Parenting Today's Teens

Mark Gregston reminds parents that many frustrating teen behaviors are actually normal parts of adolescence and part of how kids learn to grow into adulthood. Understanding what’s normal can lower anxiety and help parents respond with patience instead of panic. At the same time, Mark urges parents to recognize clear warning signs that signal deeper trouble and require immediate action. When parents know the difference, they can stand firm, seek help when needed and trust God to meet them in the hard moments of parenting.Would you like Mark's advice as you raise your teen? Visit markgregston.com to ask him your parenting questions — your question may be featured on our I Mustache Mark a Question segment!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

Family relationships aren’t always easy, and sometimes the toughest struggles can lead to the strongest connections. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young women at Heartlight who have walked through dark seasons of conflict, self-doubt and destructive choices. Their journeys show that while pain and misunderstanding can create distance, there’s hope for rebuilding trust and closeness at home. Together, Mark and the teens discuss how healing happens one conversation at a time — and how families can grow even stronger after weathering life’s storms together.There's still time to support our ministry with an end-of-year gift and have your donation doubled. Join the gift match today at parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-match. We're grateful for your support!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

On today's episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur remind parents who feel overwhelmed by a child’s struggles — whether addiction, pregnancy or deep emotional pain — that their situation is not hopeless because God has promised hope. They share how Parenting Today’s Teens has been a beacon of hope for nearly two decades, walking alongside families at the end of their rope. Through personal stories and a special guest, they emphasize that healing is a marathon, not a sprint, and that God can bring restoration even when the outcome seems impossible. Families are encouraged to hold on, trust God’s unseen work and remember that hope can emerge even in the darkest seasons.If we have helped you in your parenting journey, would you consider helping us? We'd be honored if you would make a donation at parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-match so we can continue providing help and hope to families and teens.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

Today, Mark dives into some more pressing challenges parents face today — from transitioning your parenting style as kids grow, to managing teens’ phone usage and tough issues like household rules for 18-year-olds. Drawing from real listener questions, Mark discusses how to foster safe and open communication and find the balance between structure and relationship. If you’re struggling with tech boundaries, curious about when to loosen the reins or just want practical strategies for making your home a training ground for wise decisions, this episode is full of relatable advice and encouragement!If you've benefited from or enjoyed our podcast, will you consider making a year-end donation so we can continue these podcasts and expand our ability to help more families? Go to parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-match 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

Merry Christmas! The holidays can unite families, and grandparents play a unique role in setting a warm, meaningful tone for those gatherings. Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explain that grandparents offer heritage, perspective, commitment and a lived-out example of grace that teens deeply need — not through lectures, but through presence and love. They encourage grandparents to create restful, joyful environments by sharing stories, planning simple activities that spark connection and making space for one-on-one moments. Ultimately, the goal is to build memories that make kids and grandkids feel valued and supported.Heartlight is hiring! Do you know someone who would be a great fit? Send them to heartlightministries.org/careers 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