9 Things Boomers Do to Drive Away Their Children & Grandkids

9 Things Boomers Do to Drive Away Their Children & Grandkids

Author: Mark Gregston March 26, 2026 Duration: 29:09

It’s easy to fall into the trap of criticizing “kids these days.” But how you view the younger generation will shape the kind of relationship you have with them. In this episode, Mark and Wayne are joined by Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur to talk about how parents and grandparents can move beyond criticism and toward meaningful connection with teens. Instead of lectures and assumptions, they encourage sharing stories, asking questions and learning about the world teens are growing up in today. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen who shares how years of family conflict shaped her destructive choices. Her story is a reminder that behind every troubled teen is a deeper story waiting to be understood. Tune in today!

Discover how best to grandparent the teens in your life at parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/a-legacy-of-hope

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.


Raising a teenager can feel like navigating uncharted territory every single day. Parenting Today's Teens is here to walk that path with you, offering a steady voice amid the chaos. Mark Gregston brings more than four decades of direct experience working with families to each conversation, translating complex adolescent behaviors into understandable insights. You’ll hear honest discussions about defiance, screen time, emotional withdrawal, and the search for identity, all framed with a perspective that is both pragmatic and hopeful. This isn’t about quick fixes or perfect formulas; it’s about building a lasting, authentic connection with your teen even when it’s difficult. Mark’s approach is grounded in real-world application, offering strategies you can consider and adapt the very same day. The podcast draws from a well of wisdom that respects the spiritual and personal growth of the entire family, recognizing that parenting a teen often means revisiting your own beliefs and reactions. Tune in for a resource that feels like a thoughtful conversation with a trusted guide, one that acknowledges the struggles while consistently pointing toward practical solutions and renewed understanding for the modern parent.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Parenting Today's Teens
Podcast Episodes
I Mustache Mark a Question: Handling Teen Drama and Risky Choices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:59
In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into more pressing questions from parents grappling with the realities of raising teens today. From concerns about vaping, toxic relationships and sibling conflicts to heavy issues like de…
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If you’ve ever wondered why some teens turn to risky behaviors, there’s usually a story beneath the surface. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with Jack, a Heartlight resident who shares his journey through family traum…
The Power of Influence: Overcoming Negativity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Teen Stories: When You Don't Feel Worthy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:20
Risky behavior is often more than just "acting out." For many teens, it’s a desperate attempt to fill an inner void or prove themselves to their peers. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young men from Heartligh…
Addressing the Fear Factor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:14
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Shut Your Mouth, Open Your Ears [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:15
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Understanding the ‘Why’ Behind Teen Outbursts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:52
Every parent is bound to face a moment when their teen’s anger seems to explode out of nowhere. But as Mark explains in today’s episode, there’s always more beneath the surface. Whether it’s a struggle for control, a res…
Teen Stories: Finding Yourself Again [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:01
What happens when your life starts to spiral and you lose sight of who you are? For many teens, struggles with identity, relationships and loss can lead them down difficult paths. In today's show, Mark sits down with two…
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Duration: 15:47
In this episode, Mark and Wayne tackle the hard truth of “rescuing” teens from life’s painful moments and why this well-intentioned instinct can actually do more harm than good. Through real-life examples and candid disc…