Teen Stories: Out of Control

Teen Stories: Out of Control

Author: Mark Gregston March 17, 2026 Duration: 23:43

When life feels unpredictable, teens often seek control in unexpected ways. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women at Heartlight who share how loss and longing for independence shaped their choices. One opens up about the impact of losing her father and the turbulent relationship with her mom that followed, while the other reflects on her drive to grow up too fast and how that influenced her actions. Both stories reveal how the struggle for control can lead to risky decisions — and how stepping back can spark new growth. Don’t miss this honest conversation about grief, self-discovery and what it means to heal together as a family.

Know a young adult who's great with teens? They may be a perfect fit for our Heartlight staff! Go to heartlight.jobs to learn more.

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
Managing Your Teen's Phone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:36
Managing your teen’s phone use starts with recognizing that phones aren’t just distractions — they’re a primary way teens connect, feel entertained and stay tied to their world. While excessive phone use can interrupt at…
A Parent’s Most Important Message: 'You Are Enough' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:18
Mark Gregston explains that today’s self-help culture constantly tells kids they’re “not enough,” fueling anxiety, confusion and a relentless pressure to perform. He reminds parents that Scripture points to God’s suffici…
Teen Stories: Fleeing Hurt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:53
Sometimes what looks like rebellion or risky behavior in teens is really just a signal flare for something deeper going on inside. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents, each with a different s…
How to Support Your Teen with ADHD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:20
Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how parents of teens with ADHD may need to adjust expectations and recognize that their teen may struggle with focus, impulsivity, follow-through and rela…
Helping Teens Develop Their Purpose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:42
A teen’s purpose isn’t discovered in a single moment or from sitting at home; it unfolds through exposure, experience and exploration. In today's show, we explore how parents play a vital role by expanding their teen’s w…
Unconditional Love and Grace Over Performance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:38
Parents want the best for their teens, but good intentions can backfire when love feels tied to performance. This conversation reminds parents that kids need to know they are loved unconditionally — especially when they…
Teen Stories: Battling Low Self-Worth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:02
Many parents might be surprised to learn that the behaviors and struggles their teens exhibit often stem from deep-rooted issues with self-worth. On today's episode, Mark sits down with two young women, each sharing hone…
Strategies for Raising Responsible Teens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:11
In today's episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explain that raising responsible teens isn’t about perfection, but about preparing them for real life. Parents are encouraged to shift from constant…