Avsnitt
-
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 parents should watch for if deeper struggles might be present. The episode features a moving interview with a young woman who shares her journey through trauma, secrecy and restoration within her family. The hosts offer advice on how parents can address discrepancies in behavior without shame, foster open communication and ensure their unconditional love is felt even through turbulent times.
Parents are often blindsided when they discover their teen has been hiding significant aspects of their life. Here's what you need to know: bit.ly/discovering-your-teens-inappropriate-behavior
-
Today’s teens have access to more information than any generation before them, but information alone doesn’t produce wisdom. In this episode, Mark shares why one of the most valuable gifts parents can offer is perspective. Through a memorable story involving a Taylor Swift concert and a lesson from his granddaughter, Mark explores how seeing the bigger picture can change everything. He also unpacks the challenges teens face in a culture driven by peers, social media, constant information and competing influences — and why parents still play a vital role in helping them navigate it all. Tune in for practical encouragement on becoming a trusted source of wisdom in your teen’s life.
Mark says a parent’s longing to be heard can get in the way of what really needs to be communicated. Learn more at bit.ly/the-difference-between-giving-opinions-and-sharing-experiences
-
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
Many teens put on a brave face while chaos brews underneath. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who know what it's like to hide their struggles behind a mask. Santana, for example, bottled up his emotions and masked his true self to avoid disappointing those he loved, especially his parents. These teens felt lost until tough circumstances forced them to confront what they’d rather keep hidden. Listen in as they reveal what it’s like to find family support, shed old habits and finally open up to authentic connection. Their stories are a reminder that no one has to face their struggles alone.
Interested in learning more about the Heartlight program? Go to heartlightministries.org today!
-
Grandparents have a unique opportunity to offer teens something many are desperately searching for — a safe place to rest, feel loved and be heard. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss the special mentoring role grandparents can play during the teen years. Rather than becoming “parents on steroids,” grandparents are encouraged to create a home marked by warmth, wisdom, listening and unconditional love. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares how her grandparents became a steady “safe zone” during some of the hardest moments of her life. Tune in for practical encouragement on building a legacy for your grandchildren.
Three million kids have grandparents parenting them. Are you one of those grandparents? Are you in need of some help? Learn to love the teens in your life and relate to them in genuine, honest, life-changing ways through Mark's resource here: bit.ly/grandparenting-teens-leaving-a-legacy-of-hope
-
In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into a range of real-life parenting challenges sent in by listeners. He tackles questions about handling disrespect and entitlement from older teens, setting healthy dating boundaries, and navigating tough conversations when teens are exposed to controversial or harmful views. Mark also addresses issues like sibling resentment in adoptive families, managing technology use and coping with a teen pulling away during the transition to adulthood. Throughout, Mark reminds parents to prioritize relationship, communicate openly and look for ways to support their teens’ emotional health, all while maintaining necessary boundaries at home.
Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect On
Which emotions might be getting in your way as you try to guide your child?
If you felt truly alone, what lengths would you go to for connection — and can you use this insight to empathize with your teen?
In seasons of conflict, are you willing to hold on for a better long-term relationship?
Have a question for Mark? Go to markgregston.com to send it in!
-
Today’s teens are surrounded by filtered images, fake personas and pressure to appear perfect. What they’re really searching for is something genuine. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss how authenticity, vulnerability, and honesty create deeper connection between parents and teens. You’ll hear practical insight on how parents can model healthy communication in ways that make teens feel safe and accepted. Plus, Alex shares her story of anxiety, isolation, partying and the healing that began when she finally shared what was really going on. Check it out!
Teens can often feel they don’t measure up to their parents’ expectations or peers they see on social media. Counseling may help by providing a safe space for your child to open up. Find out if it’s right for your teen at bit.ly/benefits-of-counseling-for-teens
-
Could your attempts to help your teen actually feel like judgment to them? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional about the difference between offering help and communicating criticism. Using a personal story involving a dying llama, Mark illustrates how timing, tone and understanding can completely change how a message is received. He challenges parents to rethink constant correction, repeated lectures and judgmental responses that often push teens away during the adolescent years. Listen in for practical encouragement on building stronger connection through empathy, listening, truth and relationship.
It may be a generation gap causing a rift between you and your teen. Instead of being frustrated and judgmental, learn insights into what separates the generations and what can bring them closer together: bit.ly/life-lessons-that-bridge-the-generation-gap.
-
Teens can go to extremes when trying to break free from loneliness, pain or feeling invisible. In this episode, we share interviews with two Heartlight teens who open up about what really drove their risky choices. From cheating and sneaking out to chasing acceptance in all the wrong places, both guests share how family struggles and emotional isolation left them aching for connection. You’ll hear how their journeys through depression, rebellion and damaged family ties led to some tough realizations — and how Heartlight helped them rebuild self-worth and find their place in the world.
For more information on the Heartlight program, visit heartlightministries.org today!
-
If parents don’t talk to their teens about sex, someone else will. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss how parents can create healthy, ongoing conversations about sex, relationships, boundaries and God’s design for intimacy. Rather than one awkward “talk,” they encourage parents to build an atmosphere where questions, honesty and guidance are welcomed without fear or shame. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of unhealthy relationships, substance use, and the search for love and acceptance. Don’t miss practical wisdom on helping your teen navigate today’s confusing sexual culture.
Some things your teen does may catch you off guard. Here’s how to be prepared: bit.ly/finding-out-about-your-teens-inappropriate-behavior
-
In this week's Q&A episode, Mark explores how to gradually transfer control to teens as they get older while maintaining healthy boundaries and connection. He answers listener questions on issues ranging from vaping, video game addiction and bullying to handling emotional struggles and technology boundaries. With an emphasis on relationship over control, Mark offers practical strategies for parents to respond with grace, foster honesty and prepare their teens for the challenges ahead.
Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect On
1. If you’re raising a non-biological teen, do you or your child represent a sense of loss to each other?
2. How do you approach tough conversations when you’re scared — and is it setting up success for both of you?
Have a question for the show? Send it in! Go to markgregston.com to submit your questions.
-
Do your teens feel heard … or just managed, corrected and talked at? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why listening is one of the most important skills parents can develop during the teen years. They discuss common communication mistakes, how judgment and constant correction shut teens down and practical ways to create safer, deeper conversations at home. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of rebellion, running away, family conflict and how learning to communicate honestly helped restore her relationship with her parents. Tune in today!
Learn to identify the pain that may be driving your teen’s behavior here: bit.ly/dealing-with-hurt-behind-the-behavior
-
What if one simple change could transform the relationships inside your home? In this episode, Mark shares why listening may be one of the most powerful — and most overlooked — tools in parenting. In a world filled with interruptions, quick opinions and constant noise, many teens simply want someone who will slow down long enough to truly hear them. Mark unpacks common habits that damage communication, from interrupting and correcting to always trying to fix every problem. Listen in for practical encouragement on creating deeper conversations, stronger connection and a home where your teen feels genuinely heard.
Listening to your teen is great, but what if they don’t want to talk? Find six ways to get your child to open up at bit.ly/why-your-teen-wont-talk
-
When teens spiral into destructive behaviors, it's rarely just about "bad choices." There's usually deep pain pushing them there. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share how they hit their lowest points with addiction, self-harm and rebellion. Both guests get real about what it’s like to hit rock bottom and realize you can’t do it alone. Listen in as they share how confronting the truth about themselves — and letting others in — became the first steps toward change, forgiveness and hope.
Interested in learning more about the Heartlight program? Go to heartlightministries.org today!
-
What happens when social media turns everyday teenage drama into nonstop emotional pressure? In this episode, Mark, Wayne Shepherd and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss the emotional toll of mean girls, online bullying, gossip, exclusion and comparison culture. You’ll hear practical insight on helping daughters navigate insecurity, friendship struggles and the pressure to fit in — while creating a home that feels safe, affirming and supportive. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of addiction, self-hatred, healing and learning to see hope for her future again. Tune in for an honest conversation about helping teens face social pressure without losing themselves in the process.
It’s hard enough for kids during the awkward teen years, but what if your child struggles socially more than typical peers? Find help here: bit.ly/raising-socially-awkward-teens
-
On today’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles a variety of real issues families face with teens, including anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship struggles and the pitfalls of entitlement. We'll discuss healthy ways to set boundaries with older teens, how to handle issues of entitlement and responsibility, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships as your teens grow into adulthood. Remember — lasting change starts with connection, not control.
Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect On
1. Are you a place of calm or of more anxiety for your teen?
2. What would really happen if you let your teen fail now and then?
3. Where can you shift responsibility so your teen becomes more empowered and less dependent?
Send in your parenting questions at markgregston.com.
-
Why do some parent-teen relationships slowly drift apart — even when both sides still care deeply? In this episode, Mark and Wayne unpack some of the biggest barriers that can damage connection with teens, including misunderstanding, overly strict rules, constant correction, unrealistic expectations and discipline without relationship. You’ll also hear Andrew’s story of anger, isolation, drug use and how finally understanding his father’s perspective began restoring their relationship. If you’ve felt stuck, frustrated or unsure how to reconnect, this conversation is for you.
Arguments with your teen are rarely as simple as they seem on the surface. Find five truths behind arguing with a teen and practical advice on how to successfully engage in conflict at bit.ly/five-truths-behind-arguing-with-a-teen
-
Could one simple parenting skill completely change your relationship with your teen? In this episode, Mark shares why listening may be the most powerful way to connect with today’s adolescents. In a culture full of noise, opinions and constant reactions, many teens feel unheard — even in their own homes. Mark offers practical wisdom on how to listen without interrupting, correcting or rushing to fix everything. He also explains why understanding your teen’s heart matters more than winning an argument. Don’t miss this vital episode.
While listening to your teen is extremely important, what do you do when you don’t like what you hear? Find out here: bit.ly/when-you-hear-things-from-your-teen-that-shock-you
-
Sometimes, being surrounded by people isn’t enough to shake off the feeling of isolation. In this episode, Mark chats with two teens from Heartlight who know that struggle all too well. Despite their different backgrounds, both have battled feelings of being “not enough” — whether it’s from family issues, school stress or just trying to find their place in the world. You’ll hear how trying to keep up appearances and hiding their true emotions left them feeling even more disconnected. Listen in as these teens reflect on how Heartlight helped them drop the masks, build real relationships and start believing they actually matter.
Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more about our residential counseling program.
-
Could the biggest change in your relationship with your teen begin with simply listening better? In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore why today’s teens are desperate to feel heard, and why many stop talking when they believe no one is truly listening. You’ll learn practical ways to move from correcting and lecturing to understanding and connecting. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of hidden pain, family conflict, anxiety and how finally feeling heard helped bring healing and restoration.
Find practical ways to create an atmosphere conducive to honest conversation with your teen at bit.ly/when-your-teen-wont-open-up
Mentioned in this episode:
FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman
-
In today's episode, Mark addresses one of the most pressing concerns among Christian parents: what to do when teens begin to struggle with or question their faith. Many teens, especially those facing trauma or feeling like they don't fit in, may not respond to traditional spiritual approaches. Mark discusses the critical transition from concrete to abstract thinking during adolescence and emphasizes the importance of patience, relationship and modeling Christ’s love. Parents are encouraged not to shame or pressure their teens, but instead to offer ongoing support and authentic living that gently points them to Jesus.
Have a question for Mark? We want to hear it! Go to markgregston.com to send it in.
- Visa fler
