Parenting Today's Teens
Kids & Family
About
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 Counselor) and on-staff counselor at Heartlight, adding professional counseling insights to the conversation. Together, Mark and Courtney provide expert tips and real-life solutions to help you build stronger relationships with your teen and navigate the complexities of today’s adolescent culture. If you’re looking for guidance on how to connect with your teen, improve family dynamics, and raise a confident, well-adjusted teen, this podcast is for you. For more parenting tools and expert advice, visit www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org. Parenting Today's Teens is part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org.
Episodes
- I Mustache Mark a Question: Grief, Guardianship and Growing Up Too Soon
Mark answers listener questions regarding difficult family situations, including parental loss, divorce, and teenage addiction. He discusses how self-reflection, healthy boundaries, and positive affirmation can help parents support their t…
- How to Get Your Teen to Actually Listen
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens features Mark, Wayne, and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur. They discuss effective communication strategies for parents to connect with their teenagers.
- Relationship Is Your Greatest Legacy
Mark shares a devotional on the importance of relationship in parenting, highlighting its lasting impact over rules or performance. He discusses the significance of connection, listening, and love even through disagreements as key to build…
- Teen Stories: From Hiding Hurt to Finding Healing
Mark talks with two teens from Heartlight who discuss keeping people at arm's length, struggling with anger, and wrestling with family changes. They share how Heartlight has given them tools to start letting people in.
- When Your Teen Doesn’t Want to Go to School
This episode discusses the importance of school beyond academic grades, focusing on social development, resilience, responsibility, and real-world skills. It also covers understanding why teens resist school and exploring alternative educa…
- I Mustache Mark a Question: Family Friction, Fearful Teens and Finding Respect
This episode features Mark addressing a variety of challenging questions from parents of teenagers. Topics include navigating family friction, addressing anxious teens, and supporting transgender young adults.
- What Your Teen Needs Most from You, Dad
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens explores the powerful role fathers play in shaping their teens' identity, confidence, and sense of worth. It highlights how a father's time, presence, and genuine interest can foster lasting connecti…
- A Parent’s Greatest Challenge
Mark discusses the challenges parents face in staying connected with teenagers in a rapidly changing world. He shares practical ways to build real connection and overcome relationship barriers.
- Teen Stories: The Battle to Be Understood
This episode features two young women from Heartlight who share their experiences with honesty, acceptance, and family dynamics. They discuss how miscommunication with their parents impacted their choices and relationships.
- Raising Socially Awkward Teens
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens features Mark, Wayne, and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discussing social awkwardness in teenagers. They explore factors contributing to this behavior and provide guidance on helping teens de…
- I Mustache Mark a Question: Respect, Identity Struggles and Building Real Relationships
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens covers various topics including teen identity, relationships, anger, anxiety, dyslexia, and the impact of explicit music. It also discusses dating, fostering respect and responsibility, and navigatin…
- When Your Teen Thinks Differently Than You
Mark and Wayne discuss how teens form beliefs due to cultural and peer influences, and a desire to belong. They offer advice on how parents can respond to differing opinions without overreacting, keeping conversations open and maintaining…
- When Helping Hurts: Teaching Teens to Carry Their Own Load
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens discusses teaching teens to be responsible and self-sufficient. It examines the potential negative effects of overparenting and provides insights on fostering growth in young adults.
- Teen Stories: Feeling the Pressure
Mark talks to two teens about the hidden pressures they faced despite outward appearances. They discuss the toll of living in a world where appearances matter more than authenticity.
- Breaking Patterns, Building Trust & Beating Boredom
This episode, revisited for summer break, features Mark and Wayne discussing how to set teens up for success by providing structure, purpose, and meaningful family connections. Jared also shares his story about overcoming addiction, anxiet…
- I Mustache Mark a Question: Parenting Older Teens, Independence and Consequences
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens features Mark Gregston answering listener questions about raising older teenagers. Topics include managing screen time, fostering independence, and navigating consequences as teens mature.
- Quit Correcting. Start Connecting.
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens explores the importance of relationship during adolescence and how to foster connection with teenagers. It covers strategies for parents to build deeper connections and offer guidance effectively.
- Influenced by Encouragement
This episode explores the impact of encouragement on teenagers. The host shares personal memories of positive relationships and encouraging words that influenced his youth.
- Teen Stories: The Disconnection Dilemma
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens features two young women who share their experiences with feeling disconnected, navigating challenging situations, and ultimately rebuilding connections with family and themselves. They discuss facto…
- The Cost of Fitting In
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens explores the difficulties some teenagers encounter while trying to fit in, focusing on how bullying and cultural discrimination can lead to self-doubt and treatment programs. The discussion aims to h…
- I Mustache Mark a Question: Handling Teen Drama and Risky Choices
This episode features Mark answering parenting questions about teenage challenges, including vaping, toxic relationships, and depression. He provides advice on relationship building and setting boundaries for parents.
- Searching for Connection: Why Your Teen Turns to Drugs
Mark and Heartlight resident Jack discuss Jack's journey through family trauma, isolation, and substance use. Jack shares his search for belonging and meaningful relationships, and his work to heal his relationship with his mom and learn t…
- The Power of Influence: Overcoming Negativity
Mark shares personal stories about adults who positively influenced his life, helping him find purpose and overcome negativity. He discusses the impact of investing in small moments and building trust with teenagers.
- Teen Stories: When You Don't Feel Worthy
In this episode, two young men from Heartlight share their experiences with risky behavior, addiction, and broken trust. They discuss how struggles with perfectionism and feelings of inadequacy led to unhealthy choices and how they are now…
- Addressing the Fear Factor
On this episode, Mark and Abby discuss how to address fear and anxiety in teens, focusing on overcoming trauma and building trust. Abby shares her personal experiences and insights on finding healing and hope.
- I Mustache Mark a Question: Setting Rules, Seeking Connection and Staying Calm
This episode features a Q&A with Mark, addressing questions from parents about managing consequences, setting cell phone rules, and maintaining calmness with their teenagers. It offers tools and perspective shifts for parents and grandpare…
- Shut Your Mouth, Open Your Ears
Mark and Wayne discuss the often-overlooked parenting tool of listening, exploring its importance in improving communication with teenagers in today's digital world. They provide practical advice on how parents can create a listening atmos…
- Understanding the ‘Why’ Behind Teen Outbursts
This episode discusses understanding the reasons behind teen outbursts. It explores how parents can respond to these situations with empathy and help their teens communicate more openly communicate effectively.
- Teen Stories: Finding Yourself Again
This episode features two Heartlight teens who discuss feeling lost and disconnected. They share their journeys of healing and self-discovery after difficult experiences.
- Rescuing or Preparing: Are You Robbing Your Teen?
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens features Mark and Wayne discussing the potential negative effects of parents over-intervening in their teenagers' lives. They explore how allowing teens to face challenges can promote crucial learnin…
- I Mustache Mark a Question: Setting Boundaries With Teens & Young Adults
This episode features Mark Gregston answering listener questions about setting boundaries with teens and young adults. He provides advice on challenges such as defiance, technology use, and emotional struggles, offering empathy and practic…
- 9 Things Boomers Do to Drive Away Their Children & Grandkids
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens discusses how older generations can better connect with teenagers. It focuses on moving past criticism towards understanding, with advice from Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur. The episode also…
- When Your Child's Choices Hurt
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens features Mark discussing the challenges parents face when their children make difficult choices. He offers advice on maintaining meaningful relationships with teens during times of conflict and disap…
- Teen Stories: Looking For Answers
This episode features two Heartlight teens discussing their experiences with loneliness, depression, and relationship struggles. They share how they are learning to find belonging and healing within the Heartlight residential program.
- Decisions That Shape Generations
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens features Mark and Wayne discussing the significant impact of parenting decisions on a family's future. They share personal stories and explore how setting boundaries, engaging in challenging conversa…
- I Mustache Mark a Question: Respect, Rebellion and Raising Responsible Kids
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens features Mark answering listener questions on raising adolescents. He provides advice on topics including teen disrespect, motivation, drug use, and family relationships.
- Navigating Teen Romance
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens discusses how parents can navigate their teens' romantic relationships. It covers setting boundaries, age-appropriate guidelines, and maintaining open communication with teens about relationship chal…
- Stop Controlling and Start Trusting Your Teen
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens discusses balancing guidance and control with teenagers. Mark explores how excessive control can negatively impact teens and offers practical advice and biblical insights for parents.
- Teen Stories: Out of Control
This episode features two young women from Heartlight discussing how personal loss and a desire for independence influenced their decisions. They share their experiences with grief, self-discovery, and the impact of the struggle for contro…
- Are You Passing on Bad Habits to Your Teens?
This episode explores how parents can pass on bad habits to their teenagers. It offers advice for recognizing and reversing these patterns and features a teen sharing her story of addiction and trauma.
- I Mustache Mark a Question: Balancing Boundaries and Building Trust
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens features Mark Gregston addressing various challenges in raising teenagers. He provides guidance on topics such as sexuality, social media, setting boundaries, and maintaining open communication with…
- Mean Girls, Social Media and Building Resilience
This episode discusses "mean girl" culture, the impact of social media on teenage girls, and building resilience. It covers bullying, exclusion, gossip, unrealistic online standards, mental health, and self-worth, featuring an interview wi…
- Helping Teens Process Pain and Heal
This episode explores how loss affects teens and families, influencing behavior and emotional responses. It highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these losses to promote healing and strengthen relationships.
- Teen Stories: What's Left Unsaid
In this episode, two Heartlight teens discuss their experiences with communication breakdowns at home. They share how the inability to talk openly with parents shaped their journeys and how rebuilding honest communication can be a step tow…
- How to Share Spiritual Values with Today’s Teens
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens features Mark and Wayne discussing how parents can share spiritual values with teenagers. They explore practical methods for establishing biblical values at home, emphasizing authenticity, honest con…
- I Mustache Mark a Question: Vaping, Drinking and the Search for Acceptance
In this episode, Mark answers parent questions about common struggles teenagers face, including vaping, drinking, difficult relationships, divorce, and blended families. He provides practical tips and encouragement for parents navigating t…
- Navigating Radicalization and Acceptance in Today’s Teens
This episode explores the reasons behind teenagers embracing radical ideas, such as identity and acceptance. It offers parents guidance on how to stay involved, set boundaries, and maintain open communication with their teens.
- Helping Teens Heal from Unresolved Hurt
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens features Mark discussing how to help adolescents heal from loss and unresolved hurt. He talks about the impact of loss on teenage behavior and emotional well-being, encouraging parents to focus on ro…
- Teen Stories: Shedding the Mask
This episode of Parenting Today's Teens features two Heartlight residents who discuss their struggles with trying to fit in and the challenges that arose from those efforts. They share how counseling at Heartlight is helping them embrace t…
- Unpacking Reckless & Impulsive Behavior in Teens
Mark and Wayne discuss what drives teens to risky behaviors, including an interview with a teen sharing her personal story of coping with family struggles and addiction. The episode provides insights for parents to understand root causes,…