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.

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If you're struggling to stay calm in the chaos of parenting—or just want expert advice tailored to your family's needs—Dr. Meg offers one-on-one coaching for parents who are ready to grow, heal, and lead with confidence. Learn more here.

🧷Links

The Self-Regulation Workbook for Children Ages 5 to 8 by Kahlila Robinson and Sarah Gerstenzang

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📌 Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Parenting Challenges

00:33 – Launch of the Self-Regulation Workbook

01:26 – Why Parental Self-Regulation is Key

02:40 – Staying Calm in Heated Moments

05:29 – How Emotions Transfer Between Parent & Child

08:31 – Addressing Post-COVID Anxiety in Kids

11:08 – Helping Kids Develop Emotional Awareness

12:34 – Simple De-Escalation Tools for Parents

17:44 – Matching Strategies to Different Child Personalities

18:37 – Connection-Based Discipline

21:28 – Children’s Core Emotional Needs

23:31 – Teaching Kids to Cope with Stress

25:15 – Managing Peer Conflict and Social Stress

28:30 – Healing Emotional Wounds in Childhood

30:50 – Balancing Work, Stress & Parenting

36:14 – Final Thoughts & Resources

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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 Together, they explore how outdated beliefs around motherhood continue to shape women's emotional lives—and how to break free from them.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 parenting
• How generational parenting patterns shape today's mothers
• Why self-care is essential—not selfish
• Tools for rewriting the "mother code"
• How emotional intelligence starts with you
• The link between maternal burnout and child development

Guest:

Dr. Gertrude Lyons – TEDx speaker, author, transformational coach

Visit: drgertrudelyons.com

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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

Ask Dr. Meg Community – Get direct access to live Q&As, exclusive content, and a tribe of intentional parents.

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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.

📊 First exposure happens as early as age 9.

🧠 Discover how pornography rewires young brains and distorts healthy relationships.

💬 Learn how to start honest, shame-free conversations with your children before the internet does.

From the neuroscience behind porn addiction to tools for empowering your family, Parker Hymas shares evidence-based insights and real-life solutions every parent needs.

In this episode, we cover:

• The alarming rise in early exposure to pornography
• What porn does to the developing brain—based on science
• The mental and relational fallout of chronic porn use
• Debunking the myth of “harmless” pornography
• How to talk to your kids about porn without shame or fear
• Actionable resources from Fight The New Drug to protect your family

Our Guest:

Parker Hymas is the Director of Public Outreach at Fight the New Drug, a non-religious, non-legislative nonprofit raising awareness about the harmful effects of pornography. Through science, personal stories, and engaging presentations, Parker equips parents, educators, and communities with tools to understand how porn impacts the brain, relationships, and society.

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Sponsors:

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• 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

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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 parenting
• Why it’s okay to grieve while still feeling grateful
• How guilt and shame keep women stuck—and how to break free
• The power of strong friendships and finding your tribe
• Practical steps to dream again and prioritize your own self-care
• Reframing motherhood as a journey with many chapters—not a single role

Join Us:

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About Karen Johnson

Karen Johnson is a former teacher turned stay-at-home mom and now the author of What Do I Want to Be When They Grow Up?. Her work encourages mothers to reflect, reset, and reignite their sense of self as they move into a new phase of motherhood

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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

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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 saying
• How repeated criticism affects your child’s self-worth
• The power of saying "I'm sorry"—even when you're the parent
• Why kids feel abandoned when affection is withdrawn
• How distraction can make your child feel invisible
• The subtle but deep effects of not fully accepting your child
• Why time together matters more than any "parenting hack"

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Ask Dr. Meg Live

01:20 – The 7 Most Common Parenting Mistakes

03:15 – Mistake #1: Yelling (and What It Does to Kids Inside)

06:52 – Mistake #2: Constant Criticism and Its Emotional Impact

10:45 – Mistake #3: Not Apologizing—Why It Breeds Resentment

14:11 – Mistake #4: Using Affection as a Punishment

17:05 – Mistake #5: Distraction and the “Invisible Child” Syndrome

19:38 – Mistake #6: Projecting Your Expectations

22:50 – Mistake #7: Failing to Prioritize Time with Your Kids

25:34 – Live Questions From the Audience

29:41 – Final Thoughts: Grace, Growth, and Being a Work in Progress

31:08 – Join the Ask Dr. Meg Community & Newsletter

Join Us:

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📬 Never Miss an Event – Subscribe to our mailing list for live event invites, new episode alerts, and weekly parenting wisdom.

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

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 styles
• Why authoritative parenting leads to emotionally resilient, responsible kids
• The risks of authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful styles
• How your own childhood shapes your parenting
• How to set clear boundaries without being harsh
• Real-life scenarios + listener Q&A with Dr. Meeker
• The unique role of fathers in shaping secure children

👉 Join the Ask Dr. Meg Parenting Portal

Connect with like-minded parents on a mission to raise spiritually strong, emotionally healthy kids.

Timestamps for Easy Navigation:

00:00 – Introduction: Why Parenting Style Matters

00:37 – Discovering Your Default Parenting Approach

03:34 – The Four Parenting Styles Defined

04:32 – What Makes Authoritative Parenting So Effective

07:57 – The Downside of Authoritarian Parenting

10:32 – The Dangers of Permissive Parenting

13:01 – Understanding Neglectful Parenting

14:18 – Helicopter Parenting: Where It Fits

14:57 – How Your Upbringing Shapes Your Parenting

18:54 – Time to Reflect: What’s Working, What’s Not

19:52 – Comparing Authoritarian vs. Authoritative

26:02 – What Permissive Parenting Looks Like

26:42 – Teaching Kids Self-Discipline

27:15 – Authoritative vs. Permissive: The Line Between

27:55 – Risks of Uninvolved Parenting

29:38 – Helping Your Child Build Confidence

30:01 – Pitfalls of Authoritarian Homes

30:43 – Blending Styles and Evolving as a Parent

34:12 – What is “Parenting Preload”?

36:24 – Strategies for Whining and Setting Boundaries

45:31 – Why Fathers Are Critical to Child Development

47:22 – Join the Parenting Great Kids Community

Sponsors:

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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.

👉 Join the Ask Dr. Meg Parenting Portal

Connect with like-minded parents on a mission to raise spiritually strong, emotionally healthy kids.

In This Episode:

• The raw challenges of single motherhood and starting over with nothing
• How faith can reshape your identity and future
• The hidden dangers of seeking validation from the world
• Building "God-confidence" in your children
• Creating a God-honoring career in a values-challenging industry
• Practical encouragement for moms navigating loneliness, exhaustion, and uncertainty
• Why purpose and obedience matter more than popularity and applause

About Angela "Stikks" Adams

Angela is a professional model, speaker, and founder of the Christian Models Association, an organization dedicated to helping aspiring models walk in their faith while pursuing careers in fashion and entertainment. Her passion is to guide others, especially single mothers, into their God-given potential through authenticity, discipline, and spiritual alignment.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Struggling to find an apartment as a single mom

01:02 – Parenting in a world that pressures compromise

01:46 – Pursuing God-given dreams despite hardships

02:44 – Single motherhood and trusting God through adversity

10:30 – Moving across the country to rebuild a life

15:55 – Finding work and divine encouragement

17:36 – The importance of real, face-to-face interactions

17:48 – Entering the modeling world with strong values

18:03 – Avoiding spiritual and professional traps

18:50 – Staying true to God’s purpose

21:42 – Teaching children faith-based confidence

22:47 – Launching the Christian Models Association

24:05 – Why "God-confidence" outlasts self-confidence

29:28 – Powerful encouragement for single mothers

34:30 – What it means to model with purpose

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
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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 behavior
• How to avoid power struggles with strong-willed kids
• Simple ways to lower anxiety in your home
• The difference between teaching and controlling
• Creative solutions for homework, sibling fights, and more
• How humor and self-reflection can shift the parenting dynamic

Join the PGK Community!

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About Our Guest:

Kirk Martin is the founder of Celebrate Calm, a behavior training resource that has helped over 500,000 parents and teachers worldwide. He is also the host of the Calm Parenting Podcast. Known for his practical strategies and relatable humor, Kirk teaches families how to stop yelling, defuse defiance, and build stronger connections with their kids.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Parenting strong-willed kids

00:27 – Meet Kirk Martin

01:37 – Why parental self-control matters most

02:50 – Strategies for managing defiance

06:42 – Creative homework solutions

09:48 – Handling sibling fights without yelling

14:16 – Reducing parental stress

17:47 – From controlling to teaching

18:52 – Dealing with tween attitude

21:00 – Understanding and easing anxiety in kids

27:35 – How humor builds connection

32:02 – Encouraging honest communication

34:32 – Final thoughts and resources

Our Sponsors:

• Hungryroot – 40% off plus a free item in every box with code DRMEG
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