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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:

Listening to Your Teen on a Deeper Level Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they remind us that listening is one of the most powerful tools you can use to connect with your teen. As kids grow into adolescence, they crave someone who will truly hear them — without judgment or constant advice. Mark explains that parents must shift from a teaching role to a training role by asking questions, being quiet and listening with the intent to understand. When teens don’t feel heard at home, they’ll seek connection elsewhere, often in places that may not align with the family’s values.

In a tough spot with your teen? Join Mark in Texas at our Families in Crisis Retreat. 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.

An Anchor of Certainty Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

In this devotional, Mark Gregston highlights the deep anxiety teens face today due to overwhelming uncertainty in their world — like social instability, global crises and cultural pressures. He compares this with Luke’s purpose in writing his Gospel: to offer certainty about the truths we’ve been taught. Mark urges parents to become a source of steady, reliable certainty for their children by modeling unwavering truth and faith. In a culture flooded with doubt, kids need anchors of tradition, values and love to help them navigate adolescence with confidence and hope.

Is your teen struggling? 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.

Teen Stories: Letting Go of Old Habits Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Many parents see their teens retreat — whether into substance use, technology or isolation — and wonder what they're really running from. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with Dean and RJ, two Heartlight residents, who share the personal struggles that led them to seek refuge in unhealthy habits — Dean through drugs, and RJ through hours of video games. Both young men open up about how avoiding their problems only left them feeling more lost, and how their time at Heartlight is helping them confront their pain, reconnect with family and rediscover who they truly are.

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.

Barriers to a Good Relationship with Your Teen Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Today, Mark Gregston discusses key barriers that hinder strong relationships between parents and teens, including misunderstanding, overly strict rules, unrealistic expectations and discipline without connection. He encourages parents to reflect on their own behavior, communicate openly, and create a safe space where teens feel heard and valued. Mark emphasizes that relationships grow through shared time, authenticity and offering grace rather than demanding perfection. Ultimately, he urges parents to lead with humility and a willingness to change, which can foster a deeper connection with their teen.

Would you like Mark's advice for a challenge you're facing with your teen? Visit markgregston.com to send in a question!

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: Identity, Influence and Intimacy Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston discusses real-world issues that parents are facing with their teens today. He covers everything from guiding teens through questions of gender identity and same-sex attraction to helping them with struggles like dyslexia, anxiety and anger, navigating the music they listen to, and even tackling tricky situations like an 18-year-old dating a much older partner. With a firm belief that strong, healthy relationships are the key to weathering any parenting storm, Mark offers practical advice, real-life stories and a whole lot of encouragement to help you strengthen the bond 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

What’s Driving Today’s Teen Radicalization? Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

In this eye-opening episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into why so many teens today are passionately embracing social or political causes. While some are motivated by strong convictions, many are simply searching — for identity, belonging, independence or even just a way to stand out. Mark shares practical, heartfelt advice for parents facing this challenge: stay calm, keep the lines of communication open, avoid jumping to judgment and lead with love while setting clear boundaries.

Looking for more peace in your home? Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more and register for a Families in Crisis Conference!

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.

Raising Responsible Teens Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Join Mark Gregston for a devotional as he reflects on Galatians 6:5, emphasizing the importance of teaching teens to carry their own responsibilities rather than parents doing everything for them. He shares the story of a young woman named Rachel, whose immaturity and lack of real-world readiness stemmed from a father who overprotected and overprovided. Mark urges parents to gradually transfer responsibility, helping teens build good character while preparing them for independence and real-life challenges.

Would you like to ask Mark a question about raising your teen? Ask him 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.

Teen Stories: The Masks We Wear Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Almost every parent knows the worry that comes when a teen starts to change — pulling away, making risky choices or hiding behind a version of themselves that’s hard to recognize. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share honestly about how desperately they wanted to fit in, and what it cost them. Each tells their story of putting on a mask to please friends, avoid disappointing their parents or simply escape the pressure of being “the good kid.” Now, they’re learning what it takes to be real — facing fears, letting go of people-pleasing and rebuilding trust with family.

Do you know someone in their 20s who just has a gift for connecting with teens? They may be the perfect fit for our Residential Youth Specialist position! Learn more today at https://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.

Making the Most of Summertime with Your Teen Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to make the most of summer with their teens by creating intentional and meaningful experiences. They share five tips for parents to try out, and Mark stresses the importance of balancing productivity with rest while building lifelong memories through shared activities. The goal is to use summer as a valuable season for connection, growth and joy within the family.

If you need help with your struggling teen, our residential counseling program, Heartlight Ministries, may be the answer. 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.

I Mustache Mark a Question: Screen Time Struggles Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Mark tackles one of the biggest challenges modern parents face: navigating screen time, smartphones and developing healthy boundaries with technology. Responding to a heartfelt question from a mom of three boys, Mark shares thoughtful advice on how parents can encourage responsibility, set effective house rules around technology and move their teens from external controls to developing crucial internal boundaries. From the right age to hand over that first phone, to making sure technology becomes a tool rather than a trap, Mark explores practical strategies every parent can use to guide their teens in today’s digital world. Get ready for some real talk, helpful tips and encouragement as you build deeper connections with your kids while preparing them for independence — 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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