Episodios

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

    Ep, 248: Turning Tragedy into Purpose: A Mother’s Mission to Prevent Suicide
    Sep 17 2024
    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
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    43 m
  • Ep. 247: Parenting with Purpose: Nurturing Character in Kids

    Ep. 247: Parenting with Purpose: Nurturing Character in Kids
    Sep 11 2024
    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
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    42 m
  • Ep. 246: The Hidden Dangers of Screen Addiction: A Wake-Up Call for Parents

    Ep. 246: The Hidden Dangers of Screen Addiction: A Wake-Up Call for Parents
    Aug 28 2024
    In today's digital age, the ubiquity of electronic devices has become a growing concern for parents. In today's episode, Melanie Hempe, renowned for her insightful discussions on parenting, offers some stark warnings and practical advice on how to navigate this complex terrain. Below is a summary of her key points, offering a deeper look into why and how parents need to take action to protect their children's mental health and social development. 00:00 Identifying Video Game Addiction in Kids 00:20 The Importance of Limiting Internet Access 00:38 The Role of Parents in Teaching Values 01:00 The Dangers of Small Screens and Pornography 01:26 Benefits of Reducing Screen Time 01:50 Encouragement for Parents 02:14 Long-term Effects of Video Game Usage The Tell-Tale Signs of Video Game Addiction 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. About our guest: Host of the popular weekly ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Melanie has been featured in Psychology Today, Thrive-Global, The Wall Street Journal, A&E Network, CBS, CNN, NPR, the documentary Screened Out, and various news and television outlets. Melanie lives in North Carolina with her husband, Chris, and their four children. They are delighted to trade wasted hours spent on screens for reading good books, spending time with friends in their home, and sharing plenty of family fun. It’s never too late to win back your kids, and ScreenStrong is here to help you do that! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 m
  • Ep. 245: Teaching Kids Gratitude and Financial Wellness with Rachel Cruze

    Ep. 245: Teaching Kids Gratitude and Financial Wellness with Rachel Cruze
    Aug 19 2024
    In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by financial expert and bestselling author Rachel Cruz. They discuss the challenges parents face in teaching their kids gratitude in a consumer-driven society. Rachel shares insights from her career in finance, her shift to educating parents, and her inspiration behind writing children's books aimed at fostering contentment and gratitude. They explore practical tips for parents to instill financial wellness in their children, emphasizing the significance of family values, generosity, and setting financial boundaries. The conversation highlights the profound impact of modeling gratitude and the joys of simple living. Key Moments: 02:52 The Importance of Contentment and Gratitude 04:32 Navigating Consumerism and Teaching Financial Responsibility 08:39 Balancing Generosity and Financial Limits 21:49 Practical Tips for Teaching Kids Financial Wellness 24:36 The Joy of Giving and Serving About our guest: Rachel Cruze is a two-time #1 national bestselling author, financial expert, and host of *The Rachel Cruze Show*. Since 2010, she has been a key figure at Ramsey Solutions, where she empowers people to avoid debt, save money, budget effectively, and achieve financial success at any stage of life. Rachel has authored three bestselling books, including Know Yourself, Know Your Money: Discover WHY You Handle Money the Way You Do, and WHAT to Do About It! Check out her new book, I’m Glad for What I Have, here. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 m
  • Ep. 244: Considering Homeschooling? What Every Parent Needs to Know

    Ep. 244: Considering Homeschooling? What Every Parent Needs to Know
    Aug 9 2024
    If you're feeling frustrated and disconnected from your child's education, despite your efforts to engage and support them, then you are not alone! Many parents find that traditional schooling systems often fail to provide the personalized attention and emotional connection their children need to thrive academically and emotionally. Join host Dr. Meg Meeker as she interviews Jennifer Pepito, a homeschooling veteran and mother of seven, who shares her insights on creating an enriching and safe educational environment. Discover the secrets to providing a developmentally appropriate and spiritually nourishing education for your children through homeschooling. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Uncover the advantages of homeschooling for delivering an education that truly matches the pace and needs of your child. Explore how active parental involvement can contribute to the resolution of behavioral issues among children. Break down the barriers of fear and apprehension. Grasp practical techniques to fortify the bond between you and your child, fostering an environment of love and respect. Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. Watch today’s episode 📺 Follow us 📲 About our guest: Jennifer Pepito is an author, podcaster, and the founder of The Peaceful Press. Her journey into the realm of child development began when she discovered her second daughter had learning disabilities. Determined to provide the best support for her daughter, Jennifer delved deeply into the field, studying under leading experts and researchers. She has successfully graduated five children from her homeschooling program, with two earning honors degrees from their preferred universities and one pursuing a Juris Doctorate. Jennifer is passionate about equipping families to homeschool in a developmentally appropriate and spiritually nourishing way, using proven educational methods. Her goal is to help parents enjoy the homeschooling journey and build connected families. Her book, Mothering by the Book, provides guidance to overcome fears and savor the joy of motherhood. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 m
  • Ep. 243 From Tragedy to Triumph: The Bronsteins’ Fight Against Cyberbullying

    Ep. 243 From Tragedy to Triumph: The Bronsteins’ Fight Against Cyberbullying
    Jul 27 2024
    In this heartfelt episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Rose and Rob Bronstein, founders of Buckets Over Bullying. They share their poignant story of losing their son Nate to cyberbullying and their mission to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak. The Bronsteins discuss Nate's relentless torment through social media, the school's inadequate response, and their journey to advocate for stronger protections for children. They emphasize the need for parent education, school and tech company accountability, and legislative reforms to combat the growing epidemic of online bullying. This episode highlights the crucial need for awareness and collective action to protect our children from digital dangers. Key moments: 02:14 The Incident: A Weekend of Cyberbullying 07:26 School's Response and Legal Battle 10:36 The Aftermath: Seeking Justice 21:46 Wider Implications and National Crisis 23:57 Shocking Cyberbullying Statistics 24:33 The Terrifying Reality of Cyberbullying 27:03 The Crisis of Social Media Harms 29:43 Practical Tips for Parents 30:15 The Importance of Community and Legislation 35:51 The Role of Technology in Protecting Kids Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. Watch today’s episode 📺 Follow us 📲 About our guests: Buckets Over Bullying is a non-profit initiative by The Bronstein Family Foundation dedicated to eradicating cyberbullying among children and teens. This sports-centric campaign was launched in response to the tragic loss of 15-year-old Nate Bronstein, a Chicago student who took his own life on January 13, 2022, after being incessantly cyberbullied and urged to commit suicide by classmates and teammates via text messages and Snapchat. Buckets Over Bullying aims to prevent such tragedies through education, legislative advocacy, and legal action, promoting responsible digital behavior and holding cyberbullies and their enablers accountable. Our sponsors: K12 Powered Schools: State-certified teachers and trained online educators. Go to K12.com/DRMEG today to learn more and find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you. Crunch Labs: Welcome to your least boring summer ever! Join us in a 12-week virtual summer camp featuring weekly videos, livestreams and mega-experiments from Mark Rober and special guests. Born Shoes: Step into comfort by visiting BornShoes.com and take advantage of our exclusive offer. Use promo code DRMEG to enjoy a 15% discount and free ground shipping on all full-price shoes. Acorns makes it easy to start automatically saving and investing for your future. Head to acorns.com/drmeg or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today! Cozy Earth: Our goal is to help you create a sanctuary within your home, a refuge from the demands of the outside world. Head to cozyearth.com and use promo code DRMEG for an exclusive 35% off. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 m
  • Ep. 242: Gain the Dad Edge: Empowering Fatherhood with Larry Hagner

    Ep. 242: Gain the Dad Edge: Empowering Fatherhood with Larry Hagner
    Jul 15 2024
    In this episode of 'Parenting Great Kids,' Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes back Larry Hagner, the creative force behind the Dad Edge podcast and author of 'The Spirit of Fatherhood.' Larry shares his journey of overcoming a tumultuous childhood with absentee and toxic father figures to becoming a devoted father himself. They discuss the complexities of fatherhood, the misconceptions men have about parenting, and practical tips for building strong connections with children. You’ll get deep and practical advice for men striving to lead extraordinary lives as fathers. Key moments: 02:47 The Birth of Dad Edge 06:01 Challenges and Realizations in Fatherhood 08:08 Understanding Men's Inner Struggles 18:49 Understanding the Father's Perspective 19:59 A Personal Story of Change 21:06 The Power of Compassionate Communication 23:43 Shifting Perspectives for Better Relationships 29:25 Practical Tips for Connecting with Kids 36:47 Final Thoughts and Resources Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. Watch today’s episode 📺 Follow us 📲 About our guest: Larry Wagner, author and founder of The Dad Edge Podcast, navigated a challenging childhood with absent and toxic father figures, which shaped his unwavering commitment to being a present and positive father. Becoming a father himself in 2006, he quickly realized that mere desire wasn't enough to excel in his roles as a dad and husband. Determined to master these roles, Larry embarked on a journey of learning and self-improvement. In 2015, he launched The Dad Edge Podcast, interviewing over 700 experts on parenting, mindset, patience, communication, and more. Now, as a proud father of four boys and husband to his soulmate Jessica for 18 years, Larry shares his hard-earned wisdom, inviting other fathers to join him in the continuous quest for personal and familial excellence. Our sponsors: K12 Powered Schools: State-certified teachers and trained online educators. Go to K12.com/DRMEG today to learn more and find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you. Crunch Labs: Welcome to your least boring summer ever! Join us in a 12-week virtual summer camp featuring weekly videos, livestreams and mega-experiments from Mark Rober and special guests. Born Shoes: Step into comfort by visiting BornShoes.com and take advantage of our exclusive offer. Use promo code DRMEG to enjoy a 15% discount and free ground shipping on all full-price shoes. Acorns makes it easy to start automatically saving and investing for your future. Head to acorns.com/drmeg or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today! Cozy Earth: Our goal is to help you create a sanctuary within your home, a refuge from the demands of the outside world. Head to cozyearth.com and use promo code DRMEG for an exclusive 35% off. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 m
  • Ep. 241: Breaking Free from Mom Guilt, a Modern Motherhood Epidemic

    Ep. 241: Breaking Free from Mom Guilt, a Modern Motherhood Epidemic
    Jul 2 2024
    Did you know that 95% of moms experience mom guilt regularly? In this episode, Dr. Meg delves into this pervasive issue with author Alli Worthington. Alli's extensive national survey on the challenges of motherhood has culminated in her latest thought-provoking book, 'Remaining You While Raising Them'. Together, Dr. Meg and Alli offer invaluable perspectives and practical strategies to help mothers break free from the cycle of self-doubt and judgment. Key moments: 00:00 Understanding Mom Guilt: A Staggering Reality 00:08 The Daily Struggle: Trapped in Self-Doubt 00:20 Exploring Causes and Consequences 00:28 Empowering Solutions for Freedom Need parenting advice? Grab one of Dr. Meg's coaching spots here. Watch today’s episode 📺 Follow us 📲 About our guest: Alli Worthington, known for her straight-talking encouragement and practical tools that help women reach their dreams in business and life, is the author of five books including The Year of Living Happy, Fierce Faith, Breaking Busy and her latest Remaining You While Raising Them. She is a speaker, podcaster, and life and business coach who launched Called Creatives, a cohort of women speakers and writers. Her guilt-free take on business, family, and balance has led to multiple appearances on The TODAY Show and Good Morning America. Alli lives with her husband, Mark, and their five sons outside of Nashville with the only golden retriever who refuses to retrieve. Our sponsors: K12 Powered Schools: State-certified teachers and trained online educators. Go to K12.com/DRMEG today to learn more and find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you. Crunch Labs: Welcome to your least boring summer ever! Join us in a 12-week virtual summer camp featuring weekly videos, livestreams and mega-experiments from Mark Rober and special guests. Born Shoes: Step into comfort by visiting BornShoes.com and take advantage of our exclusive offer. Use promo code DRMEG to enjoy a 15% discount and free ground shipping on all full-price shoes. Acorns makes it easy to start automatically saving and investing for your future. Head to acorns.com/drmeg or download the Acorns app to start saving and investing for your future today! Cozy Earth: Our goal is to help you create a sanctuary within your home, a refuge from the demands of the outside world. Head to cozyearth.com and use promo code DRMEG for an exclusive 35% off. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 m