In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles questions from parents on motivating teens who are losing steam before graduation and supporting neurodivergent kids struggling with screen time. He also shares insights on staying connected with teens making tough choices and finding hope in the midst of family crises. Whether you’re feeling lost, frustrated or simply in need of fresh perspective, Mark offers guidance on shifting from control to connection, creating safe spaces for honest conversations and focusing on relationship over behavior. Tune in for encouragement, real talk and actionable advice to help you connect more deeply with your teen.

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 sibling rivalry is a common challenge, fueled by differences in personality, comparisons, unequal attention and the push for independence. While conflict is normal, it becomes destructive when parents compare children, show favoritism, or allow anger and criticism to go unchecked. The key is for parents to guide arguments toward resolution, ensure each child feels valued and invest time.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Marks resources designed specifically to help you as you raise your 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.

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Parenting is about far more than discipline, survival or raising kids toward independence — it is ultimately rooted in relationship. When parents invest time and care into building genuine connections, small issues are more easily resolved, wisdom is received and children feel valued. Rules, achievements and clean rooms matter less than showing up consistently with love, empathy and presence. Strong relationships with children and grandchildren leave a lasting influence, shaping their character, faith and future far more deeply than tasks or accomplishments ever could.

Do you have a question for Mark? He would love to hear from you! Visit markgregston.com to ask him your parenting questions 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. 

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The fear of rejection can shape a teen’s choices in powerful and sometimes destructive ways. In this episode, Mark Gregston talks with two young ladies from Heartlight, who share how their desire to fit in and be accepted led them down difficult paths. Whether it’s constantly changing who they are to please different people, or battling feelings of abandonment that began long before Heartlight, both young women explain how the longing to be liked and the fear of being left out fueled their struggles. Today, they're finding the courage to face their fears and embrace authenticity.

Is the Heartlight residential program the right choice for your struggling teen? Learn more today at heartlightministries.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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the importance of building resilience in teens including the ability to bounce back from mistakes, setbacks and stress. Mark explains that overprotecting children can prevent them from learning how to handle conflict, disappointment and criticism, leaving them unprepared for real life. Instead, parents should gradually “loosen the reins,” allowing teens to face challenges and take responsibility. By moving from a teaching model to a training model, parents help their teens develop maturity, strength and the resilience needed to thrive in a challenging world.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Mark's resources and events that are designed to help you navigate your journey of raising 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

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston addresses the real-life challenges parents of teens face, including vaping, bullying, video games, emotional struggles and the balance between connection and correction. He offers practical wisdom along with thoughtful answers on privacy, technology and parenting in a constantly changing culture. Whether you’re navigating tough conversations or working to build more honesty and trust at home, this episode is packed with encouragement to strengthen your relationship with your teen. 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

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore why school is about much more than academics — it’s the training ground where teens learn to build relationships, handle challenges and grow in character. While grades matter, the lessons learned through sports, clubs, friendships and even discomfort often have an even greater impact on a teen’s future. Parents are reminded to look beyond report cards and focus on guiding their teens to grow socially, emotionally and spiritually through their school experiences.

Join Mark in Texas for one of his Families in Crisis Conferences designed to help parents who are struggling with their teen. To register or learn more 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.

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Mark Gregston reflects on his lifelong love of animals and tells the story of his llama, Tony, whose decline became a lesson in parenting. In the midst of trying to save Tony, Mark faced harsh criticism from a bystander when what he really needed was help, not judgment. He compares this to how teens often experience their parents — hearing constant correction and criticism instead of encouragement and support. Mark emphasizes that while good intentions are there, judgment pushes kids away, but truth shared with love and relationship draws them closer.

Is your teen struggling? See if Mark's residential counseling ministry, Heartlight, can help. 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. 

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Every struggling teen has their own story, but many share a deeper need: to be truly understood. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who have learned the power of opening up about their struggles. One young woman reflects on navigating feelings of abandonment and shame from her adoption and how talking about it is transforming her perspective. The other, Sam, describes her journey from frequent outbursts and social isolation to discovering how respecting others — and herself — can lead to genuine connection.

Could Heartlight be the answer for your struggling teen? Find out more at 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. 

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd as they discuss how teens are bombarded with opinions from social media and culture — but what they truly need is perspective rooted in wisdom and experience. Parents can create a safe space by sharing life lessons, biblical truth and honest reflections, guiding their teens to think, ask questions, and grow in character and faith.

If you are in a tough spot with your teen and struggling, join Mark for a weekend in Texas, October 2-4, designed specifically for parents. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to 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. 

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy