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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 Running Away Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Few fears are greater for parents than a teen who runs away. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why teens take this step — what they might be running from or toward — and how parents can respond with love, grace and open conversation. They also share how reunions can become moments to rebuild trust, listen without judgment and create a home where teens feel safe and valued.

If your family is struggling, Heartlight Ministries may be able to help. Visit 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.

Understanding the Heart Behind Teen Anger Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

Today, we join Mark Gregston for a devotional drawing from James 1:19. Parents and teens both experience anger when their desires clash, but unchecked anger damages relationships. He explains that anger often signals deeper issues, like a teen’s longing for control, acceptance or attention, rather than just surface-level conflicts over curfews or clothing. He encourages parents to step back, observe what’s really driving their child’s frustration, and respond with calmness and curiosity instead of control or shame. Focus on their heart — rather than just their behavior.

Would you like Mark's advice on a struggle you're facing with your teen? Ask him your question 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: Searching for Direction Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

It’s not uncommon for today’s teens to feel lost — drifting through life without a sense of purpose or direction. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who both share how a lack of motivation and connection led them into trouble. Fifteen-year-old Peter opens up about struggles with motivation, trust issues after his parents’ divorce, and how falling in with the wrong crowd led to depression and substance use. He’s honest about what it feels like not to have life “figured out” — a feeling so many teens quietly carry.

Want to learn more about how the Heartlight program works? 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

Teaching Teens Financial Responsibility Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss the importance of teaching teens financial responsibility. They note that far fewer teens work today compared to past generations, which can lead to entitlement and a lack of financial management skills. Parents often enable dependency by providing too much, when instead they should gradually reduce financial support and encourage work, saving, giving and wise spending. Helping teens manage money early not only prepares them for adulthood but can also prevent future struggles in marriage and life.

Our next Families in Crisis Conference is coming up October 2-4! If you need a fresh start with your teen, don't miss this conference. Learn more 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.

I Mustache Mark a Question: Senior Slumps, Screen Time and Safe Spaces Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles questions from parents on motivating teens who are losing steam before graduation and supporting neurodivergent kids struggling with screen time. He also shares insights on staying connected with teens making tough choices and finding hope in the midst of family crises. Whether you’re feeling lost, frustrated or simply in need of fresh perspective, Mark offers guidance on shifting from control to connection, creating safe spaces for honest conversations and focusing on relationship over behavior. Tune in for encouragement, real talk and actionable advice to help you connect more deeply with your teen.

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

Sibling Conflict in Your Home Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how sibling rivalry is a common challenge, fueled by differences in personality, comparisons, unequal attention and the push for independence. While conflict is normal, it becomes destructive when parents compare children, show favoritism, or allow anger and criticism to go unchecked. The key is for parents to guide arguments toward resolution, ensure each child feels valued and invest time.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Marks resources designed specifically 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.

The Power of Relationship in Parenting Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

Parenting is about far more than discipline, survival or raising kids toward independence — it is ultimately rooted in relationship. When parents invest time and care into building genuine connections, small issues are more easily resolved, wisdom is received and children feel valued. Rules, achievements and clean rooms matter less than showing up consistently with love, empathy and presence. Strong relationships with children and grandchildren leave a lasting influence, shaping their character, faith and future far more deeply than tasks or accomplishments ever could.

Do you have a question for Mark? He would love to hear from you! Visit markgregston.com to ask him 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.

Teen Stories: Wrestling With Rejection Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

The fear of rejection can shape a teen’s choices in powerful and sometimes destructive ways. In this episode, Mark Gregston talks with two young ladies from Heartlight, who share how their desire to fit in and be accepted led them down difficult paths. Whether it’s constantly changing who they are to please different people, or battling feelings of abandonment that began long before Heartlight, both young women explain how the longing to be liked and the fear of being left out fueled their struggles. Today, they're finding the courage to face their fears and embrace authenticity.

Is the Heartlight residential program the right choice for your struggling teen? Learn more today at heartlightministries.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

Helping Your Teen Build Resilience Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of building resilience in teens including the ability to bounce back from mistakes, setbacks and stress. Mark explains that overprotecting children can prevent them from learning how to handle conflict, disappointment and criticism, leaving them unprepared for real life. Instead, parents should gradually “loosen the reins,” allowing teens to face challenges and take responsibility. By moving from a teaching model to a training model, parents help their teens develop maturity, strength and the resilience needed to thrive in a challenging world.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Mark's resources and events that are designed to help you navigate your journey of raising 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

I Mustache Mark a Question: Vaping, Video Games and Values Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses the real-life challenges parents of teens face, including vaping, bullying, video games, emotional struggles and the balance between connection and correction. He offers practical wisdom along with thoughtful answers on privacy, technology and parenting in a constantly changing culture. Whether you’re navigating tough conversations or working to build more honesty and trust at home, this episode is packed with encouragement to strengthen your relationship with your teen. Listen 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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