Parenting Great Kids With Dr. Meg Meeker

DR. MEG MEEKER with guests JON ACUFF Name something you want to do and then write down your first thoughts… Are they positive and encouraging? Or negative and self-critical? How we speak to and about ourselves is vitally important – not only to ourselves, but also to future generations. Our teenagers are watching us, listening to us – What we do, what we say, what we believe, how we act. A parent’s view of anything, and how we speak about it, can instill either positivity or negativity in our teens. The good news is that we get to choose our thoughts, and our words! We can choose to think and speak positively about ourselves, overcoming self-defeating thoughts, and we can teach our teenagers to do the same.    Don’t miss this encouraging episode, where Jon Acuff discusses: Watching out for absolutes (Asking yourself 3 questions about what you’re telling yourself) Disbelieving lies and embracing truth Being brave enough to be “bad” at something new Performance & Teens: Reinforcing character strengths over

DR. MEG MEEKER with guests ALYSSA BLASK CAMPBELL “Emotional Intelligence” has become somewhat of a buzzword in today’s culture. In this episode, Alyssa breaks things down to describe how emotional intelligence is based on five components: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills. “In terms of raising emotionally intelligent humans: We’re not talking about changing who kids are, but shifting how adults experience kids’ emotions.”   Topics discussed in this episode include:   ·   Finding a pause between reaction and response ·   Learning to regulate and choose words and actions wisely ·   Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation: What is driving us? ·   Why are the birth-to-age 5 years so important? ·   Why our nervous system is like a battery; it drains throughout the day & needs to be recharged ·   And more!   FROM THE PRODUCER Thanks for listening to Episode #178, How to Raise an Emotionally Intelligent Child, and for helping Dr. Meg’s parenting revolution reach more than SEVEN MILLIO

DR. MEG MEEKER with guests TOVARES & SAFA GREY With humor and empathy, Tovares & Safa Grey share examples from their own dating experiences, in an effort to help guide young Christians into developing godly, authentic and healthy dating relationships prior to marriage. “We want to reassure this generation that you are not weird and your standards are not too high simply because you choose to obey the Bible. You can date in a way that pleases God, and we are the proof that God wants to do great things in your life, and in your relationship, without you having to compromise or follow in society’s footsteps.”   Some topics covered in this episode include: ·   What is godly dating? Is dating even biblical? ·   Navigating the current “hook-up culture” / “friends with benefits” types of relationships ·   Maintaining integrity and boundaries in a dating relationship ·   Dealing with pervasive peer pressure -- both in person and on social media ·   The Non-Negotiable List & The Preference List ·   Red-flags that pare

Ask Christians what they expect to happen to them after they die, and most will say they will go to heaven. And they’ll probably say that they will meet Jesus and hope to hear Him say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” But many believers know they are not living up to God’s calling on their lives. In fact, many might even admit their lives don’t honor God at all—at least Mondays through Saturdays.     In A Daring Faith in a Cowardly World, Ken Harrison masterfully uses his stories as a Los Angeles police officer in one of the deadliest areas of the country to explain and illustrate deep truths from God’s Word. This isn’t your typical inspirational book—it’s a hard-hitting work that packs a lot of truth into an easy-to-read page-turner. Each chapter starts and ends with a gripping story that has a twist, a “rest of the story” at the end of the chapter, and packs intense biblical truth and wisdom in the middle. Are you ready to take the first step towards a more courageous and bold life lived in Jesus? In

From suspecting something was different with her son early on when he was a toddler, to researching on her own and approaching her son’s pediatrician with questions and concerns, to a formal diagnosis of autism, guest Jessica Daley has been on an unexpected journey that many parents may also find themselves facing. Jessica explains the importance of having a good pediatrician, as she shares, “Pediatricians hold the key and open the door for parents to get the resources and tools that are needed to support our children with autism, so having a pediatrician that you trust, that you feel supported by, who cares about you and your child, is vitally important to the autism journey.”  Jessica further describes her son’s individual needs, which have included speech therapy, occupational therapy and even physical therapy at times, as well as what she anticipates that life will be like going forward, as her son continues to grow throughout childhood and into adulthood. Listen in as Jessica and Dr. Meeker discuss the c

DR. MEG MEEKER with guest JESSICA BUCHANAN Jessica Buchanan had just completed education advisory meetings in southern Somalia, and was in transit to a guest house where she would stay overnight before heading back home the next morning. She was in a convoy of three Land Cruisers – armed guards in the front, Jessica and her colleague in the middle with a driver and their security advisor, and armed guards in the back. After driving 10-15 minutes, they were cut off by another Land Cruiser, which smashed out all the windows and the windshield of their vehicle. Initially Jessica thought, ‘Wow, who drives like that?’ But then she heard the crack of the butt of an AK-47 on the car hood, and realized, ‘Oh boy, something bad is happening.’   Jessica Buchanan joins Dr. Meg in this “inspirational Life” episode of Parenting Great Kids, sharing details of her harrowing kidnapping experience, and ultimate rescue, which was widely reported in the news. Jessica faced and overcame impossible odds that not only changed and a

DR. MEG MEEKER with guests BART JOHNSON & ROBYN LIVELY Dr. Meeker’s book, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, was written to empower dads to understand the invaluable role that they play in the lives of their families, and specifically, in the lives of their daughters. In her book, she explains why an involved father might be the single most important factor in a young woman’s development.  Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters was just released as a full-length feature film that hit Pure Flix on August 1. Starring in the film is Bart Johnson and Robyn Lively. They join Dr. Meeker on this episode to discuss the significance of the movie, and what lessons they have learned as parents to their own children. If you’re a parent to a child of any age, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!  https://www.pureflix.com/movie/strong-fathers-strong-daughters FROM THE PRODUCER Thanks for listening to Episode #173, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, and for helping Dr. Meg’s parenting revolution reach more than SEVEN MILLION

Clinical social worker, psychoanalyst and parent guidance expert Erica Komisar joins Dr. Meeker to discuss the alarming mental health crisis in America today. How have we come to the place where teenage boys walk into schools and shoot people? How did that evolve? What are the contributing factors to mental health issues in kids today? What are the responsibilities of parents, and what are some common mistakes that parents make regarding the mental health of their children?   The physical, emotional, hormonal and societal challenges that kids are facing today can be overwhelming. But there are things that a parent can do to help ensure a secure foundation for their children. Erica Komisar explains how parents can help their children better cope with loss, rejection, and disappointment – feelings that often lead to anxiety, depression and other deeper mental health issues. Additionally, Dr. Meg and Erica discuss the all-important topic of how we as parents must not be blind to our own mental health, and how we

Kids and nutrition – this may sound like an oxymoron! With the astounding number of food options available today, especially all of the processed items cloaked in clever and colorful packaging, designed to entice children of all ages, how can parents be sure their children are getting the proper nutrition that they need? A critical part of health and development, better nutrition is related to stronger immune systems, lower risk of non-communicable diseases, and longevity. Healthy children learn better, and kids with adequate nutrition are more productive in school, and at play. Some topics covered in this episode include:   ·   Vitamin D: Is this supplement suggested for breast-fed babies? Formula-fed babies? ·   Which supplements/minerals are most needed, and at what age should kids begin taking them? ·   Which mineral specifically helps with anxiety, and is a good source of relaxation for children? ·   What is a common misunderstanding when it comes to giving children milk?  ·   Handling the picky eater wh

DR. MEG WITH GUEST DAVID THOMAS (Part 1) Boys need to be coached in the hard work of building emotional muscles. For many boys, the muscles are simply weak or underdeveloped. But weak muscles can get stronger with work. Building emotional muscles is some of the most important, yet most neglected, work in a boy’s journey to manhood. Impacting his everyday life as a son, brother, student, athlete, and friend, these muscles will define who he will become as a husband, father, friend and coworker. Guest David Thomas shares in simple yet profound detail how boys can develop the 3 R’s (Recognize, Regulate & Repair) -- Much like a car’s dashboard, they can pay attention to emotional signals that come along, and how the proper response can keep them from facing further damage down the road.   BREAK   DR. MEG WITH GUEST DAVID THOMAS (Part 2) Helping boys find their way to the full experience of being human and being fully masculine is what guest David Thomas is aiming for in all his work. Dr. Meg and David Thomas cont

DESCRIPTION An expert on autism by life experience - having a husband as well as two grown sons with autism – and by doing decades of personal research, Jennifer Wynn Stoll joins Dr. Meeker to discuss the effects and challenges of autism, as well as Asperger’s (an autism spectrum syndrome).   DR. MEG WITH GUEST JENNIFER WYNN STOLL (Part 1) Guest Jennifer Wynn Stoll explains what it was like to find out - after getting married – that her husband had autism, and how this affected her marriage. After her two sons were born, they too were diagnosed with autism at an early age. Not wanting them to be ostracized, but rather experience a full, natural life, Jennifer set out to research and advocate for her family members.   BREAK   DR. MEG WITH GUEST JENNIFER WYNN STOLL (Part 2) This insightful conversation between Dr. Meeker and guest Jennifer Wynn Stoll continues, discussing the challenges of autism and how to better understand and connect with those who have this diagnosis.   Jennifer Wynn Stoll suggests the foll

DR. MEG WITH GUEST ALLIE MARIE SMITH (Part 1) The everyday pressures and struggles that girls and young women face, and the feeling of not measuring up, can be overwhelming. Your daughter may be left wondering: “Is this all there is? A constant striving for self-acceptance and human approval? Or was I made for something more?” Allie Marie Smith has walked the familiar road of self-doubt and depression, both as a teenager and as a young woman, and she vulnerably shares details of her journey. Now free from symptoms of mental illness, and thriving in life, Allie’s passion is to help other young women and girls know the depth of their value, giving them hope to know that they too can overcome the struggles that they are going through.   BREAK   DR. MEG WITH GUEST ALLIE MARIE SMITH (Part 2) Allie Marie Smith explains how mental health is like an onion, with many layers to it, including physiological, hormonal, spiritual, circumstantial – many factors that influence our mental health. She shares how vital it is th

DR. MEG WITH GUEST RICHARD CAPRIOLA (Part 1) Many times, mental health and substance abuse go hand in hand. Guest Richard Capriola explains how parents are often surprised when they find out the extent of either (or both) diagnosis in their teen. They missed the warning signs because nobody told them what to look for. Richard wrote his book, “The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse” in an effort to help parents know what warning signs to look for, which assessments may be needed, what the options are for treatment, and to hopefully make parents feel more confident and less afraid of the topic of adolescent substance abuse, should they need to confront it.   In this episode, Richard discusses whether some personalities are more prone to addictive behavior in children as they get older, or if every child is at risk. He sheds light on the different warning signs parents need to be looking for, as well as how to effectively deal with their teen’s behavior during substance abuse treatmen

DR. MEG WITH GUEST MAX LUCADO (Part 1) John 3:16 is one of the most familiar passages in the Bible - a verse that many may be able to recite by memory - but have you taken the time to truly ponder its great significance? In this episode, best-selling author Max Lucado joins Dr. Meg to discuss the powerful and timeless truths found within this beloved scripture. A self-described “open book”, Max willingly shares from his own personal experiences, as he addresses John 3:16 truths such as:   ·   God’s “whoever” policy ·   God’s “whenever” policy ·   The invitation of John 3:16 easily seen throughout the world ·   God is a God of love and justice ·   The question many of us ask: Can God forgive someone like me? ·   Hell: Not for those who struggle and stumble, but for those who rebel and succeed   In this thought-provoking and passionate discussion, Max describes the all-encompassing, all-inviting promise that God extends to every individual person on earth through John 3:16.   BREAK   DR. MEG WITH GUEST MAX LUCA

DR. MEG & GUEST MELANIE HEMPE (Part 1)   Join Dr. Meg and Melanie Hempe BSN as they discuss the ultra-important topic of kids and screen-time. Melanie is the founder and president of ScreenStrong, an organization empowering parents to help their children gain the benefits of screen media without the toxic consequences of overuse that threatens healthy mental and physical development. From that first feeling in your gut that something isn’t right to more obvious screen-related problems… join thousands of families who have benefited from ScreenStrong’s programs and no nonsense solutions. Say goodbye to the days of exhausting screen conflicts by learning to reset your screen habits, reclaim your kids, and reconnect your family!   (BREAK)   DR. MEG & GUEST MELANIE HEMPE (Part 2)   Join Dr. Meg and Melanie Hempe BSN as they discuss the ultra-important topic of kids and screen-time. Melanie is the founder and president of ScreenStrong, an organization empowering parents to help their children gain the benefits of s

DR. MEG and GUEST DR. JOHN DELONY (PART 1) Dr. Meg sits down with Dr. John Delony to discuss his new book, “Own Your Past, Change Your Future.” This book is about stories we have believed about ourselves for years. Stories we’re born into, stories that others tell us, stories we tell ourselves, and stories that have actually happened. These stories have informed everything about our lives and impact us physically, mentally, and relationally. Dr. Delony explains how the stories are both the problem and the solution, while pointing out that we’re never too old to start over again; and we’re never too young to get started. It’s not too late to put down your burdens, and change the direction of your life story! Leave your past where it belongs, and get on the path to healing, and living a full, whole and well life. BREAK DR. MEG and GUEST DR. JOHN DELONY (PART 2) Dr. Meg sits down with Dr. John Delony to discuss his new book, “Own Your Past, Change Your Future.” This book is about stories we have believed about o

DR. MEG & ROLAND WARREN (Part 1)    Roland shares his own story, as a son of a teenage mom, raised with three other siblings in a home without a father present. Out of this upbringing, a passion was planted in his heart, in regards to the impact of the absence of a father in a home. An absence that not only affects the children, but also the single moms left to parent on their own. If you are a single or divorced mother of a boy, you will want to listen in as Roland speaks out of his own personal experience, giving a powerful perspective of what your growing son might say, if he had the emotional maturity and ability to share what’s going on in his heart and mind.   DR. MEG & ROLAND WARREN (Part 2) The conversation continues with Roland Warren offering further guidance and wisdom to moms who want to raise their sons in a way that will help them make and keep their commitments, while breaking destructive father-patterns to become better men of character and action.    FROM THE PRODUCER Thanks for listening to

Dr. Meg & Guest Erica Komisar (Part 1)   Adolescence is typically a traumatic time, with hormonal shifts, puberty, shifting social scenes, identity formation - all contributing factors that can make kids vulnerable to anxiety and depression. And in today’s society, everything has been amp’d up, creating more stress in kids’ lives than ever before. Bombarded with increased academic pressure, social pressures, and expectations to be more adult-like earlier and earlier in their lives, adolescents are often dealing with anxieties that are above and beyond what they can emotionally handle. There is good news though! Parents can offer their children hope through being their emotional home-base. Guest Erica Komisar explains how adolescence actually stretches from age 9 – 25, giving parents another chance after early childhood to build the emotional foundation needed to become the secure home-base for their adolescent child.   Dr. Meg & Guest Erica Komisar (Part 2)   Guest Erica Komisar and Dr. Meg continue their can

Michelle Easton is the founder and president of the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women, which prepares young women for leadership in policy, civil society, and the family. The mother of three grown sons, she has hundreds of “daughters” whom she has helped launch into productive and fulfilling adulthood. A lawyer and laborer in the conservative movement since the early 1970s, Michelle worked through all twelve years of the Reagan-Bush administrations, including in presidential appointments in the Education Department. Tune into the conversation between Dr. Meeker and Michelle as they discuss Michelle’s new book, How to Raise a Conservative Daughter. MEG and GUEST MICHELLE EASTON (PART 1)Dr. Meeker and Michelle review Michelle’s latest book, focusing on:- Why society praises liberal women and disparages conservative women - The origin of the feminist movement - Nonie Darwish, a former muslum who speaks on the dangers of misogyny and abuse towards women- Kellyanne Conway’s character and the examp

After losing his son, a grieving father goes on a mission to understand teen suicide. Jason Reid uncovers painful truths about the lives of teens, the impact of unfettered access to the internet and social media, and the shocking rise of depression among America’s youth. In examining his son’s technology use, he discovered what no parent wants to find. Seeking to uncover the warning signs that were missed, he instead found ways to reverse the isolation and disconnectedness that is killing our youth. Dr. Meg & Jason Reid (Part 1)Guest Jason Reid begins this episode by describing the days leading up to his 14 yr old son Ryan’s unexpected suicide. Looking back, he realizes that there were some warning signs, but he didn’t know how to read or respond to those signs at the time. Since Jason himself never struggled with depression, he didn’t know how to recognize it in his son’s life, and he didn’t talk to Ryan about mental health because it was never on his radar to do so – in his mind, depression and suicide wer