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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:

Navigating Teen Romance Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight counselor Courtney Lafleur tackle teens and dating, exploring what it means for parents to set realistic boundaries and stay involved as their children begin to experience romance.

They share relatable stories about early dating experiences, practical advice on age-appropriate guidelines and the importance of open communication to help parents guide teens through relationship challenges. The conversation is enriched by Hunter, a guest teen who candidly talks about his journey through personal struggles and the positive changes brought about by increased communication with his parents. Tune in today!

When is it time to talk to your teen about sex? Find out in this article from Mark at bit.ly/talking-to-your-teen-about-sex

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.

Stop Controlling and Start Trusting Your Teen Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

In this eye-opening episode, Mark dives deep into a common parenting dilemma — striking the right balance between guidance and control as teens seek independence. Drawing from a real-life story of a family whose well-intentioned rules backfired, Mark highlights the negative impact that excessive control can have on teenagers. He shares practical wisdom, anecdotes and biblical insights, encouraging parents to loosen their grip and empower their kids to make choices, learn from mistakes and build trust. Don’t miss this vital episode!

If your family is struggling with the transition from teen years to adulthood, be sure to check out this April retreat at parentingtodaysteens.org/event/adulting-past-the-teen-years

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: Out of Control Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

When life feels unpredictable, teens often seek control in unexpected ways. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women at Heartlight who share how loss and longing for independence shaped their choices. One opens up about the impact of losing her father and the turbulent relationship with her mom that followed, while the other reflects on her drive to grow up too fast and how that influenced her actions. Both stories reveal how the struggle for control can lead to risky decisions — and how stepping back can spark new growth. Don’t miss this honest conversation about grief, self-discovery and what it means to heal together as a family.

Know a young adult who's great with teens? They may be a perfect fit for our Heartlight staff! 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.

Are You Passing on Bad Habits to Your Teens? Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight counselor Courtney Lafleur explore ways parents pass down bad habits to their teens — from being overly critical and avoiding conflict to setting unrealistic expectations. They offer practical advice for recognizing these patterns, reversing their impact and healing parent-teen relationships. We also hear from a Heartlight teen, who bravely shares her journey through addiction, family trauma, and the lessons she's learned about self-worth and breaking cycles. Don't miss these relatable stories and actionable steps for parents to leave a positive legacy for their teens.

Did you know Heartlight offers counseling and experienced residential staff as a resource to help parents walk through challenging times? Learn more at parentingtodaysteens.org/coaching

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: Balancing Boundaries and Building Trust Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Mark tackles some more tough questions parents are asking about raising teens in today's rapidly changing world. From navigating conversations about sexuality and social media's impact on relationships, to setting boundaries around concerts, vaping and modesty, Mark offers practical wisdom and heartfelt advice. You'll hear insights into why teens struggle with connection, how the cultural landscape influences their choices and the importance of maintaining open dialogue — even when topics feel uncomfortable.

Have a parenting problem? Ask Mark about it — your question may be featured on the show! Go to markgregston.com to submit it.

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.

Mean Girls, Social Media and Building Resilience Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Heartlight counselor Courtney Lafleur joins Mark and Wayne to tackle the issue of "mean girl" culture and the impact of social media on teenage girls. They discuss how bullying, exclusion, gossip and unrealistic online standards can deeply affect a teen's mental health and self-worth. The episode features a candid interview with a teen who opens up about her personal struggles with substance abuse, coping with pain and how Heartlight provided the supportive environment she needed to turn her life around. Be sure to tune in!

Another issue many girls face online is overexposure to seductive lifestyles. Learn four ways parents can address immodesty with their teen at parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/modesty-and-my-daughter-2

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.

Helping Teens Process Pain and Heal Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Mark shares a personal devotional about the impact of loss on teens and families. Drawing from personal stories and experiences at Heartlight, Mark explains how loss shapes behavior and emotional responses in both kids and parents. He highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these losses — whether obvious or hidden — in order to foster healing and deepen relationships. Listen now and be encouraged to break generational patterns, address emotional wounds together, and embrace the journey toward hope and wholeness.

Depression is just one of the signs that your child may be struggling with a loss. Read insights from Mark on teen depression here: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/teens-depression-and-its-consequences

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: What's Left Unsaid Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

Even the most loving families can struggle to truly hear one another. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share their experiences with communication breakdowns at home. For Tucker, clashing with his mom over identity and expectations made it feel impossible to bridge the gap between who he is and who she wants him to be. Tune in as both teens reflect on how the inability to talk openly with parents shaped their journeys, and how rebuilding honest, accepting communication is often the first step toward healing.

Facing challenges with your teen? There's still time to register for our Families in Crisis Conference, happening March 20-22! Sign up today at familycrisisretreat.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.

How to Share Spiritual Values with Today’s Teens Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the challenges and opportunities parents face in sharing their faith with teenagers in a rapidly changing world. Drawing from real-life experiences and expert research, they discuss practical ways to establish biblical values at home, emphasizing authenticity, honest conversation and grace-based parenting. A special interview with Josh, a teen attending Heartlight, provides perspective on struggles young people face — even in faith-centered families. Find wisdom and encouragement when you listen today!

Sometimes parents can feel blindsided when they discover their teen is struggling. Visit parentingtodaysteens.org/product/when-your-teen-is-struggling for your copy of a guide to practical help and hope.

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: Vaping, Drinking and the Search for Acceptance Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

On today's Q&A episode, Mark shares some more insights into the struggles families are facing while raising teenagers today. He answers questions from parents about everything from vaping and drinking to tricky relationships, divorce and blending families. With decades of experience helping teens at Heartlight, Mark shares practical tips, some humor and plenty of encouragement for parents dealing with tough situations at home. Whether you're a new parent worried about the future, or deep in the trenches with a rebellious teen, this episode is packed with stories and helpful advice.

Have a question for Mark? We'd love to hear it! Go to markgregston.com to send in your question.

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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