In this follow-up to our conversation on divorce and healing, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with therapist and integrative healer Dawn Wiggins to talk about what it really takes to recover from any kind of trauma — whether it’s divorce, loss, or years of emotional stress.

Wiggins explains how trauma shapes our nervous system, thoughts, and relationships — and how real healing happens when we reconnect body, mind, and spirit. Together, they unpack practical ways to calm the body, release old pain, and create safety from the inside out.

🧭 Key Takeaways

• Trauma lives in the body — and the nervous system needs to feel safe before real healing begins.
• Being present (not perfect) helps children and loved ones feel secure.
• Recognize and release negative beliefs that keep you stuck in fear or guilt.
• Tools like EMDR, somatic therapy, and homeopathy can help integrate emotional healing.
• Healing is a full-body process — involving your brain, your breath, and your belief system.
• When you heal yourself, you break generational patterns and model resilience.

About Dawn Wiggins

Dawn Wiggins is a licensed therapist, homeopath, and integrative healer who helps people recover from trauma and life transitions. She’s the creator of A Different “D” Word, a year-long healing program, and host of the podcast Dear Divorce Diary, where she guides listeners toward emotional safety, balance, and self-trust.

🎧 As Heard on PGK

Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast.

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💡 Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed as a Parent? Dr. Meg Meeker Can Help You Move Forward with Confidence

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose.

Start your coaching journey today

Sponsors:

• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg
• Born Shoes – 15% off full-price styles + free shipping with code DRMEG at BornShoes.com
• Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
• IXL Summer Bridge – Keep kids learning with just 15 minutes a day. Shop at summerbrains.com/DRMEG
• Homeaglow – Get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19 at Homeaglow.com/DRMEG
• Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange

*This episode is sponsored by Dawn Wiggins.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Children process divorce very differently than adults do. In this episode, we explore how to recognize their pain, help them express big emotions, and avoid critical parenting mistakes post-divorce. Learn the do’s and don’ts of co-parenting, when to introduce a new partner, and why listening is your most powerful tool.

Topics Covered:

• How children's grief differs from adults'
• Emotional and cognitive responses to divorce
• The hidden pain children carry
• Navigating anger, guilt, and loyalty binds
• What not to say about your ex
• Why rushing into dating can backfire
• Encouraging open, validating conversations
• Realistic timelines for healing

💡 Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed as a Parent? Dr. Meg Meeker Can Help You Move Forward with Confidence

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose. Start your coaching journey today

📩 Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Email Listr:

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🎧 As Heard on PGK

Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast.

https://amzn.to/46IsRjD

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sponsors:

• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg
• Born Shoes – 15% off full-price styles + free shipping with code DRMEG at BornShoes.com
• Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
• IXL Summer Bridge – Keep kids learning with just 15 minutes a day. Shop at summerbrains.com/DRMEG
• Homeaglow – Get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19 at Homeaglow.com/DRMEG
• Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado to talk about parenting peace, faith-based mindset shifts, and the concept of "picky thinking." Learn how to guard your mind, model faith for your teens, and help your children battle anxiety, negative self-talk, and social media pressures. Max shares his personal stories, parenting wisdom, and biblical insights to help families thrive in truth and peace.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why “picky thinking” can transform your parenting mindset
• How to identify and overcome UFOs (Untruths, False Narratives, and Overreactions)
• The impact of modeling prayer and emotional control for teens
• The vital role fathers play in shaping daughters’ self-worth
• Practical ways to take your thoughts captive for a calmer home

Resources:

Max Lucado’s book: Tame Your Thoughts

🎧 As Heard on PGK

Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast.

https://amzn.to/46IsRjD

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

📩 Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter:

https://bit.ly/46G4Niw

💡 Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed as a Parent? Dr. Meg Meeker Can Help You Move Forward with Confidence

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose.

Start your coaching journey today

Sponsors:

• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg
• Born Shoes – 15% off full-price styles + free shipping with code DRMEG at BornShoes.com
• Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
• IXL Summer Bridge – Keep kids learning with just 15 minutes a day. Shop at summerbrains.com/DRMEG
• Homeaglow – Get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19 at Homeaglow.com/DRMEG
• Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker speaks with Ray Alex Williams, a man who transitioned to living as a trans woman—and later de-transitioned. His story offers rare, firsthand insight into what happens when someone believes gender transition is the answer, only to discover it isn't.

As more parents navigate complex conversations with their children around gender identity, this interview is a must-listen. Ray dives deep into how childhood influences, exposure to pornography, the allure of a new identity, and cultural pressures led him toward transition—and why faith ultimately led him back.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The emotional toll that transitioning takes.
• How pornography and culture distort gender identity.
• Why not every child needs immediate affirmation.
• How silence from parents can send the wrong message.
• The role of faith in finding identity and healing.

About Our Guest

Ray Alex Williams is a writer, speaker, and advocate who shares his personal journey of gender transition, de-transition, and spiritual transformation. With deep candor, Ray speaks about the psychological, cultural, and spiritual factors that influenced his identity—and how his return to faith helped him find peace. His story offers rare insight for parents, pastors, and professionals navigating today’s conversations around gender and truth.

👉 Learn more about Ray and read his writings at Ray Alex Williams | Substack.

🎧 As Heard on PGK

Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast.

https://amzn.to/46IsRjD

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

📩 Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter:

https://bit.ly/46G4Niw

💡 If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose.

Start your coaching journey today

Sponsors:

• Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
• Fam Gabs – 10% off conversation cards with code DRMEGPOD
• K12-powered Schools – Tuition-free, accredited online learning for K–12
• Thrive Causemetics – Clean beauty with purpose. 10% off your first order
• Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange
• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 PGK

Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast.

https://amzn.to/46IsRjD

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter:

https://bit.ly/46G4Niw

💡 If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose.

Start your coaching journey today

Sponsors:

• Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
• Fam Gabs – 10% off conversation cards with code DRMEGPOD
• K12-powered Schools – Tuition-free, accredited online learning for K–12
• Thrive Causemetics – Clean beauty with purpose. 10% off your first order
• Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange
• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Kris

Deborah 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 Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive (Free Spirit Parenting™) – Paperback, May 27, 2025

👉 https://amzn.to/4ozm1EH

As Heard on PGK

Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast.

https://amzn.to/46IsRjD

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter:

https://bit.ly/46G4Niw

💡 If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose.

Start your coaching journey today

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.

Sponsors:

• Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
• Fam Gabs – 10% off conversation cards with code DRMEGPOD
• K12-powered Schools – Tuition-free, accredited online learning for K–12
• Thrive Causemetics – Clean beauty with purpose. 10% off your first order
• Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange
• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 games
• Why delaying internet access might be the best parenting move you make
• The 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 child
• How to monitor devices without breaking trust

This 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.

👉 Want all the resources mentioned in today’s episode?

Sign up here to get the full guide.

💬 Need help applying this to your family?

Book a coaching session with Meg today.

Sponsors:

• Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
• Fam Gabs – 10% off conversation cards with code DRMEGPOD
• K12-powered Schools – Tuition-free, accredited online learning for K–12
• Thrive Causemetics – Clean beauty with purpose. 10% off your first order
• Listen to Aidee, “Nothing Rhymes With Orange”: https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange
• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg

Tags: Pornography, Screens, Social Media, Online Safety, Parenting Styles, Sexual Abuse, Mental Health, Self Esteem, Child Development, Time Management

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.