Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur talk about the powerful impact fathers can have on their children’s lives — especially during the teen years. The three discuss how dads can connect with their teens by being present, listening well, engaging in their children's interests (even outside their comfort zone) and communicating unconditional love. They emphasize that the sacrifice of time now is far better than the regret of missing meaningful moments later. Ultimately, dads who validate, support and bless their teens give them the foundation they need to thrive and resist seeking affirmation elsewhere.

Is your family in crisis? Join Mark in Texas from October 2-4 for a retreat designed for specifically to help parents. Please visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more and register.

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses some of the most pressing and poignant questions from parents and grandparents of teens today. From navigating teen anxiety, depression and substance use, to setting boundaries with technology and communication, Mark provides practical wisdom rooted in compassion. Listeners will find guidance on fostering connection over control, all while encouraging hope and resilience for families walking challenging paths. Whether you’re struggling with lost connection, difficult behavior or feelings of helplessness, this episode offers understanding, encouragement and actionable steps to strengthen your relationship with your teen. Tune in now!

Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LeFleur discuss the emotional toll that mean-girl behavior and social media pressure can have on teenage girls. From exclusion and cyberbullying to unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards, social media amplifies insecurities and public shaming, often leading to anxiety, depression or isolation. Parents are encouraged to foster real-life connections, model healthy self-worth and talk openly with their daughters about what they see and feel online.

Is your family in crisis? Join Mark and his staff for a weekend in Texas designed to encourage and equip you as you raise your teen. Learn more and register at familycrisisretreat.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mark Gregston reflects on a personal experience of physical pain to illustrate how pain affects behavior, decision-making and empathy — especially in teens. He explains that when teens act out or seem disengaged, it may be rooted in deep emotional pain they don’t know how to express or escape. Rather than rushing to fix or shield kids from discomfort, parents should allow them to experience appropriate pain so they can grow in resilience, maturity and wisdom. Pain, though unpleasant, can be one of God’s most powerful tools for shaping character and drawing us closer to Him.

Do you have a question for Mark? Ask him at markgregston.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org. 

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women from Heartlight, who share how struggles with fitting in and unresolved family pain fueled seasons of bad decisions and heartache. Anna discusses her initial shock at being sent away and the process of rebuilding her relationship with her parents, offering insights about the value of getting help — even when it isn’t easy or expected.

Curious about the Heartlight residential program? Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more today!

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org. 

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today’s culture, teens are overwhelmed with information and often skeptical of traditional approaches to faith. Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to shift from preaching to modeling — living out their beliefs through consistent, grace-filled actions rather than just words. Teens need safe, honest conversations, space to wrestle with doubt, and parents who are willing to listen and walk alongside them in their spiritual journey. Ultimately, your example, not just your instruction, is what will influence their faith the most.

Join Mark in Texas at one of Heartlight's Families in Crisis Conferences. To learn more, visit familycrisisretreat.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org. 

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston responds to a powerful and important question: “Does your ministry point kids to Jesus?” Mark’s thoughtful answer goes beyond one-size-fits-all approaches, reminding us that parenting teens, especially those struggling with faith, requires both patience and creativity. Remember, it’s not just about lecturing your kids, but showing them love through your actions and being present as they work through their doubts. Listen now!

Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.com

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 kids grow into adolescence, they crave someone who will truly hear them — without judgment or constant advice. Mark explains that parents must shift from a teaching role to a training role by asking questions, being quiet and listening with the intent to understand. When teens don’t feel heard at home, they’ll seek connection elsewhere, often in places that may not align with the family’s values.

In a tough spot with your teen? Join Mark in Texas at our Families in Crisis Retreat. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more and register!

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this devotional, Mark Gregston highlights the deep anxiety teens face today due to overwhelming uncertainty in their world — like social instability, global crises and cultural pressures. He compares this with Luke’s purpose in writing his Gospel: to offer certainty about the truths we’ve been taught. Mark urges parents to become a source of steady, reliable certainty for their children by modeling unwavering truth and faith. In a culture flooded with doubt, kids need anchors of tradition, values and love to help them navigate adolescence with confidence and hope.

Is your teen struggling? Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Mark's resources designed to help you as you raise your teen.

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org. 

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Many parents see their teens retreat — whether into substance use, technology or isolation — and wonder what they're really running from. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with Dean and RJ, two Heartlight residents, who share the personal struggles that led them to seek refuge in unhealthy habits — Dean through drugs, and RJ through hours of video games. Both young men open up about how avoiding their problems only left them feeling more lost, and how their time at Heartlight is helping them confront their pain, reconnect with family and rediscover who they truly are.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Visit heartlightministries.org today!

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org. 

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy