Parenting Today's Teens

Parenting Today's Teens

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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, …

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I Mustache Mark a Question: Setting Rules, Seeking Connection and Staying Calm

<p>Every teen has a deep need to belong — and sometimes that longing drives them to choices and behaviors that leave parents frustrated and confused. In today's Q&A episode, Mark …

Apr 03, 2026 · 23m

Shut Your Mouth, Open Your Ears

<p>In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss one of the most overlooked parenting tools: listening. They explore why teens often tune out when parents talk too much, how today’s digital …

Apr 02, 2026 · 16m

Understanding the ‘Why’ Behind Teen Outbursts

<p>Every parent is bound to face a moment when their teen’s anger seems to explode out of nowhere. But as Mark explains in today’s episode, there’s always more beneath the …

Apr 01, 2026 · 18m

Teen Stories: Finding Yourself Again

<p>What happens when your life starts to spiral and you lose sight of who you are? For many teens, struggles with identity, relationships and loss can lead them down difficult …

Mar 31, 2026 · 23m

Rescuing or Preparing: Are You Robbing Your Teen?

<p>In this episode, Mark and Wayne tackle the hard truth of “rescuing” teens from life’s painful moments and why this well-intentioned instinct can actually do more harm than good. Through …

Mar 30, 2026 · 15m

I Mustache Mark a Question: Setting Boundaries With Teens & Young Adults

<p>Does any of this sound familiar? Your college-age daughter wants to move in with her boyfriend against your wishes. Your son fights you on doing his chores and threatens to …

Mar 27, 2026 · 22m

9 Things Boomers Do to Drive Away Their Children & Grandkids

<p>It’s easy to fall into the trap of criticizing “kids these days.” But how you view the younger generation will shape the kind of relationship you have with them. In …

Mar 26, 2026 · 29m

When Your Child's Choices Hurt

<p>In this episode, Mark shares a deeply personal devotional about the challenges parents face when their teens make decisions that go against family values or wound their hearts. Mark explores …

Mar 25, 2026 · 25m

Teen Stories: Looking For Answers

<p>Most struggling teens hold a story inside their hearts: a story of searching, hurt and hope. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who open up about …

Mar 24, 2026 · 27m

Decisions That Shape Generations

<p>In this episode, Mark and Wayne talk about the profound impact that tough parenting decisions can have on a family's future. Through personal stories — including Mark's life-saving decision for …

Mar 23, 2026 · 28m

I Mustache Mark a Question: Respect, Rebellion and Raising Responsible Kids

<p>In today's Q&A episode, Mark tackles some more tough questions submitted by listeners about raising teens and young adults. From dealing with a disrespectful 19-year-old living at home, to concerns …

Mar 20, 2026 · 27m

Navigating Teen Romance

<p>In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight counselor Courtney Lafleur tackle teens and dating, exploring what it means for parents to set realistic boundaries and stay involved as their children …

Mar 19, 2026 · 27m

Stop Controlling and Start Trusting Your Teen

<p>In this eye-opening episode, Mark dives deep into a common parenting dilemma — striking the right balance between guidance and control as teens seek independence. Drawing from a real-life story …

Mar 18, 2026 · 24m

Teen Stories: Out of Control

<p>When life feels unpredictable, teens often seek control in unexpected ways. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women at Heartlight who share how loss and longing for …

Mar 17, 2026 · 23m

Are You Passing on Bad Habits to Your Teens?

<p>In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight counselor Courtney Lafleur explore ways parents pass down bad habits to their teens — from being overly critical and avoiding conflict to setting …

Mar 16, 2026 · 28m

I Mustache Mark a Question: Balancing Boundaries and Building Trust

<p>In this episode, Mark tackles some more tough questions parents are asking about raising teens in today's rapidly changing world. From navigating conversations about sexuality and social media's impact on …

Mar 13, 2026 · 32m

Mean Girls, Social Media and Building Resilience

<p>In this episode, Heartlight counselor Courtney Lafleur joins Mark and Wayne to tackle the issue of "mean girl" culture and the impact of social media on teenage girls. They discuss …

Mar 12, 2026 · 26m

Helping Teens Process Pain and Heal

<p>In this episode, Mark shares a personal devotional about the impact of loss on teens and families. Drawing from personal stories and experiences at Heartlight, Mark explains how loss shapes …

Mar 11, 2026 · 16m

Teen Stories: What's Left Unsaid

<p>Even the most loving families can struggle to truly hear one another. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who share their experiences with communication breakdowns at …

Mar 10, 2026 · 21m

How to Share Spiritual Values with Today’s Teens

<p>In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the challenges and opportunities parents face in sharing their faith with teenagers in a rapidly changing world. Drawing from real-life experiences and expert …

Mar 09, 2026 · 26m

I Mustache Mark a Question: Vaping, Drinking and the Search for Acceptance

<p>On today's Q&A episode, Mark shares some more insights into the struggles families are facing while raising teenagers today. He answers questions from parents about everything from vaping and drinking …

Mar 06, 2026 · 26m

Navigating Radicalization and Acceptance in Today’s Teens

<p>In this insightful episode, Mark and Wayne explore what drives today's teenagers to embrace radical ideas, delving into the underlying motives of identity, independence and acceptance. The conversation offers practical …

Mar 05, 2026 · 24m

Helping Teens Heal from Unresolved Hurt

<p>In this heartfelt episode, Mark addresses the complex world of adolescent loss and its impact on behavior and emotional well-being. Drawing from real-life stories and personal experiences, Mark sheds light …

Mar 04, 2026 · 12m

Teen Stories: Shedding the Mask

<p>Many teens wrestle with the challenge of fitting in — sometimes at the cost of losing themselves. On today's show, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share their …

Mar 03, 2026 · 21m

Unpacking Reckless & Impulsive Behavior in Teens

<p>In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore what drives teens to risky behaviors — often in search of adventure, escape or affirmation. The conversation goes deeper during an interview with …

Mar 02, 2026 · 25m

I Mustache Mark a Question: Rebuilding Trust, Navigating Loss and Encouraging Independence

<p>In today's Q&A episode, Mark dives into the real-life struggles parents are dealing with right now. From trying to convince your teen to go to church, to figuring out if …

Feb 27, 2026 · 28m