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Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Parenting Today's Teens podcast

Helping Teens Develop Their Purpose

2026/02/05

A teen’s purpose isn’t discovered in a single moment or from sitting at home; it unfolds through exposure, experience and exploration. In today's show, we explore how parents play a vital role by expanding their teen’s world, encouraging curiosity, and allowing them to try, fail and grow without forcing a fixed path too early. Purpose develops as teens engage in real-world experiences, learn resilience and discover what they’re capable of beyond comfort and familiarity. The goal isn’t to decide their future for them, but to help them discover who God created them to be and what’s possible for their lives. Are you struggling with your teen? Join Mark in Texas at one of his Families in Crisis Conferences, which are designed to help you get to a better place. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more and register. 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Unconditional Love and Grace Over Performance

2026/02/04

Parents want the best for their teens, but good intentions can backfire when love feels tied to performance. This conversation reminds parents that kids need to know they are loved unconditionally — especially when they fail — because high standards without grace often lead to shame, secrecy and withdrawal. Healthy relationships balance clear expectations with forgiveness, making room for growth rather than exclusion. Teens thrive when they know they are valued for who they are, not just for what they do. Do you have a parenting question you would like to send to Mark? Visit markgregston.com and ask him today! 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Teen Stories: Battling Low Self-Worth

2026/02/03

Many parents might be surprised to learn that the behaviors and struggles their teens exhibit often stem from deep-rooted issues with self-worth. On today's episode, Mark sits down with two young women, each sharing honest accounts of their battles with anxiety, isolation and the need for validation. Whether it's navigating self-harm, tough family dynamics or the pressure to find acceptance, both teens reveal how building self-worth — and discovering their value in God — has transformed their lives. Is Heartlight the answer for your struggling teen? Visit heartlightministries.org to learn about the program! 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Strategies for Raising Responsible Teens

2026/02/02

In today's episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explain that raising responsible teens isn’t about perfection, but about preparing them for real life. Parents are encouraged to shift from constant teaching and correcting to intentional training — giving teens age-appropriate responsibility, room to make decisions, and space to fail and learn. Allowing natural consequences, resisting control and adjusting expectations helps teens grow. With grace, patience and consistent training, they can become trustworthy, responsible young adults. If you are in a tough spot with your teen and nothing seems to be working, join Mark at his Families in Crisis Conference. This weekend is designed to help parents of struggling teens. Visit familycrisisretreat.com learn more! 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I Mustache Mark a Question: Screens, Social Lives and Setting Boundaries

2026/01/30

In today's show, Mark Gregston dives into some more pressing questions parents have about raising teenagers amidst the challenges of technology, screen time and social media. He discusses how to strike a balance between connection and safety, set healthy boundaries for internet and video game use, and recognize the impact of digital life on teens’ relationships and well-being. Drawing from recent research and the wisdom of experts, Mark offers practical strategies and encouragement for parents striving to engage with their kids beyond the screen. Facing a parenting challenge? Ask Mark about it! Submit your question at markgregston.com. 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Is Your Teen Leading a Double Life?

2026/01/29

Listen today as Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how it’s normal for teens to act differently in different settings, but it becomes concerning when they hide behavior that violates their values or are falling apart beneath a polished exterior. Mark explains that a “double life” isn’t about personality differences, but about secrecy, fear and the pressure to appear perfect. Parents can’t control this through authority alone; the key is building a relationship rooted in dignity, honesty and trust. When teens feel safe being imperfect and fully known, they’re more likely to develop integrity and live consistently across every part of their lives. Do you have a parenting question for Mark? Visit markgregston.com to ask him today! 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Performance-Based Relationships

2026/01/28

Today, Mark Gregston shares a devotional from Psalm 86:15, exploring how children can grow up believing love must be earned through performance. When parents unknowingly reinforce this, kids begin to fear that failure will cost them acceptance, tying their value to behavior and achievement. Mark reminds parents to model God’s compassion, grace, patience and abounding love so children understand love is unconditional. When kids know they are loved in both their successes and failures, they are freed from fear and able to grow with hope and resilience. If your teen is struggling, Mark's residential counseling center, Heartlight Ministries, may be the answer. Visit heartlightministries.org to learn more! 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Teen Stories: Reckoning with Privilege

2026/01/27

When teens seem demanding or expect the world handed to them, it's easy to chalk it up to “just being a teenager” — but there’s often more beneath the surface. Today, Mark talks with two more teens from Heartlight, both of whom open up about their journeys confronting a culture of entitlement in their families and themselves. For Isaac, easy access to anything he wanted became a way to receive love after his parents' divorce — but over time, he realized it robbed him of work ethic and genuine gratitude. These teens are learning to do more with less — and discovering what matters most as they grow. Thousands of struggling teens have found hope at Heartlight. Learn more about our residential program today at heartlightministries.org. 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What Is Worth Fighting For?

2026/01/26

As kids enter the teen years, parents often spend so much time correcting behavior that they unintentionally crowd out connection. Constantly fighting about every issue can push teens away, exhaust parents and hinder the independence teens need to develop. The key is learning to “choose your battles” by letting go of issues that don’t matter long-term and focusing on what truly shapes character and relationships. Teens don’t change through correction alone — they change through connection, trust and a strong, loving relationship. Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all the resources designed by Mark to help you as you raise 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I Mustache Mark a Question: Quiet Preteens, First Love and Grandparent Dilemmas

2026/01/23

In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles another batch of real questions from listeners facing everyday parenting challenges. From helping quiet preteens open up and navigating the anxiety of an 18-year-old’s first relationship, to supporting grandchildren with low self-esteem and managing overwhelming situations, Mark Gregston offers practical, heartfelt advice. He discusses the importance of shifting parenting styles as kids grow, maintaining strong relationships over the enforcement of strict rules and much more. This episode is packed with wisdom to help you build deeper, more authentic connections with the teens in your life. Have a parenting question for Mark? Send it in at markgregston.com — your question may be featured on the show! 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Giving Grace When Teens Make Mistakes

2026/01/22

In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how parents will inevitably feel hurt or disappointed by their teen’s mistakes, but those moments are opportunities to show grace rather than withdraw. Grace means moving toward teens when they fail — allowing consequences to stand while affirming that love and relationship remain secure. Teens need to know their parents’ love is not performance-based and does not diminish when they make poor choices. When parents respond this way, they reflect God’s unconditional love and create the safety teens need to learn, grow and change. Parents, is your teen struggling? Check out our Families in Crisis Conferences! Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more and register. 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Wisdom Over Knowledge

2026/01/21

Listen in as Mark Gregston shares a devotional from the book of Proverbs, challenging parents to deepen their relationship with their teens. Mark reminds us that in a world where information is multiplying at an overwhelming pace, teens aren’t looking for more facts — they’re searching for wisdom. Proverbs 3 reminds us that wisdom brings peace, purpose and understanding that no amount of information can replace. As children move into adolescence, parents must shift from simply teaching information to sharing lived experience, perspective and discernment. When parents become trusted sources of wisdom rather than constant lecturers, relationships deepen and teens are better equipped to apply truth in a noisy, complex world. To explore all of Mark's resources and events designed to support you as you raise your teens, please visit parentingtodaysteens.org. 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Teen Stories: Searching for Trust

2026/01/20

For many families, the journey through the teen years is marked by trust that’s been damaged — and the hope for restoration. Today, Mark sits down with two young men at Heartlight who share candid stories about their struggles with boundaries, addiction and feeling misunderstood at home. Both students open up about the hard work required to rebuild trust with their parents and themselves, finding that honesty and patience are essential for real change. Tune in to hear how these teens are learning to move forward — one step at a time. Is your family struggling? Heartlight may be able to help. Go to heartlightministries.org to learn more! 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Grandparents Are a Gift

2026/01/19

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss the irreplaceable role grandparents play in the lives of their teenage grandchildren. Mark reminds grandparents that staying connected requires intentional effort and flexibility as grandchildren grow and the relationship changes — but their need for loving, steady grandparents is greater than ever. By listening more, meeting teens where they are and offering unconditional love rather than constant advice, grandparents can remain a place of rest and wisdom. Your presence and genuine interest can leave a lasting legacy that shapes your grandchildren long after the teen years pass. If your family is struggling, we encourage you to join Mark in Texas at one of his Families in Crisis Conferences. Learn more at parentingtodaysteens.org/families-in-crisis-conference 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

I Mustache Mark a Question: Discipline, Divorce and the Digital Age

2026/01/16

In today's episode, Mark tackles some more challenging questions parents are facing with their teenagers today. From motivating a checked-out high school senior to navigating differences in parenting styles, he shares practical wisdom and heartfelt advice. He also addresses sensitive topics like fractured relationships after divorce, concerns about teen identity in the age of social media and the struggles teens face in maintaining friendships. Whether your teen is questioning their faith, searching for identity or you’re simply seeking connection in a complicated world, this episode is packed with strategies and hope for the journey ahead. Have a question for Mark? We'd love to hear it! Send in your questions at markgregston.com. 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 parentingtodayteens.org. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dunkin Do 2025/07/08

Teens and money

Love the pod. I'm curious about how other parents instill money budgeting and allowances/chores. This is a constant contention in our relationship wit...

CEVP1 2025/11/17

Podcast is great

I have gleaned many things from this podcast that I apply regularly to parenting. The only issue I have is that when our family looked into Heartlight...

Memom of 4 2024/02/07

Grandmother Help

Thank you every day for your insight and sharing how to love and raise my adopted three in today’s negative world. I learn so much from your ministry.

Damion & Julie 2023/10/05

So helpful

So helpful & insightful. Great way to stay informed & loving while your teen is going sideways.

GoodLivinIsTravel 2023/06/02

OMG good

I’m not Christian and this guy is really good. Totally applicable no matter your faith. Thank you!

Forrest33B 2023/05/25

Grateful

Beyond Wonderful podcast

 2023/05/22

Thank you!

Thank you for your wise words. Listening helps me to step back and breathe regarding our teen girl—helps refocus and continue in the battle for our ki...

chaniwani 2023/05/02

I love your podcast

I would like to say thank you so much for sharing your wisdom , I have a girl 13 years old the love of my life, my sunshine and all this information t...

Mrs. Gunny 2023/04/09

Wow! What Wisdom.

My child is not a teen yet, but I want to prepare myself ahead of time so all this wisdom can sink in over the next years. I stumbled upon this gem by...

Jackflash007 2022/12/17

Parenting todays teens

I’ve been listening to Moody In Chicago for over 30 years and this Show comes on Saturday . When my kids were growing up I could listen to these kids ...

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