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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:

Raising Socially Awkward Teens Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd, and Courtney Lafleur discuss the growing issue of socially awkward teens and the cultural forces contributing to it — especially isolation caused by screens, gaming and social media. They emphasize that kids today are missing out on crucial face-to-face experiences that develop emotional intelligence, social cues and resilience. Parents are encouraged to gently push their teens out of isolation by modeling healthy interactions, creating opportunities for real-world engagement and refusing to rescue them from every uncomfortable situation.

Is your teen struggling? Mark's residential ministry 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.

Unlocking Your Teen's Heart With Questions Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

Today, Mark Gregston shares a devotional from Matthew 7:7, as he emphasizes the power of asking questions as a means of deepening our connection with our teens. Rather than lecturing or interrogating, parents are encouraged to engage their children through thoughtful, nonjudgmental inquiry — asking, seeking and knocking to access their hearts and minds. Questions help teens feel valued, spark critical thinking and lead them on a personal journey of discovery. In an age full of noise, curiosity and listening can be powerful tools for relational growth and lasting influence.

Are you struggling with your teen and want to ask Mark for his advice? Your question may be answered on a future Friday episode. Visit markgregston.com to ask him 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: Longing for Connection Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

So many teens today struggle with feeling isolated. It becomes hard — even scary — to open up to others and learn to trust. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who open up about the emptiness and insecurity that fueled their destructive choices, from substance use to pushing family away. Both teens share how feeling unworthy of love or belonging left them feeling alone — even as they craved acceptance. At Heartlight, they're beginning to see their own value and experience genuine connection with others.

Know a young adult who has a heart for working with teens? They may be a great addition to our residential staff at Heartlight! Learn more today at heartlight.jobs

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 Dads Can Build Strong Relationships With Their Teens Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur talk about the powerful impact fathers can have on their children’s lives — especially during the teen years. The three discuss how dads can connect with their teens by being present, listening well, engaging in their children's interests (even outside their comfort zone) and communicating unconditional love. They emphasize that the sacrifice of time now is far better than the regret of missing meaningful moments later. Ultimately, dads who validate, support and bless their teens give them the foundation they need to thrive and resist seeking affirmation elsewhere.

Is your family in crisis? Join Mark in Texas from October 2-4 for a retreat designed for specifically to help parents. Please 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: Rules, Rebellion and Relationship Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses some of the most pressing and poignant questions from parents and grandparents of teens today. From navigating teen anxiety, depression and substance use, to setting boundaries with technology and communication, Mark provides practical wisdom rooted in compassion. Listeners will find guidance on fostering connection over control, all while encouraging hope and resilience for families walking challenging paths. Whether you’re struggling with lost connection, difficult behavior or feelings of helplessness, this episode offers understanding, encouragement and actionable steps to strengthen your relationship with your teen. 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

Mean Girls and Social Media Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LeFleur discuss the emotional toll that mean-girl behavior and social media pressure can have on teenage girls. From exclusion and cyberbullying to unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards, social media amplifies insecurities and public shaming, often leading to anxiety, depression or isolation. Parents are encouraged to foster real-life connections, model healthy self-worth and talk openly with their daughters about what they see and feel online.

Is your family in crisis? Join Mark and his staff for a weekend in Texas designed to encourage and equip you as you raise your teen. Learn more and register 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.

Learning From Pain Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

Mark Gregston reflects on a personal experience of physical pain to illustrate how pain affects behavior, decision-making and empathy — especially in teens. He explains that when teens act out or seem disengaged, it may be rooted in deep emotional pain they don’t know how to express or escape. Rather than rushing to fix or shield kids from discomfort, parents should allow them to experience appropriate pain so they can grow in resilience, maturity and wisdom. Pain, though unpleasant, can be one of God’s most powerful tools for shaping character and drawing us closer to Him.

Do you have a question for Mark? Ask him 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: When Fitting in Leads to a Falling Out Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Every parent knows how much teens long to belong — yet sometimes the choices they make in pursuit of acceptance can lead them down a difficult path. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women from Heartlight, who share how struggles with fitting in and unresolved family pain fueled seasons of bad decisions and heartache. Anna discusses her initial shock at being sent away and the process of rebuilding her relationship with her parents, offering insights about the value of getting help — even when it isn’t easy or expected.

Curious about the Heartlight residential program? Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more 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.

Sharing Your Faith With Your Teen Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

In today’s culture, teens are overwhelmed with information and often skeptical of traditional approaches to faith. Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to shift from preaching to modeling — living out their beliefs through consistent, grace-filled actions rather than just words. Teens need safe, honest conversations, space to wrestle with doubt, and parents who are willing to listen and walk alongside them in their spiritual journey. Ultimately, your example, not just your instruction, is what will influence their faith the most.

Join Mark in Texas at one of Heartlight's Families in Crisis Conferences. To learn more, 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: Ministry, Motive and Mission Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston responds to a powerful and important question: “Does your ministry point kids to Jesus?” Mark’s thoughtful answer goes beyond one-size-fits-all approaches, reminding us that parenting teens, especially those struggling with faith, requires both patience and creativity. Remember, it’s not just about lecturing your kids, but showing them love through your actions and being present as they work through their doubts. 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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