Sexual abuse leaves deep scars that affect a teen’s safety, relationships and self-worth. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share both personal and ministry experiences, emphasizing how abuse creates lasting feelings of loss, shame and confusion. Parents are urged to respond without blame or anger, instead creating a safe environment where their child feels valued and heard, while seeking professional help when needed. Ultimately, healing comes through compassion, support and trusting God to create good out of brokenness.

Do you know someone who is great with teens and is looking to make a difference? Heartlight may be the place for them. Visit 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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Today, Mark Gregston reflects on Matthew 11:28–30, emphasizing the need for homes — especially grandparents’ homes — to be places of rest and refuge for weary teens. He contrasts lifeless or overly rigid environments with welcoming spaces where kids feel safe, accepted and free to be imperfect. Mark encourages grandparents to design a warm setting, create a positive atmosphere, establish clear but loving rules and foster open conversations. By doing so, they can provide their grandchildren with a sanctuary of love, laughter, and grace that refreshes both body and soul.

Do you have a question you'd like to ask Mark about parenting your teen?

Visit markgregston.com to ask his advice — it may be featured on the 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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So much changes when teens and parents start talking — and really listening — to each other. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight students who open up about the struggles that kept them silent and the pain that came from not feeling heard at home. Both share how a lack of open communication fueled their anxiety, rebellion and sense of isolation. Now, through counseling and new experiences, they're learning the value of honest conversations in healing relationships and rebuilding trust.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight 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. 

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Divorce deeply impacts teens, often leaving them with feelings of abandonment, loss, guilt and confusion. Mark Gregston explains that many teens internalize divorce, believing they were the cause or feeling like life will never return to normal. These unresolved emotions can manifest in isolation, grief and strained relationships. Parents can help their teens heal by spending intentional time with them, affirming their love, listening without judgment, avoiding blame and working cooperatively with their ex to provide consistency and stability.

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. 

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In today's Q&A episode, Mark addresses heartfelt questions from parents and grandparents facing the everyday struggles and big transitions that come with raising teens. From navigating financial support for adult children choosing different paths, to dealing with rebellious behavior, loss and the complexities of blended families, Mark offers seasoned advice grounded in empathy and real-world experience. Whether you're wrestling with house rules or grappling with grief, this candid episode is packed with insight for every parent walking through changing seasons with their teen.

Want Mark's advice on a struggle you're facing with your teen? Submit your question at markgregston.com — he may answer it on the show!

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 and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of preparing your children for adulthood before they reach their late teens. Parents should gradually give their children responsibility — encouraging jobs, decision-making and independence — so they don’t become dependent adults living at home without purpose. Mark warns that too much provision can quickly turn into enabling if parents continue to do everything for their kids, which keeps them from developing life skills. Instead, parents must set expectations, create boundaries and guide their teens toward maturity so they are ready to thrive on their own.

Join Mark in Texas for a weekend at his Families in Crisis Conference, designed to help parents who are struggling with their teens. 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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Listen in as Mark Gregston shares a personal story and scripture to illustrate the importance of perspective. While he complained about having the worst seats in the house at a concert, his granddaughter reminded him they were actually the best because you could see everything. He connects this lesson to parenting, emphasizing that many teens today lack perspective and rely more on peers than parents. Mark encourages parents to engage relationally, understand their teen’s world and offer wisdom that gives the “big picture” rather than just criticism — helping kids navigate life with clarity and hope.

Would you like to ask Mark your parenting questions? You can submit questions 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.

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Running away isn’t just about escaping home — it’s often a sign of deeper issues beneath the surface. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share what led them to leave home and the pain that fueled their choices. Through candid conversations, both young ladies reveal the impact of unstable family dynamics, the pain of isolation and the courage it takes to face their struggles head-on. Listen in as we unpack what’s really going on when teens run away — and how caring adults can help them find their way back.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential 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 us today as Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LeFleur explore whether dating is right for teens. The three discuss how dating can provide valuable opportunities for teens to learn social skills, understand the opposite sex and begin shaping their ideas about future relationships. While parents often worry about issues like trust, influence and premature sexual involvement, the hosts emphasize the importance of staying connected, setting healthy boundaries and guiding conversations without shaming the natural desire to date. Ultimately, they encourage parents to see dating as a normal part of growing up and to use it as an opportunity to influence their teens’ values and choices through open communication.

Is your teen struggling? Mark's residential counseling ministry can help! Visit heartlightministries.org to see if it's the right choice for your family.

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 today's episode, Mark tackles some more of the toughest questions that parents are facing in today’s world. From navigating strict parenting styles and the ongoing battle over technology, to addressing issues of identity, sexuality and peer bullying, Mark offers practical advice rooted in decades of experience working with teens and their families. He also shares insights on setting boundaries around phone use, responding to substance use and handling conflicts that can arise between parents when it comes to disciplining their kids. Check it out!

Have a pressing parenting question you'd like to ask Mark? 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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