Episodios

  • Ep. 287: Discipline Without Drama

    Ep. 287: Discipline Without Drama
    Aug 15 2025

    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!

    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.

    👉 Learn more & sign up here


    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
    • Fam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids. Use code DRMEGPOD for 10% off
    • K12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12
    • Thrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order



    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    35 m
  • Ep. 286: How to Raise a Future Millionaire

    Ep. 286: How to Raise a Future Millionaire
    Aug 5 2025

    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 it
    • How to help your child recognize their natural skills and turn them into income
    • The “Million Dollar Decisions” formula and why it matters
    • Why teaching kids to embrace failure can lead to lasting success
    • Smart, age-appropriate ways to introduce kids to investing and money management


    🎉 Join the Parenting Great Kids Community, where you'll find support from like-minded parents who are committed to raising emotionally healthy, spiritually strong, and digitally safe kids.


    About Rachel Rodgers

    Rachel Rodgers is a business coach, lawyer, and bestselling author of We Should All Be Millionaires. Her latest book, Future Millionaires, offers a blueprint for teaching teens how to build wealth, develop decision-making skills, and create lasting independence. She’s the founder of Hello Seven, a company that helps women and people of color grow their businesses and transform their financial futures.


    Our Sponsors:

    • Hungryroot – 40% off plus a free item in every box with code DRMEG
    • Fam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids. Use code DRMEGPOD for 10% off
    • K12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12
    • Thrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order




    Episode Breakdown:


    00:00 Introduction: Financial Challenges for Young Adults

    00:56 The American Dream and Its Challenges

    01:37 Strategies for Financial Independence

    03:52 The Importance of Marketable Skills

    05:35 Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Teens

    10:21 Parental Guidance and Support

    14:36 Teaching Kids About Money

    18:21 Motivating Kids with Incentives

    19:28 Million Dollar Decisions Formula

    21:10 Teaching Kids Decision-Making Skills

    24:02 Encouraging Kids to Embrace Failure

    29:08 Financial Education for Kids

    35:11 Conclusion and Resources



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    37 m
  • Ep.285: Conversation Starters That Build Real Connection

    Ep.285: Conversation Starters That Build Real Connection
    Jul 29 2025
    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.🎉 Join the Parenting Great Kids Community, where you'll find support from like-minded parents who are committed to raising emotionally healthy, spiritually strong, and digitally safe kids.Join today at meekerparenting.com/community⏱️ Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Welcome to Parenting Great Kids00:31 – What kids are stressed about (but not saying)01:10 – Meet Beliza Perez, therapist and creator of FAM Gabs01:35 – How FAM Gabs helps spark real conversations02:56 – Top conversation starters that work03:51 – Parental reactions: Hesitation and surprise05:24 – Creating safety through open-ended questions07:01 – The therapy roots of FAM Gabs09:10 – Using tools like FAM Gabs in real-life families15:06 – Common issues in child and teen therapy16:32 – Navigating personality differences in families16:45 – Why communication is key to healing18:26 – The creative journey behind the questions18:58 – How to ask questions that build trust20:37 – What nonverbal cues reveal about your child22:27 – Why short, mindful moments matter more24:28 – What’s next for FAM Gabs27:33 – Using finger mazes for anxiety relief28:57 – Where to get FAM Gabs29:26 – Final takeaways from Dr. Meg and BelizaBeliza Perez is a licensed therapist and the founder of FAM Gabs, a family conversation card deck that empowers parents to build stronger emotional bonds with their kids. Her clinical work and creative tools center on healing through connection.Resources & Links:Get your own FAM Gabs → https://www.famgabs.com Work with Dr. Meg → https://meekerparenting.comOur SponsorsHungryroot – 40% off plus a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg with code DRMEGFam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids using this therapist-designed card deck. Search Fam Gabs on Amazon and use code DRMEGPOD for 10% offK12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12 at K12.com/DRMEGThrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/DRMEGSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    30 m
  • Ep. 284: The Predator in the Chat: How a 12-Year-Old Was Groomed—and Fought Back

    Ep. 284: The Predator in the Chat: How a 12-Year-Old Was Groomed—and Fought Back
    Jul 24 2025
    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🎉Join the Parenting Great Kids Community, where you'll find support from like-minded parents who are committed to raising emotionally healthy, spiritually strong, and digitally safe kids. Join today at meekerparenting.com/communityEpisode Breakdown00:00 – Introduction to Harrison’s Story00:35 – Early signs of emotional struggles01:25 – The online “friendship” begins03:06 – How grooming unfolded05:25 – Mental health and manipulation08:49 – The turning point12:34 – Breaking free and getting help16:37 – Parental involvement and intervention18:54 – Reporting and law enforcement18:59 – Family reactions and emotions19:32 – Reflecting on warning signs20:53 – Legal frustrations and realities22:02 – Coping, therapy, and healing23:44 – Advice for today’s digital parents26:42 – Harrison’s advocacy and youth empowerment29:16 – Living life without a smartphone31:20 – 5 practical tech safety strategies35:04 – Community support and personal growthAbout Harrison HaynesHarrison Hayes was just 12 years old when he was groomed by a stranger he met through online gaming. Today, he’s a leading voice in digital safety advocacy—raising awareness about the hidden dangers of social media, gaming, and texting. Through his work with survivor-led organizations like The Wired Human Youth Coalition and his independent project, Digitally Intentional, Harrison empowers families and youth to think critically and live intentionally in the digital age.He believes online safety isn’t just about restriction—it’s about awareness, intentionality, and action.👉 Learn more about Harrison’s work at digitallyintentional.orgOur SponsorsHungryroot – 40% off plus a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg with code DRMEGRula – Licensed therapy for as little as $15 per session with insurance. Visit rula.com/drmeg to get startedK12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12 at K12.com/DRMEGFam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids using this therapist-designed card deck. Search Fam Gabs on Amazon and use code DRMEGPOD for 10% offThrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/DRMEGSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    39 m
  • Ep. 283: Snapchat. Roblox. TikTok. They're fun—until they're not.

    Ep. 283: Snapchat. Roblox. TikTok. They're fun—until they're not.
    Jul 16 2025
    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.📣Join the Parenting Great Kids CommunityWant real support from parents who get it? Inside our private community, you’ll find expert advice, honest conversations, and practical tools to help you grow as a parent. Try it free—because great parenting shouldn’t happen alone.Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Introduction: Digital parenting in today’s tech-driven world 00:12 – The dangers of Snapchat and social media 00:43 – Meet Titania Jordan: Chief Parenting Officer at Bark Technologies 01:42 – Tech overload after the holidays: How to reset your home 02:36 – How to set and stick to healthy screen time limits 05:05 – The darker side of social platforms: Predators, mental health, and more 09:39 – Titania’s personal experiences raising a digital native 11:44 – Why school-issued devices aren’t always safe 16:54 – The hidden meanings behind emojis and text codes 18:40 – How Bark Technologies helps families monitor and protect kids onlineAbout Titania JordanTitania Jordan is the Chief Parenting Officer at Bark Technologies and co-author of Parental Control: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Safe Online. As a nationally recognized tech safety expert, she’s been featured on CNN, TODAY, and Good Morning America, and works tirelessly to make digital spaces safer for kids and families.Resources & Links:Learn more about Bark Technologies: https://www.bark.usRead Parental Control by Titania Jordan: Parental Control | Titania JordanParenting coaching and resources from Dr. Meg Meeker: https://meekerparenting.comSponsored by:Hungryroot – 40% off plus a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg with code DRMEG Rula – Licensed therapy for as little as $15 per session with insurance. Visit rula.com/drmeg to get started K12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12 at K12.com/DRMEG Fam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids using this therapist-designed card deck. Search Fam Gabs on Amazon and use code DRMEGPOD for 10% off Thrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/DRMEGSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    21 m
  • Ep.282: Teen Parenting: Are You Fueling the Drama or Easing the Tension?

    Ep.282: Teen Parenting: Are You Fueling the Drama or Easing the Tension?
    Jul 8 2025

    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 difference
    • Why emotional regulation starts with you, not your teen
    • The impact of post-COVID loneliness on teen behavior
    • Friendship drama and social conflict—why it’s normal and how to guide without rescuing
    • How to talk about social media without making your teen defensive
    • Rebuilding trust after big blow-ups or boundary-crossing
    • Small daily practices to ease tension and build emotional safety


    About Sheri Gazitt

    Sheri Gazitt is a certified teen life coach, parenting educator, and founder of Teen Wise, an organization dedicated to empowering teens and supporting parents through the challenges of adolescence. With a background in psychology and counseling, Sheri specializes in emotional resilience, social confidence, and helping families navigate the often turbulent teen years with compassion and clarity. She also hosts workshops and speaks nationally on teen mental health, friendship dynamics, and parent-teen communication.


    Resources & Links:

    • Learn more about Sheri Gazitt and Teen Wise → https://www.teenwiseseattle.com
    • Coaching and parenting tools with Dr. Meg Meeker → https://meekerparenting.com
    • Join Dr. Meg’s community → https://linktr.ee/meekerparenting


    Sponsored by:

    • Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg (code DRMEG)
    • Rula – Licensed therapy for as little as $15/session with insurance. Visit rula.com/drmeg to get started
    • K12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12 at K12.com/DRMEG
    • Fam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids using this therapist-designed card deck. Search famgabs on Amazon and use code DRMEGPOD for 10% off
    • Thrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/DRMEG


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    36 m
  • Ep. 281: Keeping Kids Safe in the Age of AI

    Ep. 281: Keeping Kids Safe in the Age of AI
    Jun 24 2025

    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.

    🎉 Join Our New Parenting Community — FREE! Get access to webinars, mini-courses, exclusive content, a private forum to connect with other parents, and so much more. Start parenting with more confidence and real support: 👉⁠ ⁠meekerparenting.com⁠


    Our Guest:

    Leslie Tyler is the Director of Parent Education at Pinwheel and a leading voice in children’s digital wellness. A mom of two teens and an expert in ed-tech and online safety, she collaborates with researchers at the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital to help parents raise tech-smart kids in a screen-heavy world.

    Sponsored by:

    • Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box at⁠ ⁠hungryroot.com/drmeg⁠⁠ (code DRMEG)

    • KiwiCo – $15 off your Summer Adventure Series at⁠ ⁠kiwico.com/DRMEG⁠⁠

    • Summer Bridge Workbooks with IXL – Keep your kids learning and loving it this summer at⁠ ⁠summerbrains.com/DRMEG⁠⁠.

    • Rula connects you with licensed therapists for as little as $15/session using insurance—visit rula.com/drmeg to get started.


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    34 m
  • Ep. 280: Let Go to Lead Better: How Biblical Wisdom Can Ease Parenting Anxiety

    Ep. 280: Let Go to Lead Better: How Biblical Wisdom Can Ease Parenting Anxiety
    Jun 17 2025

    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.


    🎉 Join Our New Parenting Community — FREE! Get access to webinars, mini-courses, exclusive content, a private forum to connect with other parents, and so much more. Start parenting with more confidence and real support: 👉 ⁠meekerparenting.com


    Our Guest:

    Mark Gerson is a graduate of Williams College and Yale Law School, and the author of several books on intellectual history, education, and biblical wisdom, including God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah Is True. His writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New Republic, Commentary, and USA Today, covering topics from Frank Sinatra to the story of Jonah. He lives in New York City with his wife, Rabbi Erica Gerson, and their four children.

    Sponsored by:

    • Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box at ⁠hungryroot.com/drmeg⁠ (code DRMEG)

    • Acorns – Start investing with spare change: ⁠acorns.com/drmeg⁠

    • Acorns Early – Teach your kids about money: ⁠acornsearly.com/drmeg⁠

    • WHO SMARTED? – A podcast that makes kids laugh while they learn. Search “WHO SMARTED?” wherever you get your podcasts.

    • KiwiCo – $15 off your Summer Adventure Series at ⁠kiwico.com/DRMEG⁠

    • Børn Shoes – Crafted for all-day support, top-quality style, and made to move with you. Get 15% off plus free shipping with code DRMEG at ⁠BornShoes.com⁠ – comfort never looked so good.

    • Summer Bridge Workbooks with IXL – Keep your kids learning and loving it this summer at ⁠summerbrains.com/DRMEG⁠.


    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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