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 performance

Individual and Family “Soundtracks”

How speaking the truth about yourself will help you speak the truth about others

Learning to be the best version of yourself – Don’t tell your teen that they can be anything they want to be.. Kids are smarter than we think and they know that’s not really true. Instead, tell them, “You can be the best You that there is.. Be the very best version of yourself!”

 
FROM THE PRODUCER
Thanks for listening to Episode #179, Helping Teens Overcome Self-Defeating Thoughts, and for helping Dr. Meg’s parenting revolution reach more than SEVEN MILLION downloads! Please subscribe, rate and leave a review for us on iTunes!
 
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Episode 179-"Helping Teens Overcome Self-Defeating Thoughts" Guest: Jon Acuff

Parents are trying to navigate children through a world they themselves don’t often understand. America’s Mom, Dr. Meg Meeker, the country's trusted authority on parenting, teens, & children's health, offers practical insights to help parents simplify. The pediatrician, mother, & best selling author engages with experts & parents to take on relevant issues, answer real questions, & provide simple hope & encouragement to every parent.

Kids & Family

In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, join Dr. Meg Meeker as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Rachel Marie Martin, an unwavering advocate for motherhood and author of the uplifting book "Mom Enough." Together, they explore Rachel's journey through the challenges of motherhood, overcoming mom guilt, navigating the pressure to measure up, and the vital role of self-compassion and grace in motherhood.
Rachel shares insights on embracing fearlessness, prioritizing open communication, and fostering understanding with our children. They discuss the delicate balance between being a nurturing parent and a supportive friend to our kids and practical ways mothers can strengthen their support networks.
Tune in for an insightful dialogue that offers encouragement, wisdom, and solidarity to all mothers.

Today’s Guest
Rachel Marie Martin believes in the power of the human spirit to overcome, to thrive and to find deep joy and because of that she pours out her heart via these platforms: she is the writer behind the site FindingJoy.net and author of The Brave Art of Motherhood (Waterbrook, 2018) and a founding partner in Audience Industries – a company designed to train and equip entrepreneurs in their ventures.

From the Producer
You're successful at work; now, let's elevate your success at home. All it takes is a coach to guide you there! Explore Dr. Meg's group or one-on-one coaching sessions today by visiting meekerparenting.com/coaching.
Watch today’s episode 

Ep. 235: Overcoming Mom Guilt: Encouragement & Empowerment with Rachel Marie Martin

In this episode of "Parenting Great Kids," Dr. Meg Meeker and Dr. Stephen Whiteside, a distinguished board-certified clinical psychologist and director of pediatric anxiety disorders at Mayo Clinic, explore the crucial topic of managing anxiety in children. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Whiteside stresses the significance of accurate diagnosis and provides practical tips for parents navigating childhood anxiety. They emphasize the idea of managing rather than eliminating your child’s anxiety, because it's a normal part of life. The conversation also delves into exposure therapy, explaining how repetitive practice in confronting anxiety can boost confidence and reduce its impact.
Dr. Whiteside emphasizes how parents can take an active role in how their children deal with anxiety in a therapeutic setting and participate in post-practice discussions to reinforce learning and instill confidence. This unique approach ensures that both the child and the parent can handle anxiety-inducing situations at home independently.
In this episode, you will be able to:

Understand the signs and symptoms of childhood anxiety to provide better support for your child.

Learn about effective treatment options for childhood anxiety and OCD.

Explore the benefits of exposure therapy in helping children cope with anxiety.

Gain insight into identifying different anxiety disorders in children to better understand their struggles.

Discover valuable parental guidance on how to support and empower your child through their anxiety.

Explore practical strategies for managing school bullying anxiety to help your child thrive in challenging situations.


Listen Now for Expert Advice on Supporting Your Child's Mental Health

Today’s Guest
Stephen P. H. Whiteside, Ph.D., is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist, Professor of Psychology at Mayo Clinic, and Director of the Pediatric Anxiety Disorders Program there. With a BA in Psychology from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kentucky, he's dedicated to enhancing access to evidence-based care for pediatric anxiety disorders and OCD. Whiteside, the author of "Mayo Clinic Anxiety Coach: A Parent’s Guide to Treating Childhood Anxiety and OCD," has secured research funding from notable institutions like the National Institutes of Health and has published over 80 scientific articles, including co-authored books on exposure therapy.

Our Sponsors
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From the Producer
You're successful at work; now, let's elevate your success at home. All it takes is a coach to guide you there! Explore Dr. Meg's group or one-on-one coaching sessions today.
Watch today’s episode 

Ep. 234: Empowering parents to understand and navigate childhood anxiety with Dr. Stephen Whiteside

In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Brooke Romney, author of "52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens." They explore the critical role of teaching etiquette and interpersonal skills to children. Brooke discusses the inspiration behind her passion for manners, derived from observing both socially adept and challenged youngsters. They delve into how mastering etiquette boosts a child's self-esteem and enriches their relationships. They also discuss the importance of parents modeling respectful behavior to instill these values in their children. The episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life examples that demonstrate the value of manners. Essential listening for parents, this podcast offers practical strategies to nurture children’s social and emotional growth!

Today’s Guest
Brooke Romney is a writer, speaker and leader of an online community who helps moms of teens and tweens create meaningful, healthy and enjoyable relationships with their children through practical application, education and community. Her goal is for every family to feel confident and connected. The mother of four boys ages tween to adult, Brooke knows parenting perfection isn’t real and takes an honest and hopeful approach with her audience. Her best-selling book 52 Modern Manners for Today’s Teens (Volumes 1 & 2) provides weekly tips to help parents and teens navigate the complexities of today’s world. The follow-up, 52 Modern Manners for Kids, will feature tips for kids and tweens aged four to 12 and is set to release this August. Brooke's work has been featured in The Washington Post, Scary Mommy and Forbes. Brooke and her family live in Utah.

Our Sponsors
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 receive free ground shipping on all full-price shoes.
Whole Life Pet : Your pet can’t choose healthy, but you can! Choose Whole Life Pet for human grade, freeze-dried, nutrient-rich, all natural food and treats for your dog or cat!  
Thrive Market: Thrive Market is the customized and economical way to shop organic, non-gmo, and healthy - for you and your family. Visit thrivemarket.com/drmeg
Masimo Stork is a revolutionary new baby monitor. To learn more, go to masimostork.com

From the Producer
You're successful at work; now, let's elevate your success at home. All it takes is a coach to guide you there! Explore Dr. Meg's group or one-on-one coaching sessions today.

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Ep. 233: Teaching Teens Manners with Brooke Romney

Are you grappling with your teenager's excessive screen time and finding it difficult to limit their digital usage? This week on the Parenting Great Kids podcast, we delve deep into the challenges of teen screen addiction with Michael Jacobus, a seasoned summer camp director and the visionary behind Reset Summer Camp. With an impressive career spanning over three decades and a personal journey through his son's battle with gaming addiction, Michael is uniquely positioned to offer actionable advice and expert insights.

In a world where digital devices are omnipresent, understanding the nuances of screen addiction and implementing effective strategies is crucial for parents. Michael discusses the critical role of specialized programs, like Reset Summer Camp, in supporting teenagers to overcome the allure of screens and video games. He shares essential tips on recognizing addiction signs, the significance of timely intervention, and tailoring approaches to meet individual needs. Furthermore, he emphasizes the benefits of therapeutic activities in fostering healthier tech habits and enhancing family relationships. Tune in to this enlightening episode for practical strategies to help your teen navigate the digital world responsibly. 

Today’s Guest
Michael Jacobus is a life-long, career Camp Director and youth-development specialist. An internationally recognized author, child-development professional and outdoor education guru, Michael founded Reset Summer Camp after witnessing, (within his own family) the dangers and challenges of screen addicted youth.

Our Sponsors
Masimo Stork is a revolutionary new baby monitor. To learn more, go to masimostork.com
Crunch Labs:  CrunchLabs is a STEM monthly subscription build box for kids. Learn more by visiting crunchlabs.com/DrMeg
Thrive Market: Thrive Market is the customized and economical way to shop organic, non-gmo, and healthy - for you and your family. Visit thrivemarket.com/drmeg
Whole Life Pet : Your pet can’t choose healthy, but you can!  Choose Whole Life Pet for human grade, freeze-dried, nutrient-rich, all natural food and treats for your dog or cat!  https://wholelifepet.com/

From the Producer
Discover your vital role as a dad amidst modern challenges through our courses, shaping lasting bonds and empowering your parenting journey. Explore The New Era of Fatherhood and The Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters Playbook at meekerparenting.com/courses. 



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Ep.232: Managing Teen Screen Addiction: What Parents Need to Know with Michael Jacobus

In this episode of The Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker chats with Jennifer Wallace, an award-winning journalist and social commentator, about the impact of achievement culture on children. Jennifer shares her insights from a national survey of parents, revealing the pressure parents feel to ensure their children's academic success, and the toll it takes on their own wellbeing. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by parents in navigating societal expectations and the detrimental effects of achievement culture on children's mental health. Jennifer’s findings serve as a wake-up call to parents, urging them to prioritize their children's wellbeing and connection over performance pressures.
Today’s Guest
Jennifer Wallace is an award-winning journalist and author of the New York Times bestselling book Never Enough: When Achievement Pressure Becomes Toxic – and What We Can Do About It. She is a frequent contributor to The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, and appears on television to discuss her articles and other hot topics in the news. After graduating Harvard College, Jennifer began her career in television at "60 Minutes," where she worked as a journalist for many years. She lives in New York City with her husband and their three children. 

Our Sponsors
Masimo Stork is a revolutionary new baby monitor. To learn more, go to masimostork.com
Thrive Market: Thrive Market is the customized and economical way to shop organic, non-gmo, and healthy - for you and your family. Visit thrivemarket.com/drmeg
Whole Life Pet : Your pet can’t choose healthy, but you can! Choose Whole Life Pet for human grade, freeze-dried, nutrient-rich, all natural food and treats for your dog or cat! https://wholelifepet.com/Bistro-Bowl-Cat


From the Producer
Discover your vital role as a dad amidst modern challenges through our courses, shaping lasting bonds and empowering your parenting journey. Explore The New Era of Fatherhood and The Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters Playbook at meekerparenting.com/courses.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 179-"Helping Teens Overcome Self-Defeating Thoughts" Guest: Jon Acuff

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