Parenting Today's Teens podcast | Listen online for free

1467 episodes

Strategies for Raising Responsible Teens
02/2/2026 | 24 mins.
In today's episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explain that raising responsible teens isn’t about perfection, but about preparing them for real life. Parents are encouraged to shift from constant teaching and correcting to intentional training — giving teens age-appropriate responsibility, room to make decisions, and space to fail and learn. Allowing natural consequences, resisting control and adjusting expectations helps teens grow. With grace, patience and consistent training, they can become trustworthy, responsible young adults.
If you are in a tough spot with your teen and nothing seems to be working, join Mark at his Families in Crisis Conference. This weekend is designed to help parents of struggling teens. Visit familycrisisretreat.com 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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I Mustache Mark a Question: Screens, Social Lives and Setting Boundaries
30/1/2026 | 28 mins.
In today's show, Mark Gregston dives into some more pressing questions parents have about raising teenagers amidst the challenges of technology, screen time and social media. He discusses how to strike a balance between connection and safety, set healthy boundaries for internet and video game use, and recognize the impact of digital life on teens’ relationships and well-being. Drawing from recent research and the wisdom of experts, Mark offers practical strategies and encouragement for parents striving to engage with their kids beyond the screen.
Facing a parenting challenge? Ask Mark about it! Submit your question 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.

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Is Your Teen Leading a Double Life?
29/1/2026 | 24 mins.
Listen today as Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how it’s normal for teens to act differently in different settings, but it becomes concerning when they hide behavior that violates their values or are falling apart beneath a polished exterior. Mark explains that a “double life” isn’t about personality differences, but about secrecy, fear and the pressure to appear perfect. Parents can’t control this through authority alone; the key is building a relationship rooted in dignity, honesty and trust. When teens feel safe being imperfect and fully known, they’re more likely to develop integrity and live consistently across every part of their lives.
Do you have a parenting question for Mark? Visit markgregston.com to ask him 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.

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

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

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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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