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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:

How to Talk to Your Teen About Sex May 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney LeFleur and Wayne Shepherd discuss a parent's role in navigating the often difficult topic of sex. Mark encourages creating a home atmosphere where teens feel free to talk openly. They share how and when to have these conversations, along with key cultural issues parents should be aware of. Listen in for practical advice on approaching this subject with your children.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org for more practical and effective resources for parents and grandparents.

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.

Quit Correcting and Start Connecting May 28, 2025

Show notes

Mark shares a personal devotion from Hebrews 10:24, encouraging parents to focus less on correcting and more on connecting with their teens. He reminds parents to build in breaks from correction to allow teens space to rest. While correction may change behavior, connection reaches the heart. Tune in as Mark offers practical insights to help strengthen your relationship with your teen.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Mark's past podcasts, articles, books and more designed to support 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.

Teen Stories: Grieving and Growing May 27, 2025

Show notes

Loss can turn a teen’s world upside down — and sometimes, all that pain comes out in unexpected ways. On today’s show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share how the loss of their fathers shaped their choices, relationships and self-image. Both struggled to connect with their moms, acted out or withdrew, yet underneath it all was deep grief they didn’t know how to express. This episode explores how facing heartache — and learning to understand it — is the first step toward real healing. Listen in now!

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.

Producing Authenticity in Your Home May 26, 2025

Show notes

Mark Gregston, Courtney LeFleur and Wayne Shepherd explore the power of authenticity in parenting, and why it’s essential for building strong connections at home. As teens long for genuine relationships, the hosts challenge parents to let go of pretense and be real. By modeling authenticity, parents can foster deeper trust, stronger communication and healthier family dynamics.

Are you struggling with your teen? Our next Families in Crisis Conference is coming up July 24-26! 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: Freedom, Focus and Faith May 23, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the most pressing — and often tricky — questions parents are asking about their teenagers. He discusses how to navigate the shift in communication with increasingly independent 17- and 18-year-olds, as well as how to handle privacy and GPS tracking issues. Mark also dives into how to introduce godly sexuality to preteens, offering compassionate, practical advice drawn from his years of experience. You'll hear insights on when to let consequences teach important life lessons and how to support teens as they begin making their own choices.

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

Busting Parenting Myths May 22, 2025

Show notes

On this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur debunk five common parenting myths that often mislead moms and dads during the teen years. They stress that teens don’t need perfect parents or best friends — they need relational, trustworthy guides who are willing to be vulnerable and adapt their approach. They encourage parents to remain teachable, relational and flexible as they raise their teens in a rapidly changing culture.

If your family is struggling, see if Mark's ministry can help. Visit heartlightministries.org for more info.

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.

Listen More, Argue Less May 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Gregston reflects on how today’s culture — especially among teens — is saturated with arguments as people fight to be heard, validated and valued. Drawing from Proverbs 17:28 and 2 Timothy 2, he urges parents to replace quarrels with compassionate listening, emphasizing that not every disagreement needs to be voiced. Instead of criticizing your teen, he encourages building trust and waiting for an invitation to speak truth in love. Mark reminds us that genuine influence comes through relationship, not arguments. Choose love and grace over winning debates.

Get Mark's newest devotional for your family by visiting dailyhopeforfamilies.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: Are We Truly Seeing Their Hurt? May 20, 2025

Show notes

Underneath teen rebellion and withdrawal, there’s often a deeper struggle for identity and a place to belong. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies from Heartlight, including Grace, who candidly opens up about the pain of abandonment and identity stemming from being adopted from China. She discusses how her journey through depression and self-isolation impacted her relationship with her parents. In these conversations, you'll hear the lessons both girls learned about empathy, love and being truly known.

Do you long for more peace in your home? Join us in July for our next Families in Crisis Conference to learn practical tools that'll help you get there. 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.

The Power of Saying I’m Sorry May 19, 2025

Show notes

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore the power of a sincere apology in strengthening parent-teen relationships. They encourage parents to model humility by saying “I’m sorry” when needed, showing their teens that mistakes are a normal part of life. A heartfelt apology can break down walls, foster trust and open the door to deeper connections.

To explore more resources Mark has designed to support you as you raise your teen, please 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.

I Mustache Mark a Question: Consequences, Connection and Conversations That Matter May 16, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough listener-submitted questions about raising teens in today’s culture. From discovering a child's vaping habit and managing sibling conflict to supporting an adopted teen through promiscuity and responding to a daughter's mental health crisis, Mark offers practical wisdom framed by a relational approach. He addresses tough topics like setting boundaries in adolescent relationships, handling exposure to pornography, and finding the right balance between consequences and grace. Whether you're looking for tools to build trust, guidance on difficult conversations or simply reassurance that you're not alone, this episode is packed with honest insights to help you deepen your connection with your teen — no matter what season your family is in. 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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