I Mustache Mark a Question: Motivation, Boundaries and Mental Health
Today, Mark Gregston fields real questions from parents grappling with the challenges of guiding older teens toward adulthood. Drawing from decades of experience, he addresses issues such as fostering independence in 17- and 18-year-olds, setting boundaries with troubled teens, navigating the complexities of homeschooling, and providing support for teens with depression and anxiety. Mark offers practical advice on when to let natural consequences unfold, how to motivate teens who lack drive, when to intervene and the importance of clear expectations.Have a parenting question for Mark? Send it in at markgregston.com — your question may be answered 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. Our Sponsors:* Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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27:23
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27:23
Six Steps to Take with Your Entitled Teen
Many teens today grow up believing they’re owed privileges and constant attention. Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how this entitlement is fueled by parents doing too much for them. Mark encourages moms and dads to shift the conversation — focusing not on criticizing selfish behavior, but on helping teens grow in independence, responsibility and real-world readiness. By setting new expectations and saying “no” when needed, parents help their kids mature rather than stay dependent. Ultimately, breaking entitlement is a gift that prepares teens for healthy relationships, future jobs and adult life.If your teen is struggling right now, Heartlight, our residential counseling ministry, may be able to help. Learn more by visiting heartlightministries.orgParenting 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. Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Our Sponsors:* Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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24:59
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24:59
Speaking Truth in a Culture of Confusion
Teens today are growing up in a world of online communication, constant negativity and shallow “expert” voices — leaving them hungry for real connection and honest guidance. Mark explains that parents often miss what teens truly want because they react to behavior instead of the deeper needs behind it. The nonstop criticism and shallow praise of social media make teens sensitive to correction and blind to needed truth. He urges parents to deepen relationships, engage face-to-face and speak truth in love to help their teens grow into grounded, responsible adults.Would you like to ask Mark questions about parenting your teen? Visit markgregston.com to submit a question 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. Our Sponsors:* Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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23:24
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23:24
Teen Stories: Beneath the Surface
Many parents notice their teens acting out — whether through rebellion, risky choices or shutting down — but what’s driving those behaviors is often a deep pain kept out of sight. On today’s episode, Mark Gregston sits down with two Heartlight residents who both reveal how hurts from their past, like adoption struggles, family loss, confusion and unmet expectations, shaped their choices and relationships. Both teens share how their journey at Heartlight is helping them face what’s beneath the surface, reconnect with family and begin real healing. Interested in learning more about the Heartlight program? Go to heartlightministries.org 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. Our Sponsors:* Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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19:45
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19:45
Is Your Teen Spinning Out of Control?
Listen in as Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss why teens might “spin out of control." They explain this can happen when they can’t manage life within the boundaries of home, which can lead to disrespect, dishonesty, risky behavior or shutting down emotionally. Mark explains that these patterns are often a cry for help, revealing deeper struggles teens can’t navigate alone. Parents are encouraged to recognize early warning signs, adjust home structure with clear expectations and seek outside support when needed. Above all, teens don’t actually want their lives to fall apart — they need intervention, guidance and a restored relationship with their parents.Join Mark in Texas at one of the Families In Crisis Conferences, an event designed to help parents who are struggling with their teens. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more or 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.Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Our Sponsors:* Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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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