Parenting Today's Teens

Every teen faces tough questions about who they are, but for some, the journey is especially complicated. In today's Q&A episode, topics range from navigating conversations about gender identity and supporting teens with dyslexia, to handling anger, anxiety and the impact of listening to explicit music. Mark also shares insights on the right age for teens to start dating, how to foster respect and responsibility, and offers guidance for parents dealing with complex situations such as an 18-year-old dating a much older partner. Don't miss this episode!

Have a parenting question for Mark? We'd love to hear it! Go to markgregston.com to submit your questions.

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.

Whats shaping your teens beliefs, and why do they sometimes latch onto ideas that create tension at home? In this episode, Mark and Wayne unpack how todays teens are influenced by culture, peers and a deep desire to belong. When teens adopt strong opinions or causes, its often less about the issue and more about identity and connection. Youll learn how to respond without overreacting, keep conversations open and stay relational even when you disagree. Plus, Mark and Heartlight Counselor Courtney LaFleur talk to a teen about how struggles with acceptance can shape behavior and how real change begins.

If your home feels like Groundhog Day same arguments, same frustrations, same exhausting cycle its time to do something different. Visit bit.ly/constant-conflict-exhausted-parents for 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.

Are you helping your teen or holding them back? In this episode, Mark shares a powerful story about a young adult unprepared for real life, and the well-meaning parenting that led her there. Drawing from Galatians 6:5, Mark challenges parents to rethink overprotecting, overproviding and over-involving. Because somewhere along the way, every teen must learn to carry their own load. If youve ever struggled to know when to step in and when to step back, this episode offers practical wisdom to help you raise responsible, resilient young adults.

Learn four ways to foster growth and respect in your teen here: fostering-growth-respect-in-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.

When teens seem to have it all good grades, bright smiles, great families it's easy for parents to assume things are fine. But what if that perfect image is masking deeper struggles? In today's episode, Mark talks with two teens at Heartlight who reveal the hidden pressures they faced beneath their outward appearances. For one young lady, being the youngest of seven in a loving home didn't erase her intense fear of disappointment; instead, it drove her to hide parts of her life from her mom, trying to protect both of them from the pain of failure. Both girls discuss the toll of living in a world where appearances matter more than authenticity and how breaking through those barriers has changed everything.

Interested in learning about the Heartlight program? Go to heartlightministries.org today for more info!

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.

As summer break draws closer, were revisiting an episode with Mark and Wayne about setting your teen up for success. Boredom isnt harmless it can open the door to unhealthy habits if teens lack structure and purpose. Mark shares practical ways to create balance through responsibility, work and meaningful family connection. Youll also hear from Jared, a teen at Heartlight, who explains how addressing addiction, anxiety and broken trust helped him begin rebuilding his life and relationships. His story is an important reminder that behind every behavior is a deeper need. This episode will help you move your teen from drifting to growth. Check it out!

Learn to identify the real reasons behind your teens lack of motivation and get practical steps to help them move forward here: bit.ly/how-to-motivate-an-underachiever

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.