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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:

When It's Time for Your Teen to Grow Up Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of preparing your children for adulthood before they reach their late teens. Parents should gradually give their children responsibility — encouraging jobs, decision-making and independence — so they don’t become dependent adults living at home without purpose. Mark warns that too much provision can quickly turn into enabling if parents continue to do everything for their kids, which keeps them from developing life skills. Instead, parents must set expectations, create boundaries and guide their teens toward maturity so they are ready to thrive on their own.

Join Mark in Texas for a weekend at his Families in Crisis Conference, designed to help parents who are struggling with their teens. 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.

It's All About Perspective Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Listen in as Mark Gregston shares a personal story and scripture to illustrate the importance of perspective. While he complained about having the worst seats in the house at a concert, his granddaughter reminded him they were actually the best because you could see everything. He connects this lesson to parenting, emphasizing that many teens today lack perspective and rely more on peers than parents. Mark encourages parents to engage relationally, understand their teen’s world and offer wisdom that gives the “big picture” rather than just criticism — helping kids navigate life with clarity and hope.

Would you like to ask Mark your parenting questions? You can submit 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.

Teen Stories: You Can't Run From Your Struggles Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Running away isn’t just about escaping home — it’s often a sign of deeper issues beneath the surface. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share what led them to leave home and the pain that fueled their choices. Through candid conversations, both young ladies reveal the impact of unstable family dynamics, the pain of isolation and the courage it takes to face their struggles head-on. Listen in as we unpack what’s really going on when teens run away — and how caring adults can help them find their way back.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Go to 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.

Is Dating Right for Your Teen? Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

Join us today as Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LeFleur explore whether dating is right for teens. The three discuss how dating can provide valuable opportunities for teens to learn social skills, understand the opposite sex and begin shaping their ideas about future relationships. While parents often worry about issues like trust, influence and premature sexual involvement, the hosts emphasize the importance of staying connected, setting healthy boundaries and guiding conversations without shaming the natural desire to date. Ultimately, they encourage parents to see dating as a normal part of growing up and to use it as an opportunity to influence their teens’ values and choices through open communication.

Is your teen struggling? Mark's residential counseling ministry can help! Visit heartlightministries.org to see if it's the right choice 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.

I Mustache Mark a Question: Respecting Privacy, Navigating Identity and Surviving Turmoil Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, Mark tackles some more of the toughest questions that parents are facing in today’s world. From navigating strict parenting styles and the ongoing battle over technology, to addressing issues of identity, sexuality and peer bullying, Mark offers practical advice rooted in decades of experience working with teens and their families. He also shares insights on setting boundaries around phone use, responding to substance use and handling conflicts that can arise between parents when it comes to disciplining their kids. Check it out!

Have a pressing parenting question you'd like to ask Mark? Go to markgregston.com to send it in!

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 Listening to Your Teen’s Heart? Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore why listening is one of the most powerful tools parents can use with their teens. Teens don’t always need more lectures — they need safe spaces where their voices matter. When parents ask questions, stop correcting and truly listen, teens feel valued and are more willing to open up. This atmosphere of understanding not only strengthens the relationship, but also builds a foundation of lifelong trust and influence.

Is your family in crisis? Join Mark for a weekend in Texas at his Families in Crisis conferences, designed to give parents practical help and hope. 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.

How to Influence Your Teen Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Mark Gregston shares the most effective way to influence a teen — by spending intentional, consistent time together. He encourages parents to set aside weekly one-on-one moments starting around age 13 to build trust and open communication before conflict arises. These times should focus on listening, creating a safe space and being authentic, not lecturing or correcting. Over time, these consistent connections lay the foundation for deeper conversations and lasting influence during the turbulent adolescent years.

For more of Mark’s advice and resources to help you raise your teen, visit 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: Covering Hurt with a Smile Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

Every teen faces pressures, but some feel compelled to hide behind a mask — covering up pain or anxiety with risky behaviors or a perfect facade. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens whose struggles took them down very different paths, but revealed their deep need for acceptance and authentic connection. For Santana, it was tough to take off his "mask." Despite always presenting a friendly face, he struggles with bottling emotions and the fear that being vulnerable — even with his parents — would mean losing their love. Now, he reflects on the power of unconditional love and the healing that comes from self-acceptance.

If your teen is struggling right now, Heartlight may be the answer. Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more about our residential program!

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 Teen Foolishness and Promote Wisdom Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore how parents can guide teens away from foolish choices and toward wisdom. Teens often repeat negative behavior when the pleasure outweighs the pain, so parents must set consequences strong enough to spark change. But it’s not just about stopping foolishness — teens also need positive direction and opportunities to grow. When parents help their kids see the rewards of wise choices, they equip them for adulthood with responsibility, respect and maturity.

Want Mark’s advice for a challenge you’re facing with your teen? Visit markgregston.com to ask your parenting questions 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.

I Mustache Mark a Question: Dating Drama, Destructive Decisions and Disconnection Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Gregston takes on some of the most pressing and sensitive questions parents face in their journey with teens. From handling a daughter's unexpected relationship choices to supporting adopted children with behavioral challenges, Mark offers practical advice grounded in wisdom, empathy and experience. Listeners will find guidance on balancing discipline with understanding, opening lines of communication about difficult topics, and — most importantly — loving their teens unconditionally through every struggle. Tune in now!

Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: 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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