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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

25:30

Teens and Running Away

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/18

Few fears are greater for parents than a teen who runs away. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why teens take this step — what they might be running from or toward — and how parents can respond with love, grace and open conversation. They also share how reunions can become moments to rebuild trust, listen without judgment and create a home where teens feel safe and valued.If your family is struggling, Heartlight Ministries may be able to help. Visit heartlightministries.org

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17:15

Understanding the Heart Behind Teen Anger

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/17

Today, we join Mark Gregston for a devotional drawing from James 1:19. Parents and teens both experience anger when their desires clash, but unchecked anger damages relationships. He explains that anger often signals deeper issues, like a teen’s longing for control, acceptance or attention, rather than just surface-level conflicts over curfews or clothing. He encourages parents to step back, observe what’s really driving their child’s frustration, and respond with calmness and curiosity instead of

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20:25

Teen Stories: Searching for Direction

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/16

It’s not uncommon for today’s teens to feel lost — drifting through life without a sense of purpose or direction. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who both share how a lack of motivation and connection led them into trouble. Fifteen-year-old Peter opens up about struggles with motivation, trust issues after his parents’ divorce, and how falling in with the wrong crowd led to depression and substance use. He’s honest about what it feels like not to have life “figured out”

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25:49

Teaching Teens Financial Responsibility

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/15

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss the importance of teaching teens financial responsibility. They note that far fewer teens work today compared to past generations, which can lead to entitlement and a lack of financial management skills. Parents often enable dependency by providing too much, when instead they should gradually reduce financial support and encourage work, saving, giving and wise spending. Helping teens manage money early not only prepares them for adulthood but can

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33:36

I Mustache Mark a Question: Senior Slumps, Screen...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/12

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles questions from parents on motivating teens who are losing steam before graduation and supporting neurodivergent kids struggling with screen time. He also shares insights on staying connected with teens making tough choices and finding hope in the midst of family crises. Whether you’re feeling lost, frustrated or simply in need of fresh perspective, Mark offers guidance on shifting from control to connection, creating safe spaces for honest conversations and

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25:23

Sibling Conflict in Your Home

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/11

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how sibling rivalry is a common challenge, fueled by differences in personality, comparisons, unequal attention and the push for independence. While conflict is normal, it becomes destructive when parents compare children, show favoritism, or allow anger and criticism to go unchecked. The key is for parents to guide arguments toward resolution, ensure each child feels valued and invest time.Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of

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15:56

The Power of Relationship in Parenting

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/10

Parenting is about far more than discipline, survival or raising kids toward independence — it is ultimately rooted in relationship. When parents invest time and care into building genuine connections, small issues are more easily resolved, wisdom is received and children feel valued. Rules, achievements and clean rooms matter less than showing up consistently with love, empathy and presence. Strong relationships with children and grandchildren leave a lasting influence, shaping their character,

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22:10

Teen Stories: Wrestling With Rejection

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/09

The fear of rejection can shape a teen’s choices in powerful and sometimes destructive ways. In this episode, Mark Gregston talks with two young ladies from Heartlight, who share how their desire to fit in and be accepted led them down difficult paths. Whether it’s constantly changing who they are to please different people, or battling feelings of abandonment that began long before Heartlight, both young women explain how the longing to be liked and the fear of being left out fueled their

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25:12

Helping Your Teen Build Resilience

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/08

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of building resilience in teens including the ability to bounce back from mistakes, setbacks and stress. Mark explains that overprotecting children can prevent them from learning how to handle conflict, disappointment and criticism, leaving them unprepared for real life. Instead, parents should gradually “loosen the reins,” allowing teens to face challenges and take responsibility. By moving from a teaching model to a training model, parents

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32:07

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

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/05

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses the real-life challenges parents of teens face, including vaping, bullying, video games, emotional struggles and the balance between connection and correction. He offers practical wisdom along with thoughtful answers on privacy, technology and parenting in a constantly changing culture. Whether you’re navigating tough conversations or working to build more honesty and trust at home, this episode is packed with encouragement to strengthen your relationship

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27:13

How Important Is School?

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/04

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore why school is about much more than academics — it’s the training ground where teens learn to build relationships, handle challenges and grow in character. While grades matter, the lessons learned through sports, clubs, friendships and even discomfort often have an even greater impact on a teen’s future. Parents are reminded to look beyond report cards and focus on guiding their teens to grow socially, emotionally and spiritually through

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17:32

Why Criticism Hurts More Than It Helps

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/03

Mark Gregston reflects on his lifelong love of animals and tells the story of his llama, Tony, whose decline became a lesson in parenting. In the midst of trying to save Tony, Mark faced harsh criticism from a bystander when what he really needed was help, not judgment. He compares this to how teens often experience their parents — hearing constant correction and criticism instead of encouragement and support. Mark emphasizes that while good intentions are there, judgment pushes kids away, but truth

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20:37

Teen Stories: Healing Through Honesty

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/02

Every struggling teen has their own story, but many share a deeper need: to be truly understood. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who have learned the power of opening up about their struggles. One young woman reflects on navigating feelings of abandonment and shame from her adoption and how talking about it is transforming her perspective. The other, Sam, describes her journey from frequent outbursts and social isolation to discovering how respecting others — and

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26:25

Sharing Your Perspective Rather Than Your Opinion

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/09/01

Join Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss how teens are bombarded with opinions from social media and culture — but what they truly need is perspective rooted in wisdom and experience. Parents can create a safe space by sharing life lessons, biblical truth and honest reflections, guiding their teens to think, ask questions, and grow in character and faith.If you are in a tough spot with your teen and struggling, join Mark for a weekend in Texas, October 2-4, designed

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30:10

I Mustache Mark a Question: Motivation, Mistakes and...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/29

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the toughest questions sent in by parents, ranging from anxiety over grades and skipping school to concerns about dating, lack of motivation in college, strained relationships with an absent parent and even the discovery of pornography on a teen’s phone. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the real issues behind teens’ behaviors, keeping communication open and setting healthy boundaries while maintaining unconditional love. With personal

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25:38

The Benefits of Counseling for Teens

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/28

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explore how counseling can be a life-changing tool for teens — not just those in crisis. They discuss why unresolved struggles during adolescence often resurface later in life with even greater consequences. Proactive counseling can offer hope, healing and a brighter future for the whole family. Tune in to hear practical advice for helping your teen open up, finding the right counselor and building trust in a safe, supportive

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19:11

Making Every Day a Special Occasion

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/27

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston reflects on the true treasures in life and how parents and grandparents can leave lasting legacies for the next generation. Drawing on biblical wisdom, poignant family experiences and the story of a cherished friend, Mark challenges us to invest our time and resources where our hearts truly are — our relationships. He reminds us that memories, love and shared experiences far outweigh any material possessions we might pass on. Tune in for inspiration on making the

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22:21

Teen Stories: Turning Points

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/26

Sometimes, the hardest moments in a teen's life are what finally reveal the need for real change. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share their journeys through deep struggles — including negative thought patterns, depression and feeling disconnected from family. Eighteen-year-old Jake discusses his battles with substance use and isolation, along with the eventual turning point that came not from punishment, but from a moment of compassion and honest

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26:16

When Your Teen Won't Open Up

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/25

When teens won’t open up, building trust takes time and consistency. Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur stress creating a safe, judgment-free space where kids feel valued. Casual, agenda-free conversations about everyday topics are a great starting point. Parents should invest in the relationship without pushing for quick results, letting connection develop before addressing deeper issues. Over time, this trust allows teens to share openly, knowing they’ll be heard without

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38:28

I Mustache Mark a Question: Anxiety, Attitude and...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/22

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston takes on the real-life questions and struggles sent in by parents just like you. He offers practical wisdom on handling anxiety, depression, substance use, entitlement, the pull of technology and the unique dynamics of split households. Mark stresses the importance of shifting responsibility to teens as they near adulthood, focusing on relationships over authoritarian control, and finding gratitude even in the midst of personal and family struggles. Listeners will

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