Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Podcast
Apr 3 • 23:55
Motivating Your Unmotivated Teen
Episode:

Motivating Your Unmotivated Teen

April 3, 2025 • 23:55 • Mark Gregston

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the challenges of motivating teens who seem to have lost hope. Mark explains that a lack of motivation can stem from issues like depression or feeling overwhelmed. He stresses that shaming teens isn't the answer and encourages parents to identify the root causes and support teens in finding a way forward.

Visit parentingtodaysteens.org for more resources and advice from Mark as you raise your 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.

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Podcast:

Parenting Today's Teens

With Mark Gregston
The Parenting Today’s Teens Podcast features Mark Gregston, a parenting expert who has worked with teens and parents for over 45 years. Enlightening, up-to-date, practical, and something every parent would enjoy listening to. Raw at times, challenging at other times, but always hopeful to get your family to a better place in an adolescent culture that is sometimes a little contrary to what you believe and want for 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 www.ChristianParenting.org
All Episodes:
May 19 • 24:01
The Power of Saying Im Sorry

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney LaFleur explore the power of a sincere apology in strengthening parent-teen relationships. They encourage parents to model humility by saying Im sorry when needed, showing their teens that mistakes are a normal part of life. A heartfelt apology can break down walls, foster trust and open the door to deeper connections. 

To explore more resources Mark has designed to support you as you raise your teen, please 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. 

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teens
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 16 • 33:02
I Mustache Mark a Question: Consequences, Connection and Conversations That Matter

In todays episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough listener-submitted questions about raising teens in todays culture. From discovering a child's vaping habit and managing sibling conflict to supporting an adopted teen through promiscuity and responding to a daughter's mental health crisis, Mark offers practical wisdom framed by a relational approach. He addresses tough topics like setting boundaries in adolescent relationships, handling exposure to pornography, and finding the right balance between consequences and grace. Whether you're looking for tools to build trust, guidance on difficult conversations or simply reassurance that you're not alone, this episode is packed with honest insights to help you deepen your connection with your teen no matter what season your family is in. 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 parentingtodayteens.org

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teens
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 15 • 24:05
Help for Teens Growing Up in a Chaotic World

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how todays teens are growing up in an overwhelming and chaotic world, saturated with constant information, conflicting values, and social pressures that fuel anxiety and confusion. Mark emphasizes that teens deeply desire stability, security, and authentic relationships with their parents and grandparents, even if they dont always show it. He urges parents to be present, listen well and offer calm, faith-rooted guidance reminding them that they are a lifeline for their children in a stormy culture.

Explore all of Mark's resources designed to help you as you raise your teens at 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.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teens
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 14 • 11:50
A Lifetime of Lessons on Making Things Right

In this heartfelt episode, Mark Gregston reflects on his decades-long journey of working with teens and families, beginning with a single act of compassion at age 19 that led to a lifetime of ministry. He shares a powerful story of reconciliation after 40 years of silence emphasizing the damage unresolved conflict can cause in relationships. Mark encourages listeners with a call to action: Dont let unresolved issues steal time, connection or legacy begin the healing process today.

Do you have a question you would like Mark to answer? Ask him 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.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teens
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 13 • 20:06
Teen Stories: Burdened by Expectations

Every parent wants the best for their teen, but what happens when the pressure to be perfect becomes too much to bear? In todays episode, Mark sits down with two young men from Heartlight who share their personal journeys through anxiety, depression and the crushing weight of high expectations. Both teens describe how striving to meet others standards led them to hide their struggles and withdraw into harmful behaviors. Tune in for a powerful look at the hidden battle many teens face, and discover how compassion can make all the difference. 

Is Heartlight the right answer for your struggling teen? Head to heartlightministries.org 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 Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teens
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
About the Host

Mark Gregston

Mark has taken all the experience he has gained in working in the various youth ministry experiences and developed resources to help parents nationwide. He’s authored 18 books, has written hundreds of articles about parenting teens in a difficult culture, and is also the host of the nationally acclaimed radio program, Parenting Today’s Teens, which was honored to receive the 2014 Program of the Year award from the National Religious Broadcasters. These programs are heard on over 1,700 radio outlets throughout North America.

From his 45 years of experience of working with teens and their families, Mark shares his insight and wisdom through seminars, retreats, and conferences, taking up all his free weekends. Mark’s wit and wisdom, shared through stories and reflections of his involvement with teens brings biblical insight and practical help to all who hear him share his heart about families and teens.

Mark and Jan, have been married for 45 years and have two children, both of whom are married and have blessed them with four wonderful grandchildren. Heartlight is family oriented, and family run. Their children work with them insuring there is always hope and help for families searching for something different in their parenting style.

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