Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker

Dr. Meg Meeker
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Parenting Great Kids with 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

  1. 14 NOV

    Ep. 254: Navigating Teen Parenting with Sean Donohue

    Navigating the often turbulent waters of raising teenagers can feel like a never-ending cycle of setting boundaries while trying to maintain trust. As parents, we frequently find ourselves at a crossroads, unsure of which direction to take. It's comforting to know that we're not alone in this journey. In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Sean Donohue, a renowned parenting coach widely known for his relatable advice on platforms like TikTok. Sean shares his personal journey from a disconnected teenager to a dedicated father, guided in part by Dr. Meeker’s book, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters. Together, they explore the complex dynamics of raising teenagers, emphasizing the power of connection, love, and resilience in parenting. Throughout their conversation, Dr. Meeker and Sean discuss the impact of divorce, how to foster emotional availability, and the unique challenges fathers face today. Sean’s insights underscore the value of validating teenagers' experiences and creating a supportive, empathetic home environment. This episode offers listeners practical advice on building trust, connecting with teens, and balancing the roles of strength and empathy as parents. Episode Highlights:   00:27 Meet Sean Donohue: Parenting Coach   02:13 Sean’s Personal Journey   04:07 Challenges of Parenting and Personal Growth   06:26 The Importance of Connection   10:29 Reflections on Divorce and Stepfamily Dynamics   15:24 The Role of Love in Parenting   20:01 Understanding Teenagers   25:59 Facing the Challenges of Parenting Teenagers   26:48 The Importance of Emotional Connection   35:35 Encouraging Positive Communication Between Parents   40:14 Balancing Strength and Empathy in Fatherhood   44:16 Conclusion and Resources for Parents   Need parenting help? Grab a coaching spot with Dr. Meg Meeker! Watch today’s episode 📺 and follow us 📲 Our Guest: Sean Donohue is a globally known Family Coach, founder of ParentingModernTeens.com, and host of The Sean Donohue Show Podcast. A viral social media sensation, Sean’s videos and teachings have reached tens of millions, offering invaluable insights that help parents transform their approach to parenting, build strong, healthy homes, and raise incredible adults. Through his compassionate and relatable style, Sean has made a lasting impact on families across the globe. Connect with Sean and explore his resources at SaveMyFamily.us. Our Sponsors: 1XL: Support your child’s learning journey with IXL’s interactive lessons in math, language arts, science, and social studies—get 20% off at IXL.com/DRMEG! Heat Holders: Stay warm this season with Heat Holders®—from thermal socks to cozy hats, gloves, and layers, they’ve got you covered. Get 15% off at heatholders.com with code “DRMEG” and free shipping on orders over $25! Air Doctor:                                               Breathe Easier, Live Better With AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRMEG, and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers!  Phyla Biotics:                                               Visit phylabiotics.com, enter code DRMEEKER at checkout, and start your journey to healthier skin. Field of Greens:  Whole, organic fruits and vegetables. No extracts, no lab-made stuff. Just one scoop a day gives you simple, real nutrition. Visit fieldofgreens.com and use promo code DRMEG for 15% off your first order and FREE rush shipping. Wild Interest:                                             Where the magic happens when kids run the show. Wild Interest: find it wherever you get your podcasts. It’s wild! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min

  2. 4 NOV

    Ep. 253: Parenting with Purpose: Blending Family and Faith with David Gudgel

    In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes David Gudgel, Director of Church Health for the Northern California Venture Church Network. David shares his wisdom on harmonizing faith and family life, drawing from his personal journey as both a parent and grandparent. He recounts transformative moments, like the spiritual awakening his parents experienced, which reshaped their family dynamics and instilled values of patience and resilience. David offers parents practical advice on guiding their children’s spiritual paths while honoring individuality, highlighting how a foundation of faith can foster stronger relationships within the family. The conversation also explores challenges of modern parenting, particularly managing screen time and the role of digital devices, which David believes should be viewed as privileges rather than entitlements. Additionally, he addresses the evolving role of grandparents, advising them to support their children’s parenting choices without overstepping boundaries. Through stories and insights from his books, David empowers families to navigate the complexities of today’s parenting landscape while fostering a spiritually grounded, balanced home environment.  Key Moments: 00:21 Balancing Personal and Family Responsibilities 00:50 The Power of Prayer in Parenting 01:37 Spiritual Epiphany and Family Transformation 08:01 Maintaining Faith in Adult Children 16:38 Navigating Digital Devices with Kids 23:20 Challenges and Joys of Grandparenting 29:28 David Ray Gudgel's Books and Final Thoughts Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. Watch today’s episode 📺 Follow us 📲 Our Guest: David Gudgel serves as the Director of Church Health for the Venture Church Network, bringing over 40 years of pastoral experience from his leadership roles in churches across Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. An accomplished author and speaker, David has shared his insights at numerous events and seminars through Walk Thru the Bible Ministries. His books, including Before You Leave Home, Before You Get Engaged, and Enjoy Your Marriage More, offer practical, faith-centered guidance for major life transitions. David and his wife, Bernice, are parents to three children and proud grandparents of 11. Our Sponsors: 1XL: Support your child’s learning journey with IXL’s interactive lessons in math, language arts, science, and social studies—get 20% off at IXL.com/DRMEG! Heat Holders: Stay warm this season with Heat Holders®—from thermal socks to cozy hats, gloves, and layers, they’ve got you covered. Get 15% off at heatholders.com with code “DRMEG” and free shipping on orders over $25! Air Doctor:                                               Breathe Easier, Live Better With AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRMEG, and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers!  Phyla Biotics:                                               Visit phylabiotics.com, enter code DRMEEKER at checkout, and start your journey to healthier skin. Field of Greens:  Whole, organic fruits and vegetables. No extracts, no lab-made stuff. Just one scoop a day gives you simple, real nutrition. Visit fieldofgreens.com and use promo code DRMEG for 15% off your first order and FREE rush shipping. Wild Interest:                                             Where the magic happens when kids run the show. Wild Interest: find it wherever you get your podcasts. It’s wild! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min

  3. 21 OCT

    Ep. 252: Navigating and Empowering Families with Chronically Ill Children: Insights and Strategies

    In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Dr. Maureen Michelle Peterson—pediatrician, life coach, and author of Reclaiming Life. Dr. Peterson shares her deeply personal journey of raising a child diagnosed with pediatric neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, during her third year of residency. Despite her medical expertise, no amount of training could shield her from the emotional toll of the diagnosis. Years later, her family faced another life-altering challenge when her daughter, now 12, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. These experiences not only shaped Dr. Peterson’s approach to parenting but also inspired her to write and share her story to help others navigate similar journeys. This insightful episode equips parents with practical tools for building trust with healthcare providers, preparing for advocacy meetings, and prioritizing self-care amidst the demands of caregiving. Dr. Peterson offers guidance on staying resilient, reframing thoughts, and managing setbacks with a positive mindset. Listen now for valuable advice and inspiration to support you on your parenting journey. Our Guest:  Maureen Michele Petersen, MD is an award-winning leader, life coach, author, and physician. As a general pediatrician and allergist/immunologist, she has spent her career caring for patients with a variety of acute and chronic health problems. She is a military veteran and has enjoyed using her story-telling talent to teach young physicians the art of medicine. She is an accomplished life coach who helps parents of chronically ill children regain control of their lives and thrive at fulfillment. Maureen is the mother of three amazing children and has first-hand experience with being a parent of a child with long-term health issues. Key Moments:  00:59 Meet Dr. Maureen Michelle Peterson 02:20 The Journey of Writing 'Reclaiming Life' 05:09 Personal Story: A Mother's Struggle 06:59 Coping with a New Diagnosis 09:10 The Importance of Mental Health and Coaching 10:35 Empowering Children Through Adversity 28:17 Practical Tips for Parents of Chronically Ill Children 28:39 Advocating for Your Child's Health 31:37 Finding the Right Pediatrician 38:58 Conclusion and Contact Information Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. Watch today’s episode 📺 Follow us 📲 Our Sponsors: Air Doctor:                                               Breathe Easier, Live Better With AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRMEG, and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers!  Phyla Biotics:                                               Visit phylabiotics.com, enter code DRMEEKER at checkout, and start your journey to healthier skin. Field of Greens:  Whole, organic fruits and vegetables. No extracts, no lab-made stuff. Just one scoop a day gives you simple, real nutrition. Visit fieldofgreens.com and use promo code DRMEG for 15% off your first order and FREE rush shipping. Wild Interest:                                             Where the magic happens when kids run the show. Wild Interest: find it wherever you get your podcasts. It’s wild! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min

  4. 14 OCT

    Ep. 251: Understanding ADHD in Children – Diagnosis, Myths, and Treatment Options

    In today's fast-paced, digital world, understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is more crucial than ever for parents and educators. In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker speaks with psychologist Dr. Katia Fredriksen, an expert in ADHD research, to explore key aspects of the disorder. They cover everything from identifying early symptoms to navigating the diagnosis and treatment process, offering practical strategies on how to approach ADHD with empathy and care. Key Moments: 00:23 Meet Dr. Katia Fredriksen 00:47 Understanding ADHD Symptoms 02:56 Diagnosing ADHD: A Comprehensive Approach 04:14 Neuropsychological Assessment Explained 06:59 The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis 12:53 Balancing Medication and Other Treatments 15:23 School Accommodations for ADHD 17:35 Parenting Strategies for ADHD 20:25 Addressing Common Concerns 26:21 Concluding Thoughts and Resources About Our Guest: Our guest is Dr. Katia Fredriksen, she holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Princeton University and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her expertise spans inpatient and outpatient psychotherapy, with a focus on health behaviors and pediatric conditions like autism and ADHD. Together with Dr. Rothman, a pediatric neuropsychologist, she wrote "Different Thinkers," a book on ADHD for elementary school-aged children. Follow @neuropsychmoms on Instragram.  Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. Watch today’s episode 📺 Follow us 📲 Our Sponsors: Air Doctor:                                               Breathe Easier, Live Better With AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRMEG, and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers!  Phyla Biotics:                                               Visit phylabiotics.com, enter code DRMEEKER at checkout, and start your journey to healthier skin. Field of Greens:  Whole, organic fruits and vegetables. No extracts, no lab-made stuff. Just one scoop a day gives you simple, real nutrition. Visit fieldofgreens.com and use promo code DRMEG for 15% off your first order and FREE rush shipping. Wild Interest:                                             Where the magic happens when kids run the show. Wild Interest: find it wherever you get your podcasts. It’s wild! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min

  5. 2 OCT

    Ep.250: Prioritize Connection Over Productivity in Parenting with Kyle Idleman

    In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, renowned parenting expert Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Kyle Idleman, senior pastor at Southeast Christian Church and best-selling author. Together, they explore the common struggle many parents face: prioritizing productivity over building meaningful connections with their children. Drawing from his book When Your Way Isn't Working, Kyle shares valuable insights from his own experience, emphasizing the importance of connection in both parenting and personal growth. Key Moments:  00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges 00:39 Meet Kyle Eidelman: Author and Pastor 01:13 The Journey of Writing the Book 03:27 Production vs. Connection: A Dichotomy 05:17 Personal Struggles and Realizations 06:06 The Role of an Executive Coach 15:27 The Importance of Asking for Help 24:06 The Vine and the Branches: A Biblical Perspective 33:21 Practical Tips for Parents and Executives 35:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. Watch today’s episode 📺 Follow us 📲 Our Guest: Kyle Idleman is a bestselling author and senior pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, one of the largest churches in the U.S. He is best known for his award-winning book Not a Fan., which has sold over 1.3 million copies and ignited a movement among believers. Kyle Idleman has written several other popular books, including One at a Time, The End of Me, Gods at War, Grace Is Greater, and Don’t Give Up. He and his wife DesiRae have four children and live on a farm, where Kyle enjoys life without farming. Our Sponsors: Air Doctor:                                               Breathe Easier, Live Better With AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRMEG, and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers!  Phyla Biotics:                                               Visit phylabiotics.com, enter code DRMEEKER at checkout, and start your journey to healthier skin. Field of Greens:  Whole, organic fruits and vegetables. No extracts, no lab-made stuff. Just one scoop a day gives you simple, real nutrition. Visit fieldofgreens.com and use promo code DRMEG for 15% off your first order and FREE rush shipping. Wild Interest:                                             Where the magic happens when kids run the show. Wild Interest: find it wherever you get your podcasts. It’s wild! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min

  6. 25 SEPT

    Ep.249: Blind Spots in Modern Medicine: A Conversation with Dr. Marty Makary

    In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker interviews Dr. Marty Makary, author of Blind Spots: When Modern Medicine Gets It Wrong, and What It Means for Our Health. They explore common medical misconceptions and their wide-reaching effects, including the rise in peanut allergies linked to outdated avoidance advice, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, the overprescription of antibiotics, and the importance of microbiome health. Dr. Makary advocates for evidence-based medicine and critiques the centralization of medical decision-making influenced by politics and financial incentives. He promotes humility and transparency in the medical field to restore public trust and combat misinformation. Key moments: 02:08 Medical Dogma and Misconceptions   06:33 The Peanut Allergy Epidemic   13:31 Antibiotics and the Microbiome   28:08 Medical Paternalism and Public Trust   34:03 Conclusion: Challenging Medical Dogma Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. Watch today’s episode 📺 Follow us 📲 Our guest: Dr. Marty Makary is a Johns Hopkins professor and New York Times bestselling author, known for his work in public health and healthcare reform. His latest book, *Blind Spots*, highlights critical health topics often overlooked, such as the microbiome, hormone replacement therapy, the peanut allergy epidemic, and cancer prevention. With over 250 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Makary has served as a visiting professor at more than 25 medical schools and contributed to major outlets like the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. He has also held leadership roles at the World Health Organization and is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. Dr. Makary leads the Evidence-based Medicine Public Policy Research Group at Johns Hopkins and the Re-design of Healthcare Project, focusing on making healthcare more reliable and affordable. His award-winning research centers on reducing administrative waste and improving medical transparency. Our sponsors: Air Doctor:                                               Breathe Easier, Live Better With AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRMEG, and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers!  Phyla Biotics:                                               Visit phylabiotics.com, enter code DRMEEKER at checkout, and start your journey to healthier skin. Field of Greens:  Whole, organic fruits and vegetables. No extracts, no lab-made stuff. Just one scoop a day gives you simple, real nutrition. Visit fieldofgreens.com and use promo code DRMEG for 15% off your first order and FREE rush shipping. Wild Interest:                                             Where the magic happens when kids run the show. Wild Interest: find it wherever you get your podcasts. It’s wild! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min

  7. 17 SEPT

    Ep, 248: Turning Tragedy into Purpose: A Mother’s Mission to Prevent Suicide

    Did you know that having a mentor can reduce the likelihood of young people developing drug and alcohol issues by 80 percent? Substance abuse is often a contributing factor in teen suicide, making mentorship a key element in safeguarding teens from both. On Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Leslie Weirch, who shares her deeply personal journey after losing her son Austin to suicide. Together, they explore the protective factors against suicide, including mentorship, and how these can help shield teens from substance abuse and mental health struggles. Key moments: 00:36 A Mother's Tragic Story: The Loss of Austin 02:11 Austin's Life and Achievements 05:03 The Night That Changed Everything 07:26 Turning Pain into Purpose: Leslie's Mission 08:53 Mental Health Awareness and Prevention 16:43 Leslie's Speaking Journey and Impact 19:55 Sources of Strength: A Preventative Approach 25:52 Protective Factors for Mental Health 34:11 Conclusion: The Importance of Connection and Support Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. Watch today’s episode 📺 Follow us 📲 About our guest:  Leslie Weirich is a national speaker on suicide prevention, sharing her personal journey after losing her son Austin to suicide on September 10, 2016—coincidentally World Suicide Prevention Day. She began speaking locally in 2017 and gained national attention in 2018, focusing on youth mental health, especially for young men, student athletes, and the military. Leslie resigned from her job in 2020 to pursue her mission full-time, partnering with Oaklawn Community Mental Health Center and raising over $100K for suicide prevention programs. Leslie is certified in multiple suicide prevention programs and leads Leslie’s Hope, her public speaking initiative to raise awareness and save lives. Our sponsors: Air Doctor:                                               Breathe Easier, Live Better With AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRMEG, and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers!  Phyla Biotics:                                               Visit phylabiotics.com, enter code DRMEEKER at checkout, and start your journey to healthier skin. Field of Greens:  Whole, organic fruits and vegetables. No extracts, no lab-made stuff. Just one scoop a day gives you simple, real nutrition. Visit fieldofgreens.com and use promo code DRMEG for 15% off your first order and FREE rush shipping. Wild Interest:                                             Where the magic happens when kids run the show. Wild Interest: find it wherever you get your podcasts. It’s wild! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min

  8. 11 SEPT

    Ep. 247: Parenting with Purpose: Nurturing Character in Kids

    In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker discusses the importance of character development in children with Dr. Kathy Koch, founder and president of Celebrate Kids, Inc. They explore how character qualities such as gratitude, joy, and self-efficacy can help children fulfill their potential and purpose. They emphasize the need for parents to model and teach these qualities, and the episode addresses common parenting challenges, mistakes, and practical tips for nurturing character.  Key Moments: 03:00 Key Character Qualities to Nurture   04:22 Teaching Gratitude and Joy   05:59 Understanding Self-Efficacy   08:07 Core Needs of Children   10:12 The Role of Parents in Character Development   16:31 Addressing Argumentative Behavior in Children   18:33 Understanding Kids' Logic and Bedtime Struggles   20:39 Top Parenting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them   21:08 The Importance of Parental Authority and Apologies   28:09 Navigating Screen Time and Social Media for Kids   Our Guest:  Dr. Kathy Koch is the Founder and President of Celebrate Kids, Inc., a Christian ministry based in Fort Worth, Texas. An internationally acclaimed speaker and popular radio guest, she has impacted thousands of parents, teachers, and children in over 30 countries through keynote speeches, workshops, and seminars. Known for her practical and results-oriented concepts, Dr. Koch delivers engaging and humorous presentations that equip attendees with tools to build healthy relationships and find success in family, life, and school. She is the author of several books, including 8 Great Smarts and Screens and Teens, and holds a Ph.D. in reading and educational psychology from Purdue University. Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. Watch today’s episode 📺 Follow us 📲 Our sponsors: Air Doctor:                                              Breathe Easier, Live Better With AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code DRMEG, and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers!  Phyla Biotics:                                              Visit phylabiotics.com, enter code DRMEEKER at checkout, and start your journey to healthier skin. Field of Greens: Whole, organic fruits and vegetables. No extracts, no lab-made stuff. Just one scoop a day gives you simple, real nutrition. Visit fieldofgreens.com and use promo code DRMEG for 15% off your first order and FREE rush shipping. Wild Interest:                                            Where the magic happens when kids run the show. Wild Interest: find it wherever you get your podcasts. It’s wild! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min
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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

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