logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2025
24m 57s

Teens and Politics

MARK GREGSTON
About this episode

Mark Gregston, Wayne Shepherd and Courtney Lafleur discuss how parents can wisely talk about politics with their teens. They emphasize that while politics can be divisive, parents shouldn’t avoid the topic — teens need guidance to think critically and biblically rather than absorb culture’s extremes. Parents should model respectful dialogue, listen more than lecture and allow their teens to process differing views without fear of rejection. The goal isn’t to control their beliefs but to keep relationships strong and create space for open, grace-filled conversations.

Heartlight Ministries is Mark's residential counseling ministry designed to help struggling teens and families. Visit heartlightministries.org to learn more and see if it's right for your family.

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. 

Up next
Yesterday
I Mustache Mark a Question: Double Lives, Depression and Difficult Conversations
In this Q&A episode, Mark addresses some tough challenges parents are facing with their teens today. He answers listener questions on supporting a teen dealing with depression and drug use, how to respond when teens show no interest in talking about relationships and what to do i ... Show More
29m 45s
Sep 17
Are You Giving Your Teen Enough Responsibility?
Your job as a parent isn’t simply to teach your teen what to do — it’s to prepare them to eventually do it without you. Mark, Wayne and Courtney unpack the important progression from teaching to training to transferring responsibility. They explain why parenting must change durin ... Show More
24m 50s
Sep 16
Turning Life Lessons Into Lasting Wisdom
Your teen has access to more information than ever before. What they need from you is something Google can’t give them: wisdom. In this episode, Mark explains how parents and grandparents can turn biblical truth, personal experiences, mistakes and lessons learned into wisdom teen ... Show More
28m 13s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
A Prayer for Parenting Teenagers
Teens struggle for acceptance among peers, and as parents, we need to remind them that they are loved and accepted just as God created them, not because of how they look, what they drive, or the toys that they possess. We need to pray against the negative influence they are most ... Show More
5m 47s
Apr 2025
Guarding Your Teen with Boundaries
Teens are under so much pressure these days. Whether it's learning to drive or them resisting sexual temptation, how can you help as a parent? Jodie Berndt talks with Jim Daly on ways she learned to pray for her kids in the teen years. Then, John and Danny bring up how to help yo ... Show More
12m 39s
Sep 2023
Parenting Teens
Emma Mae is joined by Momma J to talk about parents navigating relationships with their teenage and adult children. Momma J emphasizes the importance of being honest with your kids because it helps establish a healthy relationship with them. Emma Mae and Momma J share how discipl ... Show More
24m 14s
Mar 2023
Ep. 115 | Shepherding a Teen’s Heart with Tedd Tripp
Are you struggling with how to reach the heart of your teenager? Do you find that the older they get, the less they want to listen to your counsel, and the less influence you have in their lives? Join Ginger Hubbard and Katy Morgan, along with special guest Tedd Tripp, as they di ... Show More
35m 16s
Feb 2025
Ep. 212 | Power Struggles with Teens
Have you ever found yourself in a toe-to-toe battle or an angry stand-off with your teenager? Do they accuse you of being legalistic and controlling, rather than respecting your authority? Are you looking for ways to end the power struggles without provoking them to anger? Join G ... Show More
31m 43s
Sep 2023
Parenting Through the Teenage Trenches
In today's episode of At Home with the Beveres, we're stepping into some of the trenches of parenting. Addison, Juli, and Alec come together with special guest and next-gen Bevere, Asher to talk about the transition into the teenage years.Adolescence is not just a stepping stone ... Show More
37m 25s
Apr 2025
When a Teenager is Acting Up
It's difficult to process when your teen misbehaves. John and Danny open up about times their kids didn't behave well, and what they learned as dads. Plus, Jim Daly and Jodie Berndt address why trying to control your teenager's behavior is a poor parenting strategy.   Find us onl ... Show More
10m 38s
May 2020
What to Do When Your Teen is Angry
<p>When your teen blows up and acts disrespectfully, it takes every ounce of self-control to hold back and not react! But how should you handle anger and outbursts of rage?<br><br>This weekend on Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston helps parents manage disrespectful behavior w ... Show More
24m 55s