Parenting Great Kids With Dr. Meg Meeker

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Tia Slightman to explore the "why" behind your child's behavior. Together, they provide simple, effective strategies for disciplining with love and respect—without power struggles or emotional explosions.You’ll learn how your own personality influences your discipline style, how to set firm boundaries, and how to stay calm even when your child isn’t. They also dive into the Behavior Needs Roadmap, helping you handle challenging behaviors with confidence. Plus, there's encouragement for single parents and those navigating trauma recovery with children.Whether you're parenting a strong-willed child or just tired of yelling, this episode offers hope—and real tools you can use today.Tia Slightman is a parenting strategist and creator of the Behavior Needs Roadmap. She helps parents decode their child’s behavior and discipline with empathy and consistency. Learn more at www.tiaslightman.com.As Heard on PGKCheck out other books we've talked about

From finding joy in small, everyday moments to leveraging technology as a tool for inspiration, this episode offers practical advice for overwhelmed parents and emphasizes how awe can be a protective emotional anchor in today’s chaotic world. Whether it's watching clouds, taking in art, or sharing a heartfelt show like Carl the Collector, you’ll walk away with actionable tips and renewed inspiration to reconnect with your child through the lens of wonder.About Our Guest: Deborah Farmer KrisDeborah Farmer Kris is a parenting journalist, education columnist, and child development expert with a deep passion for helping families rediscover joy and connection. She is a columnist for PBS KIDS for Parents and the founder of Parenthood365, where she offers practical resources to help parents navigate the beautiful (and messy) moments of everyday life. Deborah is also an educational consultant and frequent speaker on how to cultivate awe, resilience, and curiosity in children. Resources:Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Sc

In Part 2 of this live series, Meg returns with practical solutions for one of the biggest challenges facing today’s families: protecting kids from online porn and predators. If Part 1 opened your eyes to the harsh reality, Part 2 arms you with real tools, proven strategies, and powerful conversations that can help you take back control.Join Meg as she unpacks:How predators target kids through popular apps and gamesWhy delaying internet access might be the best parenting move you makeThe best parental control software (like BARK and Screen Strong)The safest starter devices for kids (Gab Watch and beyond)How to open conversations about sex, privacy, and online dangers with your childHow to monitor devices without breaking trustThis episode is filled with hope, empowerment, and practical tactics you can start using today. Don't miss this vital continuation of the conversation every parent needs to hear.

In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with journalist and author Leland Vittert, who shares his compelling journey growing up on the autism spectrum. From enduring bullying to discovering his voice through writing, Leland opens up about the key role his father played in his development and how perseverance and unconditional support changed the trajectory of his life.Leland’s memoir, Born Lucky, chronicles his experience navigating the world with neurodiversity, the impact of an autism diagnosis, and the emotional highs and lows of childhood. This episode is a message of hope for parents raising neurodiverse children, reminding us that persistence, trust, and love truly matter.Key Themes:The emotional and social challenges of growing up autisticThe long-term effects of bullyingWhy early diagnosis and support matterThe powerful role of a present and engaged parentLearning social skills and resilience in real life

In You Can’t Teach Calm If You Can’t Be Calm, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes guests Kahlila Robinson and Sarah Gerstenzang, co-authors of The Self-Regulation Workbook for Children Ages 5 to 8. Together, they unpack how parental self-regulation plays a crucial role in helping children build emotional resilience and develop lifelong emotional skills.This episode dives into why your own calm sets the tone for your child’s behavior, especially when dealing with post-COVID stress, emotional outbursts, or peer conflicts. Kahlila and Sarah share practical, science-backed tools to help parents recognize emotional contagion, model regulation, and foster secure attachments.Whether you're managing meltdowns or building daily routines with intention, this conversation reminds us: you can’t teach calm if you can’t be calm yourself.

In this compelling episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Dr. Gertrude Lyons, TEDx speaker, parenting coach, and author of the upcoming book Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust. Together, they explore how outdated beliefs around motherhood continue to shape women's emotional lives—and how to break free from them.They discuss how emotional suppression, lack of boundaries, and perfectionism are robbing mothers of joy. Dr. Lyons challenges moms to prioritize their emotional wellness, set healthy boundaries, and reclaim their identity so they can raise emotionally resilient kids.What You’ll Learn:Why self-sacrifice is not the gold standard of parentingHow generational parenting patterns shape today's mothersWhy self-care is essential—not selfishTools for rewriting the "mother code"How emotional intelligence starts with youThe link between maternal burnout and child developmentGuest: Dr. Gertrude Lyons – TEDx speaker, author, transformational coach Visit: drgertrudelyons.com

Is pornography hijacking your child’s brain? In this essential episode of Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker, Dr. Meg sits down with Parker Hymas, Director of Public Outreach at Fight The New Drug, to expose the growing threat pornography poses to kids and teens in today’s digital-first world.

What happens when the kids no longer need you 24/7?In this heartfelt episode of Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker, we dive deep into the emotional and identity-shifting journey that many mothers face when transitioning from full-time parenting into the next chapter of their lives.Dr. Meg sits down with Karen Johnson, a former educator, stay-at-home mom, and author of What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up?. Together, they unpack what it means to grieve the end of hands-on motherhood while rediscovering purpose, passions, and personal identity.Whether your children are in high school, heading off to college, or already out of the house, this episode offers compassionate, real-world advice for embracing life beyond daily parenting.In this episode, we discuss:The silent identity crisis many moms face after full-time parentingWhy it’s okay to grieve while still feeling gratefulHow guilt and shame keep women stuck—and how to break freeThe power of strong friendships and finding your tribePractical steps to

In this special Ask Dr. Meg live Q&A session, Dr. Meg Meeker dives into the 7 most common parenting mistakes—but this time, with a powerful twist: she shares how each of these actions actually makes your child feel. From yelling and criticism to withdrawing affection or missing connection, Dr. Meg walks listeners through not only what to avoid—but how to repair and rebuild trust, connection, and emotional security.You’ll hear real questions from real parents, answered in real time. Whether you’ve been struggling with guilt, disconnection, or uncertainty in your parenting, this episode will give you the clarity, compassion, and confidence to parent better—starting today.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why yelling often has nothing to do with your kids—and what it’s really sayingHow repeated criticism affects your child’s self-worthThe power of saying "I'm sorry"—even when you're the parentWhy kids feel abandoned when affection is withdrawnHow distraction can make your child feel invisibleThe subtle but deep

Are your parenting methods helping or hindering your child’s development?In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker, pediatrician and bestselling author, breaks down the four key parenting styles—authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful—and how each one affects your child’s emotional and behavioral growth.You’ll learn how to identify your default parenting style, what might be influencing it (including your own upbringing), and how to shift toward a more effective and loving approach. Dr. Meeker also tackles common parenting challenges like setting boundaries, dealing with whining, and balancing warmth with discipline.Whether you’re a first-time parent or raising teens, this episode offers a practical roadmap for becoming a more intentional, confident parent.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The psychology behind different parenting stylesWhy authoritative parenting leads to emotionally resilient, responsible kidsThe risks of authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful stylesHow your ow

Can faith and perseverance really transform a life from survival to success?In this inspiring episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Angela “Stikks” Adams—a single mom turned successful model and founder of the Christian Models Association. Angela opens up about her incredible story of overcoming hardship, staying grounded in her Christian faith, and choosing purpose over popularity.From battling poverty to breaking into the modeling industry without compromising her values, Angela shares the real-life lessons and God-centered strategies that helped her rise above. She also explains how parents can pass on "God-confidence" instead of self-confidence to help their children walk in truth and strength.If you're a single mom, a parent trying to raise faith-filled kids, or someone searching for hope during hard times, this episode will speak directly to your heart.

Parenting strong-willed kids can be exhausting—but it doesn’t have to be a constant battle. In this episode, Dr. Meg is joined by Kirk Martin, founder of Celebrate Calm and host of the Calm Parenting Podcast, to talk about how to handle big emotions—starting with your own. From defusing power struggles to managing anxiety and sibling fights, Kirk shares practical, often humorous strategies to help you stay calm, confident, and connected to your kids.You Will Learn:Why your calm is more important than your child’s behaviorHow to avoid power struggles with strong-willed kidsSimple ways to lower anxiety in your homeThe difference between teaching and controllingCreative solutions for homework, sibling fights, and moreHow humor and self-reflection can shift the parenting dynamicJoin the PGK Community!Looking for more support? Join our Parenting Great Kids community  where you'll find exclusive content from Dr. Meg, parenting resources, expert interviews, and a community of parents just like you.

Can today’s teens still achieve financial freedom in a world of soaring inflation, student debt, and housing costs? In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Rachel Rodgers, entrepreneur and author of Future Millionaires, to uncover actionable strategies for helping young people become financially independent.From building marketable skills to encouraging entrepreneurship and resilience, Rachel shares powerful tools that empower teens to take control of their financial futures.In this episode, we discuss:Why the traditional American Dream is harder to reach—and what to do about itHow to help your child recognize their natural skills and turn them into incomeThe “Million Dollar Decisions” formula and why it mattersWhy teaching kids to embrace failure can lead to lasting successSmart, age-appropriate ways to introduce kids to investing and money management

Do your kids shut down when you try to talk? In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by licensed therapist Beliza Perez, the creator of FAM Gabs, for a sponsored conversation on how to build emotional closeness through simple, intentional questions.You’ll learn why some kids stop sharing, how to avoid parent-child communication traps, and what to do instead. Beliza shares therapy-based tools—including non-verbal techniques and calming rituals—that help parents raise emotionally safe and connected kids.In This Episode:Conversation hacks that unlock emotional connectionThe #1 reason kids stop opening up—and how to reverse itWhy "quality time" doesn't have to mean more timeHow to create low-pressure, trust-building momentsTools like finger mazes and prompt cards that actually workThis episode includes a sponsored segment in collaboration with FAM Gabs.

When 12-year-old Harrison Haynes met a 19-year-old “mentor” in an online game, it felt like a friendship—until it turned into manipulation and abuse.In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker talks with Harrison about his firsthand experience with online grooming, how his mental health struggles played a role, and the steps his parents took to intervene and help him heal. Now, Harrison is turning his pain into purpose—advocating for digital safety and youth protection.In this episode, you’ll learn:How online grooming begins and escalatesThe emotional vulnerabilities predators targetHow Harrison’s parents recognized the signs and took actionWhat legal and emotional challenges followedDigital safety tips every parent needs today

July has been all about parenting in the digital age, and today we take a hard look at the dark side of school devices, emojis, and disappearing apps—with Titania Jordan, Chief Parenting Officer at Bark Technologies and a nationally recognized expert in online safety.In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker dives into the hidden vulnerabilities that come with your child’s screen time—from unfiltered school-issued devices to the coded emoji language kids use to hide online behavior.This conversation goes beyond app limits—it's about understanding how tech is shaping your child’s emotional, social, and mental world, and how to stay one step ahead as a parent.

Is your response to your teen’s emotions helping—or hurting—the situation? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Sheri Gazitt, teen life coach and founder of Teen Wise, to explore how parents unintentionally contribute to the emotional “drama” of adolescence—and what to do instead.Together, they unpack the real reasons teens act out, how parents can shift from reacting to responding, and why connection—not control—is the foundation of a healthy parent-teen relationship.In this episode, we cover:Are you reacting or responding? How to tell the differenceWhy emotional regulation starts with you, not your teenThe impact of post-COVID loneliness on teen behaviorFriendship drama and social conflict—why it’s normal and how to guide without rescuingHow to talk about social media without making your teen defensiveRebuilding trust after big blow-ups or boundary-crossingSmall daily practices to ease tension and build emotional safetyAbout Sheri GazittSheri Gazitt is a certified teen life coach, pare

Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Leslie Tyler, Director of Parent Education at Pinwheel and a champion for Children’s Digital Wellness, to unpack the risks and opportunities AI brings into our children’s lives. In this episode, we explore: Why children are early adopters of AI—and what parents need to know. The double-edged sword of AI as both a learning tool and a potential digital crutch. Key risks for kids using AI, from misinformation to emotional dependence. The role of parents in guiding safe AI usage and encouraging critical thinking. Pinwheel GPT and other tools designed with kids’ safety in mind.

Is your parenting stress spilling over into your child's life? You're not alone—and you're not powerless. In this episode, Mark Gerson, author of God Was Right, shares how biblical wisdom—paired with modern psychology—can radically shift the way we understand independence, fear, and success in parenting. We cover: The connection between parental stress and children's anxiety How ancient stories like Isaac’s birth and Joseph’s rise can transform your parenting style The myth of “stranger danger” and how it fuels fear-based parenting Why celebrating your child's independence can relieve your stress How trusting God’s plan reduces anxiety and promotes joyful parenting Mark helps us reframe stress, fear, and control through a lens of faith, confidence, and wisdom—so we can raise kids who thrive, not just survive.

In this special Father’s Day episode, Dr. Meg Meeker talks with Rob Finlay, author of Hey Dad, Everything You Should Have Learned About Life but Didn’t. They dive into how parents—especially dads—can raise kids who are prepared for real-world responsibilities. In this episode: The life skills every teen needs before leaving home Why failure builds independence and confidence Communication, budgeting, and decision-making in everyday life The crucial role fathers play in raising self-sufficient kids Timestamps: 00:00 – Father’s Day message 00:32 – Meet Rob Finlay 01:30 – Why young adults feel unprepared 03:12 – Life skills your kids really need 07:45 – Letting them fail 12:10 – How to talk to adults 17:23 – Financial literacy basics 23:38 – Building independence through responsibility 29:15 – Support vs. overparenting 33:42 – Final thoughts Resources: Rob Finlay’s book → Simon & Schuster Try Dr. Meg's PGK community for free → https://meekerparenting.com/ About Our Guest Rob Finlay is