ParentingTodaysTeens

Led by author and speaker @markgregston, Parenting Today's Teens offers biblical insights and practical wisdom.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

"As parents, you do not owe your teens anything - except a relationship with you!" — Mark Gregston

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

When opinion dominates the conversation, connection suffers. But when perspective is shared, the door to real relationship opens.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

The teenage years are some of the most formative years of a person’s life. The experiences your son or daughter has now will shape their thinking and choices for years to come.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Let your teen know that while you may not always agree, you will always love them and walk with them through the challenges ahead.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Share your perspective when it comes to values, character, faith, and the lessons you’ve learned in life.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

If every conversation turns into a battle over trivial things, you’ll lose the opportunity to influence your teen in the areas that truly matter.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Let your teen speak without countering their comments or beliefs. If you interrupt, they might feel like you’re either correcting them.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Your teen is constantly bombarded with information from every direction — social media, school, friends, news, and influencers — and they’re trying to make sense of it all.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Your admission of your shortcomings, your mistakes, and your mess-ups may just be the first step to getting that deeper relationship with your teen that you both want — not to mention the example of humility they need.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Take time to reflect on the whybehind each rule. Ask yourself: “Is this helping my teen grow into a capable, responsible adult — or is it just making things easier for me?”

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Teens still crave warmth, empathy, and relationship — even when they’re testing the limits.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Be willing to reevaluate and adjust non-essential rules as your teen matures. Flexibility isn’t a sign of weakness — it shows your teen that you see and respect their growing independence, and that the relationship matters more than rigid control.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

If a parent desires to have a deeper relationship with their teen, the best place to start is by looking at the log in your own eye rather than staring at the speck in the life of your teen.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Your own habits matter. If you’re constantly scrolling during dinner or checking your phone when your teen is trying to talk to you, they will follow your lead.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Make a conscious effort to truly listen to your teen—and approach their experiences with compassion.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

When teens act out—whether through rudeness, rule-breaking, or pushing limits—it’s tempting to jump straight to discipline. But behavior is often a symptom, not the root issue.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Be transparent and clear about your expectations. Children respond better when they know you’re watching out for them—not just watching over them.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Become a student of your teen by asking about their feelings and thoughts and showing more concern for their mental health than their academic and sporting pursuits.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Your parenting style must shift to accommodate the ever-changing needs of your teen.

[ParentingTodaysTeens @PTTMarkGregston]

Your teen is searching for wisdom while they’re drowning in information. And the best way for them to find this wisdom is through parents who allow themselves to be observed and create conversation that allows for a child to reflect on their life.