Parenting Great Kids With Dr. Meg Meeker

In today's digital age, the ubiquity of electronic devices has become a growing concern for parents. In today's episode, Melanie Hempe, renowned for her insightful discussions on parenting, offers some stark warnings and practical advice on how to navigate this complex terrain. Below is a summary of her key points, offering a deeper look into why and how parents need to take action to protect their children's mental health and social development. 00:00 Identifying Video Game Addiction in Kids 00:20 The Importance of Limiting Internet Access 00:38 The Role of Parents in Teaching Values 01:00 The Dangers of Small Screens and Pornography 01:26 Benefits of Reducing Screen Time 01:50 Encouragement for Parents 02:14 Long-term Effects of Video Game Usage The Tell-Tale Signs of Video Game Addiction Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. Watch today’s episode

In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by financial expert and bestselling author Rachel Cruz. They discuss the challenges parents face in teaching their kids gratitude in a consumer-driven society. Rachel shares insights from her career in finance, her shift to educating parents, and her inspiration behind writing children's books aimed at fostering contentment and gratitude. They explore practical tips for parents to instill financial wellness in their children, emphasizing the significance of family values, generosity, and setting financial boundaries. The conversation highlights the profound impact of modeling gratitude and the joys of simple living. Key Moments: 02:52 The Importance of Contentment and Gratitude 04:32 Navigating Consumerism and Teaching Financial Responsibility 08:39 Balancing Generosity and Financial Limits 21:49 Practical Tips for Teaching Kids Financial Wellness 24:36 The Joy of Giving and Serving   About our guest: Rachel Cruze is a two-time #1 national bestselling author, financ

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. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Uncover the advantages of homeschooling for delivering an education that truly matches the pace and needs of your child. Explore how active parental involvement can contribute to the resolution of behavioral issues among children. Break down the barriers of fear and apprehension. Grasp practical techniques to fortif

In this heartfelt episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Rose and Rob Bronstein, founders of Buckets Over Bullying. They share their poignant story of losing their son Nate to cyberbullying and their mission to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak. The Bronsteins discuss Nate's relentless torment through social media, the school's inadequate response, and their journey to advocate for stronger protections for children. They emphasize the need for parent education, school and tech company accountability, and legislative reforms to combat the growing epidemic of online bullying. This episode highlights the crucial need for awareness and collective action to protect our children from digital dangers. Key moments: 02:14 The Incident: A Weekend of Cyberbullying 07:26 School's Response and Legal Battle 10:36 The Aftermath: Seeking Justice 21:46 Wider Implications and National Crisis 23:57 Shocking Cyberbullying Statistics 24:33 The Terrifying Reality of Cyberbullying

In this episode of 'Parenting Great Kids,' Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes back Larry Hagner, the creative force behind the Dad Edge podcast and author of 'The Spirit of Fatherhood.' Larry shares his journey of overcoming a tumultuous childhood with absentee and toxic father figures to becoming a devoted father himself. They discuss the complexities of fatherhood, the misconceptions men have about parenting, and practical tips for building strong connections with children. You’ll get deep and practical advice for men striving to lead extraordinary lives as fathers. Key moments: 02:47 The Birth of Dad Edge 06:01 Challenges and Realizations in Fatherhood 08:08 Understanding Men's Inner Struggles 18:49 Understanding the Father's Perspective 19:59 A Personal Story of Change 21:06 The Power of Compassionate Communication 23:43 Shifting Perspectives for Better Relationships 29:25 Practical Tips for Connecting with Kids 36:47 Final Thoughts and Resources Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. W

Did you know that 95% of moms experience mom guilt regularly? In this episode, Dr. Meg delves into this pervasive issue with author Alli Worthington. Alli's extensive national survey on the challenges of motherhood has culminated in her latest thought-provoking book, 'Remaining You While Raising Them'. Together, Dr. Meg and Alli offer invaluable perspectives and practical strategies to help mothers break free from the cycle of self-doubt and judgment. Key moments: 00:00 Understanding Mom Guilt: A Staggering Reality 00:08 The Daily Struggle: Trapped in Self-Doubt 00:20 Exploring Causes and Consequences 00:28 Empowering Solutions for Freedom Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. Watch today’s episode

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Dr. Eran Magen, an expert in education and psychology from Stanford University and founder of Parenting for Humans and DivorcingDads.org. They discuss the increased risk of suicide among divorced fathers and the unique challenges these men face. Dr. Magen emphasizes how critical it is to maintain strong relationships with their children, despite the emotional and financial pressures of divorce. The episode concludes with advice on how friends and family can intervene and support at-risk fathers and be proactive about their mental health. Themes we will explore: 00:07 Understanding the Crisis: Divorced Dads and Suicide Risk 01:23 Expert Insights: Dr. Eran Magen on Divorced Dads 02:30 The Emotional Struggles of Divorced Dads 06:18 Building Strong Relationships with Kids 13:08 Navigating Post-Divorce Challenges 25:43 Supporting Divorced Dads: Suicide Prevention 31:02 Early Alert: Proactive Suicide Prevention 38:31 Final Thoughts and Resources

In honor of Father's Day, Dr. Meg Meeker interviews Chris Grainger, founder of The Lion Within Us, about his mission to empower Christian men to become strong leaders in their families and communities. Chris shares insights on spiritual growth, overcoming challenges, and fostering a sense of purpose through faith. They delve into the roles of men in providing, protecting, and presiding, and how controlled strength can positively impact marriages and fatherhood. Through personal stories and practical advice, Chris emphasizes the importance of community and spiritual guidance in helping men realize their potential and effectively lead their families. In this episode, you will learn: How to Reconcile the Concept of the Lion and the Lamb: Understanding the balance between strength and gentleness in Christian leadership. The Role of Men in Family and Faith: Exploring the responsibilities of men in nurturing their family's spiritual and emotional well-being. Challenges and Solutions for Modern Fathers: Iden

On the Parenting Great Kids podcast, three fathers share insights on the challenges of fatherhood. Influencer Andy Dooley, Super Bowl champion Benjamin Watson, and successful executive Michael Dickson offer personal stories and tips on everything from communication to disciplining your kids. In this episode, you will learn: Strategies for creating a safe and harmonious atmosphere at home by mastering empathy. Techniques for promoting healthy relationships with your children through intentional focus on their emotional needs. Tips for cultivating a family dynamic of collaboration by teaming up with your spouse. Our Guests: Andy Dooley is a fitness coach, Tik Tok star host, TV host and author of the book Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose. Benjamin Watson is a former NFL tight end, writer, speaker, and activist. He is a college football studio analyst with the SEC Network and serves as Vice President of Strategic Relationships with the Human Coalition, one of the largest pro-life and pro-women’s organizati

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker chats with Dr. Melanie McNally, an expert in clinical psychology and teen mental health, about the importance of emotional intelligence in teenagers. Dr. McNally draws from her personal experiences, emphasizing the impact of her challenging relationship with her mother during her own teenage years.  They unpack the challenges that teenagers face in navigating their emotional landscape, particularly in today's digital age and post-pandemic era. Get valuable insights for understanding and supporting teens' emotional well-being and healthy relationships during this crucial stage of development. Today’s Guest Melanie McNally, Psy.D., clinical psychologist, brain coach, speaker, and author of two books, The Emotionally Intelligent Teen: Skills to Help You Deal with What You Feel, Build Stronger Relationships, and Boost Self-Confidence and Helping Your Unmotivated Teen: A Parent’s Guide to Unlock Your Child’s Potential. Dr. Melanie has emerged as a leading

No matter what stage of parenting you’re in, just when you think you have it figured out, your kids change. In this special edition of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker delves into the heart of your parenting dilemmas. From nurturing strong sibling bonds to guiding struggling young adults, she shares her battle-tested expert insights and actionable advice to help you raise strong kids. Topics Covered: Supporting Struggling Young Adults: Guide your adult child's journey to independence while avoiding the pitfalls of enabling dependency. Social Media Safety: Help your kids develop healthy habits with technology and avoid the dangers of social media addiction. ADHD vs. Childhood Energy: Understand the distinctions between typical childhood energy levels and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and how to address each effectively. Co-Parenting Dynamics: Encourage stronger engagement from an uninvolved co-parent, promoting a more balanced parenting partnership. Sibling Bonds: C

In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, join Dr. Meg Meeker as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Rachel Marie Martin, an unwavering advocate for motherhood and author of the uplifting book "Mom Enough." Together, they explore Rachel's journey through the challenges of motherhood, overcoming mom guilt, navigating the pressure to measure up, and the vital role of self-compassion and grace in motherhood. Rachel shares insights on embracing fearlessness, prioritizing open communication, and fostering understanding with our children. They discuss the delicate balance between being a nurturing parent and a supportive friend to our kids and practical ways mothers can strengthen their support networks. Tune in for an insightful dialogue that offers encouragement, wisdom, and solidarity to all mothers. Today’s Guest Rachel Marie Martin believes in the power of the human spirit to overcome, to thrive and to find deep joy and because of that she pours out her heart via these platforms: she is th

In this episode of "Parenting Great Kids," Dr. Meg Meeker and Dr. Stephen Whiteside, a distinguished board-certified clinical psychologist and director of pediatric anxiety disorders at Mayo Clinic, explore the crucial topic of managing anxiety in children. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Whiteside stresses the significance of accurate diagnosis and provides practical tips for parents navigating childhood anxiety. They emphasize the idea of managing rather than eliminating your child’s anxiety, because it's a normal part of life. The conversation also delves into exposure therapy, explaining how repetitive practice in confronting anxiety can boost confidence and reduce its impact. Dr. Whiteside emphasizes how parents can take an active role in how their children deal with anxiety in a therapeutic setting and participate in post-practice discussions to reinforce learning and instill confidence. This unique approach ensures that both the child and the parent can handle anxiety-inducing situations at home indepen

In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Brooke Romney, author of "52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens." They explore the critical role of teaching etiquette and interpersonal skills to children. Brooke discusses the inspiration behind her passion for manners, derived from observing both socially adept and challenged youngsters. They delve into how mastering etiquette boosts a child's self-esteem and enriches their relationships. They also discuss the importance of parents modeling respectful behavior to instill these values in their children. The episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life examples that demonstrate the value of manners. Essential listening for parents, this podcast offers practical strategies to nurture children’s social and emotional growth! Today’s Guest Brooke Romney is a writer, speaker and leader of an online community who helps moms of teens and tweens create meaningful, healthy and enjoyable relationships with their children through

Are you grappling with your teenager's excessive screen time and finding it difficult to limit their digital usage? This week on the Parenting Great Kids podcast, we delve deep into the challenges of teen screen addiction with Michael Jacobus, a seasoned summer camp director and the visionary behind Reset Summer Camp. With an impressive career spanning over three decades and a personal journey through his son's battle with gaming addiction, Michael is uniquely positioned to offer actionable advice and expert insights. In a world where digital devices are omnipresent, understanding the nuances of screen addiction and implementing effective strategies is crucial for parents. Michael discusses the critical role of specialized programs, like Reset Summer Camp, in supporting teenagers to overcome the allure of screens and video games. He shares essential tips on recognizing addiction signs, the significance of timely intervention, and tailoring approaches to meet individual needs. Furthermore, he emphasizes the b

In this episode of The Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker chats with Jennifer Wallace, an award-winning journalist and social commentator, about the impact of achievement culture on children. Jennifer shares her insights from a national survey of parents, revealing the pressure parents feel to ensure their children's academic success, and the toll it takes on their own wellbeing. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by parents in navigating societal expectations and the detrimental effects of achievement culture on children's mental health. Jennifer’s findings serve as a wake-up call to parents, urging them to prioritize their children's wellbeing and connection over performance pressures. Today’s Guest Jennifer Wallace is an award-winning journalist and author of the New York Times bestselling book Never Enough: When Achievement Pressure Becomes Toxic – and What We Can Do About It. She is a frequent contributor to The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, and appears on televisi

As a parent, we all have fears, doubts, or concerns that we need help figuring out. In this special episode, Dr. Meg Meeker responds to listener-submitted questions covering a range of parental concerns. She dives into real-life situations that everyday parents are facing. From dealing with absentee biological parents to setting boundaries with teenagers, managing young children’s behavior, and balancing attention between siblings, Dr. Meeker shares her years of experience, wisdom, and practical advice on how to navigate the toughest parenting challenges and how to stay cool under pressure. Have a question of your own for Dr Meg? Email her at hello@Meekerparenting.com for a chance to be answered on an upcoming episode. Our Sponsors Masimo Stork is a revolutionary new baby monitor. To learn more, go to masimostork.com Crunch Labs: CrunchLabs is a STEM monthly subscription build box for kids. Learn more by visiting crunchlabs.com/DrMeg Thrive Market: Thrive Market is the customized and economical way to shop o

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Dr. Tim Elmore, renowned founder of Growing Leaders, and Christa Campbell, an inspiring Boston University student and creator of the Gwinnett Meal Bridge program. This episode is packed with motivational stories and practical advice on nurturing meaningful family discussions, transforming personal struggles into community service opportunities, and instilling a resilient growth mindset in our children. Learn how to guide your children in recognizing and acting on their compassion for others, embracing setbacks as learning moments, and cultivating a positive outlook. Our expert guests share their experiences and strategies for empowering young individuals to contribute positively and make a lasting difference in their communities. Tune in for invaluable insights on fostering your child's potential to lead, learn, and serve to become a conscientious and capable adult. Perfect for parents, educators, and anyone invested in nurturing the next

In this episode of "Parenting Great Kids," Dr. Meg Meeker joins forces with Dr. Chap Clark, an expert in youth, family, and culture, to discuss the challenges kids face with identity and purpose in today’s culture. Dr. Clark draws on his deep understanding of adolescent psychology and emphasizes the importance of adapting parenting approaches and encouraging community and nonparental adult connections beyond the immediate family for children. Throughout their discussion, Dr. Meeker and Dr. Clark stress the need for parents to actively build a nurturing environment that fosters their children's growth, curiosity, and sense of belonging. This episode serves as a valuable resource for parents seeking to navigate the complexities of modern parenting, offering key insights and advice on how to support their children's journey toward becoming well-rounded individuals. Today’s Guest As a former pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA, a professor and vice provost at Fuller Seminary, and a 1

Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Parenting Guru Dayna Abraham, author of the acclaimed book "Calm the Chaos," to unveil science-backed strategies for raising emotionally intense children. They delve into Dayna's personal journey, the triggers behind challenging behaviors, and her empathy-based approach to parenting. They emphasize the importance of managing meltdowns, fostering a harmonious family dynamic, and building rock-solid parent-child bonds as the foundation for effective guidance. The discussion also highlights the critical role of community support and parental self-care in navigating the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood. Key Takeaways: Understanding Your Child: Dayna dives into "Calm the Chaos," exploring the reasons behind tantrums, defiance, and emotional dysregulation. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate understanding and validation to effectively reach your child. Five-Step Blueprint: Dayna unveils a proven five-step approach to handling challenging behaviors, including de-escalat