Parenting Great Kids With Dr. Meg Meeker

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

Women today typically deal with more stress than in past generations, and often struggle to find work/life balance. What is work/life balance? Is it a 50/50 split? How do mothers today juggle all that is required of them? Christy Wright, author of “Take Back Your Time: The Guilt-Free Guide to Life Balance”, provides tactical steps to create your own version of balance – where you get to decide what’s right for you! Dr. Meg & Guest Christy Wright (Part 1) Guest Christy Wright discusses the underlying narratives that mothers deal with on a regular basis, and provides a new definition of the word, balance. She poses the question, “What if balance isn’t something that you have to do, like a verb; what if it is something you can create in your life – to be able to feel a sense of balance in an out-of-balance world?” Another word for balance can be “peace” – You can be busy, and still be balanced, and at peace. You can be confident in your choices and decisions in how to spend your time. But how is this attai

This episode features the Dad-Daughter duo, Becky Thompson and Dr. Mark Pitts, co-authors of Midnight Dad Devotional: 100 Devotions and Prayers to Connect Dads Just Like You to the Father. Men will be encouraged to learn how God is with them through their parenting journey, in all seasons of life, and will be strengthened in their resolve to become the best father they can be. Dr. Meg & Guests Becky Thompson & Dr. Mark Pitts (Part 1) Dr. Mark Pitts explains how fathering seems to have moved from being rooted in relationship and connection with their kids to becoming more of a utilitarian role – provider and protector, sans any real relationship. A father’s role is often scaled down to tasks – disciplinarian, driver, coach, homework checker, money lender. Yet Dr. Pitts is finding that more and more men desire a return to being in true relationship with their children and they want to know how they can develop a deeper connection and long-lasting bond with their kids. Dr. Meg & Guests Becky Thompson &

Children don’t often know how to voice their worries, and they may even think the things they are worried about are silly or unimportant. Today’s guest, Dr. Josh Straub, along with his wife, Christi, co-wrote the children’s book, “What Do I Do With Worry?” as a way to help parents foster emotional awareness in their kids. Listen in and be equipped to help your kids deal with worry and anxiety in a positive way. Dr. Meg & Guest Dr. Josh Straub (Part 1) If a child doesn't have the language to express what they are worried about, it can manifest in ways that show up as disobedience, anger, fear, or in other ways. Experiencing this firsthand with their own children was a major reason why Dr. Josh felt compelled to write, “What Do I Do With Worry?” While many parents focus on addressing the outward manifestation of negative behaviors, Dr. Josh explains how they can dig deeper into their child’s heart to find out if their child may actually be feeling worried – while manifesting a different, negative behavior. T

Dr. Meg has a heart to heart conversation with Ashley Le Mieux, who shares how she tragically lost three of her children – two to the foster care system, and one to a premature birth. Rising from the ashes of pain and loss, Ashley describes her journey to finding healing and transformation, and shares how you can do the same. DR MEG & GUEST ASHLEY LEMIEUX (PART 1) This episode begins with Ashley explaining how she and her husband were permanent guardians of two children for over four years, and how they were in the process of adopting when the adoption was unexpectedly contested. As quickly as the children had come into their lives, they were taken from them, literally overnight. Three and a half years later, Ashley and her husband also tragically lost a biological son. Ashley describes these heart-wrenching experiences before she and Dr. Meg dive into discussing her book, “I Am Here: The Journey from Fear to Freedom”. Key points include: What if it’s not fear? What if it’s love? Moving forward in the

Grandparenting is different now than it has been in past generations. Many households require two incomes and, with both parents often working outside the home, grandparents tend to fill the gap in taking care of the kids. While this gives grandparents a special window into their grandkids’ lives, it can be tricky in that they must follow the parameters set by their adult children in how they want their children to be raised – often different from generation to generation. Dr. Meg, along with her guest, Dr. Ken Canfield – both involved grandparents themselves – impart wisdom and insight as they share real-life experiences and discuss essential keys to help navigate the joys and difficulties of grandparenting. DR MEG & GUEST DR KEN CANFIELD (PART 1) So much of being a good grandparent is being a good parent all over again to your adult children. A strong relationship with your adult child will have a big impact on your relationship with your grandkids. In part one of this episode, Dr. Canfield, who au

Dr. Marty Makary is a New York Times best-selling author, a Johns Hopkins physician and a public health researcher. With over 250 scientific articles published, Dr. Makary was elected to the National Academy of Medicine as Editor-in-Chief of MedPage Today. Listen in as Dr. Makary and Dr. Meeker discuss the pressing issue of vaccination amongst America’s youth. The two share their professional opinions, backed by years of research, to help parents make an educated opinion that’s best for their children. MEG and DR. MARTY MAKARY (PART 1) Dr. Makary and Dr. Meeker share their doctoral perspectives on the covid vaccine as it pertains to children including: The government mishandling of vaccines Who should receive the covid vaccine The political agenda behind the mass-vaccination push The ethics of requiring an individual to get the vaccine for somebody else’s sake Misconceptions regarding masks The psychological effect of the pandemic on children BREAK MEG and GUEST DR. MARTY MAKARY (PART 2

Dave Ramsey made his first million in his twenties—the wrong way—and then went bankrupt. That’s when he set out to learn the right way of managing money and developed the Ramsey Baby Steps. Following these steps, Dave became a millionaire again—the right way. After three decades of guiding millions of people through the Baby Steps plan, Dave has released his newest book, Baby Steps Millionaires. Join Financial Expert Dave Ramsey and Dr. Meeker in an engaging conversation about finances, not only as it pertains to adults acquiring wealth, but also the importance of teaching children good money habits early on. MEG and GUEST DAVE RAMSEY (PART 1) Dave Ramsey and Dr. Meg discuss practical insights from Dave’s newest book, Baby Steps Millionaires: Discover how anyone can acquire wealth and become a millionaire Review the 7 Baby Steps and how to practically apply them Take a deeper look at Baby Steps 4-6 to set yourself on course to becoming a millionaire Evaluate your spending habits; Understand self-con