Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker

What’s the real key to college admissions success? It might not be what you think. In this empowering episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Dr. Pamela Ellis, also known as The Education Doctor. With experience guiding over 30,000 families and helping students earn an average of $75,000 in scholarships, Dr. Ellis shares invaluable insights that every parent needs to hear.In this episode, you'll learn: Why finding the right college fit matters more than just getting into a "top" school. How to debunk common college admissions myths and focus on what truly works. The crucial role parents play—without micromanaging. Tips for empowering your teen to lead their own admissions journey with confidence. How gratitude practices can support emotional health during the stressful admissions process. Whether you're just beginning to think about college or already knee-deep in applications, this episode offers actionable strategies and deep wisdom to help you and your child navigate the college admissions process with purpose and peace of mind.Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Introduction: Why college admissions is stressful for families00:21 – Meet Dr. Pamela Ellis: The Education Doctor’s approach to college planning01:34 – Common myths about admissions and scholarships04:22 – How to find the “right college fit” for your teen11:13 – The role of parents: guiding without controlling17:19 – Helping teens take ownership of the process22:01 – Gratitude practices and their impact on students26:06 – When college isn’t the obvious next step28:21 – Building confidence through applications34:16 – Supportive parenting strategies that work38:55 – Final thoughts and next steps for familiesAbout Dr. Pamela EllisDr. Pamela Ellis, MBA, Ph.D., is the founder of Compass Education Strategies and author of What to Know Before They Go. Known nationally as The Education Doctor, she helps families navigate college admissions with a focus on holistic student success—academically, socially, financially, vocationally, and culturally.Resources & Links:Learn more about Dr. Pamela Ellis and her work → https://compasscollegeadvisory.com/ 👉 Book a coaching session with Dr. Meg Meeker → https://meekerparenting.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s driving the surge in teen anxiety—and how can parents help kids take back control of their mental health?In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Dr. Jodi Aman, a seasoned psychotherapist, author, and educator with nearly 30 years of experience helping teens and families break free from the grip of anxiety. Together, they explore the real reasons behind today’s teen mental health crisis—from social media to dopamine addiction—and offer practical, compassionate solutions for parents.You’ll learn: Why smartphones, social isolation, and societal pressures are creating a perfect storm for anxiety How comparison culture fuels low self-worth and perfectionism What dopamine does to the developing brain—and why kids feel overwhelmed Why validating your child’s emotions matters more than “fixing” them How to help teens understand, manage, and even overcome anxiety When to seek professional help, and what to look for in a therapist Need expert help applying these strategies in your home? Book a private coaching session with Dr. Meg Meeker: https://meekerparenting.com/coaching/Episode Breakdown00:00 – Welcome and introduction to the teen anxiety crisis 00:27 – Meet Dr. Jodi Aman and her work with teens and parents 01:00 – What’s causing anxiety to skyrocket in Gen Z 04:45 – How social media and dopamine shape the anxious brain 10:59 – Parental roles: validation, support, and what not to do 15:55 – Helping teens understand and manage anxiety 22:09 – The hidden effects of isolation and cultural pressure 28:08 – Tools for families: The Compass Curriculum and more 30:51 – When to seek professional help and signs to watch for 37:53 – Final encouragement and takeaways for parentsAbout Dr. Jodi AmanDr. Jodi Aman is a licensed therapist, author, and creator of the COMPASS Curriculum, a mental wellness program for teens. With nearly 30 years of experience, she’s worked with families in over 14 countries, focusing on anxiety, trauma, and emotional resilience. A graduate of Columbia University and Simmons University (DSW), Jodi blends neuroscience, Narrative Therapy, and global insight to help Gen Z understand themselves, build confidence, and navigate the pressures of modern life.Resources & LinksExplore Dr. Jodi Aman’s work: https://jodiaman.com Learn about the Compass Curriculum: https://jodiaman.com/compassLoved this episode?Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend. Your support helps more parents discover tools to raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids.Our SponsorsDeepCozy – 15% off sinus relief at deepcozy.com (code DRMEG)Amazfit Active 2 – 10% off AI coaching at amazfit.com/DRMEGHungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg (code DRMEG)Acorns – Start investing with spare change: acorns.com/drmegHeat Holders® – 15% off cozy winter wear at heatholders.com (code DRMEG)Acorns Early – Teach your kids about money: acornsearly.com/drmegEquip Health – Virtual eating disorder support at equip.health.com/drmegWHO SMARTED? – A podcast that makes kids laugh while they learn. Search “WHO SMARTED?” wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful discussion, Connor Boyack, founder of the Libertas Institute and author of the Tuttle Twins series, shares his expertise on fostering independence in young minds. He highlights the power of storytelling in explaining complex subjects like economics and liberty to kids. The conversation dives into the Children's Entrepreneur Market, a platform for children to gain real-world business experience. Parents are encouraged to embrace different educational paths and hands-on learning strategies to develop confident, curious, and capable future leaders.

Can allowing teens to drink at home teach them responsible alcohol use? Dr. Claudia Black, a leading expert in teen substance abuse and addiction, reveals why this approach may actually encourage drinking outside the home.In this episode, we discuss: Why parental supervision doesn’t prevent teen drinking – It often normalizes alcohol use. The real reasons teens drink – Peer pressure, social acceptance, and stress. How parents influence teen drinking habits – Your behaviors set the tone. Teen substance abuse warning signs – Recognizing underlying trauma, like bullying or anxiety. Effective strategies for prevention – Setting clear boundaries and healthy family rituals. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction: The debate on responsible teen drinking 00:21 – Meet Dr. Claudia Black: Expert insights on addiction and family dynamics 01:15 – What really drives teenage drinking? 02:12 – Peer pressure vs. parental influence: Which matters more? 11:28 – The hidden traumas behind substance use (bullying, loss, anxiety) 19:43 – How to talk to your teen about alcohol 24:04 – Recognizing warning signs and taking action 31:40 – Prevention, boundaries, and positive family ritualsAbout Dr. Claudia BlackDr. Claudia Black, Ph.D., is a pioneering addiction specialist, author, and speaker known for her groundbreaking work on family systems and substance abuse. As the Clinical Architect of the Claudia Black Center for Young Adults and a Senior Fellow at The Meadows Treatment Center, she has dedicated decades to helping individuals and families heal from addiction and trauma.Resources & Links: Learn more about Dr. Claudia Black → https://bit.ly/3DSI33p  👉 Book a coaching session with Dr. Meg Meeker today → https://bit.ly/41A4pQb  Our SponsorsDeepCozy – 15% off sinus relief at deepcozy.com with code DRMEGAmazfit Active 2 – 10% off AI-driven coaching at amazfit.com/DRMEGHungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/drmeg (code DRMEG)Acorns – Start investing with just your spare change. Download the Acorns app or visit acorns.com/drmeg to get started.Heat Holders® – 15% off cozy winter gear at heatholders.com (code DRMEG)Acorns Early lets parents pay allowances automatically. Ready to help your kids learn the value of money? Head to acornsearly.com/drmeg or download the Acorns Early app to get started.Equip Health – Virtual eating disorder treatment at equip.health.com/drmegLoved this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Struggling with your child's sleep? In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with sleep expert Dana Obleman, founder of the Sleep Sense Program, to tackle common sleep challenges in babies, toddlers, and teens. They discuss: Why children wake up at night and how to help them sleep independently The four-month sleep regression and how to navigate it Strategies to reduce nighttime wake-ups in nine-month-olds Tips for healthy sleep habits in preschoolers and teenagers The impact of screen time, blue light, and melatonin on sleep quality Why a consistent bedtime routine is crucial for kids of all ages If you're looking for practical sleep solutions for your child, this episode is packed with expert advice to help your family get better rest. 👉 For more expert parenting advice, visit megmeekermd.com.Episode Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome to Parenting Great Kids00:31 – Understanding Infant Sleep Challenges02:34 – Solving Common Sleep Issues in Babies08:04 – Nighttime Wake-Ups & Sleep Strategies for Older Babies16:03 – Screen Time & Sleep Hygiene for Preschoolers23:33 – Teen Sleep Struggles & How to Fix Them28:43 – Why Sleep Matters for All Ages34:31 – Final ThoughtsSubscribe for more expert parenting tips!About Our Guest: Dana OblemanDana Obleman is the founder of the Sleep Sense Program, a trusted resource that has helped over 100,000 families worldwide establish healthy sleep habits for their children. Since 2003, she has provided practical, compassionate solutions through her step-by-step methods, empowering parents to teach independent sleep skills with confidence. A sought-after speaker and author, Dana is passionate about helping families navigate sleep challenges at every stage, from infant sleep regressions to teen sleep struggles.Our SponsorsDeepCozy – 15% off sinus relief at deepcozy.com with code DRMEGAmazfit Active 2 – 10% off AI-driven coaching at amazfit.com/DRMEGHungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/drmeg (code DRMEG)Acorns – Start investing with just your spare change. Download the Acorns app or visit acorns.com/drmeg to get started.Heat Holders® – 15% off cozy winter gear at heatholders.com (code DRMEG)Acorns Early lets parents pay allowances automatically. Ready to help your kids learn the value of money? Head to acornsearly.com/drmeg or download the Acorns Early app to get started.Equip Health – Virtual eating disorder treatment at equip.health.com/drmeg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with 15-year-old Elle Liemandt, the creator of Ask Elle, an AI-powered dating coach app designed for teens. They dive into the challenges of modern teen dating, exploring how social media platforms like Snapchat influence relationships and shape teen interactions. Elle shares insights on how her app helps teens rebuild essential social skills, handle rejection with confidence, and develop healthier dating habits.Dr. Meeker and Elle also discuss the crucial role parents play in guiding their teens through today’s evolving dating landscape. They highlight key strategies for fostering open parent-teen communication and staying informed about social media’s impact on relationships.This episode is essential listening for parents, educators, and anyone looking to understand the new rules of teen dating in the digital age.About Our GuestElle Liemandt is a driven 15-year-old high school student passionate about using technology and education to create positive change. As the creator of AI-powered platforms Datebot and Ask Elle (iOS), she helps teens navigate the complexities of dating and relationships with confidence and insight.Topics Covered in This Episode:✅ The reality of teen dating today✅ How Snapchat and other social platforms shape teen relationships✅ The biggest social pressures teens face in dating✅ Why rejection is a major issue for boys—and how to help✅ How the Ask Elle app supports teens in building confidence✅ The importance of parent-teen communication in dating discussions📌 Episode Timestamps:📌 00:00 – Introduction to the Episode📌 00:35 – Meet Elle Liemandt: Teen Dating Trailblazer📌 01:49 – The Reality of Teen Dating Today📌 02:41 – Snapchat and Teen Dating Dynamics📌 03:53 – The Impact of Social Media on Teen Relationships📌 06:17 – Elle's Viral TikTok and Teen Dating Trends📌 10:10 – Addressing Boys' Fear of Rejection📌 11:17 – How Ask Elle App Helps Teens Navigate Dating📌 17:21 – Encouraging Parent-Teen Communication📌 23:20 – The Future of Ask Elle and Social Media's Role📌 27:53 – Conclusion and Final ThoughtsOur Sponsors🌿 DeepCozy – 15% off sinus relief at deepcozy.com with code DRMEG⌚ Amazfit Active 2 – 10% off AI-driven coaching at amazfit.com/DRMEG🥗 Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/drmeg (code DRMEG)💰 Acorns – Start investing with just your spare change. Download the Acorns app or visit acorns.com/drmeg to get started.❄️ Heat Holders® – 15% off cozy winter gear at heatholders.com (code DRMEG)🏥 Equip Health – Virtual eating disorder treatment at equip.health.com/drmeg👉 For more expert parenting advice, visit megmeekermd.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Joe Hashey to discuss balancing career ambitions with a thriving family life.Joe, a former educator turned fitness leader, shares his journey of recognizing work-family imbalance and the steps he took to correct it. After his father’s passing, he re-evaluated his family’s health and values, leading to The Strong Family Project—a structured approach to parenting that helps families:✅ Define core values ✅ Build consistent routines ✅ Strengthen family bonds through daily habitsDr. Meeker and Joe discuss the 7 Pillars of Personal Development, covering morning routines, family meetings, and strategies for co-parenting. They offer practical advice on child development, screen time boundaries, family traditions, and fostering resilience in kids.Episode Highlights: 📌 00:00 – Welcome & Intro to Joe Hashey 📌 01:42 – From Teaching to Fitness Industry 📌 02:34 – Struggles Balancing Work & Family 📌 03:29 – Pandemic’s Impact on Parenting 📌 06:12 – The Birth of The Strong Family Project 📌 07:26 – Defining Core Family Values 📌 10:08 – Parenting Challenges & Solutions 📌 16:09 – Managing Screen Time & Peer Influence 📌 20:50 – The 7 Pillars of The Strong Family Project 📌 26:30 – Co-Parenting Strategies 📌 29:28 – Personal Growth & Life Lessons 📌 32:23 – Final Thoughts & Key TakeawaysMeet Joe Hashey: Joe Hashey, M.Ed., is a former educator turned entrepreneur and family strategist. After earning his Master’s from Colgate University, he taught for eight years before founding a fitness company inspired by his father’s passing. Recognized as a Small Business Person of the Year in 2018, Joe later shifted focus to helping families build structure and strong relationships through The Strong Family Project.Our Sponsors: 🌿 DeepCozy – 15% off sinus relief at deepcozy.com with code DRMEG ⌚ Amazfit Active 2 – 10% off AI-driven coaching at amazfit.com/DRMEG 🥗 Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/drmeg (code DRMEG) 💰 Acorns – Start investing with just your spare change. Download the Acorns app or visit acorns.com/drmeg to get started. ❄️ Heat Holders® – 15% off cozy winter gear at heatholders.com (code DRMEG) 🏥 Equip Health – Virtual eating disorder treatment at equip.health.com/drmeg🔔 Subscribe & Follow for expert parenting strategies from Dr. Meg Meeker! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

💡 What do adults wish they had known about teen dating? How can parents guide their teens to make healthier relationship choices?In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with team member Alexie, who reflects on 20 years of dating experiences—starting at just 15. She shares insights on relationship challenges, emotional struggles, and regrets, highlighting the impact of parental guidance and the importance of open conversations in shaping healthier dating decisions.🎙️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✅ Why early dating experiences shape long-term relationship patterns ✅ How self-confidence and emotional awareness impact dating choices ✅ The role of social media in modern teen relationships ✅ How parents can set healthy boundaries without alienating their teens ✅ What every teen should hear before they start dating💡 Want expert guidance from Dr. Meg? Click here to book a coaching session and get personalized parenting advice!Our Sponsors: 🌿 DeepCozy – 15% off sinus relief at deepcozy.com with code DRMEG ⌚ Amazfit Active 2 – 10% off AI-driven coaching at amazfit.com/DRMEG 🥗 Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/drmeg (code DRMEG) 💰 Acorns – Start investing with just your spare change. Download the Acorns app or visit acorns.com/drmeg to get started. ❄️ Heat Holders® – 15% off cozy winter gear at heatholders.com (code DRMEG) 🏥 Equip Health – Virtual eating disorder treatment at equip.health.com/drmeg📢 Subscribe & Leave a Review!If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review so more parents can learn how to help their teens navigate dating with confidence! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Valentine’s Day just behind us, many parents are reflecting on teen dating—when it should start, what rules to set, and how to guide their kids through relationships. In this Ask Dr. Meg episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker answers the most common questions from parents, covering everything from the right age to start dating to setting healthy boundaries and expectations.She emphasizes the importance of open communication, encouraging parents to involve their teens in setting dating guidelines. Dr. Meeker also shares why she advises against high school dating due to its emotional impact and potential for heartbreak, advocating instead for strong friendships. Additionally, she highlights practical strategies for helping teens make informed choices, such as role-playing real-life scenarios and setting non-negotiable character traits for future partners.This episode is part one of a two-part series on teen dating. In part two, we’ll hear from a young adult who reflects on what she wishes she had known about dating as a teenager. Don't forget to enable notifications on your podcast app so you don’t miss part two.Want to work directly with Dr. Meg? Click here to book a personalized coaching session and get expert guidance on navigating your child’s journey through teen dating!Key Moments📌 00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast 📌 00:18 – Why Discuss Dating? 📌 02:12 – Should Kids Date in High School? 📌 02:29 – The Impact of Breakups 📌 03:25 – Mistakes and Risks in High School Dating 📌 04:34 – Friendships vs. Dating 📌 05:36 – Understanding Dating Expectations 📌 06:10 – The Pressures of Dating 📌 17:49 – Setting Boundaries and Rules 📌 21:54 – Setting Curfews and Boundaries 📌 22:47 – Discussing Dating Rules with Your Spouse 📌 23:26 – The Dangers of Underage Drinking 📌 25:22 – Role-Playing Dating Scenarios 📌 30:02 – Handling a Problematic Boyfriend 📌 34:27 – Building Trust and Setting Expectations 📌 37:28 – Staying Involved in Your Child's Private World 📌 40:52 – Concluding Thoughts and Professional HelpOur Sponsors🌿 DeepCozy – 15% off sinus relief at deepcozy.com with code DRMEG ⌚ Amazfit Active 2 – 10% off AI-driven coaching at amazfit.com/DRMEG 🥗 Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box for life at hungryroot.com/drmeg (code DRMEG) 💰 Acorns – Start investing with just your spare change. Download the Acorns app or visit acorns.com/drmeg to get started. ❄️ Heat Holders® – 15% off cozy winter gear at heatholders.com (code DRMEG) 🏥 Equip Health – Virtual eating disorder treatment at equip.health.com/drmeg📢 Subscribe & Leave a Review!If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review so more parents can confidently guide their teens through dating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Authenticity isn’t about staying the same—it’s about being true to yourself across life’s many roles.” In this episode, media personality Jeanne Sparrow shares how she has embraced authenticity throughout her career and personal life, offering practical lessons for maintaining genuine connections. From interviewing iconic figures to navigating personal relationships, Jeanne reveals how to balance shifting roles while remaining true to yourself.This episode is packed with actionable advice for parents and professionals, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries, listening generously, and building authentic connections that foster trust and growth.Ready to take the next step in your parenting journey? Connect 1:1 with Dr. Meg for personalized coaching tailored to your family’s needs.Time-Stamped Highlights: 00:00 Understanding Authenticity Across Life’s Roles 00:43 Career Lessons and Staying Genuine 05:19 Parental Expectations and Authenticity 08:07 The Importance of Setting Boundaries 08:40 Practical Exercises for Living Authentically 24:47 Communication Tips for Parents and Professionals 33:36 Conclusion and Coaching Resources Key Discussion Topics: What Authenticity Really Means: Jeanne discusses how authenticity involves adapting to life’s different roles without losing your core self. Setting Boundaries That Work: Learn how to define personal limits and recognize when external pressures require realignment. Communication That Builds Stronger Relationships: Jeanne’s “listen generously” method offers powerful techniques for connecting with both children and colleagues. Practical Exercises for Self-Discovery: Discover exercises from Jeanne’s book that help you reflect on daily actions and uncover your authentic self. Whether you’re a parent looking to improve communication with your children or a professional navigating workplace dynamics, this episode is your guide to living authentically and fostering stronger connections.About Our Guest: Jeanne SparrowJeanne Sparrow is an award-winning communicator with a distinguished career in television, radio, and public speaking. She currently hosts a weekly radio show on Chicago’s V103 and the Fearless Authenticity podcast on the iHeart Podcast Network. Her upcoming book, Fearless Authenticity: Lead Better, Sell More, and Speak Sensationally, is available for pre-order (link in the show notes). Jeanne’s expertise in guiding others to embrace their authentic selves has made her a sought-after speaker and mentor.Our Sponsors:Clear Airways, Clear Mind — Find gentle, effective relief from sinus discomfort with DeepCozy. Get 15% off all products at deepcozy.com with promo code DRMEG.Track, Train, and Transform — The Amazfit Active 2 smartwatch blends sleek design, advanced tracking, and AI-driven coaching. Get 10% off at www.amazfit.com/DRMEG.Hungryroot is your personal shopper and nutritionist combined, making healthy eating easy and stress-free. Get 40% off your first box, plus enjoy a free item in every box for life! Visit Hungryroot.com/drmeg and use code DRMEG to claim this exclusive offer.Investing Made Simple — Acorns makes it easy to start investing with just spare change. Join over 13 million customers who’ve given their money a chance to grow. Get started at acorns.com/drmeg.Stay warm this season with Heat Holders®—from thermal socks to cozy hats, gloves, and layers, they’ve got you covered. Get 15% off at heatholders.com with code “DRMEG” and free shipping on orders over $25!Family-Centered Recovery — Equip Health offers virtual eating disorder treatment that empowers families to heal together. Visit equip.health.com/drmegSmart Money Habits Start Here — Acorns Early helps kids learn the value of money with a debit card, chores tracker, and interactive lessons. Get your first month free at acornsearly.com/drmeg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices