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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:

Parents, You're Allowed to Take a Break Oct 06, 2022

Show notes

If you're feeling tired and defeated from ongoing battles with your teen, it might be time for you to take a break! Whether that means going out of town for a weekend, or simply getting up earlier to have your coffee in peace, it's okay to take some time for yourself. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why it's healthy for parents to take a break, and how you can keep a big-picture perspective despite conflicts. Tune in now for this great topic!

For a full catalog of Parenting Today's Teens resources, check out the store! Visit resources.parentingtodaysteens.org

Are You Listening to Your Teen's Heart? Oct 05, 2022

Show notes

If there is one thing the majority of teens have in common, it's that they are desperate to be loved for WHO they are, not for what they do. So, Mom and Dad, does your teen feel loved unconditionally? Or do they feel like you have unmeetable expectations? It might be time to ask them! In this special devotional, Mark Gregston shares why you need to listen to what's on your teen's heart and shares ways you can initiate discussions about improving your relationship with them.

When your teen is struggling, the most powerful thing you can do is pray for them! That's why we created the "Prayers For My Teen," devotional for moms. Order yours at resources.parentingtodaysteens.org/product/7/prayers-for-my-teen

Breaking Down Barriers Between Dads and Teens Oct 04, 2022

Show notes

Teens can benefit enormously from having a close, genuine relationship with their dad, but sometimes — through any combo of life's challenges — it doesn't always work out that way. Dads and their teens then have to work TOGETHER to overcome those obstacles and build a bond. In this episode, Mark Gregston chats with a couple of young ladies staying at Heartlight who are both walking through challenging relationships with their fathers. Listen in now to hear their stories!

For more on this subject, check out Mark's article, "Parable for Dads," at parentingtodaysteens.org/blog/prodigal-fathers-2/

When Teens Enter Self-Destruct Mode Oct 03, 2022

Show notes

Teens in today's culture engage in all kinds of self-destructive behaviors, from cutting to drinking to sexual promiscuity. So, as a parent, how can you help keep them from making these harmful choices — or help them recover if they already have? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the WHY behind teens' self-destructive choices and share some advice for how you can be a voice of peace in their lives.

For more advice on how to help your teen through a difficult time, read Mark's book, "When Your Teen is Struggling." Order your copy at resources.parentingtodaysteens.org/product/9/when-your-teen-is-struggling

Learning to Love Your Adult Child's Future Spouse Sep 30, 2022

Show notes

When your child enters their young adult years, they'll more than likely start seeking out a serious relationship or future spouse — and you may very well butt heads with this new addition to the family. So, how should you handle this type of conflict? In this episode, Mark Gregston shares advice for a frustrated mom whose 20-year-old son is pulling away from his family because of a new girlfriend. Tune in now to hear Mark's insights!

To send Mark your own parenting question, visit markgregston.com

The Modern Spiritual Prodigal Sep 29, 2022

Show notes

When your teen pulls away from — or outright rejects — the faith that you've raised them with, it can feel like you've done something wrong as a parent. But this is the most important time to trust in God that He will bring your teen back to a better place. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share encouraging insights for parents whose teens might be walking through their "prodigal" stage right now. Don't miss today's episode!

For more encouragement for when you're walking through a tough time with your child, read Mark's book, "What's Happening To My Teen?" Order your copy at resources.parentingtodaysteens.org/product/34/what-s-happening-to-my-teen

Teens Are Crying Out for Real Wisdom Sep 28, 2022

Show notes

From the outside, today's teen culture looks crazy — practically every parent can agree on that! But it's important to remember that it's all your child knows and if you don't understand their culture and only offer criticisms, it will damage your ability to share real wisdom and perspective with them. In today's episode, Mark Gregston shares a special devotional focused on how you can share your knowledge and experience with your teen in meaningful ways.

For a biblical perspective on how to guide your teen through today's culture, check out the devotional series, "How to Parent Your Teen in a Biblical Way." Download today at bit.ly/3Rwx7Kr

Coming Back from Rock Bottom Sep 27, 2022

Show notes

In this week's interview with Heartlight teens, Mark Gregston sits down to talk with a couple of teens who know exactly what it feels like to hit rock bottom — both physically and emotionally — and have to rebuild. For Blake, his wake-up call came the second time he was sent to jail, where he realized he had to create a different path for his life. Tune in now for these incredible stories!

Need some help pulling your teen out of a downward spiral? Check out Mark's book, "When Your Teen is Struggling," at resources.parentingtodaysteens.org/product/9/when-your-teen-is-struggling

Teens and Drug Use: Don't Get Caught Off Guard Sep 26, 2022

Show notes

Out of the thousands of teens who have stayed at Heartlight, a large portion of them have been involved with some kind of drug use. A common factor? Most of their parents were caught completely off guard by their child's addiction. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about why it's better to be OVERprepared rather than underprepared for your teen to experiment with drugs, and share some warning signs to look out for.

For more on this important topic, check out Mark's article, "Is My Teen Using Drugs?" at parentingtodaysteens.org/blog/is-my-teen-using-drugs/

Enforcing Rules on Older Teens Sep 23, 2022

Show notes

In today's episode, Mark Gregston answers the parenting question of the week, which comes from a couple trying to figure out if they can still enforce a curfew on their 18-year-old son. For older teens, it's still essential for them to respect rules and authority — it'll help them later in life with their own families and careers.

Have a parenting question for Mark? Send it in at markgregston.com

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