In a world where childhood and adolescent suicide is an alarming concern, one mother's tragic loss drives her to become an advocate for mental health. This week Dr. Meg Meeker talks with Leslie Weirich about the loss of her son to suicide. Leslie debunks some myths about suicide and sheds light on the truth behind teen suicide prevention.In this episode, you will be able to: Gain insightful knowledge on the importance of proactive mental health awareness and its role in preventing youth suicides. Understand the critical role mental health plays in preventing child & adolescent suicides and why it should be everyone's concern. Appreciate the importance of instilling resilience in our children and how it shapes them for future challenges. TODAY’S GUEST:Leslie Weirich is a dedicated advocate for suicide prevention, sharing her powerful message for the past six years with teens, young adults, parents, and the military. Her journey began tragically when she lost her son Austin to suicide on September 10th, 2016, which also marks World Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day. She left her full-time job as a Financial Recruiter in 2020 to focus on nationwide speaking, emphasizing youth mental health, especially among young men, student athletes, and the military. Certified in various mental health programs, Leslie's advocacy includes record-breaking fundraising and keynote appearances at significant events. Connect with Leslie through her website at LesliesHope.org.Suicide Prevention ResourcesHelp is available, speak with someone today!Call or text 988Suicide and Crisis LifelineFROM THE PRODUCERDr. Meg just launched "Simple Discipline that Works," the ultimate course on discipline you'll ever need! If you enjoyed today's episode, kindly consider sharing it with a friend, and be sure to subscribe to remain consistently updated with our newest episodes.  OUR SPONSORSkip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!. Click here and use code 50drmeg for 50% off plus free shipping! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking to combat loneliness and foster meaningful friendships? Justin Whitmel Earley joins Dr. Meg Meeker this week to discuss the transformative power of friendship. Whether you're a parent seeking to create a supportive environment for your children or someone looking to prioritize meaningful connections in your own life, this conversation offers valuable insights and strategies. Don't miss out on this chance to confront and transform loneliness.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Confront the impact of pervasive, and sometimes hidden, loneliness Recognize the immutable strength of true companionships, along with the focused efforts necessary to nurture themRealize the power of habits shaping personal health in three ways - mental, spiritual, and physicalIdentify the potential that solid friendships can unleash, and the sustained commitment they demandTODAY'S GUEST(S)Justin Whitmel Earley is a writer, speaker, and lawyer. He is the author of the award-winning The Common Rule and Habits of the Household, though he spends most days running his business law practice. Through his writing and speaking, Justin empowers God's people to thrive through life-giving habits that form them in the love of God and neighbor. His latest book, Made for People, delves deep into the profound impact of friendship and offers transformative strategies to combat loneliness. He lives with his wife and four boys in Richmond, Virginia, and spends a lot of time around fires and porches with friends.FROM THE PRODUCERDr. Meg just launched "Simple Discipline that Works," the ultimate course on discipline you'll ever need! If you enjoyed today's episode, kindly consider sharing it with a friend, and be sure to subscribe to remain consistently updated with our newest episodes.  OUR SPONSORSkip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!. Click here and use code 50drmeg for 50% off plus free shipping! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking to create deeper and more impactful relationships with your kids? Join Dr. Meg Meeker in conversation with Andy Dooley—TikTok sensation, author, NFL Seattle Seahawks host, and father of four—as they explore interesting ways to nurture stronger parent-child bonds and cultivate lasting, meaningful connections.Growing up in a religious family, Andy Dooley was accustomed to the principles of faith from an early age. His father, a pastor, and his mother, a devout believer, both instilled in him the importance of keeping God first. This early immersion in faith became a solid foundation for Andy, shaping his approach to life. When Andy started his own family, he was keen on fostering a deep connection with his children. The start of the pandemic brought a new challenge, but also a silver lining: more time with family. Andy turned this into an opportunity to create a nurturing environment, centered around faith and meaningful conversation.In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Prioritize devotion in your family to foster stronger bonds and unity. Appreciate the necessity of attentive listening in forming and enhancing relationships. Understand the significance of intertwining faith and active listening in order to deepen connections with children. Grasp the relevance of integrating faith and listening skills in fostering stronger relationships with your children. Our guest: Andy Dooley is dedicated to empowering today's families as a passionate leader, pastor, and fitness professional. He has been working with young people and families for over 18 years through sports, fitness, and ministry. A Men's Health contributor, he holds multiple fitness certifications with the International Sports Sciences Association. He is also the author of "Walk in Faith: 5-Minute Devotions for Teen Guys." Happily married to Tiffany, they are parents to four beautiful children: Hope, Skylee, Andy II, and Ava. They reside in Seattle, Washington. Click here to purchase his new book “Building a Family of Faith”.A note from the producer:Dr. Meg Meeker has recently introduced the resource titled "Simple Discipline that Works," the ultimate course on discipline you'll ever need! Discover this exceptional course along with other valuable resources at DrMegMeeker.com. If you enjoyed today's episode, kindly consider sharing it with a friend, and be sure to subscribe to remain consistently updated with our newest episodes.A special thanks to our sponsors:Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!. Click here and use code 50drmeg for 50% off plus free shipping!This episode is sponsored by K12-powered schools. With a track record of over twenty years, K12 stands as an accredited pioneer in online education, providing tuition-free learning guided by state-certified educators. Learn more here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 educational environment. Discover the secrets to providing a developmentally appropriate and spiritually nourishing education for your children through homeschooling. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Jennifer Pepito is the author of Mothering by the Book, host of the Restoration Home podcast, and the founder of The Peaceful Press. Jennifer is on a mission to help moms overcome fear and love their lives, and her homeschool curriculum empowers this through heroic stories, heartwarming poetry, and engaging life skills development. Her resources help create joyful memories among families, which leads to deeper connections and lasting relationships. Follow her on her social media accounts @thepeacefulpress or online @ thepeacefulpress.com.FROM THE PRODUCER:Thanks for helping Dr. Meg’s parenting revolution reach more than 5 MILLION downloads! If you found today’s content helpful, please consider sharing it with another parent and subscribing to stay updated on future episodes. You can also visit DrMegMeeker.com for additional parenting resources and online courses.Get social with Dr. Meg on YouTube, Facebook & Instagram @MegMeekerMDSPONSORS:Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!. Click here and use code 50drmeg for 50% off plus free shipping!This episode is sponsored by K12-powered schools. With a track record of over twenty years, K12 stands as an accredited pioneer in online education, providing tuition-free learning guided by state-certified educators. Learn more here.The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 Should We Homeschool?00:02:44 Changes in Homeschooling00:05:10 Saving Childhood00:06:51 Homeschooling and ADHD00:10:27 Academics in Homeschooling00:15:25 Using Playful Pioneers Resource00:16:12 Resources for Math and Grammar00:17:31 Combining Grade Levels00:18:03 Homeschooling and College00:19:23 Mothering by the Book00:30:26 The Importance of More Time with Parents for Children with Behavior Disorders00:31:22 The Benefits of Homeschooling in Building Attachment and Maturity00:32:48 Connection Challenge for Building Attachment00:33:57 Early Childhood Practices for Better Adult Regulation00:35:50 Rebuilding Relationships with Teenagers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second installment of our Back to School series on the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker interviews Sarah Kimmel, a family tech expert, to discuss effective strategies for communicating internet safety with children. Sarah emphasizes the importance of implementing parental controls and filters on devices and apps to create a safer online environment for children. She suggests using multiple layers of protection, such as in-app controls and on-device control settings like Apple Screen Time and Google Family Link. Sarah also highlights the significance of ongoing communication between parents and children about potential risks and safe online practices. This episode is a must-listen for parents who want to gain practical strategies for keeping their children safe online. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Discover the methods to safeguard your children in the digital world. Unearth the best practices to effectively implement parental controls and filters. Learn effective ways to engage in an open dialogue with your children about web safety. Acquire up-to-date knowledge about the latest technology trends and potential online threats. Understand the empowering influence of technology on children and parents when used responsibly. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 Introduction00:00:38 Teaching Children about Online Safety00:03:07 Transition to Family Tech Expert00:04:25 Platforms for Consuming Tech Information00:08:20 Role of a Family Tech Expert00:15:28 Protecting Children from Inappropriate Content00:18:23 Preventing Stalking and Grooming of Girls00:20:57 Online Gaming Safety00:24:33 Layers of Protection00:26:45 Importance of Conversations00:31:16 Monitoring Social Media Activity00:31:41 Parental Control Options00:32:11 Positive Aspects of Parental Controls00:32:29 Understanding and Implementing Technolog00:33:29 Recap of Key TakeawaysABOUT OUR GUEST:Having spent over 20 years as an IT Manager, Sarah now dedicates her time to helping families understand and manage the technology in their homes through her podcast, tv appearances, YouTube channel and social platforms. SPONSORS:Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!. Click here and use code 50drmeg for 50% off plus free shipping!This episode is sponsored by K12-powered schools. With a track record of over twenty years, K12 stands as an accredited pioneer in online education, providing tuition-free learning guided by state-certified educators. Learn more here.FROM THE PRODUCER:Thanks for helping Dr. Meg’s parenting revolution reach more than 5 MILLION downloads! If you found today’s content helpful, please consider sharing it with another parent and subscribing to stay updated on future episodes. You can also visit DrMegMeeker.com for additional parenting resources and online courses.Get social with Dr. Meg on YouTube, Facebook & Instagram @MegMeekerMD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special Back to School episode, Dr. Meg Meeker delves into the challenges parents face in navigating the digital world with the expertise of guest Titania Jordan, the Chief Marketing and Chief Parent Officer of Bark Technologies. Together, they shed light on the crucial need for technological solutions to ensure children's safety online.In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Explore the obstacles of raising children in the technologically-dominated era. Recognize the significance of striking a balance between safety and privacy in monitoring children's online engagement. Explore how Bark Technologies harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to identify online threats. Understand the importance of initiating open dialogues and implementing boundaries for healthier tech use. Key moments:00:00:00 Introduction00:04:02 Technology's Impact on Parenting00:07:37 Utilizing AI for Safety00:09:54 How Bark Works00:16:44 Personalized Coaching Sessions00:17:05 Balancing Safety and Privacy00:17:55 The Role of Bark Ap, 00:18:31 Importance of Awareness00:19:47 Feedback from Parents00:32:34 Empowering Parents to Navigate the Digital Landscape00:32:47 Recognizing the Impact of Technology on Children's Lives00:33:30 Fostering Open Communication with Kids 00:33:56 Setting Boundaries for Healthy Technology Use00:34:14 Parental Involvement in Online SafetyFROM THE PRODUCERThanks for helping Dr. Meg’s parenting revolution reach more than 5 MILLION downloads!If you found today’s content helpful, please consider sharing it with another parent and subscribing to stay updated on future episodes. You can also visit DrMegMeeker.com for additional parenting resources and online courses.Get social with Dr. Meg on Facebook & Instagram @MegMeekerMDTODAY’S GUESTTitania Jordan is the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Parent Officer of Bark Technologies, an online safety company that helps keep kids safe online and in real life. She is also the co-author of the Amazon best-selling title, Parenting in a Tech World, and founder of the Parenting in a Tech World Facebook Group.SPONSORS:Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!. Click here and use code 50drmeg for 50% off plus free shipping!This episode is sponsored by K12-powered schools. With a track record of over twenty years, K12 stands as an accredited pioneer in online education, providing tuition-free learning guided by state-certified educators. Learn more here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining us today is Alli Worthington, an author with an impressive grasp on a familiar topic close to many hearts - mom guilt. Navigating her successful career while parenting her five boys, Alli has experienced firsthand the societal pressures all mothers face. Alli's groundbreaking national survey investigating the pains of motherhood led to her latest thought-provoking book, 'Remaining You While Raising Them'. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Navigate the societal pressures amplifying mom guilt. Unmask the hidden ways social media fuels mom guilt. Shine a light on the importance of self-care and setting defined boundaries. Explore the strategies to promote resilience and independence in children. Appreciate the inherent value in friendships and support systems for mothers. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - The Overwhelming Burden of Mom Guilt00:02:38 - The Brokenness of Modern Motherhood00:05:19 - The Impact of Social Media on Mom Guilt00:07:30 - Trusting Yourself as a Mom00:14:49 - Taking Care of Our Needs00:16:18 - Disentangling Our Identity00:18:33 - The Importance of Letting Go00:19:31 - Challenges for Single Mothers00:29:25 - The Importance of Self-Care for Moms00:31:26 - Investing in Friendships00:32:37 - Setting Boundaries as a Mom00:34:47 - Finding Moments of Joy and Rest00:37:34 - Developing Resilience in KidsSPONSORS:Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!. Click here and use code 50drmeg for 50% off plus free shipping!FROM THE PRODUCERIf you found today's content helpful, please consider sharing it with another parent and subscribing to stay updated on future episodes. You can also visit DrMegMeeker.com for free resources and the chance to sign up for parenting coaching.Get social with Dr. Meg on Facebook & Instagram @MegMeekerMDABOUT OUR GUESTAlli lives with her husband, Mark, and their five sons outside of Nashville with the only golden retriever who refuses to retrieve. www.AlliWorthington.com Instagram: @AlliWorthington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you longing for a stronger connection with your almost grown kids, but finding it challenging because it feels like you're speaking different languages? Many parents face this dilemma. You may have resorted to nagging and lecturing your kids thinking it will make them listen and understand, but let's be honest, that approach doesn't work.Fortunately, there's a better way. Join renowned experts, Dr. Meg Meeker and Dr. Emily Kline, as they engage in an enlightening discussion on effective strategies to bridge the communication gap with your almost grown kids.Their conversation focuses on: The art of effective communication to build stronger relationships with your almost grown kids. Practical tips on setting healthy cell phone use boundaries for teens. The importance of showing genuine interest in your teenager's life and how active listening can make a huge difference.  The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 The Challenges of Communicating with Older Kids00:03:48 Giving Kids Control and the Power of Active Listening00:05:25 Redefining a Parent's Job00:07:12 Communicating with Troubled Teens00:10:43 Working with Parents and the Limitations of Parenthood00:15:17 The Importance of Understanding Why Kids Say They Hate School00:16:09 Motivational Listening and Self-Actualization00:19:11 Motivating a 16-Year-Old Boy to Study00:21:26 Addressing Unhealthy Eating Habits in Teenagers00:31:01 Parents' Power to Limit Phone Use00:31:33 Can Kids Make Good Decisions?00:32:49 Monitoring Kids' Phone Usage00:33:20 Privacy vs. Parental Involvement00:34:32 Key Takeaways and Book Recommendation  ABOUT OUR GUESTEMILY KLINE, PHD is a clinical psychologist and writer in Boston. She has held faculty positions in psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Released in April 2023, The School of Hard Talks: How to Have Real Conversations with Your (Almost Grown) Kids is available for purchase in bookstores, via Amazon and other online retailers!  Dremilykline.com | Instagram: @learnaboutmiloSPONSORS:Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!. Click here and use code 50drmeg for 50% off plus free shipping!FROM THE PRODUCERIf you found today's content helpful, please consider sharing it with another parent and subscribing to stay updated on future episodes. You can also visit meekerparenting.com for free resources and the chance to sign up for parenting coaching.Get Social with Dr. Meg on Facebook & Instagram @MegMeekerMD    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Meeker, joins forces with Dr. Jill SimonsThroughout the episode, Dr. Meeker and Dr. Simons encourage listeners to ask themselves some tough questions, challenging popular narratives and encouraging informed decision-making. They emphasize the importance of providing unwavering support and love to children experiencing gender dysphoria while advocating for cautious approaches when addressing their unique needs. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Stereotypes and Personality,00:03:12 - The Rise of Transgender Issues00:08:26 - Speaking Up for Kids00:09:40 - Biological Sex and Stereotypes00:11:54 - Puberty and Acceptance00:17:37 - The Financial Incentive of Transgender Treatments00:18:02 - Lack of Testing and Certainty in Transgender Treatments00:20:36 - Limitations and Impacts of Transitioning00:22:00 - Sterility and Sexual Function in Transgender Children00:25:10 - Supporting Parents and Providing Resources Other recommended episodes:"Kids and Transgender – What the Medical Data Shows, Part 1" Guest: Irene Ericksen and Mary Anne Mosack "Kids and Transgender – What the Medical Data Shows, Part 2" Guest: Irene Ericksen and Mary Anne MosackSPONSORS:Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!. Click here and use code 50drmeg for 50% off plus free shipping! FROM THE PRODUCERIf you found today's content helpful, please consider sharing it with another parent and subscribing to stay updated on future episodes. You can also visit meekerparenting.com for free resources and the chance to sign up for parenting coaching. And remember that great kids are raised, not born. Get Social with Dr. Meg on Facebook & Instagram @MegMeekerMD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from juggling countless responsibilities and tasks, only to find that you still don't have enough time for what matters most to you, then you are not alone! Many parents are caught in a cycle of busyness that only leads to stress and burnout, despite their best efforts. Our guest, Crystal Paine, who is a mom of six, bestselling author, and entrepreneur, shares with Dr. Meeker tips from her new book, The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most. Topics covered: Think long term. Ask yourself what will matter at the end of your life and what will matter 25 years from now. Find ways to make that little pocket of time that you already have to do something with it that is intentional. Explore how decluttering can decrease stress levels and make you feel more in control of your environment. Uncover the power of delegation and task prioritization to achieve a sense of equilibrium in your daily life. Learn how to own your time and find value in your identity through connecting with God.  About our guest:Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com, host of The Crystal Paine Show podcast, and a New York Times bestselling author. Her desire is to help women across the globe live with more joy, purpose, and intention in their everyday lives. She lives with her husband and six kids in the Nashville, Tennessee, area, where she is actively involved in her local church. Her biggest passions are helping women understand how the gospel can radically transform their lives, raising awareness for foster care, going on adventures with her family (locally, domestically, and internationally), finding great deals at the grocery store, having heartfelt conversations, and trying to read too many books at one time!Website: https://crystalpaine.com/ FROM THE PRODUCERSign up for a free live coaching call with Dr. Meeker!Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 1:00 pm easternRegister hereFollow us on Facebook and  Instagram Check out Dr. Meg’s parenting resources and tools @meekerparenting.com  Thanks for listening to Episode #203, "Time Mastery: Simplify, Prioritize, and Thrive" Tips for Saving Time with Crystal Paine, and for helping Dr. Meg's parenting revolution reach more than FIVE MILLION downloads! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices