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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:

Birds of a Feather... Aug 25, 2022

Show notes

If you're like many parents, you can probably pinpoint which one of your teen's friends is "the bad kid." But have you ever wondered why your child is drawn to that friendship? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how a teen's friends are often an expression of what's going on in their hearts, and why you should steer clear of sheltering your kids too much. Don't miss this great discussion!

For more on this topic, check out Mark's article, "Teens Need to Belong," at bit.ly/3AgeiFe

The Power of Positive Affirmations Aug 24, 2022

Show notes

Comments people make to teens, especially negative or hurtful ones, can leave a lasting impact on their hearts for years to come. In this devotional, Mark Gregston recalls how he was personally impacted by naysayers — along with how he was uplifted and motivated by mentors who believed in him. Your children need your encouragement to chase God's calling for their lives!

If you're looking for more insight on how to effectively communicate with your teen, read Mark's article, "Navigating Your Teen's Universe," at bit.ly/3cQhgqr

The Impact of Instability Aug 23, 2022

Show notes

Growing up in a family where houses and parental dynamics are constantly changing can definitely have an impact on kids — especially once they hit their teen years. In this episode, Mark Gregston interviews a couple more Heartlight teens, including one young lady who is working through drug abuse recovery and emotional wounds caused by an unstable household. But no matter the obstacles, she wants to grow to be a great role model for her younger siblings. Don't miss this episode!

Trying to decide if Heartlight is the right solution for your struggling teen? Learn more about the residential counseling program at heartlightministries.org/

Mom and Dad, Become a United Front Aug 22, 2022

Show notes

Here's a painful truth: When teens start struggling, the first casualty is often the relationship between their parents. Not being on the same page about how to handle an out-of-control teen can cause a LOT of conflict and friction in practically any marriage, no matter how solid it may seem. In this episode, Mark Gregston sits down with Wayne Shepherd to discuss tips parents can use to keep their marriage strong despite adversity. Listen in now!

Looking for more in-depth advice on parenting your teen in today's culture? Check out Mark's "Tough Guys and Drama Queens" curriculum at bit.ly/3SF8lZu

Are You Teaching Your Teen Responsibility? Aug 19, 2022

Show notes

One of a parent's biggest challenges in today's culture is teaching their child how to use technology and social media responsibly, without it hindering their academics, job or other chores. So, what should your approach be? In this episode, Mark Gregston addresses this question and other challenges submitted by parents just like you. Don't miss his insights!

Do you have a parenting problem you'd like to ask Mark about? Submit it here: bit.ly/3NzKC9K

For more guidance on how to navigate a difficult time in your teen's life, read "What's Happening to My Teen?" Order your copy here: bit.ly/3zbI5hW

The Dos and Don'ts of Discipline Aug 18, 2022

Show notes

As your child enters their teenage years, they begin to change a LOT — and so should your methods of discipline. Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to discuss how you can enforce household rules without sacrificing the relationship you've cultivated with your child. The way you discipline your teen now will make all the difference in how they approach their adult life!

For more advice on how to shift your parenting style to best help your teen, read Mark's article, "How Do We Let Go of Our Old Ways?" at bit.ly/3BH8Gol

No Family Is Immune to Struggle Aug 17, 2022

Show notes

In this special episode, Mark Gregston shares insights on why it is so important to seek out wise, biblical counsel when dealing with an out-of-control or struggling child. In addition to sharing his own personal story of family hardship, Mark recounts some stories from parents he's worked with over the years who had very different challenges with their teens, but all found the only way forward was to accept the truth and seek wisdom. Listen in now!

For more on how to deal with the most challenging issues in your teen's life, check out Mark's book, "Raising Teens in a Contrary Culture," at bit.ly/38Dy7eq

Overcoming the Obstacle of Abandonment Aug 16, 2022

Show notes

Every teen whose parents get divorced copes with the situation differently, but sometimes when mom and dad go their separate ways, it can leave the child with a sense of abandonment. In this episode, Mark Gregston chats with a few Heartlight teens, including a 17-year-old who came to Heartlight to work through the grief and anger his parents' divorce left him with. Don't miss his insightful interview!

Want to learn more about the residential counseling services at Heartlight? Check out heartlightministries.org

Learning to Parent With Grace Aug 15, 2022

Show notes

When you think of "parenting with grace," what comes to mind? Is it the elimination of consequences for your teen's bad decisions? That shouldn't be the case! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explain that approaching a child with grace does not mean they don't receive consequences, but it DOES mean you will continue to love them no matter what they've done wrong. Tune in for more on this great topic!

Need some more help setting up healthy expectations for your teen? Check out Mark's free e-book, "Developing Rules & Consequences," at bit.ly/3p0X2wZ

How to Make Your Questions Count Aug 12, 2022

Show notes

Like most parents of teens, you might be familiar with your child answering "I don't know," when you try to ask them about their thoughts or even how their day went. So, how do you get past the wall of "I don't know?" In this episode, Mark Gregston shares some questions you can begin to ask your teen to genuinely engage them and get to their hearts — eventually, they might start to ask YOU deeper questions too! Don't miss this special episode!

Do you have a parenting question you'd like to hear Mark answer? Submit it here: bit.ly/3NzKC9K

For more great conversation starters to use with your child, check out "Tough Guys and Drama Queens" at bit.ly/3MGVhPi

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