Helping Teens Heal from Unresolved Hurt
Mar 4 • 12:09
Helping Teens Heal from Unresolved Hurt
Episode:

Helping Teens Heal from Unresolved Hurt

March 4, 2026 • 12:09 • Mark Gregston

In this heartfelt episode, Mark addresses the complex world of adolescent loss and its impact on behavior and emotional well-being. Drawing from real-life stories and personal experiences, Mark sheds light on both obvious and hidden hurts teens may carry. The episode emphasizes the importance of focusing on the root causes of teens' struggles, rather than just their behaviors, and encourages parents to open lines of communication, show empathy, and help their teens process grief and disappointment. Tune in for tips to support your teen through lifes toughest challenges.

Losing a beloved family pet is one of many potential traumas children may face in life, and Mark wrote a book to bring comfort amid the loss. Find out more at bit.ly/wheres-stitch-book

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. 

Podcast:

Parenting Today's Teens

With Mark Gregston
The Parenting Today’s Teens Podcast features Mark Gregston, a parenting expert who has worked with teens and parents for over 45 years. Enlightening, up-to-date, practical, and something every parent would enjoy listening to. Raw at times, challenging at other times, but always hopeful to get your family to a better place in an adolescent culture that is sometimes a little contrary to what you believe and want for your teen. 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 www.ChristianParenting.org
All Episodes:
May 6 • 21:16
Relationship Is Your Greatest Legacy

What will your teen remember most about you years from now? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on legacy, influence and the power of relationship. While many parents focus on rules, performance or getting everything right, Mark reminds us that what lasts longest is connection. He explores why listening matters, how love can remain strong even through disagreements and why your relationship with your teen may be the greatest source of guidance they have. Because legacies arent built through perfection, theyre built through presence, grace and love that endures.

Find out the influence grandparents can have in the lives of their teenaged grandchildren at bit.ly/grandparents-have-what-a-teen-needs

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.

May 5 • 23:37
Teen Stories: From Hiding Hurt to Finding Healing

Pushing parents away or being disrespectful usually isnt about just being rebellious. Sometimes, its a defense a way to survive when trust has been broken or home life feels like a battleground. In todays episode, Mark talks with two teens from Heartlight who open up about keeping people at arms length, struggling with anger and wrestling with family changes that left them feeling alone. Both girls share why shutting down or lashing out became their way of dealing with hurt, and how Heartlight has given them the tools to finally start letting people in.

Want to learn more about the Heartlight program? Visit 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.

May 4 • 27:30
When Your Teen Doesnt Want to Go to School

Is school only about grades or is there something more important your teen is learning there? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore the bigger purpose of school. From social development and resilience to responsibility and real-world skills, education goes far beyond academics. They also discuss what to do when your teen resists school, how to uncover whats really behind the struggle and when alternative paths may be a better fit. Because helping your teen thrive isnt just about report cards its about preparing them for life.

Do you know what's behind your teen's aversion to school? Read more here: bit.ly/how-important-is-school

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.

May 1 • 24:03
I Mustache Mark a Question: Family Friction, Fearful Teens and Finding Respect

In today's show, Mark tackles some more of the most pressing and complex questions parents face with their teenagers today. From addressing issues of lying and integrity, to navigating sibling conflicts and strained parent-teen relationships, Mark offers practical wisdom rooted in experience and compassion. Today's questions explore how to approach teens struggling with anxiety and fear of the outside world, ways to handle feelings of rejection and unfair treatment, and thoughtful advice for parents of transgender young adults seeking understanding and connection. 

At your wit's end with your teen? Ask Mark about it! Send in your question at markgregston.com and it may be featured on an upcoming episode. 

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.

Apr 30 • 28:36
What Your Teen Needs Most from You, Dad

What kind of impact does a father really have on a teens life? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur talk about the unique and powerful role dads play in shaping their teens identity, confidence and sense of worth. Youll hear how time, presence and genuine interest can transform even strained relationships. When dads show up especially in the small, everyday moments it creates lasting connection. Because what you give your teen today can shape the direction of their life for years to come.

Dads, how would you describe your parenting style? Learn ways to have a positive influence on your teen here: bit.ly/dads-build-strong-relationships-with-their-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.

About the Host

Mark Gregston

Mark has taken all the experience he has gained in working in the various youth ministry experiences and developed resources to help parents nationwide. He’s authored 18 books, has written hundreds of articles about parenting teens in a difficult culture, and is also the host of the nationally acclaimed radio program, Parenting Today’s Teens, which was honored to receive the 2014 Program of the Year award from the National Religious Broadcasters. These programs are heard on over 1,700 radio outlets throughout North America.

From his 45 years of experience of working with teens and their families, Mark shares his insight and wisdom through seminars, retreats, and conferences, taking up all his free weekends. Mark’s wit and wisdom, shared through stories and reflections of his involvement with teens brings biblical insight and practical help to all who hear him share his heart about families and teens.

Mark and Jan, have been married for 45 years and have two children, both of whom are married and have blessed them with four wonderful grandchildren. Heartlight is family oriented, and family run. Their children work with them insuring there is always hope and help for families searching for something different in their parenting style.

More from Mark →