In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney LaFleur and Wayne Shepherd explore how divorce deeply impacts teens, often in ways parents don’t fully realize. Teens may internalize blame and struggle with trust, especially when parents speak poorly of each other or set conflicting rules. The three urge divorced parents to put aside personal hurt, communicate respectfully, maintain consistency and be present in their teen’s life. Ultimately, they emphasize seeing divorce from the teen’s perspective and committing to love and support them through the disruption.Worn out, discouraged or lost with your teen? Join Mark July 24-26 for the Families in Crisis Conference, a powerful weekend designed for parents walking through a tough time. 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 Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENSPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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25:15
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25:15
Reflecting on a Health Journey
Today, Mark Gregston talks about updates on his health after a near-drowning incident revealed a chronic lung infection and led to a kidney transplant due to polycystic kidney disease. Thanks to his son Adam, who was a donor match, Mark received a new kidney and is recovering well despite some complications, including a rare allergic reaction. He reflects on the challenges with gratitude, humor, and a renewed perspective on life and ministry.Do you have a question you would like to ask Mark? Visit markgregston.com to ask his advice!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 Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENSPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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14:06
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14:06
Teen Stories: Running From Reality
Behind every “reckless” or withdrawn teen is a journey they’re struggling to navigate. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two Heartlight residents who open up about the hidden battles fueling their choices. One young man, Will, shares how his struggle with depression drove him towards rebellion and poor decisions, impacting his home life and especially his bond with his younger sister. Depression and anxiety were at the heart of his behavior — not a desire to hurt others, but a desperate attempt to escape pain. Tune in to hear these honest reflections!To learn more about Heartlight's residential program, go to 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. Our Sponsors:* Check out Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENSPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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18:31
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18:31
How Loss Can Change a Teen
In this episode, Mark Gregston, Courtney Lafleur and Wayne Shepherd discuss how teens experience loss — not just through death, but also through breakups, rejection and life changes. The three stress the importance of creating a safe space for teens to express their grief without rushing to fix it or offer easy answers. Grief is personal and often confusing, so being present and listening matters more than finding the right words. Ultimately, loss can shape us, and God remains present even when we don't understand the pain.Visit parentingtodaysteens.org/shop to discover all of Mark's resources designed to help you as you raise your teen.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 Stride K12: https://K12.com/TEENSPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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24:18
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24:18
I Mustache Mark a Question: Dishonesty, Discipline and Distance
In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles some pressing and heartfelt questions from listeners. From handling a 17-year-old's dishonesty about school and addressing natural consequences, to supporting teens feeling left out or struggling with fading friendships, Mark offers practical wisdom rooted in relational and biblical principles. He also discusses how to approach parenting teens with ADHD, strategies for handling disrespectful communication at the dinner table and the unique pain that comes when a teen yearns for a distant parent. Throughout, Mark encourages parents to engage in honest, empathetic conversations with their teens while setting appropriate boundaries, focusing on building trust and guiding teens toward maturity. Tune in 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 Stride K12: https://K12.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