On this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur debunk five common parenting myths that often mislead moms and dads during the teen years. They stress that teens don’t need perfect parents or best friends — they need relational, trustworthy guides who are willing to be vulnerable and adapt their approach. They encourage parents to remain teachable, relational and flexible as they raise their teens in a rapidly changing culture.

If your family is struggling, see if Mark's ministry can help. Visit heartlightministries.org for more info. 

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.

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In this episode, Mark Gregston reflects on how today’s culture — especially among teens — is saturated with arguments as people fight to be heard, validated and valued. Drawing from Proverbs 17:28 and 2 Timothy 2, he urges parents to replace quarrels with compassionate listening, emphasizing that not every disagreement needs to be voiced. Instead of criticizing your teen, he encourages building trust and waiting for an invitation to speak truth in love. Mark reminds us that genuine influence comes through relationship, not arguments. Choose love and grace over winning debates.

Get Mark's newest devotional for your family by visiting dailyhopeforfamilies.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.

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Underneath teen rebellion and withdrawal, there’s often a deeper struggle for identity and a place to belong. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies from Heartlight, including Grace, who candidly opens up about the pain of abandonment and identity stemming from being adopted from China. She discusses how her journey through depression and self-isolation impacted her relationship with her parents. In these conversations, you'll hear the lessons both girls learned about empathy, love and being truly known.

Do you long for more peace in your home? Join us in July for our next Families in Crisis Conference to learn practical tools that'll help you get there. Learn more at familycrisisretreat.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. 

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Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore the power of a sincere apology in strengthening parent-teen relationships. They encourage parents to model humility by saying “I’m sorry” when needed, showing their teens that mistakes are a normal part of life. A heartfelt apology can break down walls, foster trust and open the door to deeper connections. 

To explore more resources Mark has designed to support you as you raise your teen, 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. 

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In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough listener-submitted questions about raising teens in today’s culture. From discovering a child's vaping habit and managing sibling conflict to supporting an adopted teen through promiscuity and responding to a daughter's mental health crisis, Mark offers practical wisdom framed by a relational approach. He addresses tough topics like setting boundaries in adolescent relationships, handling exposure to pornography, and finding the right balance between consequences and grace. Whether you're looking for tools to build trust, guidance on difficult conversations or simply reassurance that you're not alone, this episode is packed with honest insights to help you deepen your connection with your teen — no matter what season your family is in. Listen now!

Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: 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

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In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how today’s teens are growing up in an overwhelming and chaotic world, saturated with constant information, conflicting values, and social pressures that fuel anxiety and confusion. Mark emphasizes that teens deeply desire stability, security, and authentic relationships with their parents and grandparents, even if they don’t always show it. He urges parents to be present, listen well and offer calm, faith-rooted guidance — reminding them that they are a lifeline for their children in a stormy culture.

Explore all of Mark's resources designed to help you as you raise your teens at 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.

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In this heartfelt episode, Mark Gregston reflects on his decades-long journey of working with teens and families, beginning with a single act of compassion at age 19 that led to a lifetime of ministry. He shares a powerful story of reconciliation — after 40 years of silence — emphasizing the damage unresolved conflict can cause in relationships. Mark encourages listeners with a call to action: Don’t let unresolved issues steal time, connection or legacy — begin the healing process today.

Do you have a question you would like Mark to answer? Ask him 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.

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Every parent wants the best for their teen, but what happens when the pressure to be perfect becomes too much to bear? In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two young men from Heartlight who share their personal journeys through anxiety, depression and the crushing weight of high expectations. Both teens describe how striving to meet others’ standards led them to hide their struggles and withdraw into harmful behaviors. Tune in for a powerful look at the hidden battle many teens face, and discover how compassion can make all the difference. 

Is Heartlight the right answer for your struggling teen? Head 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.

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Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore adoption as one of the greatest acts of love and sacrifice a family can make. Drawing from conversations with adopted teens and their families, they share insights that help parents understand the unique challenges these children face. They emphasize the need for parents to adapt their approach as their child grows and enters new developmental stages. In closing, they share some thoughtful questions to help parents navigate identity issues their adopted child may wrestle with over time.

As Mark shared today, "Marriage Simplified" — a digital guide from Christian Parenting, which includes Mark's best marriage advice — is available at christianparenting.org/marriagesimplifiedguide

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. 

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In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the most pressing issues facing parents of teenagers — from navigating adoption challenges and discussing sexuality, to setting boundaries with teens exploring relationships. He also addresses managing teen mental health and substance use, as well as supporting those facing bullying and isolation. Mark offers heartfelt advice drawn from years of experience, reminding listeners of the importance of maintaining strong relationships, setting healthy boundaries and seeking community support when needed. Whether you're struggling to connect with a withdrawn teen, worried about your child's choices or searching for faith-based guidance in complex situations, this episode is packed with practical insights for every parent.

Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: 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

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teens


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