Parenting Today's Teens - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

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:

Teen Depression and Its Consequences Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

Depression among teens is rising rapidly, with major studies showing increasing rates of persistent sadness, anxiety and even suicide. Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explain that depression doesn’t always have obvious warning signs, which is why parents must stay closely connected and ask deeper questions beyond “How are you?” Mark highlights common indicators like withdrawal, changes in sleep/eating habits, loss of interest, anger, risky behavior and talk of death. Always take suicidal statements seriously — especially if a teen has a plan. Parents can’t “fix” depression alone, and seeking professional help quickly (and using resources like the 988 crisis line) can save a life.

Is your teen spiraling? Visit heartlightministries.org to learn about Mark's residential counseling program and how it may be able help your family.

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.

God Is Bigger Than We Think Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

Today, Mark Gregston shares a personal story about being unexpectedly fired, leading him into a painful season that left him feeling rejected and questioning God’s presence. Over time, he realized God was still at work, even when life didn’t make sense — and that faith often means believing without fully understanding. He reflects on Scripture and experiences that remind him God uses even hardship to shape us and draw families closer to Him. Mark encourages listeners that God hasn’t abandoned us in suffering, and one day we’ll understand the purpose behind what felt devastating.

Explore all of the resources Mark has designed to help parents of struggling teens by visiting parentingtodaysteens.org.

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: How Honesty Builds Connection Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

We all want to be seen, heard and valued — our teens are no different! In today's episode, Mark Gregston sits down with two Heartlight teens whose stories reveal a powerful, common thread: the desperate search for connection. One young lady shares how her risky choices and need to make a scene stemmed from feeling unheard, especially by her father, and how learning to have honest conversations at Heartlight has helped her change. These stories show how being in a supportive environment enables teens to communicate better, mature emotionally and form meaningful relationships — not only with their families but also with peers.

Is Heartlight the right choice for your struggling teen? Go to heartlightministries.org 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.

Does Your Teen Smile Anymore? Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd today as they discuss what it means when your teen no longer smiles — and why parents shouldn’t ignore it. Mark explains that a missing smile is often a sign of deeper sadness, frustration or depression, and an invitation for parents to lean in with compassion. He encourages parents to respond with humility, honest conversation and a willingness to change. Ultimately, the goal is not to make them smile so you can feel like a better parent, but because you are deeply concerned about their heart.

If you're struggling with your teen, we encourage you to join Mark in Texas at one of his Families in Crisis Conferences. To learn more and register, visit 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.

I Mustache Mark a Question: Rules, Rebellion and Recovery Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

In today's episode, Mark takes on more of listeners' most pressing questions about parenting adolescents in today’s world — from setting limits on screen time and understanding the difference between rules and boundaries, to getting your teen to actually talk to you (without just one-word answers). He dives into tough issues like teens questioning faith, dealing with challenging behaviors at home and what to do when your older teen won’t step away from unhealthy habits. Tune in for practical, down-to-earth advice that’ll help you connect with your teen and have some fun along the way.

We want to hear your parenting questions! Go to markgregston.com to send them in today — your question may be addressed on a future episode.

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.

Managing Your Teen's Phone Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

Managing your teen’s phone use starts with recognizing that phones aren’t just distractions — they’re a primary way teens connect, feel entertained and stay tied to their world. While excessive phone use can interrupt attention, reduce face-to-face relationships and fuel dopamine-driven habits, the technology isn’t going away. So, parents must lead intentionally. Setting age-appropriate boundaries, creating phone-free family times and clearly defining expectations help keep phones from replacing real relationships. Most importantly, parents must model healthy phone habits themselves and create meaningful, engaging connections that teens don’t feel the need to escape from.

Do you have a parenting question for Mark? You can send it to us 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.

A Parent’s Most Important Message: 'You Are Enough' Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

Mark Gregston explains that today’s self-help culture constantly tells kids they’re “not enough,” fueling anxiety, confusion and a relentless pressure to perform. He reminds parents that Scripture points to God’s sufficiency and unconditional grace — our kids don’t need to earn their worth. One of a parent’s most important roles is to consistently communicate, through time, presence and validation, “You are enough.” When children feel fully known, loved and affirmed at home, they’re far less likely to search elsewhere for value.

Explore all of Mark's resources designed to help you as you journey through raising your teens by visiting parentingtodaysteens.org.

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: Fleeing Hurt Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

Sometimes what looks like rebellion or risky behavior in teens is really just a signal flare for something deeper going on inside. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents, each with a different story but a similar struggle: trying to fill the emptiness and pain in their lives by acting out. Whether it’s substance use, running away or searching for connection in all the wrong places, they share how unresolved hurt and family disconnect fueled their choices — until a crisis forced them to face what was really going on.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Visit heartlightministries.org today!

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 Support Your Teen with ADHD Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how parents of teens with ADHD may need to adjust expectations and recognize that their teen may struggle with focus, impulsivity, follow-through and relational depth — not because they don’t care, but because their brain works differently. Shorter conversations, built-in breaks, clear structure and consistent reminders can reduce frustration and help teens succeed at school, home and relationships. Most importantly, parents are urged to affirm their teen’s strengths and outside-the-box thinking, while adapting their parenting approach to meet their teen’s unique needs.

Struggling with your teen? Join Mark in Texas at his next Families in Crisis Conference, March 20-22. To learn more or register, visit 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.

I Mustache Mark a Question: Balancing Screen Time, Communication and Affirmation Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

Every parent worries about their teen’s online world — but what’s really driving all that screen time? In today’s show, Mark answers questions from two mothers concerned about their daughters’ search for connection through social media and texting. Behind the flirty messages and endless scrolling is a longing to feel valued and affirmed, both at home and with peers. Mark explores how technology has changed the way teens connect, why affirmation from parents is more important than ever and how building a strong relationship can keep your teen anchored. Listen in as we dig into the heart of what today’s teens are truly searching for!

Does parenting have you at your wits' end? Ask Mark your questions — they may be featured on the show! Go to markgregston.com today.

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.

Related Podcasts