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.
120episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Helping Teens Through Seasons of Doubt
Jul 1600:10:56Tap to summarizeWhat should you do when your teen begins questioning — or even walking away from — their faith? In this episode, Mark and Wayne offer hope and practical wisdom for parents navigating one of the most difficult seasons of raising a teen. They discuss why many young people struggle with faith, how today’s culture shapes their questions and why unconditional love often speaks louder than repeated arguments. Mark also encourages parents to trust the seeds they’ve planted while continuing to model a genuine, grace-filled relationship with Christ. Listen today!So how do we live out our faith in front of our teens? Learn more at bit.ly/christian-life-is-more-caught-than-taught
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The Mission Right Outside Your Door
Jul 1500:10:41Tap to summarizeWhen you think of missions, do you picture a faraway country — or the people living just down the street? In this episode, Mark reflects on two life-changing experiences that reshaped his understanding of what it means to serve others. Through stories of a mission trip overseas and caring for his aging father-in-law, Mark challenges parents to recognize the opportunities God places right in front of them. He encourages families to look beyond grand gestures and embrace the everyday acts of love that can transform lives. Tune in for an inspiring reminder that your greatest mission field may be closer than you think.Sometimes, the main mission we're called to is in our own family. If you have a teen who is hard to love at times, Mark has some tips for you: bit.ly/when-loving-teens-isnt-easyMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman
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Teen Stories: Longing to Be Loved
Jul 1400:23:44Tap to summarizeEvery teen wants to feel seen and valued, but sometimes that search for acceptance gets tangled up in pain and self-doubt. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens who share honest stories of feeling left out, misunderstood and desperate to belong. Whether facing the scars of adoption, the ache of loss or the pressures to fit in, both guests reveal how their choices were shaped by a deep need to be loved. Tune in as they talk about everything they're learning on the journey to genuine self-worth and connection.Is Heartlight the answer for your struggling teen? Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more today.Mentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman
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Facing Conflict Without Fear
Jul 1300:16:50Tap to summarizeMost parents try to avoid conflict with their teens. But what if avoiding it is actually making things worse? Mark and Wayne discuss why unresolved issues rarely disappear — and how addressing them with wisdom and grace can strengthen your relationship instead of damaging it. Mark shares strategies for navigating difficult conversations, choosing which battles matter most, and creating an environment where honesty can replace tension and resentment. Tune in for encouragement on handling conflict in a way that builds trust, deepens connection and helps your teen grow through life’s challenges.Get five tips on engaging in conflict that draws your family closer instead of tearing it apart here: bit.ly/Five-truths-behind-arguing-with-a-teenMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman
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I Mustache Mark a Question: Disrespect, Depression and Decision-Making
Jul 1000:28:15Tap to summarizeIn this Q&A episode, Mark tackles another batch of tough questions parents are facing with their teens today. He discusses how to respond if your teen is having suicidal thoughts, including when to take immediate action and how to access help. Other listener questions cover balancing boundaries and trust when your teen starts dating, what to do about disrespectful behavior from grandchildren and how grandparents can build stronger relationships without stepping on parents’ toes. As always, the episode is rich with practical advice for strengthening connection, setting loving boundaries and meeting your teens right where they are.Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect On1. Would my teen say I have their best interests at heart?2. Who gets to decide what “disrespect” is?3. What from my past do I need to heal to have a better relationship with my teen?Have a parenting question for Mark? Go to markgregston.com — it may be featured on a future episode!Mentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman
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From Lectures to Life Lessons
Jul 900:15:49Tap to summarizeToday’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-taughtMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman
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Raising Grateful Teens in an Entitled World
Jul 800:17:09Tap to summarizeMany 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-teenMentioned in this episode:FICC Online PreRoll Stephen Curtis Chapman
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The Recipe for a Strong Parent-Teen Relationship
Jul 100:12:24Tap 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
Jun 3000:22:02Tap 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
Jun 2900:18:17Tap 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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