Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur unpack why gratitude can be difficult for teens, especially during the holidays when entitlement and cultural pressure rise. They explain that real thankfulness grows over time through modeling, conversations, boundaries, and opportunities to work and give. Building a thankful heart takes patience, but it strengthens teens and prepares them for adulthood.Have a question about raising your teen? Ask Mark at markgregston.comParenting 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. Our Sponsors:* Check out Cash App: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vpPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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26:22
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26:22
Passing Down Wisdom, Not Just Information
Join Mark Gregston for a devotional from Joel 1:3 as he explains why teens need wisdom, not just information. Through Scripture and a personal story, Mark shows how young people crave meaningful guidance over quick answers or disconnected facts. He encourages parents and grandparents to share their own experiences, speak truth in love and engage in intentional conversations. When adults lead with authenticity and vulnerability, they offer a legacy that lasts. To explore more of Mark’s resources for parents and grandparents of teens, visit parentingtodaysteens.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 parentingtodayteens.org.Our Sponsors:* Check out Cash App: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vpPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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27:55
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27:55
Teen Stories: Overcoming Darkness
When teens act out, it’s often a sign of much deeper issues at play. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston chats with two more Heartlight teens, including Daniel, a student who shares his journey from spiraling into drugs and depression to finding hope and healing. Daniel opens up about the pressures at home, the struggle to escape overwhelming feelings through getting high and the long road to reconnecting with his family. Through the support of caring staff and counseling at Heartlight, Daniel is learning to rebuild relationships and reclaim his future.Is your teen spiraling out of control? Heartlight may be able to help. Learn more today at heartlightministries.orgParenting 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. Our Sponsors:* Check out Cash App: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vpPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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22:49
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22:49
Are You Hearing Your Teen's Heart?
Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how listening is one of the most powerful ways parents can build connection with their teens. Many families struggle with communication because parents talk more than they listen — often teaching, correcting or giving opinions instead of asking thoughtful questions. Teens who don’t feel heard will seek that attention elsewhere, so parents must make intentional time to listen without judgment or interruption. Mark encourages parents and grandparents to show genuine interest and remember that one of the greatest acts of love is truly listening to your teen’s heart.Need some fresh parenting tools? Check out our Parenting Toolbox bundle — a collection of FIVE popular resources. Go to parentingtodaysteens.org/product/parenting-toolbox 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. Our Sponsors:* Check out Cash App: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vpPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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24:59
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24:59
I Mustache Mark a Question: Busy Teens, Broken Homes and Boy Band Fandoms
In today’s episode, Mark dives into some of the toughest and most relatable dilemmas families face: transitioning your parenting style as teens leave for college, navigating disagreements with your spouse over parenting strategies and the complexities around busy teen schedules. He also tackles challenging topics like helping teens through the aftermath of divorce and understanding — and celebrating — the sometimes obsessive fandoms that provide comfort to young people. Don't miss this episode!Facing a challenge with your teen? Ask Mark about it! Go to markgregston.com to submit your questions. 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.Our Sponsors:* Check out Cash App: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vpPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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.
New Zealand