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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:

What Your Teen Needs Most from You, Dad Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

What kind of impact does a father really have on a teen’s life? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur talk about the unique and powerful role dads play in shaping their teens’ identity, confidence and sense of worth. You’ll hear how time, presence and genuine interest can transform even strained relationships. When dads show up — especially in the small, everyday moments — it creates lasting connection. Because what you give your teen today can shape the direction of their life for years to come.

Dads, how would you describe your parenting style? Learn ways to have a positive influence on your teen here: bit.ly/dads-build-strong-relationships-with-their-teens

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.

A Parent’s Greatest Challenge Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Are you trying to guide your teen? Or just frustrated by the culture they’re growing up in? In this episode, Mark shares what may be the greatest challenge parents face today: staying connected in a rapidly changing world. It’s easy to criticize the next generation, but that often pushes teens further away. Mark unpacks five practical ways to build real connection, from showing genuine interest to adapting your message and inviting meaningful conversations. When connection is strong, your influence grows. Because in the end, it’s not just what you say — it’s who you are in your teen’s life that matters most.

Explore four common relationship barriers and how you can overcome them to reconnect with your teen at bit.ly/breaking-down-the-walls-with-your-teen

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.

Teen Stories: The Battle to Be Understood Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Behind every broken rule or secret kept, there’s often a story of a teen who just wants to be seen. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young ladies at Heartlight who open up about their struggles with honesty, their search for acceptance and the ways family dynamics shaped their choices. Whether it’s sneaking around out of fear of rejection or using substances as a way to fit in, they remind us that the journey to connection is rarely simple. Listen in as they share how miscommunication pushed them further from their parents — and how understanding and grace became the first steps to healing.

Heartlight is hiring! Know a young adult who's excellent at working with teens? We'd love to hear from them. 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 Socially Awkward Teens Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Is your teen struggling to connect with others or retreating into screens instead of real relationships? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur talk about what’s behind social awkwardness in today’s teens. From constant digital entertainment to lack of real-life interaction, many teens are missing the experiences that build confidence and connection. You’ll learn how to gently push your teen out of isolation, model healthy relationships and help them develop the social skills they need to thrive. Plus, a teen’s story reveals how isolation, curiosity and family dynamics can shape behavior — and what it takes to turn things around.

Some isolation is healthy, but sometimes it signals deeper struggles. Learn six things to know about teen isolation and how to respond here: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/6-things-to-know-about-teen-isolation

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.

I Mustache Mark a Question: Respect, Identity Struggles and Building Real Relationships Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

Every teen faces tough questions about who they are, but for some, the journey is especially complicated. In today's Q&A episode, topics range from navigating conversations about gender identity and supporting teens with dyslexia, to handling anger, anxiety and the impact of listening to explicit music. Mark also shares insights on the right age for teens to start dating, how to foster respect and responsibility, and offers guidance for parents dealing with complex situations such as an 18-year-old dating a much older partner. Don't miss this episode!

Have a parenting question for Mark? We'd love to hear it! Go to markgregston.com to submit your questions.

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.

When Your Teen Thinks Differently Than You Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

What’s shaping your teen’s beliefs, and why do they sometimes latch onto ideas that create tension at home? In this episode, Mark and Wayne unpack how today’s teens are influenced by culture, peers and a deep desire to belong. When teens adopt strong opinions or causes, it’s often less about the issue and more about identity and connection. You’ll learn how to respond without overreacting, keep conversations open and stay relational even when you disagree. Plus, Mark and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur talk to a teen about how struggles with acceptance can shape behavior — and how real change begins.

If your home feels like Groundhog Day — same arguments, same frustrations, same exhausting cycle — it’s time to do something different. Visit bit.ly/constant-conflict-exhausted-parents for 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.

When Helping Hurts: Teaching Teens to Carry Their Own Load Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

Are you helping your teen — or holding them back? In this episode, Mark shares a powerful story about a young adult unprepared for real life, and the well-meaning parenting that led her there. Drawing from Galatians 6:5, Mark challenges parents to rethink overprotecting, overproviding and over-involving. Because somewhere along the way, every teen must learn to carry their own load. If you’ve ever struggled to know when to step in and when to step back, this episode offers practical wisdom to help you raise responsible, resilient young adults.

Learn four ways to foster growth and respect in your teen here: fostering-growth-respect-in-teens

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.

Teen Stories: Feeling the Pressure Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

When teens seem to have it all — good grades, bright smiles, great families — it's easy for parents to assume things are fine. But what if that perfect image is masking deeper struggles? In today's episode, Mark talks with two teens at Heartlight who reveal the hidden pressures they faced beneath their outward appearances. For one young lady, being the youngest of seven in a loving home didn't erase her intense fear of disappointment; instead, it drove her to hide parts of her life from her mom, trying to protect both of them from the pain of failure. Both girls discuss the toll of living in a world where appearances matter more than authenticity — and how breaking through those barriers has changed everything.

Interested in learning about the Heartlight program? Go to heartlightministries.org today for more info!

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.

Breaking Patterns, Building Trust & Beating Boredom Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

As summer break draws closer, we’re revisiting an episode with Mark and Wayne about setting your teen up for success. Boredom isn’t harmless — it can open the door to unhealthy habits if teens lack structure and purpose. Mark shares practical ways to create balance through responsibility, work and meaningful family connection. You’ll also hear from Jared, a teen at Heartlight, who explains how addressing addiction, anxiety and broken trust helped him begin rebuilding his life and relationships. His story is an important reminder that behind every behavior is a deeper need. This episode will help you move your teen from drifting to growth. Check it out!

Learn to identify the real reasons behind your teen’s lack of motivation and get practical steps to help them move forward here: bit.ly/how-to-motivate-an-underachiever

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.

I Mustache Mark a Question: Parenting Older Teens, Independence and Consequences Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

In today’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles some more pressing parenting questions — covering everything from keeping tabs on your teen’s whereabouts and managing screen time, to introducing godly sexuality, fostering independence and knowing when to step in as a parent. Mark also offers practical wisdom on allowing teens to make mistakes and learn through consequences, balancing discipline with affirmation, and finding the right time to step in OR step back as your child matures. This episode is great for any parent looking to deepen their understanding and connection with their teenager as they move toward adulthood.

Facing a parenting puzzle you just can't solve? Ask Mark about it! Submit your questions at markgregston.com

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.

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