Parenting Today's Teens with Mark Gregston Podcast
Mar 20 • 23:28
Why You Shouldn't Always Rescue Your Teen
Episode:

Why You Shouldn't Always Rescue Your Teen

March 20, 2025 • 23:28 • Mark Gregston

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the role of pain as a powerful motivator in a teen's development. They emphasize the importance of allowing young people to experience natural consequences rather than rescuing them from every hardship. Through personal stories and real-life examples, they highlight how overprotection can hinder growth, while strategic parental guidance can foster responsibility. They also explore the balance between allowing beneficial struggles and stepping in to prevent lasting harm, ultimately helping teens build resilience and purpose.

Want Mark's advice for your own family? Visit https://markgregston.com/ to ask him a question!

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

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 9 • 25:13
I Mustache Mark a Question: Boundaries, Bullying and Belonging

In todays episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the most pressing issues facing parents of teenagers from navigating adoption challenges and discussing sexuality, to setting boundaries with teens exploring relationships. He also addresses managing teen mental health and substance use, as well as supporting those facing bullying and isolation. Mark offers heartfelt advice drawn from years of experience, reminding listeners of the importance of maintaining strong relationships, setting healthy boundaries and seeking community support when needed. Whether you're struggling to connect with a withdrawn teen, worried about your child's choices or searching for faith-based guidance in complex situations, this episode is packed with practical insights for every parent.

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 8 • 23:22
Whats to Blame?

In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd dive into a question every parent wrestles with: Whats really behind my teens bad behavior? They remind parents that a teens identity is not defined by their actions and that theres always more beneath the surface. From peer pressure and unresolved emotions to complex family dynamics, Mark and Wayne explore the deeper influences that shape teen behavior. Youll walk away with practical tools and fresh perspective to respond with wisdom, empathy and grace. Dont miss these valuable insights!

Looking for a meaningful gift this spring? Check out our curated Gift Guide for Moms, Dads and Grads at christianparenting.org/giftguide!

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 7 • 24:49
Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go

Join Mark Gregston as he reflects on Proverbs 22:6, offering heartfelt reminders for parents raising teens today. He encourages parents to train their children in every area of life, focusing on building independence rather than dependence. Mark emphasizes that true success comes when teens are prepared to make wise decisions on their own. He highlights the need for balance between providing support and preparing teens for the real world.

Is your teen struggling? Join us for our next Families in Crisis Conference coming up in July! Visit familycrisisretreat.com for more details. 

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 6 • 23:09
Teen Stories: Feeling Unseen

Every parent hopes their teen feels loved and valued but what happens when a teens pain goes unnoticed or unaddressed? In today's show, we reshare a couple of interviews that exemplify how invisible hurts can weigh on teens. For Heather, Heartlight provided the space to work on herself without the pressure of keeping up appearances. She shares her experiences navigating the pain of her parents divorce and struggling with self-worth, ultimately learning to accept herself and seek honest connections with her family.

For more info on the Heartlight residential program, go to 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. 

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/teens
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
May 5 • 23:24
When Your Teen Is Driving You Crazy

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss the challenging seasons when your teens behavior feels overwhelming. They explore how parents can respond well to both the everyday frustrations and the bigger, life-altering moments that come with raising teens. Together, they offer insights on typical teenage behavior and how to know when it may be time to seek professional help. Listen in as they talk to Jackson, a Heartlight teen, about his journey to a better relationship with his parents.

To find out more about Heartlight Ministries and to see if we can help your struggling teen, visit 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.

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.

More from Mark →