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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:

Looking for Love in the Wrong Places Jun 30, 2022

Show notes

Today's culture has given teens permission to be more sexually involved than ever before — so how do you prepare to confront your child about this behavior or, better yet, prevent it from happening? Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to talk about the reason why teens are sexually active more often and how parents can approach this topic with their kids without shaming them. Tune in now for this important episode!

Need some more pointers on how to continue the conversation about sexual activity with your teen? Read Mark's article, "Teaching Purity in a Seductive Culture" at bit.ly/3oVZ6XD

A Parent's Greatest Challenge Jun 29, 2022

Show notes

In this devotional, Mark Gregston shares that moms, dads and grandparents have all accumulated something that teens desperately need in today's world: wisdom. However, the challenge lies in finding ways to truly connect with your teen and share that wisdom in a way that is applicable to THEIR current culture, not the one you grew up in. Tune in now for more insight!

For more on how to raise teens to be able to face the challenges of today's world, read Mark's book, "Raising Teens in a Contrary Culture." Order it here: bit.ly/38Dy7eq

Recovering from Bad Coping Mechanisms Jun 28, 2022

Show notes

Teens have more pressure on them today than ever before, and when that pressure is coupled with internal pain, betrayal or strained parental relationships, they often turn to substances to cope. In this episode, Mark Gregston speaks with a couple of Heartlight teens, including one young man who is learning to have an open, loving relationship with his parents again after self-medicating with drugs for years. Don't miss these stories of hope!

For more insight on why teens turn to drugs and alcohol, read Mark's article, "The Hidden Culprit of Teen Troubles," at bit.ly/3MRs2sV

Dealing With an Entitled Teen Jun 27, 2022

Show notes

So many parents have good intentions and start freely giving money and material things to their children at a very young age. Unfortunately, this can create a monster: an entitled teen. Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd sit down to discuss some tips you can use if you find yourself with a demanding, entitled teen. Listen in now for ideas on how to teach your teen the value of hard work and responsibility!

Looking for more tips on how to create healthy expectations for your child? Check out Mark's e-book, "Developing Rules & Consequences" at bit.ly/3OdwGm8

Growing Closer With Your Child Jun 24, 2022

Show notes

All of us want to feel like we have significance in life — and for teens, the search for their purpose can take them in a lot of different directions. In this episode, Mark answers some more questions from parents and caretakers, including one mom whose daughter's rebellion seems to be getting out of hand. Mark shares how important it is to walk alongside and communicate with your teens as they search for their identities. Listen in for the rest of these great questions!

Have your own pressing parenting question for Mark? Ask it here: bit.ly/3NzKC9K

For more on how to support your teens in today's challenging world, read Mark's book, "Raising Teens in a Contrary Culture." Learn more at bit.ly/38Dy7eq

Teens and Porn: Shaming Is the Wrong Approach Jun 23, 2022

Show notes

The easy accessibility of pornography in today's culture is something that has a widespread impact on both teen guys and girls, so how can parents be prepared to confront this topic? Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how shaming or guilting a child who is struggling with porn is not the correct approach, and share some tips for parents on how to have this tough talk with their kids. Tune in to hear their insights!

For more advice on how to safeguard your teen's internet habits, check out Mark's article, "Parenting the Internet," at bit.ly/3xlOTae

Getting to the Heart of Your Teen's Anger Jun 22, 2022

Show notes

As practically every parent of a teen knows, when your child doesn't get what they want, it can lead to angry outbursts. And if you lose your temper too, it creates the perfect storm. In this devotional, Mark Gregston explains the top three reasons that teens get angry, and how to approach the situation with a calm spirit, a listening ear and gentle words. Listen in now!

If you want to learn more about how to effectively communicate with your teen, check out Mark's book, "Tough Guys and Drama Queens." Order your copy here: bit.ly/3MGVhPi

Taking a Break From Screens Jun 21, 2022

Show notes

We live in a digital age, and many teenagers today feel like they would really struggle if they didn't have their phones. In this episode, Mark Gregston speaks with some insightful Heartlight teens about their experiences at the boarding school, including what it has been like living without a cellphone. The surprising verdict? They DON'T miss social media! Tune in now to hear their stories!

To learn more about the Heartlight program and how it helps struggling teens, visit heartlightministries.org/boarding-school/

Can Failure Be a Good Thing? Jun 20, 2022

Show notes

If you, as a parent, look at failure as something to be ashamed of, chances are your teens will too — but inevitably, they WILL take risks and make mistakes. So how should you handle it? Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to talk about how parents need to prepare for when their teens will make mistakes and use those situations as opportunities to grow closer instead of just being critical. Don't miss this important discussion!

For more insight on what to do when your teen slips up, read Mark's article, "Confronting Your Teen's Mistakes," at bit.ly/3MApRtH

Creating New Opportunities Jun 17, 2022

Show notes

As a parent, what should you do with a teenager who just wants to stay in her room all the time? Or what about when your child really wants to go to a different school than the one you had planned for him? In today's episode, Mark Gregston answers these questions and more submitted by parents just like you. Don't miss these insights!

Do YOU have a pressing parenting question you want to ask Mark? Submit it here: bit.ly/3NzKC9K

If you have a teen who is spiraling out of control and you need some more help and encouragement, check out Heartlight Ministries' Families in Crisis online course at familycrisisretreat.com/families-in-crisis-course/

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