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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:

From Lectures to Life Lessons Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Today’s teens have unlimited access to information, but they’re still searching for wisdom. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss how parents and grandparents can move beyond lectures to offer the kind of wisdom that shapes a young person’s life. Mark explains how observation, reflection and experience help parents communicate in ways that teens will actually receive. He also shares why authentic conversations and a life that reflects God’s Word speak louder than endless advice. Tune in for practical encouragement on becoming the trusted source of wisdom your teen is looking for.

Many teens can’t hear a word their parents are saying because their actions are speaking too loudly. This can be especially true when it comes to sharing your faith. Read what Mark has to say about it at bit.ly/the-christian-life-is-more-caught-than-taught

Mentioned in this episode:

FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

Raising Grateful Teens in an Entitled World Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Many parents want to give their teens every opportunity possible. But what happens when generosity unintentionally creates entitlement? In this episode, Mark explores how well-meaning parents can sometimes hinder their teen’s growth by meeting every demand, solving every problem and removing every responsibility. Drawing from the biblical story of the prodigal son, Mark unpacks the difference between grace and enabling, why responsibility is essential for maturity and how parents can help teens develop gratitude instead of entitlement. Tune in for practical wisdom on raising responsible young adults who understand hard work, healthy expectations and the true meaning of grace.

Get 10 quick tips to address entitlement in teens here: bit.ly/Ten-ways-to-deal-with-an-entitled-teen

Mentioned in this episode:

FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

Teen Stories: Vulnerability Isn't Weakness Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

When teens struggle to connect, their worlds can feel small and lonely, leading to outbursts or unhealthy coping mechanisms just to get by. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight students, including Sam, who opens up about years of feeling left out and the walls she built to protect herself. Both guests reveal how learning to trust, compromise and value themselves has paved the way for new, healthier relationships. Tune in to hear how honesty, vulnerability and a supportive environment are helping these teens move from isolation to genuine connection.

Is your teen struggling? Learn more about Heartlight today at heartlightministries.org

Mentioned in this episode:

FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

Parenting With Conviction and Compassion Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

How do you hold firm to your values without pushing your teen away? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the delicate balance between maintaining convictions and extending compassion during the adolescent years. Mark shares practical insight on setting healthy boundaries, enforcing consequences with grace and remaining relationally connected even when teens make poor choices. He also explains why parenting teens requires a shift from teaching to training — and why influence grows when parents lead with understanding rather than fear.

Setting boundaries online for your teen is a major issue for parents these days. See what Mark has to say about it at bit.ly/boundaries-for-your-teens-online-life

Mentioned in this episode:

FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

I Mustache Mark a Question: School Stress, Teenage Values and Communication Breakdowns Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

In this week's Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more tough questions parents are facing with their teens right now. He talks through practical ways to support a daughter struggling in school and experiencing anxiety, and how to help an unmotivated college student who’s stepped back from faith. Mark also unpacks what to do if your teenager refuses to communicate with an overseas parent, and how to sensitively address the discovery of pornography on an eighth grader’s phone. Throughout the episode, Mark keeps the focus on having compassion, healthy boundaries and responding in ways that build lasting connections with your teen.

Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect On

Are you easily manipulated by your teen?

What beliefs are you willing to risk your relationship over?

Would your child describe your love as conditional or unconditional?

Have a question for Mark? Ask it here: markgregston.com

Feeling Distant From Your Teen? Start Here Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

Do you feel like there’s a growing gap between you and your teen? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss practical ways parents can strengthen connection during the adolescent years. From improving communication and adjusting expectations to establishing healthy boundaries and shifting from teaching to training, Mark shares insights that can help parents stay engaged when relationships begin to feel strained. You’ll also learn why listening matters more than lecturing, how to communicate wisdom instead of information and what role a strong relationship plays in guiding teens through challenging seasons. Tune in today!

The world is full of people who will tell your teen what to think and when they are wrong. But no one is better positioned to really listen to them. Get tips here: bit.ly/listening-to-your-teen-on-a-deeper-level

Mentioned in this episode:

FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

The Recipe for a Strong Parent-Teen Relationship Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

In a world filled with pressure, anxiety and constant demands, does your home feel like a place of rest for your teen? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on creating a home environment where teens feel safe, supported and understood. Using the analogy of a favorite recipe, Mark unpacks key ingredients for stronger relationships, including shared experiences, encouraging messages, meaningful conversations and a parenting style that adapts to the changing needs of adolescence. Tune in for practical wisdom on building a home your teen wants to come back to.

Showing gratitude is another great habit to instill in your home. Get tips from Mark here: bit.ly/creating-a-thankful-home

Teen Stories: Struggling in Isolation Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

It's easy to think that anger, rebellion or pulling away is just part of being a teenager. But sometimes, it’s a sign of feeling lost or desperately wanting to belong. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two young ladies from Heartlight as they open up about family conflict, the pressure to fit in and hiding pain behind a happy face. Both share how trying to fill their emptiness with parties, perfectionism or taking care of others only left them more isolated. Listen in to hear how, through the ups and downs, these teens are slowly learning to trust, let people in and rediscover who they really are.

Is Heartlight the right place for your struggling teen? Learn more today at heartlightministries.org

When Bad Behavior Points to Something Deeper Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

When teens act out, most parents focus on the behavior. But what if the behavior is only a symptom of something deeper? In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore how loss, disappointment, rejection, unmet expectations and emotional wounds often fuel the choices parents find most frustrating. Mark explains why every behavior has a purpose and how identifying the pain beneath the struggle can help parents move from simply managing behavior to addressing the real issue. Tune in for practical insight on recognizing the hidden losses that may be shaping your teen’s actions — and how to help them find healing and hope.

One of the losses that could deeply affect teens is the break up of their family unit. Find out what your child may be going through and how to help at bit.ly/divorce-remarriage-and-the-effect-on-teens

Mentioned in this episode:

FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman

I Mustache Mark a Question: Boundaries, Broken Trust and Building Resilient Teens Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

In this week's Q&A episode, Mark sits down to address some real-life struggles parents are facing with their teens today. He tackles tough listener questions on topics like helping teens who feel hopeless about graduation, navigating the challenges of parenting neurodivergent kids who are glued to their screens, and how to respond when you discover your teen is making choices that deeply impact the relationship. Mark also speaks to parents dealing with family trauma and crisis, offering advice for single moms at the breaking point and families grappling with PTSD. Through it all, he underscores the importance of sharing your perspective instead of your opinions and finding ways to let go as kids grow.

Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect On

How comfortable are you with your child being uncomfortable as they grow?

What might cause your child (or anyone you lead) to reject your authority?

Are there experiences or relationships where you can create more safety or encourage growth by stepping back?

Have a question for the show? Send it in at markgregston.com

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