Podcast
Parenting Today's Teens
Hosted by Mark Gregston · EN
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.
93episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Recipe for a Strong Parent-Teen Relationship
Yesterday00:12:24Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Teen Stories: Struggling in Isolation
2d ago00:22:02Tap to summarizeIt'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
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When Bad Behavior Points to Something Deeper
3d ago00:18:17Tap to summarizeWhen 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-teensMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman
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I Mustache Mark a Question: Boundaries, Broken Trust and Building Resilient Teens
6d ago00:35:05Tap to summarizeIn 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 OnHow 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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Is Your Teen Leading a Double Life?
1w ago00:26:27Tap to summarizeIn this thought-provoking episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore the common phenomenon of teens presenting different versions of themselves at home, at school and online. They discuss why this “double life” is a normal part of adolescent development, how the pressures of modern culture and social media impact teens’ search for identity, and what warning signs parents should watch for if deeper struggles might be present. The episode features a moving interview with a young woman who shares her journey through trauma, secrecy and restoration within her family. The hosts offer advice on how parents can address discrepancies in behavior without shame, foster open communication and ensure their unconditional love is felt even through turbulent times.Parents are often blindsided when they discover their teen has been hiding significant aspects of their life. Here's what you need to know: bit.ly/discovering-your-teens-inappropriate-behavior
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Perspective: The Parenting Tool Teens Need Most
1w ago00:19:07Tap to summarizeToday’s teens have access to more information than any generation before them, but information alone doesn’t produce wisdom. In this episode, Mark shares why one of the most valuable gifts parents can offer is perspective. Through a memorable story involving a Taylor Swift concert and a lesson from his granddaughter, Mark explores how seeing the bigger picture can change everything. He also unpacks the challenges teens face in a culture driven by peers, social media, constant information and competing influences — and why parents still play a vital role in helping them navigate it all. Tune in for practical encouragement on becoming a trusted source of wisdom in your teen’s life.Mark says a parent’s longing to be heard can get in the way of what really needs to be communicated. Learn more at bit.ly/the-difference-between-giving-opinions-and-sharing-experiences
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Teen Stories: What's Behind a Brave Face
1w ago00:22:08Tap to summarizeMany teens put on a brave face while chaos brews underneath. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who know what it's like to hide their struggles behind a mask. Santana, for example, bottled up his emotions and masked his true self to avoid disappointing those he loved, especially his parents. These teens felt lost until tough circumstances forced them to confront what they’d rather keep hidden. Listen in as they reveal what it’s like to find family support, shed old habits and finally open up to authentic connection. Their stories are a reminder that no one has to face their struggles alone.Interested in learning more about the Heartlight program? Go to heartlightministries.org today!
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Becoming a Safe Place for Your Grandkids
1w ago00:25:54Tap to summarizeGrandparents have a unique opportunity to offer teens something many are desperately searching for — a safe place to rest, feel loved and be heard. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss the special mentoring role grandparents can play during the teen years. Rather than becoming “parents on steroids,” grandparents are encouraged to create a home marked by warmth, wisdom, listening and unconditional love. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares how her grandparents became a steady “safe zone” during some of the hardest moments of her life. Tune in for practical encouragement on building a legacy for your grandchildren.Three million kids have grandparents parenting them. Are you one of those grandparents? Are you in need of some help? Learn to love the teens in your life and relate to them in genuine, honest, life-changing ways through Mark's resource here: bit.ly/grandparenting-teens-leaving-a-legacy-of-hope
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I Mustache Mark a Question: Navigating Entitlement, Controversy and Growing Up
2w ago00:34:48Tap to summarizeIn this Q&A episode, Mark dives into a range of real-life parenting challenges sent in by listeners. He tackles questions about handling disrespect and entitlement from older teens, setting healthy dating boundaries, and navigating tough conversations when teens are exposed to controversial or harmful views. Mark also addresses issues like sibling resentment in adoptive families, managing technology use and coping with a teen pulling away during the transition to adulthood. Throughout, Mark reminds parents to prioritize relationship, communicate openly and look for ways to support their teens’ emotional health, all while maintaining necessary boundaries at home.Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect OnWhich emotions might be getting in your way as you try to guide your child?If you felt truly alone, what lengths would you go to for connection — and can you use this insight to empathize with your teen?In seasons of conflict, are you willing to hold on for a better long-term relationship?Have a question for Mark? Go to markgregston.com to send it in!
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Creating a Home Where Teens Feel Safe to Be Themselves
2w ago00:26:51Tap to summarizeToday’s teens are surrounded by filtered images, fake personas and pressure to appear perfect. What they’re really searching for is something genuine. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss how authenticity, vulnerability, and honesty create deeper connection between parents and teens. You’ll hear practical insight on how parents can model healthy communication in ways that make teens feel safe and accepted. Plus, Alex shares her story of anxiety, isolation, partying and the healing that began when she finally shared what was really going on. Check it out!Teens can often feel they don’t measure up to their parents’ expectations or peers they see on social media. Counseling may help by providing a safe space for your child to open up. Find out if it’s right for your teen at bit.ly/benefits-of-counseling-for-teens
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