Join Mark Gregston for a devotional as he reflects on Galatians 6:5, emphasizing the importance of teaching teens to carry their own responsibilities rather than parents doing everything for them. He shares the story of a young woman named Rachel, whose immaturity and lack of real-world readiness stemmed from a father who overprotected and overprovided. Mark urges parents to gradually transfer responsibility, helping teens build good character while preparing them for independence and real-life challenges.Would you like to ask Mark a question about raising your teen? Ask him here: 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 Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENSPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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20:08
Teen Stories: The Masks We Wear
Almost every parent knows the worry that comes when a teen starts to change — pulling away, making risky choices or hiding behind a version of themselves that’s hard to recognize. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share honestly about how desperately they wanted to fit in, and what it cost them. Each tells their story of putting on a mask to please friends, avoid disappointing their parents or simply escape the pressure of being “the good kid.” Now, they’re learning what it takes to be real — facing fears, letting go of people-pleasing and rebuilding trust with family. Do you know someone in their 20s who just has a gift for connecting with teens? They may be the perfect fit for our Residential Youth Specialist position! Learn more today at https://heartlight.jobsParenting 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 Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENSPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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21:10
Making the Most of Summertime with Your Teen
In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to make the most of summer with their teens by creating intentional and meaningful experiences. They share five tips for parents to try out, and Mark stresses the importance of balancing productivity with rest while building lifelong memories through shared activities. The goal is to use summer as a valuable season for connection, growth and joy within the family.If you need help with your struggling teen, our residential counseling program, 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. Our Sponsors:* Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENSPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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24:55
I Mustache Mark a Question: Screen Time Struggles
In today’s episode, Mark tackles one of the biggest challenges modern parents face: navigating screen time, smartphones and developing healthy boundaries with technology. Responding to a heartfelt question from a mom of three boys, Mark shares thoughtful advice on how parents can encourage responsibility, set effective house rules around technology and move their teens from external controls to developing crucial internal boundaries. From the right age to hand over that first phone, to making sure technology becomes a tool rather than a trap, Mark explores practical strategies every parent can use to guide their teens in today’s digital world. Get ready for some real talk, helpful tips and encouragement as you build deeper connections with your kids while preparing them for independence — listen now!Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: 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.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENSPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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26:36
A Mental Health Checkup for Teens
Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how many teens today silently struggle with anxiety, depression and loneliness, often due to overwhelming cultural pressures and a lack of meaningful connection. Mark urges parents to recognize the signs — withdrawal, irritability or substance use — and not dismiss them as just a “phase.” He emphasizes the importance of creating a peaceful home environment, engaging in regular conversations and being an active, empathetic presence in a teen’s life. When something feels off, parents should seek help early.Visit heartlightministries.org to learn more about Heartlight and how the ministry can help your family.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 Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENSPrivacy & 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