Do your kids shut down when you try to talk? In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by licensed therapist Beliza Perez, the creator of FAM Gabs, for a sponsored conversation on how to build emotional closeness through simple, intentional questions.

You’ll learn why some kids stop sharing, how to avoid parent-child communication traps, and what to do instead. Beliza shares therapy-based tools—including non-verbal techniques and calming rituals—that help parents raise emotionally safe and connected kids.

In This Episode:

• Conversation hacks that unlock emotional connection
• The #1 reason kids stop opening up—and how to reverse it
• Why "quality time" doesn't have to mean more time
• How to create low-pressure, trust-building moments
• Tools like finger mazes and prompt cards that actually work

This episode includes a sponsored segment in collaboration with FAM Gabs.

🎉 Join the Parenting Great Kids Community, where you'll find support from like-minded parents who are committed to raising emotionally healthy, spiritually strong, and digitally safe kids.

Join today at meekerparenting.com/community

⏱️ Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Welcome to Parenting Great Kids

00:31 – What kids are stressed about (but not saying)

01:10 – Meet Beliza Perez, therapist and creator of FAM Gabs

01:35 – How FAM Gabs helps spark real conversations

02:56 – Top conversation starters that work

03:51 – Parental reactions: Hesitation and surprise

05:24 – Creating safety through open-ended questions

07:01 – The therapy roots of FAM Gabs

09:10 – Using tools like FAM Gabs in real-life families

15:06 – Common issues in child and teen therapy

16:32 – Navigating personality differences in families

16:45 – Why communication is key to healing

18:26 – The creative journey behind the questions

18:58 – How to ask questions that build trust

20:37 – What nonverbal cues reveal about your child

22:27 – Why short, mindful moments matter more

24:28 – What’s next for FAM Gabs

27:33 – Using finger mazes for anxiety relief

28:57 – Where to get FAM Gabs

29:26 – Final takeaways from Dr. Meg and Beliza

Beliza Perez is a licensed therapist and the founder of FAM Gabs, a family conversation card deck that empowers parents to build stronger emotional bonds with their kids. Her clinical work and creative tools center on healing through connection.

Resources & Links:

Get your own FAM Gabs → https://www.famgabs.com

Work with Dr. Meg → https://meekerparenting.com

Our Sponsors

• Hungryroot – 40% off plus a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg with code DRMEG
• Fam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids using this therapist-designed card deck. Search Fam Gabs on Amazon and use code DRMEGPOD for 10% off
• K12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12 at K12.com/DRMEG
• Thrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/DRMEG

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When 12-year-old Harrison Haynes met a 19-year-old “mentor” in an online game, it felt like a friendship—until it turned into manipulation and abuse.

In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker talks with Harrison about his firsthand experience with online grooming, how his mental health struggles played a role, and the steps his parents took to intervene and help him heal. Now, Harrison is turning his pain into purpose—advocating for digital safety and youth protection.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How online grooming begins and escalates
• The emotional vulnerabilities predators target
• How Harrison’s parents recognized the signs and took action
• What legal and emotional challenges followed
• Digital safety tips every parent needs today

🎉Join the Parenting Great Kids Community, where you'll find support from like-minded parents who are committed to raising emotionally healthy, spiritually strong, and digitally safe kids. Join today at meekerparenting.com/community

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Introduction to Harrison’s Story

00:35 – Early signs of emotional struggles

01:25 – The online “friendship” begins

03:06 – How grooming unfolded

05:25 – Mental health and manipulation

08:49 – The turning point

12:34 – Breaking free and getting help

16:37 – Parental involvement and intervention

18:54 – Reporting and law enforcement

18:59 – Family reactions and emotions

19:32 – Reflecting on warning signs

20:53 – Legal frustrations and realities

22:02 – Coping, therapy, and healing

23:44 – Advice for today’s digital parents

26:42 – Harrison’s advocacy and youth empowerment

29:16 – Living life without a smartphone

31:20 – 5 practical tech safety strategies

35:04 – Community support and personal growth

About Harrison Haynes

Harrison Hayes was just 12 years old when he was groomed by a stranger he met through online gaming. Today, he’s a leading voice in digital safety advocacy—raising awareness about the hidden dangers of social media, gaming, and texting. Through his work with survivor-led organizations like The Wired Human Youth Coalition and his independent project, Digitally Intentional, Harrison empowers families and youth to think critically and live intentionally in the digital age.

He believes online safety isn’t just about restriction—it’s about awareness, intentionality, and action.

👉 Learn more about Harrison’s work at digitallyintentional.org

Our Sponsors

Hungryroot – 40% off plus a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg with code DRMEG

Rula – Licensed therapy for as little as $15 per session with insurance. Visit rula.com/drmeg to get started

K12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12 at K12.com/DRMEG

Fam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids using this therapist-designed card deck. Search Fam Gabs on Amazon and use code DRMEGPOD for 10% off

Thrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/DRMEG

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

July has been all about parenting in the digital age, and today we take a hard look at the dark side of school devices, emojis, and disappearing apps—with Titania Jordan, Chief Parenting Officer at Bark Technologies and a nationally recognized expert in online safety.

In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker dives into the hidden vulnerabilities that come with your child’s screen time—from unfiltered school-issued devices to the coded emoji language kids use to hide online behavior.

This conversation goes beyond app limits—it's about understanding how tech is shaping your child’s emotional, social, and mental world, and how to stay one step ahead as a parent.

📣Join the Parenting Great Kids Community

Want real support from parents who get it? Inside our private community, you’ll find expert advice, honest conversations, and practical tools to help you grow as a parent. Try it free—because great parenting shouldn’t happen alone.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Introduction: Digital parenting in today’s tech-driven world

00:12 – The dangers of Snapchat and social media

00:43 – Meet Titania Jordan: Chief Parenting Officer at Bark Technologies

01:42 – Tech overload after the holidays: How to reset your home

02:36 – How to set and stick to healthy screen time limits

05:05 – The darker side of social platforms: Predators, mental health, and more

09:39 – Titania’s personal experiences raising a digital native

11:44 – Why school-issued devices aren’t always safe

16:54 – The hidden meanings behind emojis and text codes

18:40 – How Bark Technologies helps families monitor and protect kids online

About Titania Jordan

Titania Jordan is the Chief Parenting Officer at Bark Technologies and co-author of Parental Control: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Safe Online. As a nationally recognized tech safety expert, she’s been featured on CNN, TODAY, and Good Morning America, and works tirelessly to make digital spaces safer for kids and families.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Bark Technologies: https://www.bark.us
• Read Parental Control by Titania Jordan: Parental Control | Titania Jordan
• Parenting coaching and resources from Dr. Meg Meeker: https://meekerparenting.com

Sponsored by:

Hungryroot – 40% off plus a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg with code DRMEG

Rula – Licensed therapy for as little as $15 per session with insurance. Visit rula.com/drmeg to get started

K12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12 at K12.com/DRMEG

Fam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids using this therapist-designed card deck. Search Fam Gabs on Amazon and use code DRMEGPOD for 10% off

Thrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/DRMEG

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is your response to your teen’s emotions helping—or hurting—the situation? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Sheri Gazitt, teen life coach and founder of Teen Wise, to explore how parents unintentionally contribute to the emotional “drama” of adolescence—and what to do instead.

Together, they unpack the real reasons teens act out, how parents can shift from reacting to responding, and why connection—not control—is the foundation of a healthy parent-teen relationship.

In this episode, we cover:

• Are you reacting or responding? How to tell the difference
• Why emotional regulation starts with you, not your teen
• The impact of post-COVID loneliness on teen behavior
• Friendship drama and social conflict—why it’s normal and how to guide without rescuing
• How to talk about social media without making your teen defensive
• Rebuilding trust after big blow-ups or boundary-crossing
• Small daily practices to ease tension and build emotional safety

About Sheri Gazitt

Sheri Gazitt is a certified teen life coach, parenting educator, and founder of Teen Wise, an organization dedicated to empowering teens and supporting parents through the challenges of adolescence. With a background in psychology and counseling, Sheri specializes in emotional resilience, social confidence, and helping families navigate the often turbulent teen years with compassion and clarity. She also hosts workshops and speaks nationally on teen mental health, friendship dynamics, and parent-teen communication.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Sheri Gazitt and Teen Wise → https://www.teenwiseseattle.com
• Coaching and parenting tools with Dr. Meg Meeker → https://meekerparenting.com
• Join Dr. Meg’s community → https://linktr.ee/meekerparenting

Sponsored by:

• Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg (code DRMEG)
• Rula – Licensed therapy for as little as $15/session with insurance. Visit rula.com/drmeg to get started
• K12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12 at K12.com/DRMEG
• Fam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids using this therapist-designed card deck. Search famgabs on Amazon and use code DRMEGPOD for 10% off
• Thrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order at ThriveCausemetics.com/DRMEG

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Leslie Tyler, Director of Parent Education at Pinwheel and a champion for Children’s Digital Wellness, to unpack the risks and opportunities AI brings into our children’s lives.

In this episode, we explore:

Why children are early adopters of AI—and what parents need to know.

The double-edged sword of AI as both a learning tool and a potential digital crutch.

Key risks for kids using AI, from misinformation to emotional dependence.

The role of parents in guiding safe AI usage and encouraging critical thinking.

Pinwheel GPT and other tools designed with kids’ safety in mind.

🎉 Join Our New Parenting Community — FREE! Get access to webinars, mini-courses, exclusive content, a private forum to connect with other parents, and so much more. Start parenting with more confidence and real support: 👉⁠ ⁠meekerparenting.com⁠

Our Guest:

Leslie Tyler is the Director of Parent Education at Pinwheel and a leading voice in children’s digital wellness. A mom of two teens and an expert in ed-tech and online safety, she collaborates with researchers at the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital to help parents raise tech-smart kids in a screen-heavy world.

Sponsored by:

Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box at⁠ ⁠hungryroot.com/drmeg⁠⁠ (code DRMEG)

KiwiCo – $15 off your Summer Adventure Series at⁠ ⁠kiwico.com/DRMEG⁠⁠

Summer Bridge Workbooks with IXL – Keep your kids learning and loving it this summer at⁠ ⁠summerbrains.com/DRMEG⁠⁠.

Rula connects you with licensed therapists for as little as $15/session using insurance—visit rula.com/drmeg to get started.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is your parenting stress spilling over into your child's life? You're not alone—and you're not powerless. In this episode, Mark Gerson, author of God Was Right, shares how biblical wisdom—paired with modern psychology—can radically shift the way we understand independence, fear, and success in parenting.

We cover:

The connection between parental stress and children's anxiety

How ancient stories like Isaac’s birth and Joseph’s rise can transform your parenting style

The myth of “stranger danger” and how it fuels fear-based parenting

Why celebrating your child's independence can relieve your stress

How trusting God’s plan reduces anxiety and promotes joyful parenting

Mark helps us reframe stress, fear, and control through a lens of faith, confidence, and wisdom—so we can raise kids who thrive, not just survive.

🎉 Join Our New Parenting Community — FREE! Get access to webinars, mini-courses, exclusive content, a private forum to connect with other parents, and so much more. Start parenting with more confidence and real support: 👉 ⁠meekerparenting.com

Our Guest:

Mark Gerson is a graduate of Williams College and Yale Law School, and the author of several books on intellectual history, education, and biblical wisdom, including God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah Is True. His writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New Republic, Commentary, and USA Today, covering topics from Frank Sinatra to the story of Jonah. He lives in New York City with his wife, Rabbi Erica Gerson, and their four children.

Sponsored by:

Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box at ⁠hungryroot.com/drmeg⁠ (code DRMEG)

Acorns – Start investing with spare change: ⁠acorns.com/drmeg⁠

Acorns Early – Teach your kids about money: ⁠acornsearly.com/drmeg⁠

WHO SMARTED? – A podcast that makes kids laugh while they learn. Search “WHO SMARTED?” wherever you get your podcasts.

KiwiCo – $15 off your Summer Adventure Series at ⁠kiwico.com/DRMEG⁠

Børn Shoes – Crafted for all-day support, top-quality style, and made to move with you. Get 15% off plus free shipping with code DRMEG at ⁠BornShoes.com⁠ – comfort never looked so good.

Summer Bridge Workbooks with IXL – Keep your kids learning and loving it this summer at ⁠summerbrains.com/DRMEG⁠.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special Father’s Day episode, Dr. Meg Meeker talks with Rob Finlay, author of Hey Dad, Everything You Should Have Learned About Life but Didn’t. They dive into how parents—especially dads—can raise kids who are prepared for real-world responsibilities.

In this episode:

The life skills every teen needs before leaving home

Why failure builds independence and confidence

Communication, budgeting, and decision-making in everyday life

The crucial role fathers play in raising self-sufficient kids

Timestamps:

00:00 – Father’s Day message

Resources:

About Our Guest

Rob Finlay is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, entrepreneur, speaker, and father of four. He has built and sold multiple companies, with deep experience in commercial real estate, finance, and leadership. His latest book, Hey Dad: Everything You Should’ve Learned About Life (But Didn’t) (released April 29, 2025), offers practical life-skills guidance for young adults—covering topics like budgeting, job hunting, home maintenance, and communication—with real-world insights and expert interviews. You can learn more about Rob, his work, and his books at his official website: robfinlay.com

Sponsors:

DeepCozy – 15% off at deepcozy.com with code DRMEG
Amazfit Active 2 – 10% off at amazfit.com/DRMEG
Hungryroot – 40% off plus a free item at hungryroot.com/drmeg with code DRMEG
Acorns – Start saving at acorns.com/drmeg
Acorns Early – Teach kids about money at acornsearly.com/drmeg
Heat Holders® – 15% off at heatholders.com with code DRMEG
Equip Health – Virtual eating disorder care at equip.health.com/drmeg

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when a high-achieving, all-American girl is silently battling depression? In this powerful episode, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Allie Marie Smith, life coach, speaker, and author of Social Media Reset, to explore how the pressure to be perfect—and the influence of social media—nearly led her to end her life.

Allie shares her story of growing up in Silicon Valley, struggling with hidden sadness from a young age, and reaching a breaking point as a teen. She opens up about the moment that changed everything near the Golden Gate Bridge, her journey back to mental health through faith, and how stepping away from social media helped her reclaim her joy.

As summer begins and screen time skyrockets, this episode offers an honest and hopeful conversation about the emotional impact of social media on kids and teens—and how families can move toward healing, connection, and purpose.

In This Episode:

Join Our New Parenting Community — FREE! Get access to webinars, mini-courses, exclusive content, a private forum to connect with other parents, and so much more. Start parenting with more confidence and real support: ⁠meekerparenting.com⁠

Allie Marie Smith is the author of Social Media Reset: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Unplug, Reconnect with God, and Reclaim Your Joy and founder of Wonderfully Made, a faith-based nonprofit equipping girls and women with resources for mental health, identity, and purpose. Her mission is to help young people break free from the pressure of perfection and discover their God-given worth.

Sponsored by:

Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box at ⁠hungryroot.com/drmeg⁠ (code DRMEG)

Acorns – Start investing with spare change: ⁠acorns.com/drmeg⁠

Sponsored by Rula — Therapy should be affordable and covered by insurance. Rula connects you with licensed therapists based on your needs—and works with over 100 insurance plans. Get started at rula.com/drmeg.

Acorns Early – Teach your kids about money: ⁠acornsearly.com/drmeg⁠

WHO SMARTED? – A podcast that makes kids laugh while they learn. Search “WHO SMARTED?” wherever you get your podcasts.

KiwiCo – $15 off your Summer Adventure Series at ⁠kiwico.com/DRMEG⁠

Børn Shoes – Crafted for all-day support, top-quality style, and made to move with you. Get 15% off plus free shipping with code DRMEG at ⁠BornShoes.com⁠ – comfort never looked so good.

Summer Bridge Workbooks with IXL – Keep your kids learning and loving it this summer at ⁠summerbrains.com/DRMEG⁠.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do you feel like you're falling short as a parent? Dr. Meg Meeker, pediatrician and parenting expert, sits down with child and family therapist Craig Knippenberg to unpack why “good enough” is more than enough in today’s complex parenting landscape.

You’ll hear:

Why perfectionism creates disconnection—and what to do instead

How to distinguish healthy guilt from harmful shame

The overlooked role of temperament and trauma in parenting struggles

Tools for single parents, and why support networks matter more than ever

The healing power of small, intentional family rituals

🎉 Join Our New Parenting Community — FREE!

Episode Breakdown:

About Craig Knippenberg

Sponsored by:

Hungryroot – 40% off + a free item in every box at hungryroot.com/drmeg (code DRMEG)

Acorns – Start investing with spare change: acorns.com/drmeg

Acorns Early – Teach your kids about money: acornsearly.com/drmeg

WHO SMARTED? – A podcast that makes kids laugh while they learn. Search “WHO SMARTED?” wherever you get your podcasts.

KiwiCo – $15 off your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/DRMEG

Børn Shoes – Crafted for all-day support, top-quality style, and made to move with you. Get 15% off plus free shipping with code DRMEG at BornShoes.com – comfort never looked so good.

Summer Bridge Workbooks with IXL – Keep your kids learning and loving it this summer at summerbrains.com/DRMEG.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when a parent, once strong and accomplished, finds themselves trapped in addiction? In this compelling episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker speaks with Nick Padlo, founder of Sophros Recovery in Tampa. A former combat veteran and addiction survivor, Nick shares how his journey through military service and personal struggle led him to create a treatment center focused on holistic healing for individuals facing both substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges.

Together, they explore:

Why traditional recovery approaches sometimes fall short

How mindfulness and comprehensive care can change lives

What busy parents need to know about recognizing addiction

How recovery is possible—even while navigating the pressures of parenting

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The emotional toll of addiction on parents and families

The neuroscience behind substance use and mental health

Why community, structure, and internal healing are key to lasting sobriety

Practical steps for seeking help and beginning the recovery journey

Nick Padlo is the founder of Sophros Recovery, a Tampa-based treatment center offering holistic care for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. A former U.S. Army combat veteran and successful executive, Nick’s personal recovery story shaped his mission to help others find sustainable healing. His work emphasizes mindfulness, evidence-based therapies, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of veterans and high-performing individuals seeking recovery.

Sophros Recovery → https://sophrosrecoverytampa.com

Join our new parenting community for free and explore coaching options with Dr. Meg Meeker → meekerparenting.com

00:40 – Meet Nick Padlo: From military leadership to recovery advocate 01:53 – Nick’s personal journey through trauma, addiction, and recovery 05:40 – Alcohol and emotional suppression: Understanding the trap 08:26 – The neuroscience of addiction and the mind-body connection 10:20 – Self-care as a foundation for recovery

14:07 – Identifying the signs of substance use in parents

15:35 – Overcoming stigma and asking for help

18:05 – Understanding the stages of change in recovery

18:32 – Motivation, mindfulness, and internal transformation

19:58 – Alcohol’s ripple effects on families and children

20:39 – Effective recovery tools: Meditation, therapy, and support

26:00 – The power of community and connection in healing

28:23 – Navigating daily life while maintaining sobriety

33:38 – Nick’s reflections and hope for parents in recovery

36:28 – Final thoughts from Dr. Meg and Nick Padlo

Sponsored by:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.