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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:

A Mental Health Checkup for Teens Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how many teens today silently struggle with anxiety, depression and loneliness, often due to overwhelming cultural pressures and a lack of meaningful connection. Mark urges parents to recognize the signs — withdrawal, irritability or substance use — and not dismiss them as just a “phase.” He emphasizes the importance of creating a peaceful home environment, engaging in regular conversations and being an active, empathetic presence in a teen’s life. When something feels off, parents should seek help early.

Visit heartlightministries.org to learn more about Heartlight and how the ministry can help 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 Power of Listening Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Join Mark Gregston as he shares his heart with parents and grandparents. Today, Mark emphasizes that listening is one of the most powerful tools adults can use to build strong relationships with teens. He encourages us to set aside judgment, withhold immediate correction and engage in active, empathetic listening to truly understand a child’s heart. When teens feel heard, they’re more likely to open up and less likely to act out for attention. He reminds us that meaningful connection starts by creating a safe space where kids feel valued, not corrected or dismissed.

Do you have a question for Mark? Ask 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.

Teen Stories: What Really Drives Rebellion Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Every teen has a story behind the choices they make — sometimes, it's not about simple rebellion, but about a deeper search for belonging and understanding. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens whose journeys might sound familiar to many parents. For Andrew, who came to Heartlight from Toronto, frequent moves and underlying anger led him toward rebellion and drug use. He shares honestly about how being at Heartlight is helping him discover healthier ways to cope and communicate, especially with his dad.

Interested in learning more about Heartlight? 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.

Why Do Teens Act Recklessly? Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss how teens often act recklessly or impulsively due to underlying emotional needs such as curiosity, a desire to escape or low self-worth. Mark emphasizes that such behavior is a visible sign of invisible struggles in a teen’s heart. Parents should seek to understand the root causes by asking questions and staying engaged, rather than just trying to control behavior. Building trust, setting boundaries and focusing on heart transformation, not just rule-following, are key to helping teens thrive.

Is your family struggling? Join Mark in Texas at his Families in Crisis Conference, July 24-26. To learn more and register, please 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: Screentime, Structure and Standards Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses some of the most pressing questions sent in by parents just like you. From managing screen time addiction and understanding the difference between boundaries and rules, to helping teens open up and dealing with challenging behaviors in single-parent households, Mark draws from decades of experience to deliver practical, heartfelt advice. He addresses issues like spiritual disconnect, friendships with LGBTQ+ peers and when to step back with adult children struggling with pornography, all while emphasizing connection, responsibility and fostering maturity. Join Mark as he provides wisdom, stories and encouragement to parents seeking deeper, healthier relationships with their teens. 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

Phones, Teens & Boundaries: How to Stay Connected Without Losing Control Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Is your teen glued to their phone? You’re not alone. In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney LaFleur and Wayne Shepherd dive into the tricky world of teen phone use. They explore how smartphones impact relationships, focus and family dynamics — and what you can do about it. Discover practical tips on setting healthy, age-appropriate boundaries, fostering trust and encouraging more face-to-face connections.

Feeling overwhelmed? Join Mark in Texas from July 24–27 for the Families in Crisis Conference — a powerful weekend designed to bring hope and healing to struggling families. 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.

Are We Good Enough? Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Today, Mark Gregston reminds parents of their powerful role in affirming a child’s worth in a world flooded with self-help messages that often imply we’re not enough. Kids are longing for validation — not just recognition — and parents must take intentional time to invest in their children’s hearts. Through consistent love, listening and presence, parents can communicate the unshakable truth that their kids are enough just as they are. This message, rooted in God’s grace and unconditional love, can counter the harmful narratives of inadequacy many teens silently carry.

Looking for more tools designed to support you as you raise your teen? Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore resources, events and 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.

Teen Stories: Taking a Step Back Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

When a teen is really struggling, it can sometimes be hard for them to see the situation clearly — whether it's poor choices they're making or why their parents are concerned. But taking a step back from the situation can make all the difference. Today, Mark talks with two teens who open up about what led them down difficult paths. Both teens reveal the ways that broken communication at home, unmet emotional needs and risky decisions shaped their journeys. At Heartlight, they're beginning to understand what went wrong — and how to heal.

Is the Heartlight residential program the answer for your struggling teen? Go to heartlightministries.org today 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.

Supporting Your Teen with ADHD Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd explore how parents can better support teens with ADHD by adjusting expectations and parenting styles. They highlight the value of shorter conversations, academic flexibility and activities that match the teen's energy. While ADHD presents challenges, it can also bring strengths like creativity and verbal skills. Parents are encouraged to affirm these traits and avoid shame-based approaches.

Join Mark in Texas at our next Families in Crisis Conference (July 24-26), a three-day event that will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to guide your teenager back on the right path.

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: Culture, Connection and Crisis Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the most pressing concerns parents face — from navigating your teen’s reluctance to attend church to dealing with monitoring apps for their phones. He also addresses communication breakdowns and the heartbreaking reality of teen mental health and suicide. Mark offers practical advice on building trust, fostering open conversations and giving your teen the responsibility they crave, all while maintaining strong family connections. Whether you’re struggling with disrespect, worried about the influence of culture or just seeking guidance on how to keep your relationship with your teen healthy and supportive, this episode is packed with wisdom and compassion to help. 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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