Parenting Great Kids With Dr. Meg Meeker

Join us on Parenting Great Kids as we welcome Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, co-authors of "When You Wonder, You're Learning," to delve into the timeless lessons of Fred Rogers. Known for his iconic show Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, Fred Rogers' legacy extends far beyond his cardigan sweaters and piano songs. Discover how his teachings on nurturing creativity, curiosity, and care continue to shape generations of children. Embrace Fred's scientific principles of learning to create an enriching environment that fosters emotional and intellectual development in your kids. Learn from his enduring wisdom as we explore practical tips to deepen connections, ignite curiosity, and cultivate creativity in today's fast-paced world. Perfect for parents, teachers, and caregivers seeking to instill values that transcend time and inspire lifelong growth. Our Guests Gregg Behr an advisor to The Brookings Institution and The Fred Rogers Institute, and has been honored by President Obama, the Disruptor Foundation, ISTE, and AASA

How do you teach your children to develop a strong sense of who they are and what they're meant to be? In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker chats with George Barna about the vital role of discipling children. As a renowned figure in faith and research, Barna shares his compelling insights on intentional and proactive parenting, shedding light on the surprising lack of a biblical perspective among both parents and church leaders. His expertise and research-backed findings provide valuable guidance and a fresh perspective on how parents can foster a deep sense of identity and purpose in their kids.  Today’s Guest George Barna, Professor at Arizona Christian University, heads its Cultural Research Center. He's also Sr. Research Fellow at Family Research Council Center for Biblical Worldview and a Fellow at the Townsend Institute at Concordia University. As founder of The Barna Group, he conducted pioneering research on worldview, cultural transformation, ministry applications, spir

Children are experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety. Dr. Erica Komisar, a psychoanalyst and author, discusses the critical role of parental well-being in promoting children's mental health. Erica emphasizes the profound impact of early attachment and the importance of parents being emotionally present during the crucial first three years of a child's life. Her expertise and insights underscore the need for parents to prioritize their own emotional well-being in order to support their children effectively. If you’re looking to raise resilient and mentally healthy kids in today's digital age, then this is a must-listen. In this episode, you will learn about: The Power of Attachment: Rooted in the undeniable fact, healthy attachment lays the groundwork for essential feelings of safety and trust that are crucial for your child’s mental health. The Influence of Technology: The lure of overstimulating technology and its addictive nature can often outrun children’s and adolescents’ emotional regulation cap

In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker chats with Jon Acuff, a New York Times bestselling author, about the power of positivity, overcoming fear, and the importance of goal-setting for personal growth. Acuff shares practical strategies and insights that can be applied to all aspects of your life, including parenting and overcoming the challenges of social media. He discusses the significance of setting achievable goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, and finding joy in pursuing them. His own journey as a late bloomer proves that age should not limit one's potential. By encouraging individuals to recognize and embrace their own best moments, Jon not only transformed his own life but also became a catalyst for positive change in the lives of countless others. Today’s Guest Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of nine books, including his most recent, All It Takes Is a Goal: The 3-Step Plan to Ditch Regret and Tap Into Your Massive Potential. Published in more than twenty languages, his work i

You’ve heard that leaders aren’t born, they’re made. And that’s great news. So what exactly sets exceptional leaders apart from the rest? After studying over 30,000 extensive interviews with top candidates for leadership roles, the standout unicorns at the very top consistently demonstrated strengths in 12 key areas – ranging from self-awareness to decisiveness and more. Anyone can cultivate these habits to become a strong leader.  William shares his experience and findings, as well as draws from his personal journey, transitioning from a pastor to the business world, and highlights the challenges of balancing career aspirations with parenting responsibilities. His relatable stories and actionable insights provide for excelling in both professional and parental roles. In this episode, you will learn how to: Foster Positive Family Dynamics for a Happier Home Life. Cultivate Open Communication to Strengthen Family Relationships. Achieve Work-Life Balance by Implementing Twelve Successful Habits. Develop Sel

Humans love and connect through storytelling, especially kids. In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Andrew Peterson, an award-winning singer, songwriter, and the author of the Wing Feather Saga. Andrew shares his journey from aspiring author to accomplished musician, and how reading the Narnia books with his kids inspired him to write his own captivating stories. His intentional approach to leaving room for hope and imagination in his storytelling, drawing from his Christian faith, offers valuable insights for parents who are seeking to cultivate a love for reading and creativity in their own children. TODAY’S GUEST: For more than twenty years now, Andrew Peterson has been about the business of quietly changing lives in four-minute increments. In the city of Nashville where music is an industry in the same way fast food, generic greeting cards, and bumper stickers are industries, Peterson has forged his own path, refusing the artistic compromises that so often co

If your kids play sports, there are some fundamental values and life lessons they can gain from them. This week Coach Denny Duron joins Dr. Meg Meeker to share his unique journey in sports and the profound impact of instilling values, teaching life lessons, and fostering personal growth in youth sports. He emphasizes that success in sports goes beyond winning on the field and highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for children to thrive.  TODAY’S GUEST: Denny Duron, a football coach, pastor, leadership coach, and speaker, is the guest on this episode of Parenting Great Kids. With his involvement in Meeker Parenting, a nonprofit organization with diverse outreach programs, Denny has a wealth of experience in instilling values in youth sports. His story and the Evangel Christian Academy's football program are the subjects of the Docuseries God Family Football. Denny's background in film, music, and innovation has earned him awards and patents, adding credibility to his insights on the t

In our efforts to protect and shield our kids from the pain and discomfort of this world, we inadvertently can make them be more codependent and fearful instead of resilient. Dr. Jonathan DePierro joins Dr. Meeker to discuss the power of resilience. Dr. Jonathan DePierro shares powerful strategies for building resilience, even in the face of unforeseen adversity and chaos. It may sound counterintuitive but our constant rescue missions and avoidance tactics are unintentionally hindering our children’s growth and ability to bounce back.  In the face of relentless bullying, Dr. Jonathan DePierro's childhood seemed destined for darkness. But hidden within the shadows of his past lies a remarkable twist, a glimmer of hope that defies all odds. Listen to discover the secrets to raising resilient kids and how to empower them to face adversity head-on. In this episode, you will learn how to: Build Resilience in Children: Discover practical strategies to help your children develop resilience skills and thrive in the

In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast Dr. Meg Meeker and Brent Dusing chat about the need for creating safe and wholesome entertainment options for children in the digital age. They discuss the alarming rates of anxiety, depression, and moral decline among kids and how True Play aims to address these issues. True Play offers a subscription-based platform that provides high-quality, biblically sound content, including video games, digital comics, and videos. If you're a parent seeking safe and engaging entertainment for your children, this episode is a must-listen. You'll gain insights into the importance of media choices and how True Play can contribute to your child's mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In this episode, you will learn how to: Discover the power of biblically sound entertainment that nurtures your child's mind, heart, and spirit. Teach character development and moral values through entertainment to shape your child's behavior and choices. Explore the world of safe a

Do you want to feel empowered and confident when making important medical decisions for your children? Wondering how you can ensure that your choices are based on solid evidence? Dr. Marty Makary, a renowned medical expert, joins Dr. Meg Meeker on this episode of Parenting Great Kids podcast to discuss the importance of taking an evidence-based approach to medical decision-making. His insights shed light on the need for open dialogue and critical thinking when it comes to medical decisions, urging parents to be proactive in seeking reliable information. By the end of the episode, you will feel empowered to navigate the complex world of medicine with confidence and make informed choices for your children's well-being. In this episode, you will learn how to: Gain a balanced perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding COVID-19 vaccines and make informed decisions for your child's health. Learn why considering diverse perspectives is crucial for making well-rounded decisions that prioritize your child's heal

Does this sound familiar? You've been told that spending more time with your child will strengthen your bond, but despite your efforts, you still feel a disconnect. The pain of longing for a closer relationship with your child while constantly wondering what you're doing wrong can be overwhelming. In this episode I’m joined by Aaron Bryant, a passionate advocate for father-child relationships as he guides fathers to mend broken bonds and foster open communication with their children. In this episode, you will learn how to: Strengthen your bond with your child through shared experiences. Foster open and natural conversations with your child, creating a safe space for communication. Build a strong and secure relationship with your child based on trust and affirmation. Gain practical strategies to build and nurture strong parent-child relationships that will last a lifetime. TODAY'S GUEST(S) Meet Aaron Bryant, a key figure in Family Lines, an organization dedicated to enhancing the father-child bond throug

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 clini

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 reinforcemen

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 NOTES In the hustle of daily

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,

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 them Realize the power of habits shaping personal health in three ways - mental, spiritual, and physical Identify the potential that solid friendships can unleash, and the sustained commitment they demand TODAY'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 Hou

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 f

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 re

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 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 Introduction 00:04:02 Technology's Impact on Parenting 00:07:37 Utilizing AI for Safety 00:09:54 How Bark Works 00:16:44 Personalized Coaching Sessions 00:17:05 Balancing Safety and Privacy 00:17:55