Parenting Today's Teens podcast | Listen online for free

1549 episodes

When Parenting Feels Like Rejection
27/05/2026 | 19 mins.
What if your teen’s struggles are also revealing something deeper in you? In this episode, Mark shares a deeply personal devotional about rejection, failure and the lifelong journey toward authenticity. Reflecting on being fired twice — including just months before starting Heartlight — Mark explains how painful experiences exposed unresolved issues in his own heart. He challenges parents to stop focusing only on their teen’s behavior and begin asking honest questions about themselves, their motivations and the wounds they may still carry. Because sometimes the greatest transformation in a family begins when parents are willing to grow too.
Are you a parent in need of a little help getting through a crisis with your teen? Heartlight offers counseling and experienced residential staff as a resource to parents. Learn more: parentingtodaysteens.org/coaching/
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.
Teen Stories: When Life Feels Too Heavy
26/05/2026 | 23 mins.
Sometimes, the pain teens carry becomes so overwhelming that they feel there’s no way out. In today’s show, we share Mark's interviews with two young women at Heartlight who both faced those darkest moments and attempted to take their own lives. One shares about the weight of bullying, rocky family relationships and feeling invisible, while the other opens up about grief, rejection and years of feeling misunderstood at home. Both of them reflect with honesty on what brought them to that crossroads — and how they're beginning to move forward.
Could Heartlight be the answer 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.
Don’t Panic When Teens Question God
25/05/2026 | 25 mins.
What should parents do when teens begin questioning faith, church or even God Himself? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss why doubt and questioning are often a normal part of spiritual growth during adolescence. Rather than responding with fear or control, parents are encouraged to stay relational, listen well and model authentic faith through their actions. You’ll also hear Caleb’s honest story of wrestling with spirituality, family relationships, identity and learning how to accept love.
Understanding how to ease your teen into taking ownership of their faith can help set them on the path to success. Learn more here: bit.ly/giving-teens-ownership-of-their-faith
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.
I Mustache Mark a Question: Self-Esteem, Scary Shows and Communication Struggles
22/05/2026 | 29 mins.
On today’s episode, Mark tackles some more real struggles parents face with their teens — from communication breakdowns and self-esteem issues to handling bad influences and tough questions about when scary shows are age-appropriate. He shares actionable strategies to build stronger connections, shift from lecturing to listening and create an environment where teens feel understood, not judged. Remember, it’s all about building relationships, asking the right questions and meeting your teens where they are.
Have a potential question for the show? Send it in to Mark at 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 parentingtodayteens.org.
Why Teens Stop Talking to Parents
21/05/2026 | 27 mins.
Why do some teens shut down? And what can parents do to help them open up again? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why many teens stay silent out of fear, shame, anxiety or feeling misunderstood. You’ll learn practical ways to build trust, create emotional safety and connect without turning every conversation into correction or interrogation. Plus, Alex shares her story of anxiety, isolation and how she’s learning to open up to her parents. Listen today!
Giving your teen a safe place to share their heart is one way you can combat your child’s loneliness. Find out about that and more here: parentingtodaysteens.org/articles/teen-loneliness
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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About Parenting Today's Teens

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.

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