Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd today as they discuss what it means when your teen no longer smiles — and why parents shouldn’t ignore it. Mark explains that a missing smile is often a sign of deeper sadness, frustration or depression, and an invitation for parents to lean in with compassion. He encourages parents to respond with humility, honest conversation and a willingness to change. Ultimately, the goal is not to make them smile so you can feel like a better parent, but because you are deeply concerned about their heart.

If you're struggling with your teen, we encourage you to join Mark in Texas at one of his Families in Crisis Conferences. To learn more and register, visit 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. 

In today's episode, Mark takes on more of listeners' most pressing questions about parenting adolescents in today’s world — from setting limits on screen time and understanding the difference between rules and boundaries, to getting your teen to actually talk to you (without just one-word answers). He dives into tough issues like teens questioning faith, dealing with challenging behaviors at home and what to do when your older teen won’t step away from unhealthy habits. Tune in for practical, down-to-earth advice that’ll help you connect with your teen and have some fun along the way. 

We want to hear your parenting questions! Go to markgregston.com to send them in today — your question may be addressed 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. 

Managing your teen’s phone use starts with recognizing that phones aren’t just distractions — they’re a primary way teens connect, feel entertained and stay tied to their world. While excessive phone use can interrupt attention, reduce face-to-face relationships and fuel dopamine-driven habits, the technology isn’t going away. So, parents must lead intentionally. Setting age-appropriate boundaries, creating phone-free family times and clearly defining expectations help keep phones from replacing real relationships. Most importantly, parents must model healthy phone habits themselves and create meaningful, engaging connections that teens don’t feel the need to escape from.

Do you have a parenting question for Mark? You can send it to us 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. 

Mark Gregston explains that today’s self-help culture constantly tells kids they’re “not enough,” fueling anxiety, confusion and a relentless pressure to perform. He reminds parents that Scripture points to God’s sufficiency and unconditional grace — our kids don’t need to earn their worth. One of a parent’s most important roles is to consistently communicate, through time, presence and validation, “You are enough.” When children feel fully known, loved and affirmed at home, they’re far less likely to search elsewhere for value.

Explore all of Mark's resources designed to help you as you journey through raising your teens by visiting 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. 

Sometimes what looks like rebellion or risky behavior in teens is really just a signal flare for something deeper going on inside. On today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents, each with a different story but a similar struggle: trying to fill the emptiness and pain in their lives by acting out. Whether it’s substance use, running away or searching for connection in all the wrong places, they share how unresolved hurt and family disconnect fueled their choices — until a crisis forced them to face what was really going on.

Interested in learning more about the Heartlight residential program? Visit 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. 

Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how parents of teens with ADHD may need to adjust expectations and recognize that their teen may struggle with focus, impulsivity, follow-through and relational depth — not because they don’t care, but because their brain works differently. Shorter conversations, built-in breaks, clear structure and consistent reminders can reduce frustration and help teens succeed at school, home and relationships. Most importantly, parents are urged to affirm their teen’s strengths and outside-the-box thinking, while adapting their parenting approach to meet their teen’s unique needs. 

Struggling with your teen? Join Mark in Texas at his next Families in Crisis Conference, March 20-22. To learn more or register, visit 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. 

Every parent worries about their teen’s online world — but what’s really driving all that screen time? In today’s show, Mark answers questions from two mothers concerned about their daughters’ search for connection through social media and texting. Behind the flirty messages and endless scrolling is a longing to feel valued and affirmed, both at home and with peers. Mark explores how technology has changed the way teens connect, why affirmation from parents is more important than ever and how building a strong relationship can keep your teen anchored. Listen in as we dig into the heart of what today’s teens are truly searching for!

Does parenting have you at your wits' end? Ask Mark your questions — they may be featured on the show! Go to markgregston.com 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. 

A teen’s purpose isn’t discovered in a single moment or from sitting at home; it unfolds through exposure, experience and exploration. In today's show, we explore how parents play a vital role by expanding their teen’s world, encouraging curiosity, and allowing them to try, fail and grow without forcing a fixed path too early. Purpose develops as teens engage in real-world experiences, learn resilience and discover what they’re capable of beyond comfort and familiarity. The goal isn’t to decide their future for them, but to help them discover who God created them to be and what’s possible for their lives.

Are you struggling with your teen? Join Mark in Texas at one of his Families in Crisis Conferences, which are designed to help you get to a better place. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more and 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. 

Parents want the best for their teens, but good intentions can backfire when love feels tied to performance. This conversation reminds parents that kids need to know they are loved unconditionally — especially when they fail — because high standards without grace often lead to shame, secrecy and withdrawal. Healthy relationships balance clear expectations with forgiveness, making room for growth rather than exclusion. Teens thrive when they know they are valued for who they are, not just for what they do.

Do you have a parenting question you would like to send to Mark? Visit markgregston.com and ask him 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. 

Many parents might be surprised to learn that the behaviors and struggles their teens exhibit often stem from deep-rooted issues with self-worth. On today's episode, Mark sits down with two young women, each sharing honest accounts of their battles with anxiety, isolation and the need for validation. Whether it's navigating self-harm, tough family dynamics or the pressure to find acceptance, both teens reveal how building self-worth — and discovering their value in God — has transformed their lives.

Is Heartlight the answer for your struggling teen? Visit heartlightministries.org to learn about the program!

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.