Our teens are faced with a world that judges them based on performance — whether it's their grades, their athletics or if they're keeping up with the latest makeup trends. If your child also feels like they need to gain your approval through performance, it can damage your relationship. In today's show, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the topic of performance-based parenting and offer practical advice on moving toward your kids in their moments of struggle instead of pulling away. Listen in! If you're a grandparent (or will be one someday soon), check out our free Leaving a Legacy of Hope e-course! Get started today at bit.ly/legacy-ecourse 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 www.ChristianParenting.org

The Pitfalls of Performance-Based Parenting

A daily podcast released every weekday, the Parenting Today’s Teens Podcast features Mark Gregston, a parenting expert who has worked with teens and parents for over 45 years. Enlightening, up-to-date, practical, and something every parent would enjoy listening to. Raw at times, challenging at other times, but always hopeful to get your family to a better place in an adolescent culture that is sometimes a little contrary to what you believe and want for your teen. Parenting Today&#39;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 www.ChristianParenting.org

Kids & Family

Parenting

As a parent, you need to check your ego at the door. When your teen makes a mistake, it's not an opportunity to showcase your authority, but rather to respond in a way that paves the path to their growth. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore historical methods of discipline and contrast them with more constructive approaches that prioritize the child's learning and relationship with parents. They offer practical advice on how to approach teens when they misstep by using strategic conversation starters, asking insightful questions and avoiding damaging accusations. Remember that confrontation, handled with love and understanding, isn't just resolving today's issue — it's teaching important life skills for tomorrow. Listen now! For more inspiration and encouragement, check out Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," at 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 www.ChristianParenting.org

Connection Through Correction

As parents, we love our children deeply, and naturally, we want the best for them. But, our expectations can sometimes convey a pursuit of perfection, which is overwhelming for our kids. In this show, Mark draws from his personal experiences and the struggles of colleagues to illustrate how perfectionism can inadvertently place immense pressure on teens, skewing their perceptions of love and acceptance. He advises parents to foster genuine relationships and understanding, ultimately guiding teens to find comfort in their own imperfections. Don't miss this episode! For more help understanding what's going on in your teen's life and the challenges they face, check out Mark's book, "When Your Teen Is Struggling." Order your copy at bit.ly/teen-is-struggling 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 www.ChristianParenting.org

Finding Balance in Our Expectations

In the overwhelming, high-pressure culture we live in, more teens than ever are dealing with depression. It's sometimes hard for parents to see what the root cause is, but in today's episode, Mark chats with two Heartlight teens who offer insights on their battles with depression. The two young ladies share reflections on how they were impacted by shifting family dynamics, isolation, social media and more. Join us as we listen to their powerful stories! Is Heartlight right 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 www.ChristianParenting.org

Teen Stories: When Depression Takes Hold

Are you struggling to understand your teen's behavior? You're not alone. Many parents only see the "fruit" (behavior) without recognizing the "root" (underlying issues). In today's episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into the complex underlying issues that manifest as problematic behavior in teenagers. By exploring real-life scenarios, such as a teen's struggle with alcohol and risky behaviors, they look at how surface actions often mask deeper emotional distress. Listen in now! Looking for more parenting guidance based on biblical truths? Our Family Devotional Bundle is a great place to start! Check it out at bit.ly/family-devotional 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 www.ChristianParenting.org

More Than Meets the Eye: Unpacking Bad Behavior

In today’s episode, Mark Gregston answers questions sent in by parents, addressing concerns such as an adopted teen dismissing consequences and a daughter secretly experimenting with drugs despite maintaining a perfect façade at school. He explores the possibility that such behaviors might be cries for help, stemming from a need for validation or a fear of rejection. For practical tips on encouraging value and self-worth in teens while maintaining a supportive, understanding relationship, 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 www.ChristianParenting.org

The Pitfalls of Performance-Based Parenting

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