Parenting Today's Teens
767 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 279 ratingsA daily podcast released every weekday, the Parenting Today’s Teens Podcast features Mark Gregston, a parenting expert who has worked with teens and parents for over 45 years. Enlightening, up-to-date, practical, and something every parent would enjoy listening to. Raw at times, challenging at other times, but always hopeful to get your family to a better place in an adolescent culture that is sometimes a little contrary to what you believe and want for your teen. Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
I Mustache Mark a Question: Bad Attitudes
March 24, 2023 07:00 - 30 minutes - 28 MBWe all have bad days, but what happens when disagreeable moods turn into toxic identities? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who are at a loss as to how they should reel in their kids’ lazy, stubborn, negative and angry lifestyles. Don’t miss out on this advice! If you have your own question for Mark, send it in at markgregston.com To learn more about how to shift your parental strategy, check out Mark's book, "Raising Teens in a Contrary Culture." Orde...
Is Lying Normal?
March 23, 2023 07:00 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBPrepare yourself — your teen will go behind your back. The parent who claims “not my kid” is in for an unpleasant surprise. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss ways to recognize your teens' lies, and how to handle them once you do. Tune in now! For more successful strategies to build a strong relationship with your child, check out "Tough Guys and Drama Queens." Order your copy today at http://bit.ly/3ZC9Yub
Put Your Treasure Where Your Heart Is
March 22, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBIf you've been waiting for "just the right time," to truly connect with your kids or grandkids ... that time is now! Begin building your legacy today. In this episode, Mark Gregston discusses why you should take advantage of the present and focus on what truly matters, and shares some insightful stories from his own life. Listen in now! For more practical counsel on building a meaningful connection with the teens in your life, check out Mark's 365-day devotional, "Daily Hope For Families...
Teens and Grief: Picking Up the Pieces
March 21, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MBWhen a parent passes away, everyone in the family is left to learn how to cope the best they can. Unfortunately, sometimes differing coping mechanisms can cause even more friction between a teen and their remaining parent. In today's show, Mark Gregston sits down with two Heartlight teens who both lost their dads and struggled to get along with their moms in the aftermath. These interviews are honest and insightful, don't miss out! To learn more about our residential program, visit hear...
Why Do Teens Like to Argue So Much?
March 20, 2023 07:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBA lot of teens seem to argue just for the sake of arguing, but oftentimes, there are some deeper issues going on under the surface. As a parent, you have the opportunity to teach your teens that they can express opinions WITHOUT turning the situation into a battle. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how you can deal with a teen who likes to argue and set a positive example. Tune in now! For more insight on communicating with a challenging teen, check out the Fam...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Redirecting Influence
March 17, 2023 07:00 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBInfluence is defined as the capacity to have an effect on the character, development or behavior of someone. As a parent, how do your actions and decisions shape the life of your teen? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions from parents who are concerned about the abundance of outside voices speaking into the lives of their teens, ranging from boyfriends and social media to counselors and churches. Listen now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: https://markgregston.co...
The Key to Successfully Raising a Teen
March 16, 2023 07:00 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBThe responsibilities of a parent are arguably infinite, which raises the question: Is there a single component of parenting that should be prioritized above all others? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd make a case for relationships, discussing why they should take precedence over everything else and claiming that they are actually the very foundation of parenting. Don’t miss this important topic, tune in now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: https://markgregs...
How Well Do You Understand Your Teen's World?
March 15, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 17.4 MBMost parents would agree that they're grateful they're not growing up in today's teenage culture. Our teens are faced with information overload, shallow relationships, pressure from social media and so much more — and they desperately need your wisdom as a parent. In this episode, Mark Gregston explains why today's culture can have such a negative impact on relationships and how you can combat it, and recommends reading "Engaging Your Teen's World," a book by David Eaton and Jeremiah Calliha...
When They Hit Bumps in the Road
March 14, 2023 07:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBWhile there is ALWAYS hope for struggling teens, they'll inevitably hit some bumps in the road while finding their way again. What matters is how they recover from stumbling. In this week's interview with Heartlight residents, one young lady shares with Mark Gregston how she fell back into old habits when she went home to visit her family and is now working on getting back on track. Don't miss today's teen stories! Have you gotten your copy of Mark's newest book, "Daily Hope For Families...
Modeling Forgiveness for Your Teens
March 13, 2023 07:00 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBWhether it's intentional or not, teens can sometimes be quite hurtful toward their parents. When your teen has hurt you, do you carry that resentment with you? Or do you show them the power of forgiveness? In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why it's important to model forgiveness for your children because it will impact how they interact with their own families later on in life. Listen in for this great topic! No matter where you're at in your parenting walk, we ha...
I Mustache Mark a Question: Refusing Therapy
March 10, 2023 08:00 - 6 minutes - 6.05 MBIn this episode, Mark Gregston answers the question of the week, which comes from a parent who is trying to get their teen to go to therapy. If help is viewed as a sign of weakness, many won’t reach out for it. Tune in to hear Mark’s advice! Do you have a question for Mark? Check out https://markgregston.com/ For more information on the Heartlight residential program, visit heartlightministries.org
Is Smoking Weed Normal?
March 09, 2023 08:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBIn a culture where anxiety is high and teens crave connection, marijuana can seem like the perfect solution. If “everyone is doing it,” why would your teen want to be the exception? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the effects of weed being normalized, as well as the importance of teaching your kids to combat mental and social issues head on. Listen now! Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: https://markgregston.com/ For a daily dose of parenting enco...
Good Parents Are Great Listeners
March 08, 2023 08:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBIn the chaos of today's world, our teens are desperately looking for someone to truly listen to them. Mom or Dad, is that person you? Or do you often find yourself dismissing what your child says? In today's show, Mark Gregston shares his thoughts on the power of participatory listening and how it can deeply improve your relationship with your teen. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode! For more practical strategies to better connect with your teen, read Mark's book, "Tough Guys and...
Good Parents Are Great Listeners
March 08, 2023 08:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBIn the chaos of today's world, our teens are desperately looking for someone to truly listen to them. Mom or Dad, is that person you? Or do you often find yourself dismissing what your child says? In today's show, Mark Gregston shares his thoughts on the power of participatory listening and how it can deeply improve your relationship with your teen. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode! For more practical strategies to better connect with your teen, read Mark's book, "Tough Guys and...
The Messy Side of Adoption
March 07, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBWhen kids get adopted, it's definitely not always a smooth transition — it's a massive adjustment for the entire family. In this episode, Mark Gregston sits down to chat with a couple of Heartlight teens, including a 16-year-old girl who was adopted, along with her younger sister, only a few years ago. While her adoption story looked perfect on the outside, she struggled to adjust because of years of trauma. Tune in to hear this powerful story! For further insights on how to create a he...
Is Disrespect Derailing Your Home?
March 06, 2023 08:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBDisrespect has an extremely potent way of ruining relationships. If you have a disrespectful teen in your home, the situation needs to be dealt with — and quickly. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how to approach a child that has a disrespect issue, why you should be conscious of any role you might play in it and much more. Tune in for this important discussion! Have you checked out the Parenting Today's Teens online store yet? Visit resources.parentingtodayst...
Is It Worth Your Relationship?
March 03, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.98 MBIn today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers the question of the week, which comes from the parent of a teen who smokes weed daily. Should parents focus their energy on demanding change or on maintaining a connection with their child? There are two routes, but only one path will lead your teen to change. Don’t miss this advice, tune in now! For more insights on how to develop a close relationship with your teen without sacrificing boundaries, check out Mark's article, "Balanced Parenting," ...
Broken Parents Raising Broken Teens
March 02, 2023 08:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBThere’s no way around it — life is hard and none of us can avoid the pain and suffering of the human experience. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of facing brokenness head on, the utility of affliction in the process of growth and ultimately, the necessity of vulnerability in developing a deeper relationship with your teen. Listen now! For a daily dose of parenting encouragement, check out Mark's latest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," at ...
Teens and Depression: Stopping the Spiral
February 28, 2023 08:00 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBDepression in teens can often be caused by traumatic events or circumstances early in life that they couldn't fully process at the time. When they begin to struggle with their mental health, they often don't know where to turn, and a spiral ensues. In today's episode, Mark Gregston speaks to two Heartlight teens who battle depression for very different reasons but are both on the pathway toward healing. Listen in for these powerful interviews! Want to know if Heartlight is the right cho...
Is the Relationship With Your Teen Top Priority?
February 27, 2023 08:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBParents often get too focused on "winning," whether that's ending an argument or checking all of the parenting boxes they feel they're supposed to, and lose the relationship with their child in the process. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why you should never sacrifice your relationship with your teen for things that'll matter less in the long run. Don't miss this great topic! For more successful strategies to build a strong relationship with your child, check o...
How to Implement the Ideal Dating Model
February 24, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.09 MBHow should parents approach their teens’ inevitable interest in the opposite sex, and ultimately romantic relationships? With the proper guidance and support, they can mature in the midst of developing this new and intimidating social intelligence. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston gives his advice on age appropriate dating boundaries with the end goal of teens being able to understand what they’re looking for in their future spouse. Don’t miss out on this helpful insight! For more on ho...
The Value of Admitting Our Struggles
February 23, 2023 08:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBThe danger of creating and selling a perfect narrative to the world is that it becomes nearly impossible to communicate your problems to anyone. This dark path leads to hopelessness and isolation. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the imperfections of both parent and child, and the importance of transparency, humility and community. Listen now! For more info on how to adapt your parenting to be effective in today's culture, check out Mark's book "Tough Guys and...
Is Judgment Driving Your Teen Away?
February 22, 2023 08:00 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBWhen teens feel judged by their parents, they'll quickly put up walls in the relationship and not receive any of the insight or instruction you're trying to share. So, how do you keep the relationship intact when your child is doing something you might disagree with? In this episode, Mark Gregston shares stories about judgment from his own life and why it's so important to take a non-critical stance when engaging with teens. To learn more about how to shift your parental strategy, check ...
When Teens Try to Run From Their Problems
February 21, 2023 08:00 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBHave you ever gotten in an argument with your teen and they've threatened to run away? It's usually an empty threat, but some teens feel it's the only way to escape their problems or conflicts. In today's episode, Mark Gregston sits down with two young ladies from Heartlight, both of whom attempted to run away or sneak out of their homes. Tune in to hear how they're working through their struggles! For more information on the Heartlight residential program, visit heartlightministries.org
Being the Best Grandparent You Can Be
February 20, 2023 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBGrandparents can have a powerful, unique role in the lives of their teen grandkids — IF they choose to actively pursue the relationship. You may have to shift the way you're involved in your grandchildren's lives if you want to stay connected! In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how grandparents can be a positive influence in their families and share some ways you can build strong relationships with the teens in your life. Our Grandparenting Bundle is packed with w...
How to Deal With Loved Ones Invalidating Your Rules
February 17, 2023 08:00 - 6 minutes - 5.86 MBFamily and friends can bring so much encouragement, comfort and joy. However, they can also bring discouragement, contradiction and stress. What should you do when someone in your support system isn’t being … supportive? In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers a question about how to deal with an aunt that offers her home as a “Get Out of Jail Free” card. Listen now! If you have your own question for Mark, send it in at markgregston.com
Don't Miss THIS Cry for Help
February 16, 2023 08:00 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBWhen teens mess up, their first response will likely be to protect themselves from consequences. If you’re bent on justice ... you just might miss their cry for help. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how lying is often a smoke screen for bigger issues ranging from a fear of judgment to feelings of inadequacy. Don’t miss this important topic. Tune in now! To learn more about the Heartlight boarding school, visit heartlightministries.org
Grandparents, How Welcoming Is Your Home?
February 15, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBA grandparent's home can be a warm, almost magical place where a teen can find rest from the stresses of life ... or, it can be a place where kids are worried about being judged or making a mess. What kind of home do YOU have? In today's devotional, Mark Gregston shares personal reflections about how he learned to make his home a comfortable place for his grandchildren and how you can do the same for yours. This episode is packed with wisdom, so don't miss out! For more on how to better...
What Are the Barriers to Good Relationships?
February 14, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBDo you long for a closer relationship with your teen? Closeness can be blocked by many factors, including busyness, lack of communication or even how discipline is implemented. In this week's interview with Heartlight teens, Mark Gregston talks to two high schoolers who had difficulty connecting and opening up to their parents — which caused a lot of strife in their homes. Tune in to hear their stories! For more insights on how to have a close relationship with your child without sacrif...
Guiding Your Teen Through Grief
February 13, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBWhether it's the loss of a grandparent, a broken relationship or the tragic death of a friend, loss can hit teens really hard. And if they aren't allowed or able to process their grief, it can continue to impact them years down the line. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share several ways you can support your child through grief and teach them that expressing their emotions is okay. Listen in for this incredibly important topic! Mark's book, "Where's Stitch?" is a wonder...
Helping Teens Self-Reflect
February 10, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.04 MBIn this episode, Mark Gregston answers the question of the week, which comes from a parent who is trying to get their teenage daughter to recognize why her behavior is a problem. Kids don't always know the WHY behind their actions, so sometimes they need a little help. Tune in to hear Mark's answer! If you have your own question for Mark, send it in at markgregston.com
When Feelings of Failure Creep in...
February 09, 2023 08:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBHave you ever started to feel like a failure as a parent? When those worries start to pop up, it's easy to get overwhelmed — but don't be too hard on yourself! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why some parents feel like they're failing and how to restructure those thoughts, along with why your teen's poor choices aren't a reflection on you. Don't miss this topic! For more info on shifting your parenting to be effective in today's culture, check out Mark's book "T...
When Feelings of Failure Creep in...
February 09, 2023 08:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBHave you ever started to feel like a failure as a parent? When those worries start to pop up, it's easy to get overwhelmed — but don't be too hard on yourself! In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why some parents feel like they're failing and how to restructure those thoughts, along with why your teen's poor choices aren't a reflection on you. Don't miss this topic! For more info on shifting your parenting to be effective in today's culture, check out Mark's book "T...
Are You Leading by Example?
February 08, 2023 08:00 - 10 minutes - 9.83 MBThe phrase, "Actions speak louder than words," may feel like a cliché, but when it comes to preparing teens for adulthood, it has never been more true. For teens to really learn how to make wise choices and engage well with others, you must show them firsthand. In today's episode, Mark Gregston shares his insights on why it's so important for parents to live out their values in actions, not just in words. Tune in to hear his thoughts! For more on this important topic, check out Mark's ar...
A Soft Heart Behind a Hard Shell
February 07, 2023 08:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBTeens who've walked through trauma at a young age respond in a variety of ways, but often, they'll create a tough, prickly outer persona to keep themselves from ever being hurt again. It takes patience to find it, but there's still a soft heart in there somewhere! In today's episode, Mark Gregston interviews more Heartlight teens, including a young lady who was abandoned on the streets of Mexico when she was just a toddler and is still working through the trauma as a teen. Tune in to hear he...
The Muddle in the Middle
February 06, 2023 08:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBAs busy and activity-packed as most of our lives are, you may find that the best opportunities to connect with your teen pop up in the most mundane of moments. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why you should keep an eye out for quiet opportunities to connect with your child and lay the groundwork for bigger conversations later on. Listen in now! Have you heard about our "Leaving a Legacy of Hope" curriculum yet? It's perfect for a grandparent who wants to truly ...
When Your Child Is Living a Double Life
February 03, 2023 08:00 - 4 minutes - 4.58 MBIn today's episode, Mark Gregston answers the top parenting question of the week, which comes from a mom who just found out her daughter — who's usually a great student — smokes pot and abuses Adderall. Listen in for Mark's advice and recommendations! Want to ask a question about your own teen? Send it to Mark at markgregston.com
Training Boys to Be Men
February 02, 2023 08:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBIf you're a parent to a teenage boy, you probably know that they're prone to taking some questionable risks, and oftentimes their need to prove themselves can get them in trouble. But underneath the bravado, they long to have a relationship with you. In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how you can connect with your teen son and help train him to be an independent man of great character. If you're a parent of a boy, don't miss this discussion! For more success...
Making Time for Your Teen
February 01, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBHow often do you make time to just sit down and talk to your teen? Is it only when they've done something wrong, or do you make it a point to hang out with them? In today's episode, Mark Gregston explains why you should schedule consistent time every week to spend with your teen and shares some tips for sparking good, thought-provoking conversations. Don't miss Mark's insights on this topic! For more tips on communicating with your child, read Mark's article, "Six Ways to Become a Bette...
It's Not Too Late to Change the Story
January 31, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBWhen teens begin to feel trapped in a mess of their own making, they sometimes lack the perspective to see a way out. That's why it's SO important for parents to take any mention of suicidal thoughts seriously. In this episode, Mark Gregston talks to a couple of Heartlight teens who are recovering from hitting rock bottom, including a young lady who had already attempted suicide three times by the time she was 14. Don't miss her impactful interview! To learn more about the Heartlight boa...
Identifying the Pull of Culture
January 30, 2023 08:00 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBAs parents, we do our best to instill godly morals and the ability to make wise choices into our teens, but there's no denying that today's adolescent culture is constantly pulling them in other directions. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why it's important not to underestimate the influence of culture on kids and how you can support them no matter what. Tune in now! For more on this topic, check out Mark's article, "The Contrary Culture," at parentingtodaysteen...
Interpreting Your Child's Defense Mechanisms
January 27, 2023 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.22 MBIn today's episode, Mark Gregston answers the top parenting question of the week, which comes from a father wondering why his adopted daughter is not affected by discipline. Mark shares his advice and explains why kids, especially ones who've been adopted, may develop new defense mechanisms as they become teens. Don't miss this episode! To send in your own parenting question, visit markgregston.com
When You've Been Fired By Your Teen...
January 26, 2023 08:00 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBWhen your teen rejects you or tells you they hate you, it can hurt deeply. But God can use even the most painful of moments for good — and after all, conflict is often a precursor for change! In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share advice for parents who may feel like they've been "fired" by their teens and share some personal stories of overcoming rejection in their own lives. Tune in for this encouraging episode! Have you heard about our Heartlight VIP events yet? Fo...
Don't Let Losses Become Generational
January 25, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBWe know losses and pain can have a huge impact on teens' behavior ... but have you considered how the losses in your own life affect your parenting? In this episode, Mark Gregston shares why you need to be cautious not to transfer unresolved pain from your own life onto your child, and encourages parents to practice introspection and seek wise counsel when working through their own losses. Listen in for this powerful devotional! Mark wrote his new book, "Daily Hope for Families," to sha...
Rebuilding Relationships From the Ground Up
January 24, 2023 08:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBMany kids who arrive at Heartlight have a totally broken relationship with their parents, and it takes effort from the whole family to rebuild trust, communication and affection. In today's episode, Mark Gregston interviews two more Heartlight teens, including Sam, who was kicked out of high school and felt like he and his parents would never see eye-to-eye. But now, they have to work together to forge a better relationship. Don't miss this episode! Could Heartlight be the right option ...
Are You Ready to Change How You Engage?
January 23, 2023 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBParenting a teen in today's ever-changing culture means you have to be prepared to shift the way you communicate and engage with your child — otherwise, your wisdom may fall on deaf ears. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how discipline practices have changed over the years and why you shouldn't sweat the small stuff with your teen. Tune in now! For more insights on how to adapt your parenting to fit your teen's needs, check out Mark's book, "What's Happening ...
Setting Age-Appropriate Boundaries with Social Media
January 20, 2023 08:00 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBIn today's episode, Mark Gregston addresses the top parenting topic of the week, which is how to help teens have healthy, age-appropriate boundaries surrounding social media use. As a parent, you have to find a balance between allowing your teen to connect with their friends without letting them be overwhelmed by the influence of culture on social media. Tune in for Mark's insights! To submit your own parenting question, visit markgregston.com.
The Keys to Productive Confrontation
January 19, 2023 08:00 - 19 minutes - 17.4 MBWhen your teen makes a mistake, do you jump immediately into dishing out discipline in the heat of anger? Or do you pause, take a breath and get the facts first? In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share the best ways to confront your child when they've broken the rules — without destroying your relationship. Listen in for their advice! Are you a grandparent looking for more ways to genuinely connect with your grandchildren? Check out the free "Leaving a Legacy of Hope" e-c...
Do You Know the Losses in Your Teen's Life?
January 18, 2023 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBWhen your child is young, they tend to tell you when their favorite toy has broken or a friend has been mean to them — but when they become a teen and the losses get more serious, they may not tell you everything. In today's episode, Mark Gregston explains that if your teen has been acting out, it could very well be caused by a painful loss that you don't know about. Tune in now to hear Mark's insights about the different types of losses that teens experience. Ready to create a stronger ...
Keeping Anger Under Control
January 17, 2023 08:30 - 22 minutes - 21 MBWhether it's simple passive aggression or fits of rage, teens often express hurts or unresolved problems in their lives through anger. As a parent, you can help them find better ways to channel their frustrations — but only if you don't get caught up in anger too. In today's interview with Heartlight teens, Mark Gregston talks to two young ladies, one of whom struggles to keep her anger under control and hopes her whole family can learn to control their tempers better. Tune in now for these ...