For many teens, the drive to fit in or feel worthy can shape almost every decision they make. Beneath the surface, those struggles often trace back to deep questions of value, trust and belonging. Today, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who each share their journeys through perfectionism, insecurity and the desire to be loved. For Emily, her struggles with anxiety and perfectionism started as early as 7 years old. She talks about feeling pressured to perform in every aspect of life, often seeking validation from others at the expense of her own well-being. Tune in for honest conversations about the power of validation — and the hope of finding true worth.

Want to learn more about the Heartlight program? Go to 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. 

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Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd today as they discuss the powerful opportunity parents have to shape their teens’ hearts and direction through intentional one-on-one time. Mark reminds parents that the teen years are brief, and busy schedules can cause us to miss moments we may later regret. Regular, judgment-free time spent listening, asking questions, and showing compassion builds trust and makes parents a safe place for their teens. That influence can guide teens toward wisdom, faith and purpose for the rest of their lives.

If you're struggling with your teen, our Families in Crisis Conference may be able to help! 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.

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In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into some of the most sensitive questions parents are facing right now. Addressing tough topics like puberty and sexual development, Mark offers practical insights and relatable anecdotes drawn from his years of experience working with teens and families. You’ll also hear thoughtful advice on managing changing family dynamics — like what to do when your college student moves back home, how to make family time meaningful across different age groups and when it's time to seek outside help for your teen. Whether you’re facing big challenges or just looking for everyday parenting tips, this episode is packed with encouragement and real-life solutions.

Got a question you'd like Mark's insights on? Go to markgregston.com to send it in!

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.

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As a new year begins, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur encourage families to pause and have honest, grace-filled conversations with their teens. This is a powerful opportunity to listen to what your teen hopes will be different and to offer a fresh start rooted in relationship, not control. By focusing less on surface issues and more on the heart, parents can strengthen connection while gradually giving teens more responsibility and freedom. A new year doesn’t require perfection — just intentional steps, patience and grace as growth unfolds over time.

If you are struggling with your teen, please join Mark at his Families In Crisis Conference! Visit familycrisisretreat.com to register and learn more. 

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.

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Mark Gregston reminds parents that many frustrating teen behaviors are actually normal parts of adolescence and part of how kids learn to grow into adulthood. Understanding what’s normal can lower anxiety and help parents respond with patience instead of panic. At the same time, Mark urges parents to recognize clear warning signs that signal deeper trouble and require immediate action. When parents know the difference, they can stand firm, seek help when needed and trust God to meet them in the hard moments of parenting.

Would you like Mark's advice as you raise your teen? Visit markgregston.com to ask him your parenting questions — your question may be featured on our I Mustache Mark a Question segment!

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.

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Family relationships aren’t always easy, and sometimes the toughest struggles can lead to the strongest connections. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women at Heartlight who have walked through dark seasons of conflict, self-doubt and destructive choices. Their journeys show that while pain and misunderstanding can create distance, there’s hope for rebuilding trust and closeness at home. Together, Mark and the teens discuss how healing happens one conversation at a time — and how families can grow even stronger after weathering life’s storms together.

There's still time to support our ministry with an end-of-year gift and have your donation doubled. Join the gift match today at parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-match. We're grateful for your support!

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. 

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On today's episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur remind parents who feel overwhelmed by a child’s struggles — whether addiction, pregnancy or deep emotional pain — that their situation is not hopeless because God has promised hope. They share how Parenting Today’s Teens has been a beacon of hope for nearly two decades, walking alongside families at the end of their rope. Through personal stories and a special guest, they emphasize that healing is a marathon, not a sprint, and that God can bring restoration even when the outcome seems impossible. Families are encouraged to hold on, trust God’s unseen work and remember that hope can emerge even in the darkest seasons.

If we have helped you in your parenting journey, would you consider helping us? We'd be honored if you would make a donation at parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-match so we can continue providing help and hope to families and teens.

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.

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Today, Mark dives into some more pressing challenges parents face today — from transitioning your parenting style as kids grow, to managing teens’ phone usage and tough issues like household rules for 18-year-olds. Drawing from real listener questions, Mark discusses how to foster safe and open communication and find the balance between structure and relationship. If you’re struggling with tech boundaries, curious about when to loosen the reins or just want practical strategies for making your home a training ground for wise decisions, this episode is full of relatable advice and encouragement!

If you've benefited from or enjoyed our podcast, will you consider making a year-end donation so we can continue these podcasts and expand our ability to help more families? Go to parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-match 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.

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Merry Christmas! The holidays can unite families, and grandparents play a unique role in setting a warm, meaningful tone for those gatherings. Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explain that grandparents offer heritage, perspective, commitment and a lived-out example of grace that teens deeply need — not through lectures, but through presence and love. They encourage grandparents to create restful, joyful environments by sharing stories, planning simple activities that spark connection and making space for one-on-one moments. Ultimately, the goal is to build memories that make kids and grandkids feel valued and supported.

Heartlight is hiring! Do you know someone who would be a great fit? Send them to heartlightministries.org/careers to learn more!

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. 

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Join Mark Gregston as he talks about how Luke’s account of Christ’s birth highlights a powerful idea often overlooked. Mark explains that modern adolescents live with unprecedented exposure to uncertainty — from social pressure and information overload to global crises — which fuels anxiety, confusion and experimentation that can pull them away from what they’ve been taught. Parents cannot eliminate the world’s chaos, but they CAN become a steady place of certainty by showing consistency, connection and clear values. When moms and dads provide that grounding presence, they help their teens navigate uncertainty with confidence rather than fear.

Please consider supporting Parenting Today's Teens with an end-of-year donation so we can continue to help YOU as you raise your teen! Visit parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-match to give 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. 

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