Raising Humble Teens in a Selfie World

Raising Humble Teens in a Selfie World

Author: Mark Gregston July 23, 2026 Duration: 17:51

In a world that constantly says, “Look at me,” how can parents help teens develop humility, empathy and healthy relationships? Mark and Wayne discuss how social media, peer pressure, and today's culture can encourage self-centered attitudes and unhealthy comparisons. Mark offers advice for recognizing narcissistic tendencies, addressing hurtful online behavior and creating opportunities for teens to grow through responsibility, vulnerability and real-life experiences. He also explains why parents often have more influence when they listen more and lecture less. Listen in for practical insight on helping your teen develop confidence without self-absorption and relationships that go deeper than appearances.

In his book, Tough Guys and Drama Queens, Mark unpacks the cultural influences that are affecting today’s teens and shares strategies to address them. Find that and related resources at parentingtodaysteens.org/shop


Raising a teenager can feel like navigating uncharted territory every single day. Parenting Today's Teens is here to walk that path with you, offering a steady voice amid the chaos. Mark Gregston brings more than four decades of direct experience working with families to each conversation, translating complex adolescent behaviors into understandable insights. You’ll hear honest discussions about defiance, screen time, emotional withdrawal, and the search for identity, all framed with a perspective that is both pragmatic and hopeful. This isn’t about quick fixes or perfect formulas; it’s about building a lasting, authentic connection with your teen even when it’s difficult. Mark’s approach is grounded in real-world application, offering strategies you can consider and adapt the very same day. The podcast draws from a well of wisdom that respects the spiritual and personal growth of the entire family, recognizing that parenting a teen often means revisiting your own beliefs and reactions. Tune in for a resource that feels like a thoughtful conversation with a trusted guide, one that acknowledges the struggles while consistently pointing toward practical solutions and renewed understanding for the modern parent.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Parenting Today's Teens
Podcast Episodes
The Journey From Boys to Men [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:13
Raising a son is about more than helping him grow up — it's about helping him become the man God created him to be. In this episode, Mark and Wayne explore the unique challenges and opportunities of parenting boys throug…
8 Ways to Improve Communication with Your Teen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:45
Do you feel like every conversation with your teen ends in frustration — or silence? In this episode, Mark and Wayne share eight practical strategies for improving communication with today’s adolescents. From listening m…
What Pain Can Teach Your Teen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:35
Every parent wants to protect their child from pain. But what if some of life's greatest lessons come through it? Mark shares a personal story that transformed the way he thinks about pain and parenting. He explains how…
Teen Stories: Healing from the Inside Out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:22
Teens don't always know how to work through big emotions like hurt, rejection or anger. Their inner pain often spills outward, resulting in some poor choices. In today's show, Mark talks with two young ladies at Heartlig…
Beyond the Smoke: A Warning About Marijuana [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:29
As marijuana becomes more accepted in today’s culture, many parents are wondering how to respond when their teen is exposed to it — or begins using it. In this episode, Mark and Wayne discuss the growing prevalence of te…
I Mustache Mark a Question: House Rules, Isolation and Independence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:01
In today's Q&A episode, Mark dives into topics like why teen boys are more image-conscious than ever, how to handle a 17-year-old reading inappropriate romance novels and what consequences make sense for a teen who’s ski…
The Power of Speaking Life Into Your Teen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:04
Who helped shape the person you are today? And who are you shaping for tomorrow? In this episode, Mark reflects on the mentors who profoundly influenced his life through simple conversations, thoughtful questions and tim…
Teen Stories: Secrets, Lies and the Search for Help [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:41
Every teen wants to feel valued and understood, but sometimes that search leads them into situations they would never have expected. In today’s episode, Mark sits down with two teens from Heartlight who open up about the…
Why Your Teen Won’t Respond to Authority [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:22
Does it feel like your parental authority just isn’t having the same impact it once did? Mark and Wayne explore why today’s teens respond differently to authority than previous generations — and what parents can do inste…