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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:

Raising Humble Teens in a Selfie World Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

In a world that constantly says, “Look at me,” how can parents help teens develop humility, empathy and healthy relationships? Mark and Wayne discuss how social media, peer pressure, and today's culture can encourage self-centered attitudes and unhealthy comparisons. Mark offers advice for recognizing narcissistic tendencies, addressing hurtful online behavior and creating opportunities for teens to grow through responsibility, vulnerability and real-life experiences. He also explains why parents often have more influence when they listen more and lecture less. Listen in for practical insight on helping your teen develop confidence without self-absorption and relationships that go deeper than appearances.

In his book, Tough Guys and Drama Queens, Mark unpacks the cultural influences that are affecting today’s teens and shares strategies to address them. Find that and related resources at parentingtodaysteens.org/shop

The Power of Speaking Life Into Your Teen Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

Who helped shape the person you are today? And who are you shaping for tomorrow? In this episode, Mark reflects on the mentors who profoundly influenced his life through simple conversations, thoughtful questions and timeless words of wisdom. Rather than relying on lectures or criticism, Mark encourages parents and grandparents to invest in consistent, encouraging relationships that build trust over time. He shares why listening, telling stories and offering perspective often leave a greater legacy than having all the right answers.

Find more practical parenting tips and resources for most every situation you face with your teen at parentingtodaysteens.org

Teen Stories: Secrets, Lies and the Search for Help Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

Every teen wants to feel valued and understood, but sometimes that search leads them into situations they would never have expected. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight who open up about their journeys — one who looked for affirmation through relationships, and another who drifted into substance use to cope with social anxiety and pain. Both found themselves hiding the truth from the people who loved them most, but at the core, they just wanted to be seen and heard. Tune in as they share how real change began with learning to be honest, accepting love and building a new sense of self-worth.

Interested in learning more about Heartlight? Go to heartlightministries.org today!

Why Your Teen Won’t Respond to Authority Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

Does it feel like your parental authority just isn’t having the same impact it once did? Mark and Wayne explore why today’s teens respond differently to authority than previous generations — and what parents can do instead. Mark explains why lasting influence comes through relationship, not intimidation, and offers practical insight on earning your teen’s respect while maintaining healthy boundaries and expectations. He also discusses common parenting habits that unintentionally undermine authority and create distance. Tune in for practical encouragement on leading your teen with confidence, wisdom and a relationship that invites them to listen.

Understanding what’s really driving a teen’s behavior changes everything about how to respond. Find five ways to help a rebellious teen here: bit.ly/what-you-need-to-know-about-a-rebellious-teen

Mentioned in this episode:

FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

I Mustache Mark a Question: Grief, Boundaries and Blurred Lines in Culture Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

In today's Q&A episode, Mark tackles everything from navigating boundaries around technology use and school responsibilities to dealing with grief after the loss of a parent, and addressing concerns over modesty and gender identity. He also unpacks how to navigate rules about which movies teens can watch and offers perspective on keeping relationships first, even when core beliefs are challenged. With heartfelt stories and practical advice, Mark encourages parents to lead with love, set clear standards and find God's wisdom in the midst of a rapidly changing culture.

We want to hear your parenting questions! Send them in at markgregston.com

Helping Teens Through Seasons of Doubt Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

What should you do when your teen begins questioning — or even walking away from — their faith? In this episode, Mark and Wayne offer hope and practical wisdom for parents navigating one of the most difficult seasons of raising a teen. They discuss why many young people struggle with faith, how today’s culture shapes their questions and why unconditional love often speaks louder than repeated arguments. Mark also encourages parents to trust the seeds they’ve planted while continuing to model a genuine, grace-filled relationship with Christ. Listen today!

So how do we live out our faith in front of our teens? Learn more at bit.ly/christian-life-is-more-caught-than-taught

The Mission Right Outside Your Door Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

When you think of missions, do you picture a faraway country — or the people living just down the street? In this episode, Mark reflects on two life-changing experiences that reshaped his understanding of what it means to serve others. Through stories of a mission trip overseas and caring for his aging father-in-law, Mark challenges parents to recognize the opportunities God places right in front of them. He encourages families to look beyond grand gestures and embrace the everyday acts of love that can transform lives. Tune in for an inspiring reminder that your greatest mission field may be closer than you think.

Sometimes, the main mission we're called to is in our own family. If you have a teen who is hard to love at times, Mark has some tips for you: bit.ly/when-loving-teens-isnt-easy

Teen Stories: Longing to Be Loved Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Every teen wants to feel seen and valued, but sometimes that search for acceptance gets tangled up in pain and self-doubt. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens who share honest stories of feeling left out, misunderstood and desperate to belong. Whether facing the scars of adoption, the ache of loss or the pressures to fit in, both guests reveal how their choices were shaped by a deep need to be loved. Tune in as they talk about everything they're learning on the journey to genuine self-worth and connection.

Is Heartlight the answer for your struggling teen? Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more today.

Mentioned in this episode:

FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

Facing Conflict Without Fear Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

Most parents try to avoid conflict with their teens. But what if avoiding it is actually making things worse? Mark and Wayne discuss why unresolved issues rarely disappear — and how addressing them with wisdom and grace can strengthen your relationship instead of damaging it. Mark shares strategies for navigating difficult conversations, choosing which battles matter most, and creating an environment where honesty can replace tension and resentment. Tune in for encouragement on handling conflict in a way that builds trust, deepens connection and helps your teen grow through life’s challenges.

Get five tips on engaging in conflict that draws your family closer instead of tearing it apart here: bit.ly/Five-truths-behind-arguing-with-a-teen

I Mustache Mark a Question: Disrespect, Depression and Decision-Making Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles another batch of tough questions parents are facing with their teens today. He discusses how to respond if your teen is having suicidal thoughts, including when to take immediate action and how to access help. Other listener questions cover balancing boundaries and trust when your teen starts dating, what to do about disrespectful behavior from grandchildren and how grandparents can build stronger relationships without stepping on parents’ toes. As always, the episode is rich with practical advice for strengthening connection, setting loving boundaries and meeting your teens right where they are.

Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect On

1. Would my teen say I have their best interests at heart?

2. Who gets to decide what “disrespect” is?

3. What from my past do I need to heal to have a better relationship with my teen?

Have a parenting question for Mark? Go to markgregston.com — it may be featured on a future episode!

Mentioned in this episode:

FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

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