Parenting Today's Teens - podcast cover

Parenting Today's Teens

Mark Gregstonredcircle.com

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.

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Episodes

Bad Timing Can Ruin Good Intentions

You may have the best of intentions when you're trying to speak the truth into your kids' lives, but if your tone or timing is off, it can leave your teens feeling judged. Mark Gregston explains how teens often need to think out loud to process — and what they need is a non-judgemental listener, not another teachable moment from Mom and Dad. Listen in for more on this important topic! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

May 25, 202219 minSeason 1Ep. 503

Learning to Open Up

Mark Gregston chats with a couple of Heartlight teens who are learning the powerful role that openness and vulnerability can play in healing deep wounds. Before coming to Heartlight, both young men struggled with the ups and downs of depression, but counseling has given them the opportunity to bring down the walls shutting others out — and learn more about themselves too. Tune in to hear their stories! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://red...

May 24, 202221 minSeason 1Ep. 502

When Good Parenting Yields Bad Results

There are plenty of good parents who do all the "right" things in raising their children — and yet are still caught by surprise when their teens begin to struggle and rebel. In this episode, Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to talk about how parents must learn to shift their parenting style and grow alongside their teens. You don't want to miss this discussion! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

May 23, 202211 minSeason 1Ep. 501

The Art of Talking to Teens

Do you ever go out to a fun dinner with your teen, but struggle to come up with things to talk about? Well, you're not alone! In this episode, Mark Gregston answers some questions submitted by parents and gives suggestions on how to spark a thoughtful conversation with your teenager. Tune in to hear these great questions! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

May 20, 202214 minSeason 1Ep. 500

Helping Your Teen Spread Their Wings

Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to go over four ways you can help your teenager become independent. As a parent, you need to create an atmosphere your teen can mature in by inviting open conversations, and learn to listen to understand — not just respond. You don't want to miss these parenting tips! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

May 19, 202214 minSeason 1Ep. 499

Encouraging the Next Generation

As you look back on your teenage and young adult years, can you picture the mentors that left a lasting, positive impact on you? In this episode, Mark Gregston reflects on the older friends that encouraged him to never give up on God's calling for his life. Now, it is YOUR turn to lend a listening ear to your teens and pass on the insight you've gathered through life's challenges. Tune in for this uplifting devotional! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt...

May 18, 202215 minSeason 1Ep. 498

Taking an Unexpected Path

Mark Gregston chats with two Heartlight teens, Gabe and Anna, who each reflect on how they found themselves in a world of trouble in the quest to fit in with their friends — but never expected to end up at a boarding school. Despite their initial misgivings, counseling at Heartlight had a profound impact on both of these young lives. Listen in to hear their stories! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

May 17, 202219 minSeason 1Ep. 497

Keeping Up With the Kids

Teens are natural social butterflies and in today's culture, the majority of their communication is often through texting and social media. In this episode, Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to talk about how important it is for moms and dads to stay up-to-date and take intentional steps to educate themselves on social media. Don't miss this important discussion! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

May 16, 202219 minSeason 1Ep. 496

Perfection Is Not the Goal

Mark Gregston sits down to answer some questions submitted by parents and caretakers, including a single mom who wants to bring more fun into her relationship with her teenage son. Remember, nothing on this side of heaven is going to be perfect, so it's okay for parents to relax their rules every once in a while. Tune in to hear Mark's insights! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

May 13, 202224 minSeason 1Ep. 495

Should Parents Be Internet Watchdogs?

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how you as a parent should approach guiding and directing your kids when it comes to their activities on the internet. In an ever-changing online world, it's your responsibility to help keep your kids safe. Listen in to learn more on this important topic! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

May 12, 202211 minSeason 1Ep. 494

Hey Mom and Dad, Stop Nagging

Do you find yourself repeating the same requests to your teen over and over? Well, you might be guilty of nagging. In this devotional, Mark Gregston shares why it's crucial for parents to stop nagging and lecturing their teens if they want to have a strong relationship. Tune in to learn more! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 11, 202216 minSeason 1Ep. 493

Stopping the Spiral of Addiction

Mark Gregston sits down with two teens who both struggled with drug addiction at a young age, but found clarity and sobriety through treatment at Heartlight. Drug use takes a huge toll on any family, but these stories of hope prove healing is possible — if parents and teens are willing to work together. Don't miss these powerful stories! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

May 10, 202219 minSeason 1Ep. 492

How Will Your Grandkids Remember You?

Mark Gregston is joined by Wayne Shepherd to discuss how grandparents can fulfill a special role in their teenage grandkids' lives that is unlike any other. If you show up, be attentive and listen, you can leave a lasting impression on your grandchild's heart for decades to come. Tune in for this important discussion! Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...

May 09, 202215 minSeason 1Ep. 491

Mark Answers Your Questions

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 06, 202216 minSeason 1Ep. 490

Does Pain Have a Purpose?

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about the purpose of pain in the life of your teen. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 05, 202214 minSeason 1Ep. 489

Establishing a Relationship with Your Teen

On this episode, Mark Gregston talks about how establishing a relationship with your teen is the most important thing you'll ever do. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 04, 202219 minSeason 1Ep. 488

Stories From Heartlight

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens. To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.org. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 03, 202220 minSeason 1Ep. 487

Does Traditional Parenting Still Work?

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about whether or not traditional parenting still works. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

May 02, 202210 minSeason 1Ep. 486

Mark Answers Your Questions

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 29, 202221 minSeason 1Ep. 485

Conflict Resolution

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how you can diffuse angry conflict and resolve the tension in your home. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 28, 202215 minSeason 1Ep. 484

A Devotional from Mark

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 27, 202217 minSeason 1Ep. 483

Stories From Heartlight

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens. To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.org. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 26, 202221 minSeason 1Ep. 482

Should You Be Saying "YES" More Often?

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd question if you might be saying NO to your teen, when you should be saying YES. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 25, 202212 minSeason 1Ep. 481

Mark Answers Your Questions

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 22, 202223 minSeason 1Ep. 480

Conflict Resolution

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about how you can diffuse angry conflict and resolve the tension in your home. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 21, 202214 minSeason 1Ep. 479

A Devotional from Mark

On this episode, Mark Gregston shares a devotional that will speak to you no matter what your current relationship is with your teen. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 20, 202215 minSeason 1Ep. 478

Mark's Interviews with Teens

On this episode, Mark Gregston listens to the stories of a couple of Heartlight teens. To learn more about Heartlight, visit HeartlightMinistries.org. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 19, 202221 minSeason 1Ep. 477

Helping Our Teens Find Their Way Back

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd talk about what to do when our teens get lost, and how we can help them find their way back home. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 18, 202212 minSeason 1Ep. 476

Mark Answers Your Questions

On this episode, Mark Gregston answers some of your most pressing questions. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 15, 202223 minSeason 1Ep. 475

The Challenges of Being a Single Parent

On this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss ways to handle the challenges of being a single parent. To learn more, visit ParentingTodaysTeens.org Our Sponsors: * Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENS Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 14, 202211 minSeason 1Ep. 474
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