1 MAY 2024 · Wisdom isn't just about age — it's about tapping into our experiences and sharing them meaningfully. You've got stories worth telling and lessons worth sharing, but you need to make them relevant to the world your teen lives in. In this episode, Mark explores the timeless task of imparting wisdom to our teens without alienation or judgment. He shares reflections on his own teen years that debunk the notion that the past was better, urging parents to connect with teens rather than criticize. Tune in now!For more on this topic, check out "Raising Teens in a Contrary Culture." Order your copy today at bit.ly/contrary-cultureParenting 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

30 APR 2024 · When teens struggle with perfectionism or low self-esteem, social media can seem like an easy way to get validation — but unfortunately, it often makes the problem worse. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies from Heartlight, including Carly, who opens up about the repercussions of bullying on her self-esteem. She reflects on rebelling against her parents and getting obsessed with her phone, seeking the opinions and approval of others on social media. Tune in to these insightful interviews!Is Heartlight the answer for your struggling teen? Learn more about the program at heartlightministries.orgParenting 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 http://www.christianparenting.org/

29 APR 2024 · Each stage of parenting presents its own challenges, and arguably, none are as daunting as the teen years, a time when kids encounter complex issues, including those related to sexuality and relationships. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd address the challenging topic of maintaining teen purity amidst a culture saturated with messages of sexual promiscuity. They encourage parents to engage with their teens about this issue openly to protect and prepare them for healthier, happier relationships. Listen in now!For more practical advice on helping your teens navigate these issues, check out our eBook, "Teens and Dating." Download it at bit.ly/teens-and-datingParenting 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

26 APR 2024 · In today’s episode, Mark Gregston tackles tough conversations that can leave any parent feeling lost. Whether it's the struggle to converse with a defiant teen, the heartache of a mother discovering her son viewing porn or the desire to stay connected with a grown-up daughter living with her boyfriend, he offers empathy, realistic advice and encouragement. If you’re a parent who is earnestly trying to bridge gaps and build a stronger bond with your teen, listen now!Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.comParenting 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

25 APR 2024 · Helicopter parenting, while well-intentioned, can hinder our teenagers from developing the necessary skills to succeed in the real world. In today’s episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd explore the pitfalls of over-protecting our kids, and the challenges of letting go. They emphasize the importance of entrusting teens with choices, managing the consequences of those choices effectively and celebrating their strides towards independence. Tune in now!For more inspiration and encouragement, check out Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," at dailyhopeforfamilies.comParenting 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

24 APR 2024 · Embracing the mundane, everyday moments with teens opens doors to deeper conversations. One of the best ways to show your child they matter is through attentiveness to the little things. Through the lens of 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Mark shares anecdotes of his own journey in today's show, highlighting the valuable lessons he absorbed from mentors who chose to foster hope over criticism. He explains how the nurturing presence and wise words of role models helped shape his values and calling. Listen in!For more on connecting with your kids, check out our free "Bridging the Gap With Your Teen" e-course. Enroll now at bit.ly/bridging-the-gap-courseParenting 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

23 APR 2024 · Teens make poor decisions for a lot of different reasons, but it's usually not just to be rebellious. Whether it's loneliness, a cry for love or projecting anger, there's always motivation behind the behavior. In today's show, Mark is joined by two young women from Heartlight who share the struggles they were going through before arriving at the boarding school. For Elizabeth, a tumultuous journey of broken trust and a desperate search for acceptance led to rule-breaking behaviors. Don't miss these interviews!To learn more about the Heartlight program, go to 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 www.ChristianParenting.org

22 APR 2024 · Kids today are bombarded with info in ways previous generations never were. Imagine being a teen now, with nearly unlimited access to the world's knowledge — and its misinformation — through the internet. Open discussions with your kids matter more than ever, and that's what Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss in today's show. They emphasize the importance of encouraging open dialogue on sensitive topics and the dangers of letting silence build walls between parents and teens. Check it out!If you're a grandparent interested in learning to better connect with the teens in your life, check out the "Leaving a Legacy of Hope" e-course. Enroll today at bit.ly/legacy-ecourseParenting 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

19 APR 2024 · In this episode, Mark Gregston tackles some of the toughest challenges facing parents, including managing a child's disrespect, addressing a teen's anxiety about activities and fostering open communication during family outings. Mark provides pragmatic advice for dealing with the delicate dynamics of a mother caught between a daughter and an angry father, as well as strategies for curtailing persistent disrespectful behavior without exacerbating tension. Listeners will also discover engaging questions to ask their teens on casual outings that can lead to meaningful conversations and deeper connections. With his heartfelt and experienced guidance, Mark equips parents with the tools to strengthen their relationships with their teens and navigate the rocky road of adolescence with grace and understanding. Tune in today!Have a question for Mark? Submit it here: markgregston.comParenting 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

18 APR 2024 · Join Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd in this enlightening episode as they explore the typical stress responses exhibited by adolescents: fight, flight or freeze. The discussion delves into the underlying reasons for teens' outbursts of anger, their tendency to withdraw or run away, and the concerning signs of depression that can lead to seeking escape through unhealthy means. The hosts examine real-life scenarios provided by listener emails, offering valuable insights and practical advice on setting boundaries, understanding the need for coping mechanisms like gaming, and addressing the critical importance of seeking professional help when needed. This episode promises to empower parents with the tools to compassionately and effectively support their teens through the challenging dynamics of growing up in today's world. Listen in!For more inspiration and encouragement, check out Mark's newest devotional, "Daily Hope For Families," at dailyhopeforfamilies.comParenting 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