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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

27:20

Christmas in the Midst of Conflict

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/18

Listen today as Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss the reality that Christmas often brings conflict rather than peace, especially in families with struggling teens. They emphasize that parents must rise above the chaos by extending grace, offering love when it’s least deserved and avoiding the pressure to create a “perfect” holiday. Instead of withholding gifts or withdrawing emotionally, they encourage parents to affirm the relationship, set healthy boundaries and give teens

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16:26

Small Conversations Build Lifelong Influence

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/17

Mark reflects on the lessons he’s learned as a parent and grandparent, emphasizing how small, consistent conversations build trust and open the door for deeper, life-shaping talks with kids and teens. He shares how both positive and negative voices shaped his own life, and how a handful of wise, older mentors profoundly influenced him through simple but powerful statements offered over time. Mark highlights qualities these mentors modeled and explains how their steady presence helped form his

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23:41

Teen Stories: Breaking the Mold

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/16

Every teen's journey is shaped by a search for identity — a need to take ownership of their life, make choices and discover who they truly are. Today, Mark sits down with two young women from Heartlight who share their struggles to find themselves amid high expectations and family dynamics. Both wrestled with rebellion — not just for rebellion’s sake, but as a way to carve out their independence. Their stories show how the process of self-discovery is rarely straightforward. Now, away from home,

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25:09

When You're at the End of Your Rope

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/15

Families in crisis often feel overwhelmed, isolated and “at the end of their rope,” but Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur remind parents they are not alone and real help is available. They explain that teen struggles are usually signs of deeper issues — not parental failure — and that progress often comes through small steps, strengthened relationships and seeking support. Parents are encouraged to focus on connection over control, admit they don’t have all the answers, and reach

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27:08

I Mustache Mark a Question: Faith, Freedom and...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/12

In today's episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the toughest questions parents face with their teenagers today. From encouraging faith in a 17-year-old son who resists reading the Bible, to setting boundaries with a 19-year-old daughter living at home and finding the balance when communicating with college-aged children, Mark offers practical advice rooted in real-life experiences. He explores the impact of shaming, the challenges of parenting twins with different levels of maturity and how

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25:41

Balancing Tough Love and Compassion

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/11

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explain that effective discipline flows out of a healthy relationship, not anger or authority alone. Parents often lean too far into being either “tough” or “tender,” but teens need a balanced blend of strength, gentleness, listening and compassion. True authority comes from connection, not control, and the goal is to reflect God’s character — firm when necessary, but tender, patient and relational at heart. Mark encourages parents to examine

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16:22

Mark's Journey to Genuineness

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/10

Mark Gregston shares how unexpected setbacks — including getting fired — became the catalyst for founding Heartlight Ministries and beginning a lifelong “journey to genuineness.” As he reflects on rejection, pride and unresolved personal issues, he encourages parents to consider how their own wounds and blind spots may be influencing their parenting. Mark urges moms and dads of struggling teens to start by looking inward, examining motives, addressing past hurts and embracing authenticity — before

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22:04

Teen Stories: Breaking Through Isolation

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/09

Navigating the teen years can sometimes mean facing invisible walls — barriers of isolation, anger or uncertainty about how to let others in. Today, Mark sits down with two young men from Heartlight who share honest accounts of what shut them off from their families and peers. For Harry, the struggle was with isolation and the challenge of making real-world connections after a hard move and ongoing depression. For Jacob, mounting anger and hurt from family wounds led him down a path of rebellion and

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25:09

Setting Boundaries for Your Family

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/08

Today, join Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lefleur as they discuss setting boundaries for your family. They explain that healthy boundaries start with understanding what each child truly needs and tailoring rules by age, maturity and individual challenges — not just enforcing control for control’s sake. Mark and Courtney emphasize focusing first on relationship, then building clear expectations, household boundaries, and rewards that encourage responsibility and independence. Ultimately,

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27:23

I Mustache Mark a Question: Motivation, Boundaries...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/05

Today, Mark Gregston fields real questions from parents grappling with the challenges of guiding older teens toward adulthood. Drawing from decades of experience, he addresses issues such as fostering independence in 17- and 18-year-olds, setting boundaries with troubled teens, navigating the complexities of homeschooling, and providing support for teens with depression and anxiety. Mark offers practical advice on when to let natural consequences unfold, how to motivate teens who lack drive, when to

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24:59

Six Steps to Take with Your Entitled Teen

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/04

Many teens today grow up believing they’re owed privileges and constant attention. Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how this entitlement is fueled by parents doing too much for them. Mark encourages moms and dads to shift the conversation — focusing not on criticizing selfish behavior, but on helping teens grow in independence, responsibility and real-world readiness. By setting new expectations and saying “no” when needed, parents help their kids mature rather than stay dependent

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23:24

Speaking Truth in a Culture of Confusion

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/03

Teens today are growing up in a world of online communication, constant negativity and shallow “expert” voices — leaving them hungry for real connection and honest guidance. Mark explains that parents often miss what teens truly want because they react to behavior instead of the deeper needs behind it. The nonstop criticism and shallow praise of social media make teens sensitive to correction and blind to needed truth. He urges parents to deepen relationships, engage face-to-face and speak truth in

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19:45

Teen Stories: Beneath the Surface

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/02

Many parents notice their teens acting out — whether through rebellion, risky choices or shutting down — but what’s driving those behaviors is often a deep pain kept out of sight. On today’s episode, Mark Gregston sits down with two Heartlight residents who both reveal how hurts from their past, like adoption struggles, family loss, confusion and unmet expectations, shaped their choices and relationships. Both teens share how their journey at Heartlight is helping them face what’s beneath the

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26:15

Is Your Teen Spinning Out of Control?

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/12/01

Listen in as Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why teens might “spin out of control." They explain this can happen when they can’t manage life within the boundaries of home, which can lead to disrespect, dishonesty, risky behavior or shutting down emotionally. Mark explains that these patterns are often a cry for help, revealing deeper struggles teens can’t navigate alone. Parents are encouraged to recognize early warning signs, adjust home structure with clear expectations and seek

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29:48

I Mustache Mark a Question: Drugs, Discipline and the...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/11/28

Today, Mark dives deep into the real-life struggles facing families — from navigating a teen’s anxiety, depression and drug use, to managing explosive anger and the challenges of motivating older teens to take responsibility. Mark also shares some insights for parents of special needs children and discusses the importance of adapting parenting styles as culture rapidly shifts. Whether you’re seeking support for a teen in crisis, wondering if Heartlight is right for your child, or simply trying to

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26:22

Thanksgiving, Gratitude and Entitlement in Teens

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/11/27

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur unpack why gratitude can be difficult for teens, especially during the holidays when entitlement and cultural pressure rise. They explain that real thankfulness grows over time through modeling, conversations, boundaries, and opportunities to work and give. Building a thankful heart takes patience, but it strengthens teens and prepares them for adulthood.Have a question about raising your teen? Ask Mark at markgregston.comParenting Today's Teens

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27:55

Passing Down Wisdom, Not Just Information

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/11/26

Join Mark Gregston for a devotional from Joel 1:3 as he explains why teens need wisdom, not just information. Through Scripture and a personal story, Mark shows how young people crave meaningful guidance over quick answers or disconnected facts. He encourages parents and grandparents to share their own experiences, speak truth in love and engage in intentional conversations. When adults lead with authenticity and vulnerability, they offer a legacy that lasts. To explore more of Mark’s resources for

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22:49

Teen Stories: Overcoming Darkness

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/11/25

When teens act out, it’s often a sign of much deeper issues at play. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston chats with two more Heartlight teens, including Daniel, a student who shares his journey from spiraling into drugs and depression to finding hope and healing. Daniel opens up about the pressures at home, the struggle to escape overwhelming feelings through getting high and the long road to reconnecting with his family. Through the support of caring staff and counseling at Heartlight, Daniel is

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24:59

Are You Hearing Your Teen's Heart?

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/11/24

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how listening is one of the most powerful ways parents can build connection with their teens. Many families struggle with communication because parents talk more than they listen — often teaching, correcting or giving opinions instead of asking thoughtful questions. Teens who don’t feel heard will seek that attention elsewhere, so parents must make intentional time to listen without judgment or interruption. Mark encourages parents

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28:01

I Mustache Mark a Question: Busy Teens, Broken Homes...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2025/11/21

In today’s episode, Mark dives into some of the toughest and most relatable dilemmas families face: transitioning your parenting style as teens leave for college, navigating disagreements with your spouse over parenting strategies and the complexities around busy teen schedules. He also tackles challenging topics like helping teens through the aftermath of divorce and understanding — and celebrating — the sometimes obsessive fandoms that provide comfort to young people. Don't miss this

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