In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers listener-submitted questions from parents navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. From technology use and teen relationships to anxiety and personal expressions like dressing as a 'furry,' Mark offers thoughtful, biblically grounded advice. He also discusses how to maintain strong relationships with your children and the importance of staying engaged in their lives, while emphasizing that good parenting is rooted in fostering solid relationships, no matter how tough things get. Tune in now for practical insights on staying 'in the game' 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 explore the challenges of parent-teen disconnection and the importance of restoring relationships. They discuss how negativity, lack of quality time and excessive phone use contribute to disengagement. By setting boundaries, creating a positive home environment and actively listening, parents can rebuild trust. 

For more advice from Mark and to see all the resources he offers to support you as you parent your teen, 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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Join Mark as he shares his journey of founding Heartlight after unexpected job losses left him feeling lost. Through reflection, he recognized personal shortcomings that shaped him into a more authentic leader. He challenges parents to confront their own struggles rather than just focusing on their child’s behavior. Mark emphasizes that hardships, though painful, can lead to growth, authenticity and deeper connections.

See if Mark's ministry, Heartlight, can help you and your struggling teen by visiting 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. 

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An unfortunate reality is that many teens today turn to harmful behaviors as coping mechanisms for their deeper struggles. So, it's more important than ever that parents support their teens when they're walking through a tough time. Today, Mark sits down with two more teens from Heartlight who share their stories of hardship and growth, addressing challenges such as family dynamics, addiction and self-acceptance. Kate, adopted from Russia, opens up about her early struggles with self-harm and how meaningful conversations with her parents at Heartlight marked a turning point.

Could Heartlight be the answer for your 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.

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Does your teen get time to truly rest over spring break? Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd emphasize that rest is not laziness, and kids need time to refresh and reset from their busy routines. They encourage parents to be intentional about how they spend this time, focusing on connection, open conversations and understanding their teen’s needs rather than simply filling the schedule. Ultimately, spring break can be an opportunity to strengthen relationships and create a more restful, supportive environment for teens.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org for more resources from Mark to support 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. 

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


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In today’s episode, Mark Gregston dives into real questions from parents and grandparents just like you. From dating non-believers and navigating church changes to setting tech boundaries and discussing sexual identity, Mark offers practical wisdom to strengthen your bond with your teens. Tune in for honest advice and hope-filled guidance to help you thrive through every season of parenting!

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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In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the role of pain as a powerful motivator in a teen's development. They emphasize the importance of allowing young people to experience natural consequences rather than rescuing them from every hardship. Through personal stories and real-life examples, they highlight how overprotection can hinder growth, while strategic parental guidance can foster responsibility. They also explore the balance between allowing beneficial struggles and stepping in to prevent lasting harm, ultimately helping teens build resilience and purpose.

Want Mark's advice for your own family? Visit https://markgregston.com/ to ask him a 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.

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


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Join Mark Gregston as he reflects on how his generation’s tendency to avoid conflict led to broken relationships and a generation of children who fear abandonment. He emphasizes that true peace is not the absence of struggle but the presence of hope, encouraging parents to face challenges head-on. Through personal experiences with grieving families and troubled teens, he reassures parents that they can endure difficulties, trusting that God will walk with them. He urges parents to trust in God's plan, even when change seems impossible.

Join Mark and his team for a weekend at Heartlight Ministries designed to help you on your parenting journey. Visit familycrisisretreat.com 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. 

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


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Typically, change in a family doesn't happen overnight — it takes humility and a willingness on everyone's part to learn how to do things differently. Today, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who have both been on the show before and are nearly ready to graduate. Eli shares why he used to struggle with defiance, and how his time at Heartlight has helped him develop a deeper understanding and improved communication with his parents, especially in the wake of their divorce. Tune in now!

For more information 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. 

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


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In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explain why authoritarian parenting no longer works, as kids today are more skeptical of authority. Instead of demanding obedience, parents should build relationships, avoid perfectionism and be less judgmental. To parent effectively, you need to create open lines of communication while addressing issues with love and genuine concern. A supportive environment — one that still maintains boundaries — will help guide children down a healthy path. 

Join Mark and his team for a weekend at Heartlight Ministries designed to help you on your parenting journey. To learn more and register please 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. 

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


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