Navigating the often turbulent waters of raising teenagers can feel like a never-ending cycle of setting boundaries while trying to maintain trust. As parents, we frequently find ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of which direction to take. It's comforting to know that we're not alone in this journey. In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Sean Donohue, a renowned parenting coach widely known for his relatable advice on platforms like TikTok. Sean shares his personal...

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes David Gudgel, Director of Church Health for the Northern California Venture Church Network. David shares his wisdom on harmonizing faith and family life, drawing from his personal journey as both a parent and grandparent. He recounts transformative moments, like the spiritual awakening his parents experienced, which reshaped their family dynamics and instilled values of patience and resilience. David offers parents practical...

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Dr. Maureen Michelle Peterson—pediatrician, life coach, and author of Reclaiming Life. Dr. Peterson shares her deeply personal journey of raising a child diagnosed with pediatric neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, during her third year of residency. Despite her medical expertise, no amount of training could shield her from the emotional toll of the diagnosis. Years later, her family faced another life-altering...

In today's fast-paced, digital world, understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is more crucial than ever for parents and educators. In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker speaks with psychologist Dr. Katia Fredriksen, an expert in ADHD research, to explore key aspects of the disorder. They cover everything from identifying early symptoms to navigating the diagnosis and treatment process, offering practical strategies on how to approach ADHD with empathy and care. Key...

In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, renowned parenting expert Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Kyle Idleman, senior pastor at Southeast Christian Church and best-selling author. Together, they explore the common struggle many parents face: prioritizing productivity over building meaningful connections with their children. Drawing from his book When Your Way Isn't Working, Kyle shares valuable insights from his own experience, emphasizing the importance of connection in both parenting...

In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker interviews Dr. Marty Makary, author of Blind Spots: When Modern Medicine Gets It Wrong, and What It Means for Our Health. They explore common medical misconceptions and their wide-reaching effects, including the rise in peanut allergies linked to outdated avoidance advice, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, the overprescription of antibiotics, and the importance of microbiome health. Dr. Makary advocates for evidence-based medicine and critiques the...

Did you know that having a mentor can reduce the likelihood of young people developing drug and alcohol issues by 80 percent? Substance abuse is often a contributing factor in teen suicide, making mentorship a key element in safeguarding teens from both. On Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Leslie Weirch, who shares her deeply personal journey after losing her son Austin to suicide. Together, they explore the protective factors against suicide, including mentorship, and how...

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker discusses the importance of character development in children with Dr. Kathy Koch, founder and president of Celebrate Kids, Inc. They explore how character qualities such as gratitude, joy, and self-efficacy can help children fulfill their potential and purpose. They emphasize the need for parents to model and teach these qualities, and the episode addresses common parenting challenges, mistakes, and practical tips for nurturing...

In today's digital age, the ubiquity of electronic devices has become a growing concern for parents. In today's episode, Melanie Hempe, renowned for her insightful discussions on parenting, offers some stark warnings and practical advice on how to navigate this complex terrain. Below is a summary of her key points, offering a deeper look into why and how parents need to take action to protect their children's mental health and social development. 00:00 Identifying Video Game Addiction in...

In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by financial expert and bestselling author Rachel Cruz. They discuss the challenges parents face in teaching their kids gratitude in a consumer-driven society. Rachel shares insights from her career in finance, her shift to educating parents, and her inspiration behind writing children's books aimed at fostering contentment and gratitude. They explore practical tips for parents to instill financial wellness in their children, emphasizing the...

If you're feeling frustrated and disconnected from your child's education, despite your efforts to engage and support them, then you are not alone! Many parents find that traditional schooling systems often fail to provide the personalized attention and emotional connection their children need to thrive academically and emotionally. Join host Dr. Meg Meeker as she interviews Jennifer Pepito, a homeschooling veteran and mother of seven, who shares her insights on creating an enriching and safe...

In this heartfelt episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Rose and Rob Bronstein, founders of Buckets Over Bullying. They share their poignant story of losing their son Nate to cyberbullying and their mission to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak. The Bronsteins discuss Nate's relentless torment through social media, the school's inadequate response, and their journey to advocate for stronger protections for children. They emphasize the need for...

In this episode of 'Parenting Great Kids,' Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes back Larry Hagner, the creative force behind the Dad Edge podcast and author of 'The Spirit of Fatherhood.' Larry shares his journey of overcoming a tumultuous childhood with absentee and toxic father figures to becoming a devoted father himself. They discuss the complexities of fatherhood, the misconceptions men have about parenting, and practical tips for building strong connections with children. You’ll get deep and...

Did you know that 95% of moms experience mom guilt regularly? In this episode, Dr. Meg delves into this pervasive issue with author Alli Worthington. Alli's extensive national survey on the challenges of motherhood has culminated in her latest thought-provoking book, 'Remaining You While Raising Them'. Together, Dr. Meg and Alli offer invaluable perspectives and practical strategies to help mothers break free from the cycle of self-doubt and judgment. Key moments: 00:00 Understanding Mom...

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Dr. Eran Magen, an expert in education and psychology from Stanford University and founder of Parenting for Humans and DivorcingDads.org. They discuss the increased risk of suicide among divorced fathers and the unique challenges these men face. Dr. Magen emphasizes how critical it is to maintain strong relationships with their children, despite the emotional and financial pressures of divorce. The episode concludes with...

In honor of Father's Day, Dr. Meg Meeker interviews Chris Grainger, founder of The Lion Within Us, about his mission to empower Christian men to become strong leaders in their families and communities. Chris shares insights on spiritual growth, overcoming challenges, and fostering a sense of purpose through faith. They delve into the roles of men in providing, protecting, and presiding, and how controlled strength can positively impact marriages and fatherhood. Through personal stories and...

On the Parenting Great Kids podcast, three fathers share insights on the challenges of fatherhood. Influencer Andy Dooley, Super Bowl champion Benjamin Watson, and successful executive Michael Dickson offer personal stories and tips on everything from communication to disciplining your kids. In this episode, you will learn: Strategies for creating a safe and harmonious atmosphere at home by mastering empathy. Techniques for promoting healthy relationships with your children through...

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker chats with Dr. Melanie McNally, an expert in clinical psychology and teen mental health, about the importance of emotional intelligence in teenagers. Dr. McNally draws from her personal experiences, emphasizing the impact of her challenging relationship with her mother during her own teenage years.  They unpack the challenges that teenagers face in navigating their emotional landscape, particularly in today's digital age and...

No matter what stage of parenting you’re in, just when you think you have it figured out, your kids change. In this special edition of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker delves into the heart of your parenting dilemmas. From nurturing strong sibling bonds to guiding struggling young adults, she shares her battle-tested expert insights and actionable advice to help you raise strong kids. Topics Covered: Supporting Struggling Young Adults: Guide your adult child's journey to...

In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, join Dr. Meg Meeker as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Rachel Marie Martin, an unwavering advocate for motherhood and author of the uplifting book "Mom Enough." Together, they explore Rachel's journey through the challenges of motherhood, overcoming mom guilt, navigating the pressure to measure up, and the vital role of self-compassion and grace in motherhood. Rachel shares insights on embracing fearlessness, prioritizing open...

In this episode of "Parenting Great Kids," Dr. Meg Meeker and Dr. Stephen Whiteside, a distinguished board-certified clinical psychologist and director of pediatric anxiety disorders at Mayo Clinic, explore the crucial topic of managing anxiety in children. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Whiteside stresses the significance of accurate diagnosis and provides practical tips for parents navigating childhood anxiety. They emphasize the idea of managing rather than eliminating your child’s...

In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Brooke Romney, author of "52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens." They explore the critical role of teaching etiquette and interpersonal skills to children. Brooke discusses the inspiration behind her passion for manners, derived from observing both socially adept and challenged youngsters. They delve into how mastering etiquette boosts a child's self-esteem and enriches their relationships. They also discuss the...

Are you grappling with your teenager's excessive screen time and finding it difficult to limit their digital usage? This week on the Parenting Great Kids podcast, we delve deep into the challenges of teen screen addiction with Michael Jacobus, a seasoned summer camp director and the visionary behind Reset Summer Camp. With an impressive career spanning over three decades and a personal journey through his son's battle with gaming addiction, Michael is uniquely positioned to offer actionable...

In this episode of The Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker chats with Jennifer Wallace, an award-winning journalist and social commentator, about the impact of achievement culture on children. Jennifer shares her insights from a national survey of parents, revealing the pressure parents feel to ensure their children's academic success, and the toll it takes on their own wellbeing. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by parents in navigating societal expectations and the...