Parenting Today's Teens

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!