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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:

Mean Girls and Social Media May 01, 2025

Show notes

Today, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur join Mark to discuss teen daughters and the impact of mean girls and social media on their lives. Together, they aim to raise awareness and help parents understand what their daughters may be facing — and why they might be acting out. This conversation explores how social media has intensified the pressure to fit in. Tune in for practical advice on how to navigate this complex and emotional topic with your teen.

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.

Walk with the Wise Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

Drawing from Proverbs 13:20, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotion as he reflects on his adolescence and how that time differs so much from today. He reminds us of how every generation of youth has brought its own troubling times. He encourages parents to seek to understand the teens in their lives so they can help their kids navigate this ever-changing world. Mark challenges parents to better connect with their teens — and shares some practical ways to do so. Tune in!

Visit christianparenting.org/giftguide to view the Gift Guide Mark mentions in today's episode.

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: Finding True Connection Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

In the quest to be accepted and liked, many teens only form surface-level connections with their peers. They're missing out on what a genuine relationship looks like — and as parents, that's where we can set a good example. In today's show, Mark chats with two young men from Heartlight, including Jack, who opens up about his battle with peer pressure, expressing how his desire for acceptance led him down a path of drugs and alcohol. Through his time at Heartlight, Jack has uncovered the roots of his struggles and the significance of forming real friendships.

Want to learn more about 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.

Are You Really Listening to Your Teen? Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd emphasize the importance of truly listening to your teen rather than lecturing, correcting or constantly giving opinions. When teens don’t feel heard at home, they’ll seek connection elsewhere. They encourage parents to set aside intentional, judgment-free time to simply listen and ask thoughtful questions. The goal isn’t to fix or respond, but to build trust and deepen understanding by being fully present.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Mark's podcasts, books, blog posts 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.

I Mustache Mark a Question: Self-Esteem, Screens and Social Scenes Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of "Parenting Today's Teens," Mark Gregston dives into a series of pressing questions sent in by concerned parents navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. From dealing with a son who clams up when confronted, to a young daughter making concerning choices in friendships, Mark offers practical insights and wisdom. He discusses the complexities of self-esteem issues in teens, the nuances of managing screen time and scary movie preferences, and the delicate balance of maintaining relationships post-divorce. Tune in as Mark shares relatable stories, helpful strategies, and heartfelt advice to strengthen your connection with your teen and guide them through these pivotal years!

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

Getting at the Heart of Your Teen's Anger Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the topic of teens and anger. They cover key strategies like setting ground rules, creating space for deeper conversations and encouraging parents to uncover the emotions driving the anger. With practical advice and thoughtful talking points, they offer tools you can start using today to better connect with and support your teen.

Is your teen struggling? See if Heartlight Ministries can help by visiting 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.

Rules of the Road for Grandparents Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Join Mark Gregston as he shares heartfelt lessons and insights from his life, focusing on the vital role grandparents play within their families. In this encouraging episode, Mark offers practical advice grandparents can start using today to strengthen connections with their children and grandchildren — and embrace the unique influence only they can provide.

For more from Mark on this topic, check out his book written specifically for grandparents at bit.ly/ptt-leaving-a-legacy

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: Dual Realities Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

In today's often shallow, performance-based culture, many of our teens find themselves navigating complex dual lives. In this episode, we hear from two Heartlight teens who share their experiences of living contrasting realities. One young lady, Ellie, reveals her journey of living two lives — balancing between being a missionary in Africa and engaging in risky behaviors back home. She talks about the pressures of maintaining a façade and the self-discovery she's undergone since joining Heartlight. Listen in!

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight 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.

Modesty and My Daughter Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss the importance of modesty. They emphasize the need for parents to teach their daughters the value of modesty based on biblical principles, not societal trends. The two remind us how important it is to affirm our daughters' beauty and worth inside and out. Listen as Mark offers practical advice on how to have this important conversation, focusing on the value behind modesty.

In a tough spot with your teen, and nothing seems to be working? Join our next Families in Crisis Conference! Go to familycrisisretreat.com 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.

I Mustache Mark a Question: Girlfriends, Gaming and Guardrails Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the toughest questions parents face regarding their kids. He shares insights on connecting with a quiet preteen, navigating concerns about an 18-year-old’s new girlfriend and supporting a 13-year-old grandson struggling with low self-esteem due to limited time with his father. Mark also advises a grandmother on living arrangements with her video game–addicted grandson and addresses the age-old question: How strict is too strict? Along the way, he explores parenting styles, generational gaps and practical strategies for building stronger, more meaningful relationships with 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

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