Rules or Ruler: Finding Balance in Parenting

In this episode, Mark Gregston emphasizes the power of truly listening within families. Drawing from decades of experience working with teens and parents, he explains how active, empathetic listening can open the door to connection, healing and lasting relationships. Mark outlines common habits that hinder listening like interrupting, always teaching or trying to fix things and urges self-reflection to remove these barriers. He encourages listeners to ask their family members how well they feel heard, reminding us that sometimes, the greatest act of love is simply listening.

To see all the resources Mark has designed specifically to help you as you raise your teen, visit parentingtodaysteens.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. 

Learning how to deal with stress and difficult emotions doesn't always come naturally especially for teens who've already endured a lot in their young lives. Today, Mark sits down with two Heartlight teens who explain what they've learned in the program so far. Adopted as a young teen after living in multiple homes, 16-year-old Whitney describes the struggle to fit in, the aftermath of trauma and the difficulty of learning a new familys rules. She speaks candidly about the poor choices she made and how Heartlight has helped her find healthier ways to cope.

Is Heartlight the answer for your struggling teen? Learn more today at 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. 

In this episode, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explore how parents can help teens take ownership of their faith as they grow more independent. With many teens leaving the church after high school, it's important to gradually shift from teaching to training to transferring responsibility for faith while teens are still at home. They encourage parents to create space for questions, avoid controlling or critical attitudes, and maintain open, judgment-free conversations about church and spirituality. Ultimately, the goal is to help teens develop a personal, lasting faith rather than one rooted only in parental expectations.

Visit familycrisisretreat.com to learn more about our next Families in Crisis Conference, happening July 24-26!

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. 

In todays episode, Mark Gregston addresses real-life scenarios drawing directly from listener-submitted questions. He discusses everything from dealing with mean texts and peer behavior, guiding adopted teens with anger issues, navigating interfaith friendships, supporting a sexually active teen and encouraging open communication with quiet adolescents. With practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable advice to help strengthen your connection with your teen, no matter what challenges arise. Tune in 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 parentingtodayteens.org

Join Mark Gregston, Courtney Lefleur and Wayne Shepherd as they explore how parents can effectively engage their teens in conversations about hot-button topics like gender, politics and morality. They emphasize the importance of listening without interrupting, respecting differing opinions and recognizing that teens are forming their own beliefs. Their goal for parents? Maintain connection and influence through love, patience and wisdom rather than control or correction. 

Join Mark for one of our Families in Crisis Conferences at Heartlight. Learn more and register at familycrisisretreat.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.