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1,071 episodes
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Parenting Today's Teens Heartlight
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- Kids & Family
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4.9 • 289 Ratings
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A daily podcast released every weekday, the Parenting Today’s Teens Podcast features Mark Gregston, a parenting expert who has worked with teens and parents for over 45 years. Enlightening, up-to-date, practical, and something every parent would enjoy listening to. Raw at times, challenging at other times, but always hopeful to get your family to a better place in an adolescent culture that is sometimes a little contrary to what you believe and want for 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 www.ChristianParenting.org
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I Mustache Mark a Question: Encouraging Self-Sufficiency
In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles pressing questions from parents who are struggling with how to get their teenagers to be more self-sufficient with chores, homework and personal care. He dives into practical advice, emphasizing the importance of stepping back, allowing natural consequences to teach valuable lessons, and understanding that sometimes, humorous honesty and a bit of sarcasm can go a long way in communicating with your teen. Whether it’s dealing with hygiene issues or managing sibling conflicts, Mark offers insights that balance grace and truth, helping parents navigate the tricky waters of teen independence. 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
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
The Impact of Digital Overexposure
With the rise of internet access and the bombardment of information, our teens are navigating a landscape that is vastly different from what we experienced growing up. In today’s episode, hosts Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd tackle the challenges parents face in an increasingly exposed world. They discuss the impact of this overexposure on teens, from increased anxiety and depression to the premature loss of innocence. Tune in as they explore practical strategies for parents to remain proactive, engaged and supportive, helping their teens make wise choices in a contrary culture.
To learn more about how to shift your parental strategy, check out Mark's book, "Raising Teens in a Contrary Culture." Order your copy at bit.ly/contrary-culture
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
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Guiding Teens in a World Drowning in Information
Parenting effectively in today's digital age means becoming a wellspring of wisdom rather than just another source of information. As Mark shares in today's show, we need to help our kids navigate life with insights drawn from experience and reflection. He discusses how the relentless influx of data impacts our children's lives and shares some advice on how parents can shift to sharing applicable wisdom. Communicating this way will provide meaningful guidance, and ultimately, deepen your relationship with their teen. Tune in now!
For more on this topic, check out our FREE e-course, "Five Ways to Stay Engaged With Your Teen." 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
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
Teen Stories: Breaking Cycles
Substance use and other poor choices are often hiding deeper issues in our teens — it's important to make sure your child knows your listening ear is always available. In today's show, Mark sits down with two more Heartlight teens, including Tyler, who shares his experience growing up with his grandparents after facing challenges due to his parents' struggles with substance abuse. He opens up about his early exposure to drugs, the impact it had on his life and how he's grown at Heartlight. Check it out!
To learn more about the Heartlight program, go to 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
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
How to Truly Connect with Your Teen in a Digital World
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the importance of building genuine connections with your teenager in an era dominated by digital communication. The discussion emphasizes the value of face-to-face engagement and meaningful conversations, and Mark shares practical tips on fostering connection while also navigating conflicts. Join us for insights on how to bridge the gap between you and your teen, creating a relationship grounded in trust and mutual respect.
For more parenting resources, check out our online store at 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
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy -
I Mustache Mark a Question: When to Consider Heartlight
In today's Q&A episode, Mark Gregston tackles one of the most frequently asked questions: "When is it time to send my child to a residential program like Heartlight?" With over 40 years of experience, Mark shares 15 key indicators to watch for, from drastic mood changes to dangerous behavior. He also offers guidance on alternatives and supporting resources for struggling teens and their families. Don't wait until it's too late — take the steps now to ensure a better future for your teen.
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
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Customer Reviews
Grandmother Help
Thank you every day for your insight and sharing how to love and raise my adopted three in today’s negative world. I learn so much from your ministry.
Not completely accurate to Christian beliefs or the Bible
I was really liking this show until the comments came up that god has created pornography and that it’s ‘beautiful and visually stimulating’ and to ignore when your boys are doing it. God did not create pornography for anyone to view and it is incredibly damaging to your child’s view on intimacy for the rest of their lives and relationships. Porn is not an accurate description of what sexual intimacy with a partner is supposed to look like. It’s created from evil. To encourage it or say it was created by god, I just couldn’t stomach this and stopped listening. There is some good advice and I like the different perspective but as a Christian parent, I don’t feel I can rely on some of this advice after hearing this episode.
So helpful
So helpful & insightful. Great way to stay informed & loving while your teen is going sideways.