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Parenting Today’s Teens — Kids & Family
Parenting Today’s Teens

The Parenting Today’s Teens Podcast is a daily resource for parents raising teenagers. Hosted by Mark Gregston, a renowned parenting expert with over 45 years of experience, this podcast provides practical, expert advice for navigating the challenges of parenting teens. Whether you’re struggling with defiance, emotional issues, or just want to understand your teen better, Mark’s guidance is raw, real, and always hopeful.

Some episodes are co-hosted by Courtney LaFleur, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and on-staff counselor at Heartlight, adding professional counseling insights to the conversation. Together, Mark and Courtney provide expert tips and real-life solutions to help you build stronger relationships with your teen and navigate the complexities of today’s adolescent culture.

If you’re looking for guidance on how to connect with your teen, improve family dynamics, and raise a confident, well-adjusted teen, this podcast is for you.

For more parenting tools and expert advice, visit www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.

Copyright: © Mark Gregston

Latest Episodes:

I Mustache Mark a Question: Respect, Relationships and Helping Struggling Kids Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles your pressing parenting questions, from navigating the heavy topic of teen suicide and supporting teens with depression to setting healthy boundaries when it comes to dating. The conversation focused on practical ways to approach issues like teens attending events held in clubs, managing disrespectful behavior and not letting your own past mistakes influence your parenting. Mark also shares thoughts on the unique role of grandparents, the importance of relational connection and how parents can reflect on their own behavior to foster better relationships with their kids. With stories, actionable advice and a dash of humor, Mark offers guidance for building strong bonds with your teens during their toughest moments.

Have a question for Mark? We'd love to hear it! Send it in at markgregston.com

Don't Ignore the Warning Signs of Teen Drug Use Oct 29, 2026

Show notes

Discovering that your teen is using drugs or alcohol can be frightening. But how you respond could make all the difference in helping them turn their life around. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the dangers of teen substance abuse and why many adolescents turn to drugs or alcohol to escape anxiety, depression and other emotional struggles. Mark offers guidance on getting your teen out of danger, understanding what's driving their behavior, establishing boundaries and knowing when to seek professional help. You'll also hear from Heartlight teen Robert, who shares how drinking and marijuana use affected his emotional well-being and relationships — and why he wishes his parents had connected with him on a deeper level. Find out why Mark urges parents not to ignore substance use in their child.

Explore new ways to restore peace and joy in your home as you better understand your child. Order Mark's book, "What's Happening to My Teen?" here: bit.ly/whats-happening-to-my-teen

How Will Your Children Remember You? Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

When your children look back on their lives, what will they remember most about you? Your rules, your advice and your accomplishments — or the relationship you built with them? Mark reflects on how becoming a grandfather changed his perspective on parenting, relationships and the legacy he wants to leave behind. He explains why listening, staying connected and loving your teen unconditionally matter far more than raising a child who always thinks and acts like you. Tune in for a thoughtful reminder that the most meaningful legacy you can leave isn't measured by what you accomplish, but by the lives you touch through loving relationships.

You may not say you demand perfection from your teen, but are your actions sending a different message? Visit bit.ly/three-ways-to-let-your-teen-be-imperfect for more.

Teen Stories: Pushing People Away Oct 27, 2026

Show notes

When teens push others away, there’s usually more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye. Whether it’s anger, a need for independence or past hurts, these defensive walls can signal a deep need for connection. In today’s show, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight who’ve struggled to let their families truly get close to them. For Joey, growing up adopted left a lasting impact on his ability to trust others — even when he longed for close relationships. Both teens are learning what it takes to break down barriers and reconnect. Listen in now!

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Go to heartlightministries.org today.

Don't Miss Your Teen's Silent Cry for Help Oct 26, 2026

Show notes

Teen depression doesn't always look the way parents expect. Sometimes the warning signs are obvious, but other times a teen may be struggling deeply without showing any outward signs at all. Mark and Wayne discuss the growing concern of teen depression, including changes in behavior, withdrawal, hopelessness, self-harm and other warning signs parents shouldn't ignore. Mark also explains how to start meaningful conversations, take your teen's feelings seriously and recognize when professional help is needed. You'll also hear from a Heartlight teen who shares how depression and anxiety contributed to conflict at home and unhealthy coping behaviors — and how he's learning to understand his emotions, ask for support and find healthier ways forward. Tune in to this important conversation today!

Learn what signs of depression to look for and the hopeful bottom line here: bit.ly/teens-depression-and-its-consequences

I Mustache Mark a Question: House Rules, Heartbreak and Hard Conversations Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles some more parenting dilemmas you’re facing with your teens. He shares insight on navigating disagreements over values and lifestyle with adult children — especially when financial support is on the line. He also dives into how to set house rules for teens who are nearing adulthood but still living at home, and how step-parents and significant others can build trust with reluctant teens. Other questions cover handling a teen’s exposure to pornography, responding to grief and anger after the loss of a parent, and what to do when a child seems unmotivated at school. Throughout the episode, Mark’s advice centers on staying present and meeting teens where they are as they grow, stumble and find their own path.

Has your teen's behavior left you stumped? Ask Mark! Go to markgregston.com to submit your question.

Are You Preparing Your Teen to Leave the Nest? Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

Every parent wants their teen to become a responsible, independent adult. But could doing too much for your child actually be holding them back? Mark and Wayne discuss why preparing teens for adulthood needs to begin long before they turn 18. Mark shares ways to gradually transfer responsibility, teach essential life skills, encourage employment and establish expectations that help young adults become self-sufficient. You’ll also hear from Heartlight teen Eli, who shares how his desire for control led to defiance, substance use and conflict with his parents — and how learning to accept responsibility has changed his outlook and relationships. Tune in for practical guidance on helping your teen develop the maturity and independence they'll need to thrive beyond your home.

Is your teen spending too much time on screens, struggling to find motivation or expecting you to provide everything without lifting a finger? Mark offers a simple prescription: bit.ly/your-teen-needs-a-job

Helping Your Teen Manage Anger Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

When your teen lashes out in anger, it's easy to focus on their behavior. But what if their frustration is telling you something deeper? Mark explores three common reasons teens become angry: feeling controlled, feeling judged or shamed, and not getting what they want. He explains why parents need to look beyond angry outbursts to understand what's happening in their teen's heart. Drawing on James 1:19, Mark also shares practical ways to defuse conflict, ask better questions, listen without becoming defensive and model healthy responses to frustration. Tune in to discover how understanding your teen's anger can help you turn heated confrontations into opportunities for growth, trust and stronger relationships.

Find out two of the most common ways parents drive a wedge between themselves and their teens, and practical tools to close that gap before it grows any wider: bit.ly/how-not-to-drive-a-wedge-between-you-and-your-teen

Teen Stories: Searching for Connection in a Disconnected World Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

Behind every rebellious choice often lies a longing to belong. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two teens from Heartlight about the complicated reasons behind their struggles with drugs, running away and broken relationships. Both guests open up about learning independence at an early age and the risky paths they chased in hopes of being noticed and feeling loved. Their stories reveal how the search for acceptance and validation can lead teens down dangerous roads — and how honest conversations, second chances and the right support can spark real change. Listen in as these teens reflect on what it takes to mend family bonds and find true connection.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Visit heartlightministries.org today.

Teen Dating: Stay Involved Without Taking Over Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

Dating can make parents nervous, but it can also give teens valuable opportunities to learn about relationships, communication and what they may eventually want in a spouse. Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss the benefits and risks of teen dating, when to allow greater interaction with the opposite sex, and how parents can establish healthy boundaries without creating shame or pushing their teen away. Above all, they encourage parents to stay involved as their teen’s relationships become increasingly important. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen who shares how an abusive relationship contributed to alcohol abuse, anxiety and broken family relationships — and how healing has helped her take responsibility and reconnect with the people she loves.

Learn when and how to broach the subject of sex with your teen at bit.ly/how-to-talk-to-your-teen-about-sex

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