Parenting Today's Teens

Teen Stories: When Fitting in Feels Impossible

Growing up today means living in a world obsessed with appearances, fitting in and being “enough.” In this episode, Mark chats with two young women at Heartlight who open

Making the Most of Time with Your Teen

The teen years go by faster than most parents realize. And while your schedule may be packed, the time you intentionally spend with your teen today can shape your relatio

I Mustache Mark a Question: Motivation, Mental Health and Growing Up

In this insightful Q&A episode, Mark dives into some tough questions parents are facing with their older teens on the verge of adulthood. He tackles real-life situations

Stop Doing Everything for Your Teen

Does your teen expect you to provide everything they want — and push back when you don’t? In this episode, Mark and Wayne tackle the problem of entitlement and share six

Give Your Teen Something the Internet Can’t

Your teen is surrounded by voices competing for their attention, but what are they really looking for from you? In this episode, Mark explores how today’s culture of nega

Teen Stories: Numbing Reality

When teens spiral out — experimenting with drugs, running with the wrong crowd or shutting out family — there’s almost always a deeper hurt they’re trying to escape. On t

When Your Teen’s Behavior Becomes a Cry for Help

How can you tell when typical teenage struggles have become something more serious? Mark and Wayne discuss the warning signs that a teen may be spinning out of control —

I Mustache Mark a Question: Independence, Relationships and a K-Pop Obsession

In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles questions spanning nearly every stage of the teen years and beyond. How can grandparents build stronger relationships with their

Knowing When Your Teen Needs Outside Help

How do you know when your teen’s struggles have reached the point where your family needs outside help? Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss when residential counseling may b

When High Standards Say, 'You’re Not Enough'

You want the best for your teen. But could your encouragement and high expectations be sending the message that they aren't good enough? Mark explores how well-meaning pa

Teen Stories: When Discipline Distances

If you've ever wondered why a teen seems to pull away, sometimes the rules and consequences meant to help can actually drive a wedge. In today's episode, Mark sits down w

When Your Adopted Teen Feels Unwanted

Adoption can give a child a loving family and a place to belong, but the teen years may bring difficult questions about identity, loss and acceptance to the surface. In t

I Mustache Mark a Question: Moods, Mental Health and Parenting Through Change

In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more common challenges parents are facing with their teens today. From navigating the difference between sarcasm and disr

Is Your Teen Trying to Get Your Attention?

Every teen wants to feel seen, valued and noticed. But what happens when they start looking for that attention in unhealthy places? Mark and Wayne explore what can be beh

Helping Teens Separate Real Life From Social Media

Is social media shaping the way your teen sees themselves — and convincing them they don’t measure up? In this episode, Mark Gregston explores how carefully curated posts

Teen Stories: Feeling Hopeless at Home

Family conflict isn’t just loud arguments or silent standoffs — it can leave deep marks that shape the way teens see themselves and their future. In this episode, Mark si

When Good Kids Make Bad Choices

Your teen is going to make mistakes. How you respond can either deepen your relationship or create greater distance. Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss what parents should

I Mustache Mark a Question: Double Lives, Depression and Difficult Conversations

In this Q&A episode, Mark addresses some tough challenges parents are facing with their teens today. He answers listener questions on supporting a teen dealing with depre

Are You Giving Your Teen Enough Responsibility?

Your job as a parent isn’t simply to teach your teen what to do — it’s to prepare them to eventually do it without you. Mark, Wayne and Courtney unpack the important prog

Turning Life Lessons Into Lasting Wisdom

Your teen has access to more information than ever before. What they need from you is something Google can’t give them: wisdom. In this episode, Mark explains how parents