Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker

Ep. 306: Emmanuel: When Parenting Feels Out of Control


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In this Christmas episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker invites parents to slow down and reflect on the deeper meaning of Emmanuel—God with us—during seasons when parenting feels uncertain, overwhelming, or out of control.

Through reflections on Christmas traditions, gingerbread houses, and the sacred rhythms that shape family life, Dr. Meeker explores how simple rituals create belonging and emotional safety for children. These traditions are not about perfection—they’re about presence.

Dr. Meeker also shares deeply personal experiences, including a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic, where she came face-to-face with the limits of control and the ache parents feel when they can’t fix what’s in front of them. She parallels these moments with Mary’s story as the mother of Jesus—reminding parents that fear, uncertainty, and surrender have always been part of the parenting journey.

This episode is a gentle but powerful reminder: uncertainty does not mean abandonment. Even when answers are unclear, Emmanuel is present—offering comfort, hope, and steadiness to parents and children alike.


🎄 A Simple Holiday Note

If you’re still looking for a meaningful last-minute gift, the Ask Dr. Meg Community is open.

You can try it free, or gift an annual membership with 10% off using code Holiday2025—a gift that supports families well beyond Christmas.

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🎧 As Heard on PGK

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