Parenting Today's Teens

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In today's episode, Mark dives into some more pressing questions from parents who are struggling with their teens and young adults. From addressing severe outbursts and substance use in a high-functioning autistic teen, to knowing when it’s time to seek psychiatric help, Mark offers practical advice and empathy for families in crisis. The episode covers issues like adolescent depression, parent-child conflict and the impact of unresolved teen issues in adulthood. Mark emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, acting with love, and the power of community and counseling, all with a message of hope for families navigating the bumpy road of raising teens in today’s world. Have a question for Mark? We'd love to hear it! Submit your question today 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: * Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Listen today as Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss the reality that Christmas often brings conflict rather than peace, especially in families with struggling teens. They emphasize that parents must rise above the chaos by extending grace, offering love when it’s least deserved and avoiding the pressure to create a “perfect” holiday. Instead of withholding gifts or withdrawing emotionally, they encourage parents to affirm the relationship, set healthy boundaries and give teens space to regroup when expectations feel overwhelming. Ultimately, Christmas is an opportunity to model God’s grace — loving and moving toward our kids even in the midst of conflict. In a tough spot with your teen? Join Mark in Texas at one of his Families In Crisis Conferences. Visit familycrisisretreat.com to see our schedule and register! 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: * Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Mark reflects on the lessons he’s learned as a parent and grandparent, emphasizing how small, consistent conversations build trust and open the door for deeper, life-shaping talks with kids and teens. He shares how both positive and negative voices shaped his own life, and how a handful of wise, older mentors profoundly influenced him through simple but powerful statements offered over time. Mark highlights qualities these mentors modeled and explains how their steady presence helped form his character and calling. He encourages parents and grandparents to embrace this same role, becoming consistent, life-giving influencers who listen well, speak truth and reflect God’s wisdom to the next generation. Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore all of Mark's resources designed to support parents and grandparents in this adventure of raising 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. Our Sponsors: * Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Every teen's journey is shaped by a search for identity — a need to take ownership of their life, make choices and discover who they truly are. Today, Mark sits down with two young women from Heartlight who share their struggles to find themselves amid high expectations and family dynamics. Both wrestled with rebellion — not just for rebellion’s sake, but as a way to carve out their independence. Their stories show how the process of self-discovery is rarely straightforward. Now, away from home, these young women are learning what it means to make healthy choices and grow on their own terms. Is the Heartlight residential program the right answer for your struggling teen? Learn more at 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: * Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Families in crisis often feel overwhelmed, isolated and “at the end of their rope,” but Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur remind parents they are not alone and real help is available. They explain that teen struggles are usually signs of deeper issues — not parental failure — and that progress often comes through small steps, strengthened relationships and seeking support. Parents are encouraged to focus on connection over control, admit they don’t have all the answers, and reach out for community or counseling instead of trying to carry the burden alone. Ultimately, this season is temporary — change is possible when families hold on, stay consistent and take steps toward healing. If you are at the end of your rope, Mark's Families In Crisis Conference may be the help and support you need. Visit familycrisisretreat.com 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: * Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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In today's episode, Mark Gregston dives into some of the toughest questions parents face with their teenagers today. From encouraging faith in a 17-year-old son who resists reading the Bible, to setting boundaries with a 19-year-old daughter living at home and finding the balance when communicating with college-aged children, Mark offers practical advice rooted in real-life experiences. He explores the impact of shaming, the challenges of parenting twins with different levels of maturity and how to maintain healthy relationships — even as families navigate new dynamics. If you've enjoyed our podcast, will you consider making a year-end gift so we can continue to make resources that help more parents and grandparents? Go to parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-match to double your impact 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: * Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Today, Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur explain that effective discipline flows out of a healthy relationship, not anger or authority alone. Parents often lean too far into being either “tough” or “tender,” but teens need a balanced blend of strength, gentleness, listening and compassion. True authority comes from connection, not control, and the goal is to reflect God’s character — firm when necessary, but tender, patient and relational at heart. Mark encourages parents to examine their own reactions, seek honest feedback, and pursue counseling if needed so they can model the calm, balanced strength their teens require. If you're struggling raising your teen, Mark has many resources designed to help! Visit parentingtodaysteens.org to explore blogs, podcasts, books and 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: * Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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Mark Gregston shares how unexpected setbacks — including getting fired — became the catalyst for founding Heartlight Ministries and beginning a lifelong “journey to genuineness.” As he reflects on rejection, pride and unresolved personal issues, he encourages parents to consider how their own wounds and blind spots may be influencing their parenting. Mark urges moms and dads of struggling teens to start by looking inward, examining motives, addressing past hurts and embracing authenticity — before focusing on their child’s behavior. Ultimately, he reminds parents that self-reflection and healing can lead to a more grounded relationship with their teens. To learn more about Heartlight and see if this ministry can help you and your struggling teen, please 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: * Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Discounts and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy