

Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker
Dr. Meg Meeker
Parents today face the challenge of guiding their children through a world that feels increasingly complex. Dr. Meg Meeker, known as America's Mom and a leading authority on parenting, teens, and children's health, provides practical insights to simplify the parenting journey. As a trusted pediatrician, mother, and bestselling author, Dr. Meeker engages with top experts and real parents to discuss current issues, answer important parenting questions, and offer actionable advice. Her podcast delivers simple, effective solutions, offering hope and encouragement to every parent
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 21, 2023 • 42min
Ep 215: Supporting Children Through Grief with Dr. Julie Kaplow
If you want to support your child through their grief and trauma, but you feel unsure of what to do, this episode is a must-listen. Maybe you've been told to just give it time or try to distract them, but deep down, you know these actions aren't meeting your child's needs. Dr. Julie Kaplow shares practical ways to support our children through their healing journey, including the importance of self-care as you help your kids.In this episode, you will be able to:
Learn practical strategies to help your child cope with grief and trauma and support their healing journey.
Discover the importance of open communication about grief and how it can strengthen your relationship with your child.
Understand the unique challenges children face in experiencing grief and trauma and gain insights on how to navigate them.
Gain valuable insights on how to navigate your own emotions as a parent while supporting no your child through their grief and trauma.
TODAY'S GUEST(S)Julie Kaplow, PhD, ABPP, is an accomplished clinical psychologist and expert in childhood trauma and grief. She holds several leadership positions, including Executive Vice President at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, where she focuses on trauma and grief programs and policies, as well as Executive Director of the Trauma and Grief (TAG) Center at The Hackett Center for Mental Health in Houston, Children's Hospital New Orleans, and Tulane University School of Medicine. Dr. Kaplow also leads the Lucine Center for Trauma and Grief, providing no-cost teletherapy to traumatized youth in Texas and Louisiana. Her work includes research, publications, and grant-funded programs aimed at enhancing resilience in children facing adversity, and she has contributed to important advisory groups in the field of mental health. Prior to her current roles, she held key positions at Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine, and she has a strong educational background in psychology and clinical training.FROM DR MEG: With the escalation of global conflict dominating the news right now, your kids may be exposed to images online or on social media that will frighten or traumatize them. Help them process by teaching them to pray to God for His protection over all children caught in the crossfires of this war - and the families of those whose children are lost or missing. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oct 14, 2023 • 41min
Ep 214: From Chaos to Calm: Managing Challenging Behavior in Children with Dan Peterson
Have you been told to simply calm down or just ignore it when dealing with your child's challenging behavior? Yet, despite your best efforts, you still feel overwhelmed and frustrated, with no improvement in sight. It's time to break free from the cycle of ineffective actions that only add to your pain and start discovering effective strategies that can truly make a difference in managing your child's challenging behavior. Meet Dan Peterson, a man who discovered a different approach to managing challenging behavior in children with ADHD and anxiety. His journey reveals a powerful secret that can transform the lives of both parents and their children. Dan shares his unique perspective on building connection, reinforcing positive traits, and addressing underlying emotions.In this episode, you will be able to:
Discover effective strategies for managing challenging behavior in children with ADHD and anxiety, promoting a calmer and more harmonious home environment.
Learn the importance of positive reinforcement and its impact on boosting self-esteem and empowering children to overcome their challenges.
Understand the role of connection and attention in behavior management, and discover ways to redirect your child's energy into positive outlets for a happier and more focused child.
Gain insights into handling sibling conflicts with proactive recognition, clear expectations, and immediate accountability, fostering a more peaceful and supportive sibling relationship.
TODAY’S GUESTDan Peterson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and an advanced trainer for the Nurtured Heart Approach™ (NHA). Dan is considered the area expert in the Nurtured Heart Approach. He specializes in helping adults who work with or have challenging children develop strategies for their child to succeed in both the school environment and family setting. Dan wants to provide parenting tips for children with behavioral problems and encourage positive parenting. Learn more about Compass 4 Life and Dan Peterson here.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sep 28, 2023 • 39min
Ep 213: Shift Your Parenting from Production to Connection with Pastor Kyle Idleman
Are you going through the motions and focused on surviving the parenting productivity game? In this episode, author and pastor Kyle Idleman reveals the startling truth about why our way of parenting isn't working. Tune in to discover the importance of prioritizing connection over production.TODAY’S GUEST:Kyle Idleman, renowned for his thought-provoking insights and resilience, serves as the senior pastor at Southeast Christian Church, one of America's largest congregations. He is best known for his best-selling books, which have touched countless lives around the world. His passion has always centered around deepening understanding, encouraging inner growth, and fostering connections. He opens up about his personal journey, revealing how, despite being a driven productivity-focused professional, he rediscovered the importance of meaningful connections with family. His transformative experiences sparked compelling discussions that have inspired parents and adults alike.EPISODE NOTESIn the hustle of daily life, parents often find themselves leaning towards productivity, sacrificing valuable connection time with their family. This tendency leads to a disconnection from loved ones. Learn how to consciously reorder your priorities, place the focus on forming deep, meaningful relationships rather than just ticking off the boxes on your to-do lists.In this episode, you will be able to:
Examine why many choose to place a greater emphasis on productivity over forging meaningful ties.
Gain a deeper understanding of the tension between accomplishing tasks and establishing connections with your children.
Explore the driving factors that lead to a focus on results over cultivating connections.
Realize the necessity of consciously setting aside instance's to connect with your loved ones.
Understand the importance of creating balance and the courage to seek assistance with your parenting.
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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sep 14, 2023 • 40min
Ep 212: The Fight to Prevent Teen Suicide with Guest Leslie Weirich
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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sep 8, 2023 • 39min
Ep 211: Overcoming Hidden Loneliness with the Power of Friendship with guest Justin Whitmel Earley
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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sep 1, 2023 • 37min
Ep. 210: Strengthen Parent-Child Bonds with Faith-Filled Strategies with Andy Dooley
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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 21, 2023 • 38min
Ep. 209: A Guide to Homeschooling with Jennifer Pepito
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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 10, 2023 • 31min
Ep. 208: Digital Safety 101: Back to School Edition Part 2 with Guest Sarah Kimmel
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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 3, 2023 • 35min
Ep. 207: Digital Safety 101: Back to School Edition with Guest Titania Jordan (Bark App)
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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 20, 2023 • 39min
Episode 206: "Tackling Mom Guilt" Guest: Alli Worthington
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/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


