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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

25:06

Raising Socially Awkward Teens

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/21

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd, and Courtney Lafleur discuss the growing issue of socially awkward teens and the cultural forces contributing to it — especially isolation caused by screens, gaming and social media. They emphasize that kids today are missing out on crucial face-to-face experiences that develop emotional intelligence, social cues and resilience. Parents are encouraged to gently push their teens out of isolation by modeling healthy interactions, creating opportunities

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17:20

Unlocking Your Teen's Heart With Questions

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/20

Today, Mark Gregston shares a devotional from Matthew 7:7, as he emphasizes the power of asking questions as a means of deepening our connection with our teens. Rather than lecturing or interrogating, parents are encouraged to engage their children through thoughtful, nonjudgmental inquiry — asking, seeking and knocking to access their hearts and minds. Questions help teens feel valued, spark critical thinking and lead them on a personal journey of discovery. In an age full of noise, curiosity and

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26:15

Teen Stories: Longing for Connection

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/19

So many teens today struggle with feeling isolated. It becomes hard — even scary — to open up to others and learn to trust. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who open up about the emptiness and insecurity that fueled their destructive choices, from substance use to pushing family away. Both teens share how feeling unworthy of love or belonging left them feeling alone — even as they craved acceptance. At Heartlight, they're beginning to see their own value and

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26:09

How Dads Can Build Strong Relationships With Their Teens

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/18

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur talk about the powerful impact fathers can have on their children’s lives — especially during the teen years. The three discuss how dads can connect with their teens by being present, listening well, engaging in their children's interests (even outside their comfort zone) and communicating unconditional love. They emphasize that the sacrifice of time now is far better than the regret of missing meaningful moments later. Ultimately, dads

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32:19

I Mustache Mark a Question: Rules, Rebellion and...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/15

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses some of the most pressing and poignant questions from parents and grandparents of teens today. From navigating teen anxiety, depression and substance use, to setting boundaries with technology and communication, Mark provides practical wisdom rooted in compassion. Listeners will find guidance on fostering connection over control, all while encouraging hope and resilience for families walking challenging paths. Whether you’re struggling with lost

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26:57

Mean Girls and Social Media

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/14

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LeFleur discuss the emotional toll that mean-girl behavior and social media pressure can have on teenage girls. From exclusion and cyberbullying to unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards, social media amplifies insecurities and public shaming, often leading to anxiety, depression or isolation. Parents are encouraged to foster real-life connections, model healthy self-worth and talk openly with their daughters about what they see and feel online.Is your

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20:02

Learning From Pain

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/13

Mark Gregston reflects on a personal experience of physical pain to illustrate how pain affects behavior, decision-making and empathy — especially in teens. He explains that when teens act out or seem disengaged, it may be rooted in deep emotional pain they don’t know how to express or escape. Rather than rushing to fix or shield kids from discomfort, parents should allow them to experience appropriate pain so they can grow in resilience, maturity and wisdom. Pain, though unpleasant, can be one of

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20:47

Teen Stories: When Fitting in Leads to a Falling Out

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/12

Every parent knows how much teens long to belong — yet sometimes the choices they make in pursuit of acceptance can lead them down a difficult path. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women from Heartlight, who share how struggles with fitting in and unresolved family pain fueled seasons of bad decisions and heartache. Anna discusses her initial shock at being sent away and the process of rebuilding her relationship with her parents, offering insights about the value of getting help —

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25:18

Sharing Your Faith With Your Teen

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/11

In today’s culture, teens are overwhelmed with information and often skeptical of traditional approaches to faith. Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd encourage parents to shift from preaching to modeling — living out their beliefs through consistent, grace-filled actions rather than just words. Teens need safe, honest conversations, space to wrestle with doubt, and parents who are willing to listen and walk alongside them in their spiritual journey. Ultimately, your example, not just your

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35:40

I Mustache Mark a Question: Ministry, Motive and Mission

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/08

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston responds to a powerful and important question: “Does your ministry point kids to Jesus?” Mark’s thoughtful answer goes beyond one-size-fits-all approaches, reminding us that parenting teens, especially those struggling with faith, requires both patience and creativity. Remember, it’s not just about lecturing your kids, but showing them love through your actions and being present as they work through their doubts. Listen now!Have a question for Mark? Submit it here:

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26:43

Listening to Your Teen on a Deeper Level

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/07

Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd as they remind us that listening is one of the most powerful tools you can use to connect with your teen. As kids grow into adolescence, they crave someone who will truly hear them — without judgment or constant advice. Mark explains that parents must shift from a teaching role to a training role by asking questions, being quiet and listening with the intent to understand. When teens don’t feel heard at home, they’ll seek connection elsewhere, often in places

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24:04

An Anchor of Certainty

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/06

In this devotional, Mark Gregston highlights the deep anxiety teens face today due to overwhelming uncertainty in their world — like social instability, global crises and cultural pressures. He compares this with Luke’s purpose in writing his Gospel: to offer certainty about the truths we’ve been taught. Mark urges parents to become a source of steady, reliable certainty for their children by modeling unwavering truth and faith. In a culture flooded with doubt, kids need anchors of tradition, values

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20:40

Teen Stories: Letting Go of Old Habits

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/05

Many parents see their teens retreat — whether into substance use, technology or isolation — and wonder what they're really running from. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with Dean and RJ, two Heartlight residents, who share the personal struggles that led them to seek refuge in unhealthy habits — Dean through drugs, and RJ through hours of video games. Both young men open up about how avoiding their problems only left them feeling more lost, and how their time at Heartlight is helping them

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25:50

Barriers to a Good Relationship with Your Teen

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/04

Today, Mark Gregston discusses key barriers that hinder strong relationships between parents and teens, including misunderstanding, overly strict rules, unrealistic expectations and discipline without connection. He encourages parents to reflect on their own behavior, communicate openly, and create a safe space where teens feel heard and valued. Mark emphasizes that relationships grow through shared time, authenticity and offering grace rather than demanding perfection. Ultimately, he urges parents

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28:27

I Mustache Mark a Question: Identity, Influence and...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/08/01

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston discusses real-world issues that parents are facing with their teens today. He covers everything from guiding teens through questions of gender identity and same-sex attraction to helping them with struggles like dyslexia, anxiety and anger, navigating the music they listen to, and even tackling tricky situations like an 18-year-old dating a much older partner. With a firm belief that strong, healthy relationships are the key to weathering any parenting storm, Mark

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26:17

What’s Driving Today’s Teen Radicalization?

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/07/31

In this eye-opening episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into why so many teens today are passionately embracing social or political causes. While some are motivated by strong convictions, many are simply searching — for identity, belonging, independence or even just a way to stand out. Mark shares practical, heartfelt advice for parents facing this challenge: stay calm, keep the lines of communication open, avoid jumping to judgment and lead with love while setting clear

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20:08

Raising Responsible Teens

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/07/30

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

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21:10

Teen Stories: The Masks We Wear

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/07/29

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

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24:55

Making the Most of Summertime with Your Teen

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/07/28

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

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26:36

I Mustache Mark a Question: Screen Time Struggles

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/07/25

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

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