Parenting Today's Teens

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how parents often hold tightly to control out of fear, but doing so can stunt a teen’s ability to develop maturity and self-control. Mark explains that healthy independence requires gradually transferring responsibility from ages 12 to 18 so teens can practice decision-making before they leave home. When parents micromanage, teens may rebel or make reckless choices just to prove they’re in control, whereas purposeful, age-appropriate freedom paired with consequences builds wisdom. Ultimately, giving teens increasing control prepares them to become responsible, grounded young adults.Have our podcast episodes helped you in your parenting journey? Would you help us so we can continue providing resources and encouragement? Please consider giving an end-of-year gift by visiting parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-matchParenting 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 dives into some more pressing questions from parents who are struggling with their teens and young adults. From addressing severe outbursts and substance use in a high-functioning autistic teen, to knowing when it’s time to seek psychiatric help, Mark offers practical advice and empathy for families in crisis. The episode covers issues like adolescent depression, parent-child conflict and the impact of unresolved teen issues in adulthood. Mark emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, acting with love, and the power of community and counseling, all with a message of hope for families navigating the bumpy road of raising teens in today’s world.Have a question for Mark? We'd love to hear it! Submit your question today at 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

Listen today as Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss the reality that Christmas often brings conflict rather than peace, especially in families with struggling teens. They emphasize that parents must rise above the chaos by extending grace, offering love when it’s least deserved and avoiding the pressure to create a “perfect” holiday. Instead of withholding gifts or withdrawing emotionally, they encourage parents to affirm the relationship, set healthy boundaries and give teens space to regroup when expectations feel overwhelming. Ultimately, Christmas is an opportunity to model God’s grace — loving and moving toward our kids even in the midst of conflict.In a tough spot with your teen? Join Mark in Texas at one of his Families In Crisis Conferences. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to see our schedule and 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

Mark reflects on the lessons he’s learned as a parent and grandparent, emphasizing how small, consistent conversations build trust and open the door for deeper, life-shaping talks with kids and teens. He shares how both positive and negative voices shaped his own life, and how a handful of wise, older mentors profoundly influenced him through simple but powerful statements offered over time. Mark highlights qualities these mentors modeled and explains how their steady presence helped form his character and calling. He encourages parents and grandparents to embrace this same role, becoming consistent, life-giving influencers who listen well, speak truth and reflect God’s wisdom to the next generation.Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Mark's resources designed to support parents and grandparents in this adventure 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

Every teen's journey is shaped by a search for identity — a need to take ownership of their life, make choices and discover who they truly are. Today, Mark sits down with two young women from Heartlight who share their struggles to find themselves amid high expectations and family dynamics. Both wrestled with rebellion — not just for rebellion’s sake, but as a way to carve out their independence. Their stories show how the process of self-discovery is rarely straightforward. Now, away from home, these young women are learning what it means to make healthy choices and grow on their own terms.Is the Heartlight residential program the right answer for your struggling teen? Learn 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