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.
Parenting Today's Teens is part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org.
60episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
I Mustache Mark a Question: Social Struggles, Risky Texts and Self-Expression
3d ago00:36:54Tap to summarizeEver feel like you're on the outside looking in? For lots of teens, fitting in feels like a full-time job — and sometimes, the pressure to belong pushes them into some tough spots. In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles more real-life questions from parents facing the complexities of raising adolescents today. Covering topics such as teens’ technology use and privacy, navigating anxiety and loneliness, approaching difficult conversations about sex and handling school apathy, Mark offers practical advice rooted in years of experience working directly with teens and their families.Has teenage behavior left you stumped? Ask Mark! Go to markgregston.com to send in your questions — they may be shared on a future episode.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.
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Raising Financially Responsible Teens
4d ago00:26:54Tap to summarizeAre you preparing your teen to handle money — or unintentionally making them dependent on you? In this episode, Mark and Wayne tackle one of the most overlooked life skills: financial responsibility. From entitlement and allowance to jobs, debt and real-world consequences, they unpack why teens need to learn how money works now, not later. You’ll discover practical ways to teach earning, saving, spending and giving. Plus, a teen shares how identity, pressure and growth shaped his journey toward responsibility and maturity.Entitlement is a common feature among today’s teens. Learn what to do about it: bit.ly/10-ways-to-deal-with-an-entitled-teenParenting 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.
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The Damage of Perfectionistic Parenting
5d ago00:24:15Tap to summarizeCould your teen feel like they have to be perfect to earn your approval? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on how well-meaning parents can unintentionally communicate pressure, criticism and impossible expectations. Mark explains why many teens interpret encouragement as judgment, standards as rejection and correction as proof they’re never enough. He also offers a healthier path forward, one rooted in grace, honesty and relationship. If you want your teen to feel loved for who they are — not just what they achieve — this conversation will challenge and encourage you.While we shouldn’t demand perfection in our children, there may be times your teen is truly lacking in motivation. Get some answers and tips here: bit.ly/how-to-motivate-an-underachieverParenting 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.
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Teen Stories: Getting a Fresh Start
6d ago00:30:38Tap to summarizeSometimes, the hardest battles teens face happen silently — loneliness, insecurity and the pressure to escape pain. On this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share how changing their environments — and the people around them — helped them break free from destructive cycles. Both teens describe being swept up in drug use as a way to cope with things they couldn’t change at home, but found hope through new relationships and honest conversations in a supportive community.Is Heartlight the right choice for your struggling teen? Go to heartlightministries.org 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.
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Teen Runaways: What Parents Need to Know
1w ago00:26:52Tap to summarizeFew things shake a parent more than realizing their teen has run away. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the deeper reasons teens leave home. Often, they’re running from pain, conflict, shame or consequences — or running to freedom, attention or a place they believe feels better. You’ll learn how to respond wisely when your teen returns, what family patterns may need to change, and how grace and truth can help rebuild trust. Plus, Heartlight teen Anna shares her story of pain, attention-seeking and healing.Learn to identify the pain that may be driving your teen’s behavior and some practical steps for getting to the heart of the matter at bit.ly/the-hurt-behind-the-behaviorParenting 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.
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I Mustache Mark a Question: Grief, Guardianship and Growing Up Too Soon
1w ago00:24:53Tap to summarizeWhen family life gets complicated, teens can feel lost, misunderstood or pushed away. In today's show, Mark answers questions from listeners facing challenging family situations, including coping with the loss of a parent, handling strained relationships after divorce and supporting young adults battling addiction. For parents dealing with these challenging situations, self-reflection, healthy boundaries and affirming their teens can make a world of difference. If you're looking for ways to maintain hope amid difficult circumstances, this episode delivers plenty of wisdom and encouragement.Facing a parenting challenge? Big or small, we want to hear about it! Go to markgregston.com to submit your question.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.
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How to Get Your Teen to Actually Listen
2w ago00:27:16Tap to summarizeDo your conversations with your teen turn into debates, shutdowns or eye rolls? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why teens often resist opinions, but still deeply need your wisdom. Learn how to replace lectures with perspective, listen in ways that draw your teen out, and use your life experiences to guide rather than control. You’ll also hear a powerful student story of healing, growth and the kind of communication that rebuilds trust. Because when teens feel understood, they’re far more willing to hear you.Get tips to becoming the listener your teen needs at bit.ly/listen-to-your-teenParenting 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.
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Relationship Is Your Greatest Legacy
2w ago00:21:16Tap to summarizeWhat will your teen remember most about you years from now? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on legacy, influence and the power of relationship. While many parents focus on rules, performance or getting everything right, Mark reminds us that what lasts longest is connection. He explores why listening matters, how love can remain strong even through disagreements and why your relationship with your teen may be the greatest source of guidance they have. Because legacies aren’t built through perfection, they’re built through presence, grace and love that endures.Find out the influence grandparents can have in the lives of their teenaged grandchildren at bit.ly/grandparents-have-what-a-teen-needsParenting 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.
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Teen Stories: From Hiding Hurt to Finding Healing
2w ago00:23:37Tap to summarizePushing parents away or being disrespectful usually isn’t about just being rebellious. Sometimes, it’s a defense — a way to survive when trust has been broken or home life feels like a battleground. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two teens from Heartlight who open up about keeping people at arm’s length, struggling with anger and wrestling with family changes that left them feeling alone. Both girls share why shutting down or lashing out became their way of dealing with hurt, and how Heartlight has given them the tools to finally start letting people in.Want to learn more about the Heartlight program? Visit 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.
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When Your Teen Doesn’t Want to Go to School
2w ago00:27:30Tap to summarizeIs school only about grades — or is there something more important your teen is learning there? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore the bigger purpose of school. From social development and resilience to responsibility and real-world skills, education goes far beyond academics. They also discuss what to do when your teen resists school, how to uncover what’s really behind the struggle and when alternative paths may be a better fit. Because helping your teen thrive isn’t just about report cards — it’s about preparing them for life.Do you know what's behind your teen's aversion to school? Read more here: bit.ly/how-important-is-schoolParenting 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.
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