Parenting Today's Teens

Today, Mark Gregston shares how, years into his marriage, his wife Jan revealed deep pain from childhood sexual abuse — pain that eventually led them both into an 18-month counseling journey that changed their relationship. Mark realized how unresolved loss creates emotional voids that often drive behavior, both in adults and in teens. He explains that many destructive or perfection-driven choices come from attempts to fill those empty places left by trauma, rejection or unmet needs. Ultimately, he emphasizes that true healing and freedom come when God fills those voids and replaces lies with truth.

If your teen is struggling and you need help, we encourage you to attend one of our Families in Crisis Conferences. Visit familycrisisretreat.com 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.

So many of today’s teens are quietly battling anxiety, depression and the pressures of fitting in — a reality that often goes unseen. In this episode, Mark sits down with two more Heartlight residents who open up about their mental health journeys. For Will, depression fueled his reckless behavior and created distance at home. But when he saw how his struggles impacted his little sister, he decided things had to change. Both teens reveal how their challenges with mental health shaped their choices, but also how Heartlight is helping them heal, reconnect and find hope for the future.

Know a young adult who might be a great fit for Heartlight staff? We're hiring! Go to heartlight.jobs 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.

Join Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur today as they discuss the power of perspective when parenting teens, and why it matters more than simply sharing opinions. Mark explains that teens are surrounded by loud opinions everywhere, but what they truly need from parents is calm, experience-based wisdom that helps them see the bigger picture. Instead of rushing to “fix” their problems, parents can offer perspective, listen well and let teens think through decisions on their own. Ultimately, sharing perspective builds connection, invites ongoing conversation, and helps teens grow in maturity and confidence.

Is your teen struggling? Visit familycrisisretreat.com to see how Mark's Families in Crisis Conferences can help 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.

In this episode, Mark dives into some more pressing questions from parents — from navigating dating relationships when faith values differ, to supporting teens through church transitions, and addressing concerns about technology and social media. You’ll hear real listener questions about boundaries, discipline and guiding adolescents through complicated issues like sexuality, mental health and independence. Whether you’re struggling to connect with your teen or simply searching for practical Christian parenting advice, you'll find some wisdom and actionable tips to help you build deeper relationships.

Hit some bumps along the road of your parenting journey? We want to hear your questions! Send them in to markgregston.com today.

Depression among teens is rising rapidly, with major studies showing increasing rates of persistent sadness, anxiety and even suicide. Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explain that depression doesn’t always have obvious warning signs, which is why parents must stay closely connected and ask deeper questions beyond “How are you?” Mark highlights common indicators like withdrawal, changes in sleep/eating habits, loss of interest, anger, risky behavior and talk of death. Always take suicidal statements seriously — especially if a teen has a plan. Parents can’t “fix” depression alone, and seeking professional help quickly (and using resources like the 988 crisis line) can save a life.

Is your teen spiraling? Visit heartlightministries.org to learn about Mark's residential counseling program and how it may be able help your family.

Today, Mark Gregston shares a personal story about being unexpectedly fired, leading him into a painful season that left him feeling rejected and questioning God’s presence. Over time, he realized God was still at work, even when life didn’t make sense — and that faith often means believing without fully understanding. He reflects on Scripture and experiences that remind him God uses even hardship to shape us and draw families closer to Him. Mark encourages listeners that God hasn’t abandoned us in suffering, and one day we’ll understand the purpose behind what felt devastating.

Explore all of the resources Mark has designed to help parents of struggling teens by visiting parentingtodaysteens.org.

We all want to be seen, heard and valued — our teens are no different! In today's episode, Mark Gregston sits down with two Heartlight teens whose stories reveal a powerful, common thread: the desperate search for connection. One young lady shares how her risky choices and need to make a scene stemmed from feeling unheard, especially by her father, and how learning to have honest conversations at Heartlight has helped her change. These stories show how being in a supportive environment enables teens to communicate better, mature emotionally and form meaningful relationships — not only with their families but also with peers.

Is Heartlight the right choice for your struggling teen? Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more!

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd today as they discuss what it means when your teen no longer smiles — and why parents shouldn’t ignore it. Mark explains that a missing smile is often a sign of deeper sadness, frustration or depression, and an invitation for parents to lean in with compassion. He encourages parents to respond with humility, honest conversation and a willingness to change. Ultimately, the goal is not to make them smile so you can feel like a better parent, but because you are deeply concerned about their heart.

If you're struggling with your teen, we encourage you to join Mark in Texas at one of his Families in Crisis Conferences. To learn more and register, 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.

In today's episode, Mark takes on more of listeners' most pressing questions about parenting adolescents in today’s world — from setting limits on screen time and understanding the difference between rules and boundaries, to getting your teen to actually talk to you (without just one-word answers). He dives into tough issues like teens questioning faith, dealing with challenging behaviors at home and what to do when your older teen won’t step away from unhealthy habits. Tune in for practical, down-to-earth advice that’ll help you connect with your teen and have some fun along the way.

We want to hear your parenting questions! Go to markgregston.com to send them in today — your question may be addressed on a future episode.

Managing your teen’s phone use starts with recognizing that phones aren’t just distractions — they’re a primary way teens connect, feel entertained and stay tied to their world. While excessive phone use can interrupt attention, reduce face-to-face relationships and fuel dopamine-driven habits, the technology isn’t going away. So, parents must lead intentionally. Setting age-appropriate boundaries, creating phone-free family times and clearly defining expectations help keep phones from replacing real relationships. Most importantly, parents must model healthy phone habits themselves and create meaningful, engaging connections that teens don’t feel the need to escape from.

Do you have a parenting question for Mark? You can send it to us at markgregston.com.