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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

23:22

What’s to Blame?

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/05/08

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into a question every parent wrestles with: What’s really behind my teen’s bad behavior? They remind parents that a teen’s identity is not defined by their actions — and that there’s always more beneath the surface. From peer pressure and unresolved emotions to complex family dynamics, Mark and Wayne explore the deeper influences that shape teen behavior. You’ll walk away with practical tools and fresh perspective to respond with wisdom, empathy

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24:49

Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/05/07

Join Mark Gregston as he reflects on Proverbs 22:6, offering heartfelt reminders for parents raising teens today. He encourages parents to train their children in every area of life, focusing on building independence rather than dependence. Mark emphasizes that true success comes when teens are prepared to make wise decisions on their own. He highlights the need for balance between providing support and preparing teens for the real world.Is your teen struggling? Join us for our next Families in

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23:09

Teen Stories: Feeling Unseen

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/05/06

Every parent hopes their teen feels loved and valued — but what happens when a teen’s pain goes unnoticed or unaddressed? In today's show, we reshare a couple of interviews that exemplify how invisible hurts can weigh on teens. For Heather, Heartlight provided the space to work on herself without the pressure of keeping up appearances. She shares her experiences navigating the pain of her parents’ divorce and struggling with self-worth, ultimately learning to accept herself and seek honest

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23:24

When Your Teen Is Driving You Crazy

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/05/05

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the challenging seasons when your teen’s behavior feels overwhelming. They explore how parents can respond well to both the everyday frustrations and the bigger, life-altering moments that come with raising teens. Together, they offer insights on typical teenage behavior and how to know when it may be time to seek professional help. Listen in as they talk to Jackson, a Heartlight teen, about his journey to a better relationship with his parents.To find

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28:04

I Mustache Mark a Question: Video Games, Internet...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/05/02

In this episode, Mark Gregston addresses the ever-evolving challenges of parenting in the digital age. Diving into questions about the impact of internet and video game usage on teenagers, Mark offers insight into balancing technology with meaningful relationships. He discusses strategies for managing tech use at home, including setting boundaries, fostering real-world connections and encouraging healthy independence in our kids. Highlighting key points from David Murrow's book "Drowning in

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23:32

Mean Girls and Social Media

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/05/01

Today, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur join Mark to discuss teen daughters and the impact of mean girls and social media on their lives. Together, they aim to raise awareness and help parents understand what their daughters may be facing — and why they might be acting out. This conversation explores how social media has intensified the pressure to fit in. Tune in for practical advice on how to navigate this complex and emotional topic with your teen.Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all

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26:06

Walk with the Wise

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/30

Drawing from Proverbs 13:20, Mark Gregston shares a personal devotion as he reflects on his adolescence and how that time differs so much from today. He reminds us of how every generation of youth has brought its own troubling times. He encourages parents to seek to understand the teens in their lives so they can help their kids navigate this ever-changing world. Mark challenges parents to better connect with their teens — and shares some practical ways to do so. Tune in!Visit

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19:40

Teen Stories: Finding True Connection

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/29

In the quest to be accepted and liked, many teens only form surface-level connections with their peers. They're missing out on what a genuine relationship looks like — and as parents, that's where we can set a good example. In today's show, Mark chats with two young men from Heartlight, including Jack, who opens up about his battle with peer pressure, expressing how his desire for acceptance led him down a path of drugs and alcohol. Through his time at Heartlight, Jack has uncovered the

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23:14

Are You Really Listening to Your Teen?

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/28

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd emphasize the importance of truly listening to your teen rather than lecturing, correcting or constantly giving opinions. When teens don’t feel heard at home, they’ll seek connection elsewhere. They encourage parents to set aside intentional, judgment-free time to simply listen and ask thoughtful questions. The goal isn’t to fix or respond, but to build trust and deepen understanding by being fully present.Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of

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26:12

I Mustache Mark a Question: Self-Esteem, Screens and...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/25

In this episode of "Parenting Today's Teens," Mark Gregston dives into a series of pressing questions sent in by concerned parents navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. From dealing with a son who clams up when confronted, to a young daughter making concerning choices in friendships, Mark offers practical insights and wisdom. He discusses the complexities of self-esteem issues in teens, the nuances of managing screen time and scary movie preferences, and the delicate balance of

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23:30

Getting at the Heart of Your Teen's Anger

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/24

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the topic of teens and anger. They cover key strategies like setting ground rules, creating space for deeper conversations and encouraging parents to uncover the emotions driving the anger. With practical advice and thoughtful talking points, they offer tools you can start using today to better connect with and support your teen.Is your teen struggling? See if Heartlight Ministries can help by visiting heartlightministries.orgParenting Today's

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12:05

Rules of the Road for Grandparents

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/23

Join Mark Gregston as he shares heartfelt lessons and insights from his life, focusing on the vital role grandparents play within their families. In this encouraging episode, Mark offers practical advice grandparents can start using today to strengthen connections with their children and grandchildren — and embrace the unique influence only they can provide.For more from Mark on this topic, check out his book written specifically for grandparents at bit.ly/ptt-leaving-a-legacyParenting Today's

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22:33

Teen Stories: Dual Realities

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/22

In today's often shallow, performance-based culture, many of our teens find themselves navigating complex dual lives. In this episode, we hear from two Heartlight teens who share their experiences of living contrasting realities. One young lady, Ellie, reveals her journey of living two lives — balancing between being a missionary in Africa and engaging in risky behaviors back home. She talks about the pressures of maintaining a façade and the self-discovery she's undergone since joining

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25:11

Modesty and My Daughter

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/21

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss the importance of modesty. They emphasize the need for parents to teach their daughters the value of modesty based on biblical principles, not societal trends. The two remind us how important it is to affirm our daughters' beauty and worth inside and out. Listen as Mark offers practical advice on how to have this important conversation, focusing on the value behind modesty.In a tough spot with your teen, and nothing seems to be working? Join

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20:22

I Mustache Mark a Question: Girlfriends, Gaming and...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/18

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the toughest questions parents face regarding their kids. He shares insights on connecting with a quiet preteen, navigating concerns about an 18-year-old’s new girlfriend and supporting a 13-year-old grandson struggling with low self-esteem due to limited time with his father. Mark also advises a grandmother on living arrangements with her video game–addicted grandson and addresses the age-old question: How strict is too strict? Along the way, he

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23:58

Hope for Families at Easter

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/17

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they share a powerful message of hope for families this Easter season. In this episode, they encourage parents to find strength in God's unwavering hope, even amidst life's challenges. Through trials and tribulations, Mark and Wayne remind us that God's presence can deepen our relationships with Him and with one another. They offer inspiration for families to draw closer together and trust that, by leaning on God, they will emerge stronger and

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11:22

Ingredients for Parenting Your Teens

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/16

Join Mark Gregston today as he speaks specifically to parents of children becoming teens. He reminds them that what has worked in the earlier years won’t work in the teen years — parents must be flexible and accommodating to successfully raise their teen. Mark highlights several examples of what he believes parents should provide at home to create an environment and relationship that your teen desires to be in. Do you have a question you’d like to ask Mark? Submit your question at

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22:34

Teen Stories: Searching for Acceptance

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/15

A tough part of the teen years is figuring out how you fit into the world — and with whom. Everyone wants to feel accepted, but sometimes that desire can have pitfalls. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies, including a 17-year-old from Texas, who explains how high school brought about unforeseen changes and peer pressures. Despite being a "good kid," she found herself exposed to new challenges and started to break the rules. She shares how she navigated bullying on social

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24:12

Responding to a Teen's Substance Abuse

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/14

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how the increased normalization of drugs is affecting teens. Mark emphasizes the importance of stepping in early when drug use is suspected, offering practical advice for parents on setting boundaries, seeking professional help and maintaining open communication. Above all, they stress the importance of loving and supporting your teen through it all.To learn more about Mark's residential counseling ministry for struggling teens, visit

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20:46

I Mustache Mark a Question: Controversial Conversations

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/04/11

Difficult conversations with teens can be uncomfortable, but avoiding them isn’t the answer. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston encourages parents to embrace tough discussions with confidence, covering complex topics like discrimination and sensitive family dynamics. He also offers practical advice on balancing family time and replacing lectures with meaningful conversations. Tune in for wisdom, encouragement and strategies to build trust and connection with your teen!Have a question for Mark? Submit

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1,358 results

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