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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:

Teens and Politics Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how parents can wisely talk about politics with their teens. They emphasize that while politics can be divisive, parents shouldn’t avoid the topic — teens need guidance to think critically and biblically rather than absorb culture’s extremes. Parents should model respectful dialogue, listen more than lecture and allow their teens to process differing views without fear of rejection. The goal isn’t to control their beliefs but to keep relationships strong and create space for open, grace-filled conversations.

Heartlight Ministries is Mark's residential counseling ministry designed to help struggling teens and families. Visit heartlightministries.org to learn more and see if it's right for 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.

The Heart Behind Your Teen's Behavior Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Today, Mark Gregston explains that parents must look beyond their teen’s behavior to understand the deeper heart issues driving it. Drawing from Proverbs 3:21–24, and a moving story about a past Heartlight student, he illustrates that a child’s anger or rebellion often masks pain, loss, or a longing for love and value. He reminds parents that all behavior — good or bad — is the visible expression of invisible struggles. True connection happens when parents respond with wisdom, empathy and grace, addressing the heart rather than merely correcting the behavior.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of the resources designed by Mark to help you as you raise your 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: Beyond Surface Level Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Every troubled teen has a story that goes much deeper than their behavior shows. Behind acting out, running away, or self-destruction, there's often a world of private pain and confusion. Today, Mark Gregston sits down with two teens from Heartlight whose journeys reveal how struggles like addiction, grief and low self-worth can drive choices that seem shocking to outsiders. For one young lady, a long battle with eating disorders and drug use hid her feelings of worthlessness. Tune in for honest, hopeful stories about facing pain head-on and starting over — one step at a time.

If your teen is struggling right now, Heartlight may be the answer. Learn more at 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.

Keeping Your Identity Outside of Parenting Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how many parents lose their personal identity by becoming overly consumed with their children’s lives. While involvement is vital, Mark emphasizes that parents must maintain balance — nurturing their marriage, friendships and personal interests so their sense of purpose isn’t tied solely to parenting. They remind us that when a parent’s entire focus revolves around their kids, it can create pressure for teens and strain the family dynamic as children get older. Mark encourages moms and dads to pursue hobbies, friendships and “me time” to protect their mental, emotional and relational health.

If your family is struggling, Mark invites you to join him at one of his Families In Crisis Conferences at Heartlight Ministries in Texas. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more and register!

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: College, Curfews and Restoring Connection Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Gregston draws on over three decades of experience to tackle the questions parents are most desperate to have answered. From navigating trust issues after years of monitoring a teen’s tech usage to finding healthy ways to motivate an unenthusiastic senior, Mark offers down-to-earth advice rooted in real-life stories. Whether you’re dealing with curfew battles, shifting relationships or a teen stretching toward adulthood, this episode is full of practical tips to help deepen your relationship with your teen.

Have a question you'd like to ask Mark? 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.

Responding to Sexually Abused Teens Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

Sexual abuse leaves deep scars that affect a teen’s safety, relationships and self-worth. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share both personal and ministry experiences, emphasizing how abuse creates lasting feelings of loss, shame and confusion. Parents are urged to respond without blame or anger, instead creating a safe environment where their child feels valued and heard, while seeking professional help when needed. Ultimately, healing comes through compassion, support and trusting God to create good out of brokenness.

Do you know someone who is great with teens and is looking to make a difference? Heartlight may be the place for them. Visit heartlightministries.org/careers 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.

Grandparenting with Grace: A Home Teens Can Trust Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Today, Mark Gregston reflects on Matthew 11:28–30, emphasizing the need for homes — especially grandparents’ homes — to be places of rest and refuge for weary teens. He contrasts lifeless or overly rigid environments with welcoming spaces where kids feel safe, accepted and free to be imperfect. Mark encourages grandparents to design a warm setting, create a positive atmosphere, establish clear but loving rules and foster open conversations. By doing so, they can provide their grandchildren with a sanctuary of love, laughter, and grace that refreshes both body and soul.

Do you have a question you'd like to ask Mark about parenting your teen?

Visit markgregston.com to ask his advice — it may be featured on the I Mustache Mark a Question segment!

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: Talking It Out Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

So much changes when teens and parents start talking — and really listening — to each other. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight students who open up about the struggles that kept them silent and the pain that came from not feeling heard at home. Both share how a lack of open communication fueled their anxiety, rebellion and sense of isolation. Now, through counseling and new experiences, they're learning the value of honest conversations in healing relationships and rebuilding trust.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight 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.

Helping Your Teen Heal from the Pain of Divorce Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

Divorce deeply impacts teens, often leaving them with feelings of abandonment, loss, guilt and confusion. Mark Gregston explains that many teens internalize divorce, believing they were the cause or feeling like life will never return to normal. These unresolved emotions can manifest in isolation, grief and strained relationships. Parents can help their teens heal by spending intentional time with them, affirming their love, listening without judgment, avoiding blame and working cooperatively with their ex to provide consistency and stability.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Mark's resources designed to help you as you raise 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.

I Mustache Mark a Question: Grief, Growth and Guiding Teens Through Tough Choices Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

In today's Q&A episode, Mark addresses heartfelt questions from parents and grandparents facing the everyday struggles and big transitions that come with raising teens. From navigating financial support for adult children choosing different paths, to dealing with rebellious behavior, loss and the complexities of blended families, Mark offers seasoned advice grounded in empathy and real-world experience. Whether you're wrestling with house rules or grappling with grief, this candid episode is packed with insight for every parent walking through changing seasons with their teen.

Want Mark's advice on a struggle you're facing with your teen? Submit your question at markgregston.com — he may answer it on the show!

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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