Parenting Today's Teens

Mark Gregston
  • 4.9 (326)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED DAILY

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. Parenting Today's Teens is part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org.

  1. Giving Teens Certainty in an Uncertain World

    8H AGO

    Giving Teens Certainty in an Uncertain World

    Join Mark Gregston as he talks about how Luke’s account of Christ’s birth highlights a powerful idea often overlooked. Mark explains that modern adolescents live with unprecedented exposure to uncertainty — from social pressure and information overload to global crises — which fuels anxiety, confusion and experimentation that can pull them away from what they’ve been taught. Parents cannot eliminate the world’s chaos, but they CAN become a steady place of certainty by showing consistency, connection and clear values. When moms and dads provide that grounding presence, they help their teens navigate uncertainty with confidence rather than fear. Please consider supporting Parenting Today's Teens with an end-of-year donation so we can continue to help YOU as you raise your teen! Visit parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-match to give 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.  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    26 min
  2. Teen Stories: When Parents Really Listen

    1D AGO

    Teen Stories: When Parents Really Listen

    What happens when teens feel unheard at home? This week, Mark talks with two Heartlight teens, who bravely share their battles with depression, insecurity and the search for real connection. Beneath struggles with anger, risky choices or even isolation, both young women's stories reveal a powerful theme: Teens desperately need their parents to truly listen — not just jump into problem-solving or judgment. Honest conversation, open minds and small acts of understanding can make all the difference for hurting teens.  To learn more about our residential counseling 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.  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    23 min
  3. Allowing Teens to Control Their Lives

    2D AGO

    Allowing Teens to Control Their Lives

    Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how parents often hold tightly to control out of fear, but doing so can stunt a teen’s ability to develop maturity and self-control. Mark explains that healthy independence requires gradually transferring responsibility from ages 12 to 18 so teens can practice decision-making before they leave home. When parents micromanage, teens may rebel or make reckless choices just to prove they’re in control, whereas purposeful, age-appropriate freedom paired with consequences builds wisdom. Ultimately, giving teens increasing control prepares them to become responsible, grounded young adults. Have our podcast episodes helped you in your parenting journey? Would you help us so we can continue providing resources and encouragement? Please consider giving an end-of-year gift by visiting parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-match 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.  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    25 min
  4. I Mustache Mark a Question: Tough Calls on Therapy, Consequences and Connection

    5D AGO

    I Mustache Mark a Question: Tough Calls on Therapy, Consequences and Connection

    In today's episode, Mark dives into some more pressing questions from parents who are struggling with their teens and young adults. From addressing severe outbursts and substance use in a high-functioning autistic teen, to knowing when it’s time to seek psychiatric help, Mark offers practical advice and empathy for families in crisis. The episode covers issues like adolescent depression, parent-child conflict and the impact of unresolved teen issues in adulthood. Mark emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, acting with love, and the power of community and counseling, all with a message of hope for families navigating the bumpy road of raising teens in today’s world. Have a question for Mark? We'd love to hear it! Submit your question today 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.  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    22 min
  5. Christmas in the Midst of Conflict

    6D AGO

    Christmas in the Midst of Conflict

    Listen today as Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss the reality that Christmas often brings conflict rather than peace, especially in families with struggling teens. They emphasize that parents must rise above the chaos by extending grace, offering love when it’s least deserved and avoiding the pressure to create a “perfect” holiday. Instead of withholding gifts or withdrawing emotionally, they encourage parents to affirm the relationship, set healthy boundaries and give teens space to regroup when expectations feel overwhelming. Ultimately, Christmas is an opportunity to model God’s grace — loving and moving toward our kids even in the midst of conflict. In a tough spot with your teen? Join Mark in Texas at one of his Families In Crisis Conferences. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to see our schedule and register! 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.  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    27 min
  6. Small Conversations Build Lifelong Influence

    DEC 17

    Small Conversations Build Lifelong Influence

    Mark reflects on the lessons he’s learned as a parent and grandparent, emphasizing how small, consistent conversations build trust and open the door for deeper, life-shaping talks with kids and teens. He shares how both positive and negative voices shaped his own life, and how a handful of wise, older mentors profoundly influenced him through simple but powerful statements offered over time. Mark highlights qualities these mentors modeled and explains how their steady presence helped form his character and calling. He encourages parents and grandparents to embrace this same role, becoming consistent, life-giving influencers who listen well, speak truth and reflect God’s wisdom to the next generation. Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Mark's resources designed to support parents and grandparents in this adventure of raising 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.  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    16 min
  7. Teen Stories: Breaking the Mold

    DEC 16

    Teen Stories: Breaking the Mold

    Every teen's journey is shaped by a search for identity — a need to take ownership of their life, make choices and discover who they truly are. Today, Mark sits down with two young women from Heartlight who share their struggles to find themselves amid high expectations and family dynamics. Both wrestled with rebellion — not just for rebellion’s sake, but as a way to carve out their independence. Their stories show how the process of self-discovery is rarely straightforward. Now, away from home, these young women are learning what it means to make healthy choices and grow on their own terms. Is the Heartlight residential program the right answer for your struggling teen? Learn more at 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.  Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    24 min
  8. When You're at the End of Your Rope

    DEC 15

    When You're at the End of Your Rope

    Families in crisis often feel overwhelmed, isolated and “at the end of their rope,” but Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur remind parents they are not alone and real help is available. They explain that teen struggles are usually signs of deeper issues — not parental failure — and that progress often comes through small steps, strengthened relationships and seeking support. Parents are encouraged to focus on connection over control, admit they don’t have all the answers, and reach out for community or counseling instead of trying to carry the burden alone. Ultimately, this season is temporary — change is possible when families hold on, stay consistent and take steps toward healing. If you are at the end of your rope, Mark's Families In Crisis Conference may be the help and support you need. Visit familycrisisretreat.com 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.  Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    25 min
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4.9
out of 5
326 Ratings

About

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. Parenting Today's Teens is part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Gregston
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    1.4K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mark Gregston
  • Show Website
    Parenting Today's Teens

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