are facing with their teens today. He discusses how to respond if your teen is having suicidal thoughts, including when to take immediate action and how to access help. Other listener questions cover balancing boundaries and trust when your teen starts dating, what to do about disrespectful behavior from grandchildren a
From Lectures to Life Lessons
Today’s teens have unlimited access to information, but they’re still searching for wisdom. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss how parents and grandparents can move beyond lectures to offer the kind of wisdom that shapes a young person’s life. Mark explains how observation, reflection and experience help parents communicate in ways that teens will actually receive. He also shares why authenti
Raising Grateful Teens in an Entitled World
Many parents want to give their teens every opportunity possible. But what happens when generosity unintentionally creates entitlement? In this episode, Mark explores how well-meaning parents can sometimes hinder their teen’s growth by meeting every demand, solving every problem and removing every responsibility. Drawing from the biblical story of the prodigal son, Mark unpacks the difference betw
Teen Stories: Vulnerability Isn't Weakness
When teens struggle to connect, their worlds can feel small and lonely, leading to outbursts or unhealthy coping mechanisms just to get by. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight students, including Sam, who opens up about years of feeling left out and the walls she built to protect herself. Both guests reveal how learning to trust, compromise and value themselves has paved the way fo
Parenting With Conviction and Compassion
How do you hold firm to your values without pushing your teen away? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the delicate balance between maintaining convictions and extending compassion during the adolescent years. Mark shares practical insight on setting healthy boundaries, enforcing consequences with grace and remaining relationally connected even when teens make poor choices. He also explains w
I Mustache Mark a Question: School Stress, Teenage Values and Communication Breakdowns
In this week's Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more tough questions parents are facing with their teens right now. He talks through practical ways to support a daughter struggling in school and experiencing anxiety, and how to help an unmotivated college student who’s stepped back from faith. Mark also unpacks what to do if your teenager refuses to communicate with an overseas parent, and ho
Feeling Distant From Your Teen? Start Here
Do you feel like there’s a growing gap between you and your teen? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss practical ways parents can strengthen connection during the adolescent years. From improving communication and adjusting expectations to establishing healthy boundaries and shifting from teaching to training, Mark shares insights that can help parents stay engaged when relationships begin to f
The Recipe for a Strong Parent-Teen Relationship
In a world filled with pressure, anxiety and constant demands, does your home feel like a place of rest for your teen? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on creating a home environment where teens feel safe, supported and understood. Using the analogy of a favorite recipe, Mark unpacks key ingredients for stronger relationships, including shared experiences, encouraging messages, meaningful
Teen Stories: Struggling in Isolation
It's easy to think that anger, rebellion or pulling away is just part of being a teenager. But sometimes, it’s a sign of feeling lost or desperately wanting to belong. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two young ladies from Heartlight as they open up about family conflict, the pressure to fit in and hiding pain behind a happy face. Both share how trying to fill their emptiness with parties, perf
When Bad Behavior Points to Something Deeper
When teens act out, most parents focus on the behavior. But what if the behavior is only a symptom of something deeper? In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore how loss, disappointment, rejection, unmet expectations and emotional wounds often fuel the choices parents find most frustrating. Mark explains why every behavior has a purpose and how identifying the pain beneath the struggle can help par
I Mustache Mark a Question: Boundaries, Broken Trust and Building Resilient Teens
In this week's Q&A episode, Mark sits down to address some real-life struggles parents are facing with their teens today. He tackles tough listener questions on topics like helping teens who feel hopeless about graduation, navigating the challenges of parenting neurodivergent kids who are glued to their screens, and how to respond when you discover your teen is making choices that deeply impac
Is Your Teen Leading a Double Life?
In this thought-provoking episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore the common phenomenon of teens presenting different versions of themselves at home, at school and online. They discuss why this “double life” is a normal part of adolescent development, how the pressures of modern culture and social media impact teens’ search for identity, and what warning signs parent
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