Parenting Today's Teens - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

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:

Why Are Teens Struggling With Real Connections? Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

Modern teens may seem endlessly connected through social media, but these aren't the deep connections that matter. True connection requires meaningful engagement. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the challenges parents face in connecting with their teens amid cultural confusion and digital distractions. They discuss the importance of genuine connection, the art of asking open-ended questions, and the power of listening without judgment. You'll also hear practical tips for fostering meaningful relationships and gaining your teen's trust. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation that will encourage and equip you in your parenting journey!

Want to learn how to better connect with your child? Check out our free e-course, "Bridging the Gap With Your Teen," at bit.ly/3DWPwun

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 www.ChristianParenting.org

What Motivates Your Child’s Choices? Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

Teens might mask their pain with anger, humor or avoidance. Often, their seemingly rebellious acts are cries for help and understanding — but it's up to parents to hear those cries. In this episode, Mark talks about the complexities of understanding teen behavior beyond its surface manifestations. By sharing a personal story, Mark illustrates the importance of recognizing the underlying emotional needs that drive both positive and negative actions. He emphasizes the necessity for parents to develop wisdom, sound judgment and discretion, guiding them to see with the eyes of their heart. Listen in!

For more on understanding your teen, check out our FREE "Five Ways to Stay Engaged With Your Teen" e-course! Enroll today at bit.ly/stay-engaged-course

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 www.ChristianParenting.org

Teen Stories: The Struggle for Control and Freedom Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

Behind every addiction lies a root cause — for many of our teens, drugs offer an "escape" or a way to feel like they're taking back control from their parents. In today's episode, Mark speaks with two more Heartlight teens, including a young man who opens up about his battle with drug addiction, the challenges of intensive outpatient programs and finding a healthier path to sobriety with his family's support. It wasn't until he addressed the pain behind his addiction that he found recovery. Listen in now!

For more information about the Heartlight residential program, 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 www.ChristianParenting.org

When Your Teen Won’t Leave the Nest Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

Do you have an older teen who seems WAY too comfortable at home? Not every teen needs to move out at 18, but they should be looking ahead to the future. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the increasingly common issue of teens who struggle with the transition to adulthood, often referred to as a "failure to launch." They discuss the importance of setting expectations early, providing a structured plan and encouraging responsibility to ensure teens are prepared for independence. Don't miss this one!

Have you explored our online store? We have an abundance of parenting resources available! Go to parentingtodaysteens.org/shop

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 www.ChristianParenting.org

I Mustache Mark a Question: Discipline, Deception and Developing Independence Jul 05, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers a range of questions sent in by parents seeking biblical wisdom and actionable strategies in regard to raising their teens. From handling habitual lying to finding ways to connect with a distant daughter, he offers practical advice rooted in both experience and empathy. Mark also addresses more complex issues, such as dealing with a 22-year-old who's struggling with school and substance use, and a 14-year-old granddaughter lacking confidence. 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 www.ChristianParenting.org

Understanding the Impact of Divorce on Teens Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

When parents separate, kids suffer. It may seem obvious, but we often underestimate the depth of that suffering. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd lay bare the challenges teens face, from feelings of abandonment to the struggle with self-worth, and offer practical advice to parents on how to mitigate these effects. Whether you're navigating a current divorce or dealing with its aftermath, this episode provides compassionate guidance and crucial strategies to help maintain a strong, supportive bond with your teen during these turbulent times. Listen now!

For more inspiration and encouragement, check out Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," at 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 www.ChristianParenting.org

Are Your Expectations Pushing Your Teen Away? Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

Our teens are wrestling with the pressures of their world. They don't need more “you should do this” lectures — they need your listening ears and sometimes, just your silent support. In today's episode, Mark talks about the importance of understanding the changing dynamics in your child's life and the critical need for parents to offer support and compassion rather than judgment and criticism. He emphasizes how maintaining a nonjudgmental and nurturing relationship can help teens navigate these tumultuous years. Tune in now!

For more on helping your child through the changes of the teen years, check out Mark's book, "What's Happening to My Teen?" Order your copy at bit.ly/whats-happening-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 www.ChristianParenting.org

Teen Stories: Why Open Communication Is Important Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

Assuming we know all the challenges in our teens' lives can be a big mistake — many teens WANT to talk to their parents, but don't feel like there's an open door for dialogue. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens whose stories stress the significance of creating an environment where kids feel loved and valued. Mandy, a 15-year-old, opens up about the challenges she faced with communication, her involvement in risky behaviors like sexting and how being adopted influenced her feelings of belonging and acceptance. Don't miss these interviews!

Interested in learning more about Heartlight? 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 www.ChristianParenting.org

Instilling Competence, Compassion and Self-Control in Teens Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

What do you REALLY want for your kids? It’s about more than clean rooms and not driving fast. As parents, we should also be focused on helping them develop a good, godly character. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd delve into the essential character qualities parents should aim to instill in their teenagers. From fostering competence and discernment to cultivating compassion, caring and self-control, discover practical strategies to help your teen develop into a well-rounded adult. Listen in!

For more on this, check out our free "Tough Guys and Drama Queens" e-course! You can enroll today at bit.ly/tough-guys-drama-queens

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 www.ChristianParenting.org

I Mustache Mark a Question: Loving Teens Through Challenges and Changes Jun 28, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston discusses the critical balance between loving your child unconditionally while setting firm boundaries, the importance of allowing adolescents to take control of their lives, and why parents need to shift from a purely instructional role to one that promotes independence and responsibility. He also touches on navigating tough conversations about dating, privacy and balancing control with independence. Through personal anecdotes and heartfelt insights, he stresses the importance of loving our children even when we vehemently disagree with their actions. 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 www.ChristianParenting.org

Related Podcasts