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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 Professional

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

24:29

The Grandparent Advantage

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/07

Grandparents have a unique opportunity to influence the next generation in ways few others can. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the unique role grandparents play in the lives of teenagers. Mark explains why grandparents often have an advantage: They can offer perspective instead of pressure, encouragement instead of correction and a listening ear without the day-to-day tensions of parenting. You'll also hear the moving story of a Heartlight student whose journey highlights the life-changing

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28:11

I Mustache Mark a Question: Discipline, Depression...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/04

In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more of your toughest parenting questions — tackling everything from handling teen anger and destructive behavior to navigating faith differences in the home. He covers what to do when your teen returns from residential treatment and the problems continue, how to respond when your daughter seems like a different person at church than at home and ways to handle harsh parenting styles that create disconnection. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes the

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23:20

Four Things Every Teen Needs From Their Parents

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/03

Your teen may not always know how to say it, but they're longing for more than rules, advice and correction. Mark and Wayne explore four things every teen deeply desires from their parents. Through practical wisdom and a powerful conversation with a Heartlight student, Mark explains how these foundational needs can transform a family's relationship and help teens find security at home instead of searching for it elsewhere. Tune in for practical encouragement on becoming the safe, steady presence

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15:10

Does Your Teen Feel They Have to Earn Your Love?

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/02

In this episode, Mark challenges parents to examine whether their words and actions unintentionally communicate that love is conditional. Through the heartbreaking story of a young woman who struggled with self-worth and rejection from her birth mother and others, Mark explains how performance-based relationships can leave lasting emotional wounds. He offers practical encouragement for separating your relationship from your teen’s performance, reflecting God’s unconditional love and creating a home

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27:21

Teen Stories: When Secrets Take Over

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/01

Sometimes the battles our teens face are hidden — masked by distance, secrecy and behaviors we struggle to understand. On today’s show, Mark and Courtney sit down with two young women at Heartlight who share honest stories of pain, isolation and the search for trust. Whether it’s hiding self-harm or locking themselves away, both guests reveal how hard it was to let parents in — and how healing began when their families learned to listen and simply love. Tune in to hear their powerful journeys from

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25:00

Helping Your Teen Survive the School Year

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/31

For many teens, going back to school means far more than buying new supplies and settling into a routine. It also brings pressure, comparison, loneliness and other new challenges. Mark and Wayne discuss how parents can help their teens navigate the emotional and social pressures of a new school year. Through practical advice and a powerful conversation with a Heartlight student, Mark reminds parents to focus on connection over performance, communicate with empathy and look beneath behaviors to

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38:25

I Mustache Mark a Question: Open Doors, Open Minds...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/28

In this Q&A episode, Mark dives into more pressing parenting questions, covering everything from enforcing boundaries with teens who push limits to navigating tough conversations surrounding faith, identity and relationships. He shares real-world advice on how to keep teens accountable — like when a 16-year-old disregards bedroom door rules with a girlfriend — while preserving trust and respect at home. Mark also discusses shifting from teaching to training as your kids mature and finding

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14:12

The Parenting Mistake That Prevents Growth

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/27

No parent wants to see their teen suffer. But could protecting them from every hardship actually keep them from growing? In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the important role pain plays in developing maturity, responsibility and resilience. Mark explains the difference between helping and rescuing, why natural consequences often become life's greatest teachers and how parents can walk alongside their teens without removing every obstacle. Most importantly, he reminds parents to be a consistent

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19:45

Don’t Save the Best for Last

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/26

What are you saving for someday that could be enriching your relationships today? Mark reflects on how quickly life passes and why the greatest inheritance we leave isn’t our possessions, but the time and experiences we share with the people we love. Through the moving story of a dear friend, Mark offers a powerful reminder not to postpone what matters most. He encourages parents and grandparents to invest their time, resources and presence in their families now. Tune in and be inspired to stop

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21:05

Teen Stories: Healing Starts With Honest Conversations

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/25

When life gets tough at home, teens can end up feeling alone and misunderstood — even by those who love them most. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two Heartlight residents who found themselves spiraling after family problems and personal struggles. Whether it was turning to substances or pushing people away, both realized their coping skills weren’t working. Through honest conversations at Heartlight, these teens share how they’ve learned to open up about their pain, rebuild trust and reconnect

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12:15

Wisdom in the World of Foolishness

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/24

Your teen still needs your wisdom, even when it seems like they no longer want your advice. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss how parents can remain a trusted voice as their children move through adolescence. Mark explains why this season calls for a shift from lectures and instructions to thoughtful questions, genuine listening and conversations that help teens apply what they've already been taught. He also encourages parents to be honest about their own mistakes, creating room for teens to

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28:12

I Mustache Mark a Question: Video Games, Tattoos and...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/21

In today's Q&A episode, Mark tackles topics like handling teens who are hooked on video games, managing tech boundaries when consequences have been lacking and helping kids who are losing motivation. Mark also discusses how to deal with the interim period when teens are almost adults — like when a daughter wants to get a tattoo as soon as she turns 18 — and how parents can navigate their mixed feelings on it. Through it all, Mark emphasizes keeping relationships first, balancing consequences

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16:21

How Your Imperfections Can Help Your Teen

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/20

Do your teens think they have to be perfect ... or do they know it's safe to make mistakes at home? Mark and Wayne discuss why striving for a "perfect family" can unintentionally create pressure, fear and distance. Mark shares how embracing your own imperfections can strengthen relationships, encourage honest conversations and give your teen hope that mistakes don't define them. He also explains why grace, healthy consequences and authenticity create an environment where real growth can take place

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17:35

When You Feel Like Giving Up on Your Teen

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/19

When your teen is struggling, it's easy to wonder if anything you're doing is making a difference. In this episode, Mark offers a heartfelt devotional for parents who feel exhausted, discouraged or uncertain about the future. Drawing from decades of walking alongside families in crisis, Mark reminds listeners that difficult seasons don't last forever, and faithful, intentional parenting is never wasted. He shares practical encouragement for staying engaged, holding onto hope and investing in your

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20:56

Teen Stories: When It Feels Like No One Gets You

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/18

When you feel misunderstood at home and overwhelmed by the pressures of life, it's hard not to sink into despair ... but someone lending a listening ear can make all the difference. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who open up about drifting apart from family, battling anxiety and getting caught up in comparisons that left them feeling not quite “enough.” They talk honestly about how phone addiction, peer drama and never getting real face time made everything worse — until

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15:48

Cell Phones and Teens: Where Do You Draw the Line?

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/17

When is the right time to give your child a cell phone? And how can you help them use it wisely? Mark and Wayne discuss practical strategies for preparing kids to navigate today's digital world with wisdom and discernment. Mark explains why training is more important than simply restricting, how healthy boundaries should evolve as children mature and why parents should focus on building internal conviction instead of relying solely on external controls. Tune in for practical guidance on helping your

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17:15

I Mustache Mark a Question: Divorce, Digital Dangers...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/14

In this week's Q&A episode, Mark tackles topics like guiding a 16-year-old boy struggling with pornography, supporting a daughter diagnosed with depression and mood disorders after divorce, and responding when kids face unkindness at school. Mark also addresses what to do when your teen would rather play video games than connect with family. With a focus on building authentic relationships and engaging conversations, he offers strategies to encourage accountability, nurture emotional health and

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16:11

When Church Feels Like a Chore

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/13

What should you do when your teen no longer wants to go to church? Mark and Wayne explore why many teenagers begin losing interest in church during adolescence, and why that doesn't necessarily mean they're walking away from Christ. Mark encourages parents to distinguish between a crisis of faith and a season of spiritual growth, offering practical wisdom on fostering meaningful conversations, giving teens age-appropriate ownership of their faith and responding with grace instead of fear.During the

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19:38

What Will Your Children Remember?

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/12

Years from now, what will your children remember most about you? Mark reflects on the legacy parents leave behind — not through money or possessions, but through meaningful experiences and intentional relationships. Sharing personal stories about family, gratitude and his own father, Mark encourages parents to invest in memories that shape hearts long after childhood ends. He offers practical ideas for creating traditions, strengthening family bonds and making the most of the time you have together

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20:36

Teen Stories: Learning to Love Who You Are

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/08/11

For a lot of teens, the pressure to fit in can make them forget who they really are — and sometimes even push them toward choices they regret. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two young men at Heartlight who know what it’s like to struggle with rejection, wrestle with guilt and question their self-worth. They share how chasing acceptance from others led them down difficult paths, and how their time at Heartlight helped them realize the importance of building self-esteem. Tune in to hear how these

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