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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

23:19

When Your Teen’s Behavior Becomes a Cry for Help

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/10/05

How can you tell when typical teenage struggles have become something more serious? Mark and Wayne discuss the warning signs that a teen may be spinning out of control — from escalating rebellion, dishonesty and disregard for consequences to isolation, substance use, self-harm and other dangerous behaviors. Mark also shares practical steps parents can take to intervene, establish healthier boundaries and recognize when it’s time to seek outside help. You’ll also hear a candid conversation with a

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26:43

I Mustache Mark a Question: Independence,...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/10/02

In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark tackles questions spanning nearly every stage of the teen years and beyond. How can grandparents build stronger relationships with their grandkids? Is it too late to shift from teaching to training once your child leaves for college? Do busy teens really need jobs? And what happens when Mom and Dad disagree about how to parent? Mark also addresses how grandparents can support teens caught in the middle of divorce, why parents should stay relational when an adult

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23:33

Knowing When Your Teen Needs Outside Help

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/10/01

How do you know when your teen’s struggles have reached the point where your family needs outside help? Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss when residential counseling may be appropriate — and why lasting change requires more than simply correcting behavior. They explain how a relationship-based approach can help teens address the deeper issues driving their choices while helping restore relationships throughout the family. You’ll also hear from Heartlight teen Jack, who shares how counseling,

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24:09

When High Standards Say, 'You’re Not Enough'

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/30

You want the best for your teen. But could your encouragement and high expectations be sending the message that they aren't good enough? Mark explores how well-meaning parents can unintentionally create a culture of perfection at home. He shares why teens may interpret guidance as judgment, standards as impossible expectations and correction as evidence that they’ll never measure up. Mark encourages parents to trade perfection for authenticity — admitting their own mistakes, making room for

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22:04

Teen Stories: When Discipline Distances

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/29

If you've ever wondered why a teen seems to pull away, sometimes the rules and consequences meant to help can actually drive a wedge. In today's episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight, Austin and Kennedy, who share candid stories about how discipline in their homes went from well-intentioned to relationship-breaking. Both teens open up about how strict systems, misunderstandings, and a lack of real connection pushed them toward anger and isolation. At Heartlight, they're learning

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23:47

When Your Adopted Teen Feels Unwanted

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/28

Adoption can give a child a loving family and a place to belong, but the teen years may bring difficult questions about identity, loss and acceptance to the surface. In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Courtney explore some of the unique struggles adopted teens may experience as they begin thinking more deeply about their past and wondering where they fit. Mark encourages parents to listen without assuming they understand, see life from their teen’s perspective, and remain a steady source of connection

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26:39

I Mustache Mark a Question: Moods, Mental Health and...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/25

In this week’s Q&A episode, Mark dives into some more common challenges parents are facing with their teens today. From navigating the difference between sarcasm and disrespect to supporting kids through anxiety, depression and OCD — no topic is off limits. Mark addresses questions about parenting through divorce, rebuilding trust when teens habitually lie and how to create clear boundaries without losing connection. Full of relatable stories and down-to-earth advice, this episode is packed with

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23:55

Is Your Teen Trying to Get Your Attention?

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/24

Every teen wants to feel seen, valued and noticed. But what happens when they start looking for that attention in unhealthy places? Mark and Wayne explore what can be behind attention-seeking behavior and why parents should look beyond the behavior to understand what their teen is really longing for. Mark shares practical ways to offer meaningful attention, set healthy boundaries and strengthen connection. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen, who candidly shares how her desire for acceptance and

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22:14

Helping Teens Separate Real Life From Social Media

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/23

Is social media shaping the way your teen sees themselves — and convincing them they don’t measure up? In this episode, Mark Gregston explores how carefully curated posts, altered images and constant comparison can distort a teen’s view of reality and contribute to feelings of inadequacy, isolation and poor self-esteem. Rather than trying to eliminate social media altogether, Mark offers practical ways parents can help teens become wiser consumers of what they see online, recognize what’s real and

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24:45

Teen Stories: Feeling Hopeless at Home

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/22

Family conflict isn’t just loud arguments or silent standoffs — it can leave deep marks that shape the way teens see themselves and their future. In this episode, Mark sits down with two young ladies from Heartlight who open up about what happens when home stops being a sanctuary and relationships fall apart. From stubborn fights with parents to feeling isolated and misunderstood, they share how painful family dynamics and past hurts pushed them to the edge. Listen in as they discuss what it took to

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24:24

When Good Kids Make Bad Choices

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/21

Your teen is going to make mistakes. How you respond can either deepen your relationship or create greater distance. Mark, Wayne and Courtney discuss what parents should do when they discover their teen has made a serious or inappropriate choice. They explain how to respond without shame, maintain firm consequences without sacrificing connection, and use mistakes as opportunities to help teens grow in responsibility and maturity. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen who candidly shares about a

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29:45

I Mustache Mark a Question: Double Lives, Depression...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/18

In this Q&A episode, Mark addresses some tough challenges parents are facing with their teens today. He answers listener questions on supporting a teen dealing with depression and drug use, how to respond when teens show no interest in talking about relationships and what to do if you feel desperate about getting your child help — especially when resources are tight. Mark also shares advice for parenting special needs teens, managing explosive anger outbursts, and what to do when your

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24:50

Are You Giving Your Teen Enough Responsibility?

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/17

Your job as a parent isn’t simply to teach your teen what to do — it’s to prepare them to eventually do it without you. Mark, Wayne and Courtney unpack the important progression from teaching to training to transferring responsibility. They explain why parenting must change during adolescence and how giving teens opportunities to make decisions, take responsibility and even fail can prepare them for adulthood. You’ll also hear from a Heartlight teen, who shares how honest conversations and growing

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28:13

Turning Life Lessons Into Lasting Wisdom

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/16

Your teen has access to more information than ever before. What they need from you is something Google can’t give them: wisdom. In this episode, Mark explains how parents and grandparents can turn biblical truth, personal experiences, mistakes and lessons learned into wisdom teens can actually apply to their lives. He shares why storytelling can be such a powerful way to connect, how to approach difficult subjects with truth and love, and why intentional conversations matter more than simply

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20:37

Teen Stories: Mending Complicated Relationships

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/15

Every teen has a story, and sometimes the pain they carry comes out in ways parents don’t expect. In today’s show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share how broken relationships at home — whether with parents or grandparents — pushed them toward destructive choices. Both guests open up about the struggles that led them to Heartlight, from anger and rebellion to depression and self-medication. Yet, underneath those behaviors is a longing for connection. Today, these teens are finding new

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22:32

The Keys to Better Conversations With Your Teen

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/14

Does your teen feel truly heard — or are you already preparing your response while they're still talking? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Courtney explain why listening is one of the most powerful ways parents can strengthen their relationship with their teen. They share practical strategies for asking deeper questions, resisting the urge to lecture or correct, and creating conversations where teens feel safe opening up. You'll also hear from a Heartlight teen who shares how better communication

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16:58

I Mustache Mark a Question: Trust, Consequences and...

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/11

In this week’s episode, Mark dives into the complex world of trust between parents and teens. He tackles what to do when your teen keeps repeating behaviors that broke your trust, how to respond when lies have become a pattern and how to keep going when you’ve given chance after chance but nothing seems to improve. Mark unpacks why teens might struggle to be honest, and shares advice for handling repeated disappointment while still helping teens grow in decision-making. With real-life examples and

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25:03

Helping Your Teen Overcome Guilt and Shame

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/10

Every teen makes mistakes. The question is whether those mistakes become a source of growth or a burden of shame. Mark and Wayne discuss the important difference between guilt and shame and how parents can help their teens move beyond both. You'll also hear a candid conversation with a Heartlight student, who shares how unresolved trauma led to destructive choices — and how honesty, grace and the support of others helped her begin finding healing. Tune in for biblical encouragement and practical

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14:11

Loving Your Teen Beyond Their Mistakes

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/09

Every parent wants the best for their teen. But could high expectations unintentionally leave them wondering if your love depends on their performance? In this episode, Mark challenges parents to distinguish between holding biblical standards and communicating unconditional love. Mark explains why teens need grace as much as guidance, how performance-based relationships can lead to shame and discouragement, and why the strongest families separate a child's actions from their worth. He also shares

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18:47

Teen Stories: When Home Is a Battleground

Parenting Today"s Teens ·

2026/09/08

Every family has its battles, but for some teens, the struggle goes way beyond curfews and chores. In today’s episode, Mark talks with two Heartlight teens who open up about what really drove their rebellious choices — from strict rules and broken trust to feeling invisible at home. Through honest stories of addiction, conflict and searching for acceptance, both reveal how the craving for freedom can backfire and make home life feel even harder. Listen in to hear how they’re working through

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1,586 results

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