Help for When Parents Feel Hopeless

Help for When Parents Feel Hopeless

Author: Mark Gregston December 29, 2025 Duration: 26:10

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.


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: Balancing Boundaries and Building Trust [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this episode, Mark tackles some more tough questions parents are asking about raising teens in today's rapidly changing world. From navigating conversations about sexuality and social media's impact on relationships,…
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Duration: 26:10
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Duration: 24:29
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Duration: 12:09
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 obviou…
Teen Stories: Shedding the Mask [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:43
Many teens wrestle with the challenge of fitting in — sometimes at the cost of losing themselves. On today's show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share their stories of wearing masks to please others wh…
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Duration: 25:58
In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore what drives teens to risky behaviors — often in search of adventure, escape or affirmation. The conversation goes deeper during an interview with a Heartlight teen, who shares her…