Parenting Today's Teens

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

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

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

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

What happens when teens feel unheard at home? This week, Mark talks with two Heartlight teens, who bravely share their battles with depression, insecurity and the search for real connection. Beneath struggles with anger, risky choices or even isolation, both young women's stories reveal a powerful theme: Teens desperately need their parents to truly listen — not just jump into problem-solving or judgment. Honest conversation, open minds and small acts of understanding can make all the difference for hurting teens. To learn more about our residential counseling 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. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy