Parenting Today's Teens

Why does parenting teens today feel harder than ever before? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional about raising teens in a culture that often pulls them away from truth, connection and stability. From anxiety and social pressure to screens, identity confusion and shifting values, today’s teens are navigating challenges previous generations never faced. Mark encourages parents not to panic — but to become a place of rest, wisdom and relationship in the middle of the chaos. While culture may compete for your teen’s heart, your steady presence still matters more than you know.

If your home feels like Groundhog Day — same arguments, same frustrations, same exhausting cycle — it’s time to do something different. Here are a few ways to shake things up: bit.ly/ptt-constant-conflict-exhausted-parents

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.

Every teen craves a sense of belonging — sometimes even more than they realize. In this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share how they faced isolation, family struggles, depression and choices that spiraled out of control. Both girls describe growing up in families where connection with a parent felt out of reach, whether lost in busyness or overshadowed by life's upheavals. Their stories reveal a deep longing to be seen, invited in and truly known. Tune in as they reflect on how those missing connections shaped their struggles, and how open conversations are paving the way to hope.

Want to learn more about Heartlight? 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.

What if counseling could become one of the greatest gifts you give your teen? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur discuss why counseling isn’t just for teens in crisis. Sometimes, a trusted voice outside the family can help teens process pain, understand their behavior and find hope in ways parents alone cannot. You’ll also hear Jack’s story of healing, vulnerability and restored family relationships. Because when struggles stay hidden, they often get acted out — but healing begins when someone finally feels heard.

Find out 10 characteristics of a teen who needs intervention at bit.ly/intervention-before-its-too-late

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.

Ever feel like you're on the outside looking in? For lots of teens, fitting in feels like a full-time job — and sometimes, the pressure to belong pushes them into some tough spots. In this Q&A episode, Mark tackles more real-life questions from parents facing the complexities of raising adolescents today. Covering topics such as teens’ technology use and privacy, navigating anxiety and loneliness, approaching difficult conversations about sex and handling school apathy, Mark offers practical advice rooted in years of experience working directly with teens and their families.

Has teenage behavior left you stumped? Ask Mark! Go to markgregston.com to send in your questions — they may be shared on a future episode.

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.

Are you preparing your teen to handle money — or unintentionally making them dependent on you? In this episode, Mark and Wayne tackle one of the most overlooked life skills: financial responsibility. From entitlement and allowance to jobs, debt and real-world consequences, they unpack why teens need to learn how money works now, not later. You’ll discover practical ways to teach earning, saving, spending and giving. Plus, a teen shares how identity, pressure and growth shaped his journey toward responsibility and maturity.

Entitlement is a common feature among today’s teens. Learn what to do about it: bit.ly/10-ways-to-deal-with-an-entitled-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.

Could your teen feel like they have to be perfect to earn your approval? In this episode, Mark shares a devotional on how well-meaning parents can unintentionally communicate pressure, criticism and impossible expectations. Mark explains why many teens interpret encouragement as judgment, standards as rejection and correction as proof they’re never enough. He also offers a healthier path forward, one rooted in grace, honesty and relationship. If you want your teen to feel loved for who they are — not just what they achieve — this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

While we shouldn’t demand perfection in our children, there may be times your teen is truly lacking in motivation. Get some answers and tips here: bit.ly/how-to-motivate-an-underachiever

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.

Sometimes, the hardest battles teens face happen silently — loneliness, insecurity and the pressure to escape pain. On this episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who share how changing their environments — and the people around them — helped them break free from destructive cycles. Both teens describe being swept up in drug use as a way to cope with things they couldn’t change at home, but found hope through new relationships and honest conversations in a supportive community.

Is Heartlight the right choice for your struggling teen? 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.

Few things shake a parent more than realizing their teen has run away. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the deeper reasons teens leave home. Often, they’re running from pain, conflict, shame or consequences — or running to freedom, attention or a place they believe feels better. You’ll learn how to respond wisely when your teen returns, what family patterns may need to change, and how grace and truth can help rebuild trust. Plus, Heartlight teen Anna shares her story of pain, attention-seeking and healing.

Learn to identify the pain that may be driving your teen’s behavior and some practical steps for getting to the heart of the matter at bit.ly/the-hurt-behind-the-behavior

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.

When family life gets complicated, teens can feel lost, misunderstood or pushed away. In today's show, Mark answers questions from listeners facing challenging family situations, including coping with the loss of a parent, handling strained relationships after divorce and supporting young adults battling addiction. For parents dealing with these challenging situations, self-reflection, healthy boundaries and affirming their teens can make a world of difference. If you're looking for ways to maintain hope amid difficult circumstances, this episode delivers plenty of wisdom and encouragement.

Facing a parenting challenge? Big or small, we want to hear about it! Go to markgregston.com to submit your question.

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.

Do your conversations with your teen turn into debates, shutdowns or eye rolls? In this episode, Mark, Wayne and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur explore why teens often resist opinions, but still deeply need your wisdom. Learn how to replace lectures with perspective, listen in ways that draw your teen out, and use your life experiences to guide rather than control. You’ll also hear a powerful student story of healing, growth and the kind of communication that rebuilds trust. Because when teens feel understood, they’re far more willing to hear you.

Get tips to becoming the listener your teen needs at bit.ly/listen-to-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.