Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Podcast

I Mustache Mark a Question: Pornography, Power Struggles and Parental Influence


In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough conversations that can leave any parent feeling lost. Whether it's the struggle to converse with a defiant teen, the heartache of a mother discovering her son viewing porn or the desire to stay connected with a grown-up daughter living with her boyfriend, he offers empathy, realistic advice and encouragement. If you’re a parent who is earnestly trying to bridge gaps and build a stronger bond with your teen, 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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org


Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Podcast

Balancing Protection and Autonomy


Helicopter parenting, while well-intentioned, can hinder our teenagers from developing the necessary skills to succeed in the real world. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the pitfalls of over-protecting our kids, and the challenges of letting go. They emphasize the importance of entrusting teens with choices, managing the consequences of those choices effectively and celebrating their strides towards independence. Tune in 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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org


Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Podcast

Big Impacts from Small Talk


Embracing the mundane, everyday moments with teens opens doors to deeper conversations. One of the best ways to show your child they matter is through attentiveness to the little things. Through the lens of 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Mark shares anecdotes of his own journey in today's show, highlighting the valuable lessons he absorbed from mentors who chose to foster hope over criticism. He explains how the nurturing presence and wise words of role models helped shape his values and calling. Listen in!

For more on connecting with your kids, check out our free "Bridging the Gap With Your Teen" e-course. Enroll now at bit.ly/bridging-the-gap-course

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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org


Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Podcast

Teen Stories: What's Behind Bad Choices?


Teens make poor decisions for a lot of different reasons, but it's usually not just to be rebellious. Whether it's loneliness, a cry for love or projecting anger, there's always motivation behind the behavior. In today's show, Mark is joined by two young women from Heartlight who share the struggles they were going through before arriving at the boarding school. For Elizabeth, a tumultuous journey of broken trust and a desperate search for acceptance led to rule-breaking behaviors. Don't miss these interviews!

To learn more about the Heartlight 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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org


When Silence Builds Walls


Kids today are bombarded with info in ways previous generations never were. Imagine being a teen now, with nearly unlimited access to the world's knowledge — and its misinformation — through the internet. Open discussions with your kids matter more than ever, and that's what Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss in today's show. They emphasize the importance of encouraging open dialogue on sensitive topics and the dangers of letting silence build walls between parents and teens. Check it out!

If you're a grandparent interested in learning to better connect with the teens in your life, check out the "Leaving a Legacy of Hope" e-course. Enroll 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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org


Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Podcast

I Mustache Mark a Question: Managing and Responding to Teen Attitude


In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the toughest challenges facing parents, including managing a child's disrespect, addressing a teen's anxiety about activities and fostering open communication during family outings. Mark provides pragmatic advice for dealing with the delicate dynamics of a mother caught between a daughter and an angry father, as well as strategies for curtailing persistent disrespectful behavior without exacerbating tension. Listeners will also discover engaging questions to ask their teens on casual outings that can lead to meaningful conversations and deeper connections. With his heartfelt and experienced guidance, Mark equips parents with the tools to strengthen their relationships with their teens and navigate the rocky road of adolescence with grace and understanding. Tune in today!

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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org


Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Podcast

Navigating Teen Responses to Stress: Fight, Flight or Freeze


Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd in this enlightening episode as they explore the typical stress responses exhibited by adolescents: fight, flight or freeze. The discussion delves into the underlying reasons for teens' outbursts of anger, their tendency to withdraw or run away, and the concerning signs of depression that can lead to seeking escape through unhealthy means. The hosts examine real-life scenarios provided by listener emails, offering valuable insights and practical advice on setting boundaries, understanding the need for coping mechanisms like gaming, and addressing the critical importance of seeking professional help when needed. This episode promises to empower parents with the tools to compassionately and effectively support their teens through the challenging dynamics of growing up in today's world. Listen in!

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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org


Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Podcast

The Risks of Overparenting: Preparing Teens for the Real World


In this insightful episode, Mark Gregston ventures into the vital topic of teaching responsibility to adolescents, drawing upon Galatians 6:5 as a grounding principle. He shares a cautionary tale about a young lady named Rachel, whose over-involved parent ultimately hindered her ability to cope with adult challenges. Mark emphasizes the significance of the adolescent period as a critical time for parents to shift from protecting and providing to preparing their teens for the realities of adulthood. He encourages parents to find the delicate balance between being overbearing and hands-off, prompting a reflection on how best to guide their teens in becoming self-reliant, responsible individuals ready to bear their own load in life. Don't miss this important message to all parents!

For more support on your parenting journey, check out our online store! Visit parentingtodaysteens.org/shop to browse all our resources.

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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org


Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Podcast

Teen Stories: Navigating Loss, Adoption and Rebellious Behavior


In this episode, Mark Gregston engages in heartfelt conversations with Amber and Maggie, two Heartlight teens. Mark delves into the intricate webs of defiance, loss and the search for acceptance that led these young individuals to residential treatment. Amber shares her struggle with anger stemming from childhood revelations about her adoption and subsequent life events, such as the death of loved ones. Maggie recounts her journey toward healing from substance abuse and disrespect that was fueled by a deep sense of pain and a desire for control. Both stories underscore their ongoing processes of reconciliation with their families and finding peace within themselves. Don't miss this compelling conversation!

Visit heartlightministries.org to learn more about how the Heartlight residential program helps teens and their families.

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 http://www.ChristianParenting.org