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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:

Help for Teens Growing Up in a Chaotic World May 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how today’s teens are growing up in an overwhelming and chaotic world, saturated with constant information, conflicting values, and social pressures that fuel anxiety and confusion. Mark emphasizes that teens deeply desire stability, security, and authentic relationships with their parents and grandparents, even if they don’t always show it. He urges parents to be present, listen well and offer calm, faith-rooted guidance — reminding them that they are a lifeline for their children in a stormy culture.

Explore all of Mark's resources designed to help you as you raise your teens at 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.

A Lifetime of Lessons on Making Things Right May 14, 2025

Show notes

In this heartfelt episode, Mark Gregston reflects on his decades-long journey of working with teens and families, beginning with a single act of compassion at age 19 that led to a lifetime of ministry. He shares a powerful story of reconciliation — after 40 years of silence — emphasizing the damage unresolved conflict can cause in relationships. Mark encourages listeners with a call to action: Don’t let unresolved issues steal time, connection or legacy — begin the healing process today.

Do you have a question you would like Mark to answer? 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: Burdened by Expectations May 13, 2025

Show notes

Every parent wants the best for their teen, but what happens when the pressure to be perfect becomes too much to bear? In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young men from Heartlight who share their personal journeys through anxiety, depression and the crushing weight of high expectations. Both teens describe how striving to meet others’ standards led them to hide their struggles and withdraw into harmful behaviors. Tune in for a powerful look at the hidden battle many teens face, and discover how compassion can make all the difference.

Is Heartlight the right answer for your struggling teen? Head to 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.

10 Things to Consider When Adopting May 12, 2025

Show notes

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore adoption as one of the greatest acts of love and sacrifice a family can make. Drawing from conversations with adopted teens and their families, they share insights that help parents understand the unique challenges these children face. They emphasize the need for parents to adapt their approach as their child grows and enters new developmental stages. In closing, they share some thoughtful questions to help parents navigate identity issues their adopted child may wrestle with over time.

As Mark shared today, "Marriage Simplified" — a digital guide from Christian Parenting, which includes Mark's best marriage advice — is available at christianparenting.org/marriagesimplifiedguide

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: Boundaries, Bullying and Belonging May 09, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the most pressing issues facing parents of teenagers — from navigating adoption challenges and discussing sexuality, to setting boundaries with teens exploring relationships. He also addresses managing teen mental health and substance use, as well as supporting those facing bullying and isolation. Mark offers heartfelt advice drawn from years of experience, reminding listeners of the importance of maintaining strong relationships, setting healthy boundaries and seeking community support when needed. Whether you're struggling to connect with a withdrawn teen, worried about your child's choices or searching for faith-based guidance in complex situations, this episode is packed with practical insights for every parent.

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 to Blame? May 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into a question every parent wrestles with: What’s really behind my teen’s bad behavior? They remind parents that a teen’s identity is not defined by their actions — and that there’s always more beneath the surface. From peer pressure and unresolved emotions to complex family dynamics, Mark and Wayne explore the deeper influences that shape teen behavior. You’ll walk away with practical tools and fresh perspective to respond with wisdom, empathy and grace. Don’t miss these valuable insights!

Looking for a meaningful gift this spring? Check out our curated Gift Guide for Moms, Dads and Grads at christianparenting.org/giftguide!

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.

Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go May 07, 2025

Show notes

Join Mark Gregston as he reflects on Proverbs 22:6, offering heartfelt reminders for parents raising teens today. He encourages parents to train their children in every area of life, focusing on building independence rather than dependence. Mark emphasizes that true success comes when teens are prepared to make wise decisions on their own. He highlights the need for balance between providing support and preparing teens for the real world.

Is your teen struggling? Join us for our next Families in Crisis Conference coming up in July! Visit familycrisisretreat.com for more details.

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: Feeling Unseen May 06, 2025

Show notes

Every parent hopes their teen feels loved and valued — but what happens when a teen’s pain goes unnoticed or unaddressed? In today's show, we reshare a couple of interviews that exemplify how invisible hurts can weigh on teens. For Heather, Heartlight provided the space to work on herself without the pressure of keeping up appearances. She shares her experiences navigating the pain of her parents’ divorce and struggling with self-worth, ultimately learning to accept herself and seek honest connections with her family.

For more info on the Heartlight residential program, 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.

When Your Teen Is Driving You Crazy May 05, 2025

Show notes

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the challenging seasons when your teen’s behavior feels overwhelming. They explore how parents can respond well to both the everyday frustrations and the bigger, life-altering moments that come with raising teens. Together, they offer insights on typical teenage behavior and how to know when it may be time to seek professional help. Listen in as they talk to Jackson, a Heartlight teen, about his journey to a better relationship with his parents.

To find out more about Heartlight Ministries and to see if we can help your struggling teen, visit 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.

I Mustache Mark a Question: Video Games, Internet Safety and Smartphone Usage May 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mark Gregston addresses the ever-evolving challenges of parenting in the digital age. Diving into questions about the impact of internet and video game usage on teenagers, Mark offers insight into balancing technology with meaningful relationships. He discusses strategies for managing tech use at home, including setting boundaries, fostering real-world connections and encouraging healthy independence in our kids. Highlighting key points from David Murrow's book "Drowning in Screen Time," Mark presents fascinating statistics and trends affecting today's youth and emphasizes the critical role parents play in guiding their children through a tech-saturated environment. Join the conversation as Mark empowers listeners to rethink their approach to technology and teen relationships. 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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