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PODCAST

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

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

25:51

The Cross and Your Teen

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/26

Join Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss your teen and their faith. Stressing the importance of modeling integrity and faith through everyday actions rather than just words, and creating a safe, open environment for honest questions and doubts. They encourage parents to shift from teaching to training during the teen years, allowing their children to wrestle with faith and develop their own convictions. Join Mark in July for our Families in Crisis Conference. Visit

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11:38

The Importance of Listening

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/25

In this episode, Mark Gregston emphasizes the power of truly listening within families. Drawing from decades of experience working with teens and parents, he explains how active, empathetic listening can open the door to connection, healing and lasting relationships. Mark outlines common habits that hinder listening — like interrupting, always teaching or trying to fix things — and urges self-reflection to remove these barriers. He encourages listeners to ask their family members how well they feel

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23:07

Teen Stories: Learning Healthy Ways to Cope

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/24

Learning how to deal with stress and difficult emotions doesn't always come naturally — especially for teens who've already endured a lot in their young lives. Today, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who explain what they've learned in the program so far. Adopted as a young teen after living in multiple homes, 16-year-old Whitney describes the struggle to fit in, the aftermath of trauma and the difficulty of learning a new family’s rules. She speaks candidly about the poor

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26:04

Teens and Faith

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/23

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explore how parents can help teens take ownership of their faith as they grow more independent. With many teens leaving the church after high school, it's important to gradually shift from teaching to training to transferring responsibility for faith while teens are still at home. They encourage parents to create space for questions, avoid controlling or critical attitudes, and maintain open, judgment-free conversations about

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21:38

I Mustache Mark a Question: Bullying, Boundaries and...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/20

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses real-life scenarios drawing directly from listener-submitted questions. He discusses everything from dealing with mean texts and peer behavior, guiding adopted teens with anger issues, navigating interfaith friendships, supporting a sexually active teen and encouraging open communication with quiet adolescents. With practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable advice to help strengthen your connection

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25:39

How to Handle Hot Topics with Your Teen

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/19

Join Mark Gregston, Courtney Lefleur and Wayne Shepherd as they explore how parents can effectively engage their teens in conversations about hot-button topics like gender, politics and morality. They emphasize the importance of listening without interrupting, respecting differing opinions and recognizing that teens are forming their own beliefs. Their goal for parents? Maintain connection and influence through love, patience and wisdom — rather than control or correction. Join Mark for one of our

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22:52

Relationship Over Expectations

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/18

Today, Mark Gregston reflects on the painful experience of initially rejecting his son during a difficult season and how that taught him the importance of prioritizing relationships over rigid expectations. He shares stories from his ministry and personal life, urging parents and grandparents to lead with love, understanding and presence — especially when their children make choices that hurt or differ from their values. Using a passage from 1 Timothy, Mark encourages us to let the Holy Spirit do

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20:37

Teen Stories: The Road to Rebuilding Trust

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/17

Every troubled teen has a story behind their struggles — often rooted in pain, loss or broken trust. We hear a couple more of those stories today when Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight, including Jared, who reflects on arriving in a tough place with depression, anxiety and substance abuse — but six months later, sees real change in himself and his family. Together, they are working toward rebuilding trust and moving into a brand new chapter. For more info about the Heartlight residential

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25:31

How to Gain Your Teen's Respect

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/16

Join Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lefleur as they explore how parents can earn the respect of their teens. The three emphasize the power of tone, empathy and understanding the world your teen is navigating. Tune in as they share six practical steps you can take today to build mutual respect and strengthen your relationship. To download the Marriage Simplified guide Mark mentioned today, visit cpgive.org. Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network

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35:49

I Mustache Mark a Question: Faith, Family and Friction

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/13

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses real-life dilemmas sent in by listeners — ranging from navigating technology boundaries, handling grief and loss, and dealing with issues around sexuality and gender identity, to those classic struggles over clothing choices and R-rated movies at home. He offers practical wisdom on tackling everything from enforcing household standards and addressing power struggles to supporting LGBTQ+ kids while staying true to one’s beliefs. Whether you're facing

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23:50

The Mentoring Role of Grandparents

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/12

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lefleur explore the powerful and unique role grandparents play in the lives of teenagers. Mark shares a heartfelt story about how becoming a grandfather unexpectedly softened his heart and prepared him to be a source of love and rest for his grandchildren. The three emphasize that grandparents shouldn't act as second parents, but rather provide a judgment-free space filled with emotional and physical rest, where teens feel safe and

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16:36

The Importance of Perspective

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/11

Today, Mark Gregston reflects on a heartfelt story about a moment with his daughter and granddaughter at a concert that offered him a powerful lesson in perspective. His granddaughter’s simple insight shifted the way he saw the situation. Mark uses this experience to highlight the value of perspective in parenting. He encourages parents to focus on sharing their perspective — not just their opinions — with their teens to foster deeper connection and understanding.Visit parentingtodaysteens.org for

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22:58

Teen Stories: The Value of Real Self-Worth

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/10

Almost every teen’s story holds a search for acceptance, even if that journey is sometimes disguised by rebellion or pain. In today's episode, Mark talks with two more Heartlight students who open up about the challenges they’ve faced. Jacob, who had only recently arrived at Heartlight, reflects on growing up with divorced parents, feeling disconnected from his father and the personal revelations that followed his time in a wilderness program.Want to learn more about the Heartlight residential

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25:56

Is Your Teen Leading a Double Life?

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/09

Today, Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd remind parents that it’s normal for teens to wrestle with identity and appear different in various settings as they try to figure out who they are. They encourage parents to show patience and empathy, remembering their own journeys through adolescence. The hosts explore how this season of discovery can differ between boys and girls, and stress the importance of non-judgmental conversations to help teens build deeper relationships and a

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17:40

I Mustache Mark a Question: Trust, Tech and Transitions

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/06

Are you struggling to connect with your teens or set boundaries that really work? In today’s session, Mark Gregston shares practical advice on shifting from just teaching to truly training your teens — owning mistakes, building trust through genuine conversations and setting healthy boundaries around things like screen time and independence. He addresses what to do when teens don't respond to your invitations for feedback, and how to manage structure and discipline as your child grows. Packed

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23:49

Teens and the Attraction of Drugs

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/05

In this episode, Mark Gregston shares a personal story about recovering from a kidney transplant and how it gave him insight into the appeal of pain-relieving drugs — especially for teens. Wayne Shepherd, Courtney Lefleur and Mark discuss the deeper reasons behind teen drug use, such as a desire to escape emotional pain, fit in socially or simply feel “normal.” They encourage parents to build a safe, judgment-free environment where teens feel comfortable opening up about difficult topics. They also

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23:09

Rethinking Screen Time: How Phones Are Reshaping...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/04

Today, Mark Gregston reflects on psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s article about how smartphones have “rewired” childhood. Though initially skeptical, Mark was struck by the evidence linking phone use to rising anxiety, depression and isolation in teens. He encourages parents to rethink screen time, set healthy boundaries and consider how technology is shaping their family relationships.Is your family struggling right now? We encourage you to come to our next Families In Crisis Conference, July 24-26

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25:34

Teen Stories: Does Isolation Fuel Rebellion?

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/03

When teens act out or pull away, there’s often a deeper struggle beneath the surface — a longing for connection and a search for identity. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women from Heartlight who share how feelings of isolation, whether from a sheltered upbringing or broken relationships, led them down challenging paths. For Megan, being surrounded by other teens working through similar issues created authentic friendships and a support system unlike anything she had at home. She

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23:57

An Intervention With Your Teen Before It’s Too Late

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/06/02

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur share their list of 10 characteristics that show a teen may need intervention, addressing the questions many parents ask: "When should we act? How do we confront the issues? And what happens if we don’t?" Mark emphasizes that it takes boldness and strength to address these challenges head-on — but doing so can lead to healing and restoration in your home. Listen in as they share practical advice on how to help your teen when they need

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21:57

I Mustache Mark a Question: Grief, Guidance and Grace

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/05/30

In today’s heartfelt episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the most complex and pressing questions submitted by listeners. From grandparents concerned about estranged grandchildren and families navigating grief after the loss of a loved one to teens facing ADHD, gender identity questions and substance abuse — Mark offers practical wisdom and compassionate advice. Drawing from decades of experience, Mark emphasizes the importance of affirming relationships, setting healthy boundaries and loving

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1,353 results

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