I Mustache Mark a Question: Consequences, Connection and Conversations That Matter
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.comParenting 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.orgOur Sponsors:* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teensPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Help for Teens Growing Up in a Chaotic World
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.orgParenting 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/teensPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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A Lifetime of Lessons on Making Things Right
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.comParenting 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/teensPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Teen Stories: Burdened by Expectations
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.Our Sponsors:* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teensPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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10 Things to Consider When Adopting
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/marriagesimplifiedguideParenting 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/teensPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Parenting Today's Teens Podcast is a daily resource for parents raising teenagers. Hosted by Mark Gregston, a renowned parenting expert with over 45 years of experience, this podcast provides practical, expert advice for navigating the challenges of parenting teens. Whether you're struggling with defiance, emotional issues, or just want to understand your teen better, Mark’s guidance is raw, real, and always hopeful.Some episodes are co-hosted by Courtney LaFleur, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and on-staff counselor at Heartlight, adding professional counseling insights to the conversation. Together, Mark and Courtney provide expert tips and real-life solutions to help you build stronger relationships with your teen and navigate the complexities of today’s adolescent culture.If you’re looking for guidance on how to connect with your teen, improve family dynamics, and raise a confident, well-adjusted teen, this podcast is for you.For more parenting tools and expert advice, visit www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.Parenting Today's Teens is part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org.
South Africa