PodcastsChristianityParenting Today's Teens

Parenting Today's Teens

Mark Gregston
Parenting Today's Teens
Latest episode

1565 episodes

  • Parenting Today's Teens

    Are You Helping Your Teen — Or Judging Them?

    17/06/2026 | 21 mins.
    Could your attempts to help your teen actually feel like judgment to them? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional about the difference between offering help and communicating criticism. Using a personal story involving a dying llama, Mark illustrates how timing, tone and understanding can completely change how a message is received. He challenges parents to rethink constant correction, repeated lectures and judgmental responses that often push teens away during the adolescent years. Listen in for practical encouragement on building stronger connection through empathy, listening, truth and relationship.
    It may be a generation gap causing a rift between you and your teen. Instead of being frustrated and judgmental, learn insights into what separates the generations and what can bring them closer together: bit.ly/life-lessons-that-bridge-the-generation-gap.
  • Parenting Today's Teens

    Teen Stories: Trying to Fit In

    16/06/2026 | 20 mins.
    Teens can go to extremes when trying to break free from loneliness, pain or feeling invisible. In this episode, we share interviews with two Heartlight teens who open up about what really drove their risky choices. From cheating and sneaking out to chasing acceptance in all the wrong places, both guests share how family struggles and emotional isolation left them aching for connection. You’ll hear how their journeys through depression, rebellion and damaged family ties led to some tough realizations — and how Heartlight helped them rebuild self-worth and find their place in the world.
    For more information on the Heartlight program, visit heartlightministries.org today!
  • Parenting Today's Teens

    The Conversation Parents Can’t Avoid

    15/06/2026 | 28 mins.
    If parents don’t talk to their teens about sex, someone else will. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss how parents can create healthy, ongoing conversations about sex, relationships, boundaries and God’s design for intimacy. Rather than one awkward “talk,” they encourage parents to build an atmosphere where questions, honesty and guidance are welcomed without fear or shame. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of unhealthy relationships, substance use, and the search for love and acceptance. Don’t miss practical wisdom on helping your teen navigate today’s confusing sexual culture.
    Some things your teen does may catch you off guard. Here’s how to be prepared: bit.ly/finding-out-about-your-teens-inappropriate-behavior
  • Parenting Today's Teens

    I Mustache Mark a Question: Phones, Friendships and Finding Trust with Your Teen

    12/06/2026 | 33 mins.
    In this week's Q&A episode, Mark explores how to gradually transfer control to teens as they get older while maintaining healthy boundaries and connection. He answers listener questions on issues ranging from vaping, video game addiction and bullying to handling emotional struggles and technology boundaries. With an emphasis on relationship over control, Mark offers practical strategies for parents to respond with grace, foster honesty and prepare their teens for the challenges ahead.

    Courtney's Corner: Questions to Reflect On

    1. If you’re raising a non-biological teen, do you or your child represent a sense of loss to each other?
    2. How do you approach tough conversations when you’re scared — and is it setting up success for both of you?

    Have a question for the show? Send it in! Go to markgregston.com to submit your questions.
  • Parenting Today's Teens

    Correcting Common Communication Mistakes With Your Teen

    11/06/2026 | 26 mins.
    Do your teens feel heard … or just managed, corrected and talked at? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why listening is one of the most important skills parents can develop during the teen years. They discuss common communication mistakes, how judgment and constant correction shut teens down and practical ways to create safer, deeper conversations at home. Plus, a Heartlight teen shares her story of rebellion, running away, family conflict and how learning to communicate honestly helped restore her relationship with her parents. Tune in today!
    Learn to identify the pain that may be driving your teen’s behavior here: bit.ly/dealing-with-hurt-behind-the-behavior
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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.
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