Parenting Today's Teens podcast | Listen online for free

1464 episodes

Performance-Based Relationships
28/1/2026 | 14 mins.
Today, Mark Gregston shares a devotional from Psalm 86:15, exploring how children can grow up believing love must be earned through performance. When parents unknowingly reinforce this, kids begin to fear that failure will cost them acceptance, tying their value to behavior and achievement. Mark reminds parents to model God’s compassion, grace, patience and abounding love so children understand love is unconditional. When kids know they are loved in both their successes and failures, they are freed from fear and able to grow with hope and resilience.
If your teen is struggling, Mark's residential counseling center, Heartlight Ministries, may be the answer. Visit 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 Stories: Reckoning with Privilege
27/1/2026 | 24 mins.
When teens seem demanding or expect the world handed to them, it's easy to chalk it up to “just being a teenager” — but there’s often more beneath the surface. Today, Mark talks with two more teens from Heartlight, both of whom open up about their journeys confronting a culture of entitlement in their families and themselves. For Isaac, easy access to anything he wanted became a way to receive love after his parents' divorce — but over time, he realized it robbed him of work ethic and genuine gratitude. These teens are learning to do more with less — and discovering what matters most as they grow.
Thousands of struggling teens have found hope at Heartlight. Learn more about our residential program today at heartlightministries.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.

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
What Is Worth Fighting For?
26/1/2026 | 24 mins.
As kids enter the teen years, parents often spend so much time correcting behavior that they unintentionally crowd out connection. Constantly fighting about every issue can push teens away, exhaust parents and hinder the independence teens need to develop. The key is learning to “choose your battles” by letting go of issues that don’t matter long-term and focusing on what truly shapes character and relationships. Teens don’t change through correction alone — they change through connection, trust and a strong, loving relationship.
Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all the resources designed by Mark to help you as you raise your teen!
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.

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
I Mustache Mark a Question: Quiet Preteens, First Love and Grandparent Dilemmas
23/1/2026 | 20 mins.
In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles another batch of real questions from listeners facing everyday parenting challenges. From helping quiet preteens open up and navigating the anxiety of an 18-year-old’s first relationship, to supporting grandchildren with low self-esteem and managing overwhelming situations, Mark Gregston offers practical, heartfelt advice. He discusses the importance of shifting parenting styles as kids grow, maintaining strong relationships over the enforcement of strict rules and much more. This episode is packed with wisdom to help you build deeper, more authentic connections with the teens in your life.
Have a parenting question for Mark? Send it in at markgregston.com — your question may be featured on the show!
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.

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Giving Grace When Teens Make Mistakes
22/1/2026 | 24 mins.
In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how parents will inevitably feel hurt or disappointed by their teen’s mistakes, but those moments are opportunities to show grace rather than withdraw. Grace means moving toward teens when they fail — allowing consequences to stand while affirming that love and relationship remain secure. Teens need to know their parents’ love is not performance-based and does not diminish when they make poor choices. When parents respond this way, they reflect God’s unconditional love and create the safety teens need to learn, grow and change.
Parents, is your teen struggling? Check out our Families in Crisis Conferences! Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more and register.
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.

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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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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