In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker talks with Jessica Robertson about the family values behind Duck Dynasty, the role of faith in shaping their home, and the challenge of raising grounded children in a culture obsessed with fame, screens, and constant noise. Jessica shares how her family protected their marriages, children, and routines during the height of public attention, and why authenticity, forgiveness, and prayer resonated so deeply with viewers.

They also dive into adoption, identity, and Jessica’s heart behind her children’s book Dear Valor. Drawing from her experience raising Gus, her Black son adopted into their white family, Jessica explains why honest conversations about identity matter, how adoption reflects biblical truth, and why intentional parenting is essential in every season. This conversation is filled with wisdom on faith, family values, adoption identity, homeschooling, and raising grounded kids with confidence and love.

Episode Highlights:

Why Duck Dynasty connected with so many families

Jessica explains how the show’s emphasis on prayer, faith, forgiveness, and family made people feel seen and encouraged.

How the Robertsons protected their kids from fame

She shares the boundaries they set around filming, routines, social media, and keeping family life as normal as possible.

Adoption, identity, and honest family conversations

Jessica opens up about raising Gus, talking about race and belonging, and why adoption should be discussed with truth, compassion, and intention.

Parenting with presence in a distracted world

The conversation explores schooling choices, technology boundaries, support systems, and why kids need parents who stay engaged.

Encouragement for overwhelmed parents

Jessica offers practical reassurance for moms and dads trying to build strong families without doing everything perfectly.

About Jessica Robertson:

Jessica Robertson believes children thrive when parents lead with consistency, faith, and presence. Whether navigating fame, adoption, technology, or school decisions, her message is clear: grounded kids are shaped by grounded families. Parents do not need celebrity platforms to build strong homes, but they do need intentionality, courage, and a willingness to protect what matters most.

Buy her latest book, Dear Valor here.

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What if the key to a healthier family dynamic has already been read by 20 million people—but you haven't applied it at home yet?

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker speaks with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the international mega-bestseller The 5 Love Languages, about how his globally recognized framework can transform parenting.

Dr. Chapman introduces his newest book, The Love Language That Matters Most, offering a sharper, family-focused lens on expressing love in ways that resonate deeply with children and teens. From navigating teenage disconnection to fostering emotional safety, this episode uncovers practical strategies rooted in empathy, intentionality, and personalized communication.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Does my child really feel loved by me?” — this conversation is your wake-up call.

Our Guest

Dr. Gary Chapman is a renowned counselor, pastor, and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The 5 Love Languages, which has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 50 languages. With decades of experience in marriage and family counseling, Dr. Chapman has helped millions better understand how to give and receive love in meaningful ways. His work continues to shape how families, couples, and parents build stronger emotional bonds.

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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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In this insightful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Larissa May and Dr. Raghu Appasani, co-founders of Ginko—an AI-powered parenting tool designed by clinicians to help families manage screen time and support their children's mental health. As screens increasingly dominate our kids' lives, this episode offers a powerful look at how Ginko promotes digital wellness through early intervention, behavioral insight, and personalized parenting support.

Ginko is not just another screen-limiting app—it’s a clinically informed platform that helps parents understand their children's emotional state through their digital activity. Larissa and Dr. Appasani share how Ginko personalizes digital guidance, supports healthier habits, and equips families to foster stronger, emotionally connected relationships in the digital age.

Whether you're a parent feeling overwhelmed by tech, or a professional navigating the intersection of mental health and technology, this episode provides compassionate and data-driven solutions for raising healthy, tech-savvy kids.

Our Guests:

Larissa May: Globally recognized as the face of digital wellness, Larz has shaped policy and youth-centered advocacy.

Dr. Raghu Appasani: An Integrative & Addiction Psychiatrist and Clinical Professor at UCSF and Mount Sinai. Check out Ginko here.  

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Start for free today and become a more confident, connected parent.

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Smartphones and social media have radically transformed childhood. In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker and Dr. Jean Twenge explore how constant digital exposure is linked to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption in kids and teens.

Dr. Twenge shares powerful tips from her book, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World, including:

• Delay smartphone use until kids drive
• Keep devices out of bedrooms overnight
• Set daily screen limits and enforce them
• Openly discuss the dangers of cyberbullying and online content

These rules help reclaim childhood from the grip of technology.

While tech is here to stay, balance is possible. Dr. Twenge emphasizes proactive parenting—being aware, staying involved, and not being afraid to set firm boundaries.

As Dr. Meeker reminds listeners, protecting kids' mental health is worth every hard conversation about screens, apps, and smartphones.

📚Resources

Work with Dr. Meg One-on-One

Struggling with parenting challenges and need personalized guidance?

Dr. Meg Meeker offers private parent coaching tailored to your family's needs.

Learn More About Dr. Jean Twenge’s Research

Stay up-to-date with Dr. Twenge’s latest studies on technology and generational psychology and check out her new book here.

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Start for free today and become a more confident, connected parent.

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In this follow-up to our conversation on divorce and healing, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with therapist and integrative healer Dawn Wiggins to talk about what it really takes to recover from any kind of trauma — whether it’s divorce, loss, or years of emotional stress.

Wiggins explains how trauma shapes our nervous system, thoughts, and relationships — and how real healing happens when we reconnect body, mind, and spirit. Together, they unpack practical ways to calm the body, release old pain, and create safety from the inside out.

🧭 Key Takeaways

• Trauma lives in the body — and the nervous system needs to feel safe before real healing begins.
• Being present (not perfect) helps children and loved ones feel secure.
• Recognize and release negative beliefs that keep you stuck in fear or guilt.
• Tools like EMDR, somatic therapy, and homeopathy can help integrate emotional healing.
• Healing is a full-body process — involving your brain, your breath, and your belief system.
• When you heal yourself, you break generational patterns and model resilience.

About Dawn Wiggins

Dawn Wiggins is a licensed therapist, homeopath, and integrative healer who helps people recover from trauma and life transitions. She’s the creator of A Different “D” Word, a year-long healing program, and host of the podcast Dear Divorce Diary, where she guides listeners toward emotional safety, balance, and self-trust.

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💡 Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed as a Parent? Dr. Meg Meeker Can Help You Move Forward with Confidence

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose.

Start your coaching journey today

Sponsors:

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*This episode is sponsored by Dawn Wiggins. 

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Children process divorce very differently than adults do. In this episode, we explore how to recognize their pain, help them express big emotions, and avoid critical parenting mistakes post-divorce. Learn the do’s and don’ts of co-parenting, when to introduce a new partner, and why listening is your most powerful tool.

Topics Covered:

• How children's grief differs from adults'
• Emotional and cognitive responses to divorce
• The hidden pain children carry
• Navigating anger, guilt, and loyalty binds
• What not to say about your ex
• Why rushing into dating can backfire
• Encouraging open, validating conversations
• Realistic timelines for healing

💡 Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed as a Parent? Dr. Meg Meeker Can Help You Move Forward with Confidence

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose. Start your coaching journey today

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• Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
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In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado to talk about parenting peace, faith-based mindset shifts, and the concept of "picky thinking." Learn how to guard your mind, model faith for your teens, and help your children battle anxiety, negative self-talk, and social media pressures. Max shares his personal stories, parenting wisdom, and biblical insights to help families thrive in truth and peace.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why “picky thinking” can transform your parenting mindset
• How to identify and overcome UFOs (Untruths, False Narratives, and Overreactions)
• The impact of modeling prayer and emotional control for teens
• The vital role fathers play in shaping daughters’ self-worth
• Practical ways to take your thoughts captive for a calmer home

Resources:

Max Lucado’s book: Tame Your Thoughts

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💡 Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed as a Parent? Dr. Meg Meeker Can Help You Move Forward with Confidence

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose.

Start your coaching journey today

Sponsors:

• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg
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• Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
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In this transformative episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes psychotherapist and parenting coach Todd Sarner to unpack powerful, research-backed parenting strategies that prioritize connection and attachment over behavior control. Sarner challenges the traditional "behavior-first" models and instead encourages a relational, attachment-first parenting style that fosters emotional regulation, trust, and long-term resilience in children.

From exploring the root causes of conflict to rethinking discipline through the lens of unmet needs, this episode provides practical tools, mindset shifts, and actionable advice for parents navigating the complexities of raising emotionally healthy children in today's world. Todd also teases key insights from his upcoming book, The Calm and Connected Parent, making this a must-listen for any caregiver wanting to parent with purpose, empathy, and strength.

About Our Guest

Todd Sarner, MFT, is a psychotherapist and parenting coach who has spent over 20 years helping parents turn daily struggles into lasting connection and cooperation at home. He is the founder of Transformative Parenting and the author of the forthcoming book The Calm & Connected Parent: An Attachment-First Guide to Raising Resilient Kids in the Age of Screens and AI (November 2025). Blending attachment science with practical psychology, Todd offers clear, compassionate tools that move beyond theory into real-world strategies parents can use in heated moments. He specializes in working with high-achieving, thoughtful parents who often feel like they’re doing everything “right” but still experience conflict, disconnection, or digital-age pressures. Through his coaching, teaching, and writing, Todd empowers families to help their children thrive emotionally while creating more calm and connection at home. 

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💡 Feeling Stuck or Overwhelmed as a Parent? Dr. Meg Meeker Can Help You Move Forward with Confidence

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose.

Start your coaching journey today

Sponsors:

• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg
• Born Shoes – 15% off full-price styles + free shipping with code DRMEG at BornShoes.com
• Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
• IXL Summer Bridge – Keep kids learning with just 15 minutes a day. Shop at summerbrains.com/DRMEG
• Homeaglow – Get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19 at Homeaglow.com/DRMEG
• Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange

Disclosure: This episode is sponsored by Todd Sarner and Transformative Parenting. We received compensation for this interview. All opinions expressed are our own.

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In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker speaks with Ray Alex Williams, a man who transitioned to living as a trans woman—and later de-transitioned. His story offers rare, firsthand insight into what happens when someone believes gender transition is the answer, only to discover it isn't.

As more parents navigate complex conversations with their children around gender identity, this interview is a must-listen. Ray dives deep into how childhood influences, exposure to pornography, the allure of a new identity, and cultural pressures led him toward transition—and why faith ultimately led him back.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The emotional toll that transitioning takes.
• How pornography and culture distort gender identity.
• Why not every child needs immediate affirmation.
• How silence from parents can send the wrong message.
• The role of faith in finding identity and healing.

About Our Guest

Ray Alex Williams is a writer, speaker, and advocate who shares his personal journey of gender transition, de-transition, and spiritual transformation. With deep candor, Ray speaks about the psychological, cultural, and spiritual factors that influenced his identity—and how his return to faith helped him find peace. His story offers rare insight for parents, pastors, and professionals navigating today’s conversations around gender and truth.

👉 Learn more about Ray and read his writings at Ray Alex Williams | Substack.

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💡 If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to move forward in your parenting journey, Dr. Meg Meeker can help. With decades of experience as a pediatrician and parenting coach, Dr. Meg offers 1-on-1 coaching to help you build confidence, strengthen your family, and parent with purpose.

Start your coaching journey today

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