Can allowing teens to drink at home teach them responsible alcohol use? Dr. Claudia Black, a leading expert in teen substance abuse and addiction, reveals why this approach may actually encourage drinking outside the home.

In this episode, we discuss:

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Introduction: The debate on responsible teen drinking

00:21 – Meet Dr. Claudia Black: Expert insights on addiction and family dynamics

01:15 – What really drives teenage drinking?

02:12 – Peer pressure vs. parental influence: Which matters more?

11:28 – The hidden traumas behind substance use (bullying, loss, anxiety)

19:43 – How to talk to your teen about alcohol

24:04 – Recognizing warning signs and taking action

31:40 – Prevention, boundaries, and positive family rituals

About Dr. Claudia Black

Dr. Claudia Black, Ph.D., is a pioneering addiction specialist, author, and speaker known for her groundbreaking work on family systems and substance abuse. As the Clinical Architect of the Claudia Black Center for Young Adults and a Senior Fellow at The Meadows Treatment Center, she has dedicated decades to helping individuals and families heal from addiction and trauma.

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Struggling with your child's sleep? In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with sleep expert Dana Obleman, founder of the Sleep Sense Program, to tackle common sleep challenges in babies, toddlers, and teens. They discuss:

If you're looking for practical sleep solutions for your child, this episode is packed with expert advice to help your family get better rest. 👉 For more expert parenting advice, visit megmeekermd.com.

00:00 – Welcome to Parenting Great Kids

00:31 – Understanding Infant Sleep Challenges

02:34 – Solving Common Sleep Issues in Babies

08:04 – Nighttime Wake-Ups & Sleep Strategies for Older Babies

16:03 – Screen Time & Sleep Hygiene for Preschoolers

23:33 – Teen Sleep Struggles & How to Fix Them

28:43 – Why Sleep Matters for All Ages

34:31 – Final Thoughts

Subscribe for more expert parenting tips!

Dana Obleman is the founder of the Sleep Sense Program, a trusted resource that has helped over 100,000 families worldwide establish healthy sleep habits for their children. Since 2003, she has provided practical, compassionate solutions through her step-by-step methods, empowering parents to teach independent sleep skills with confidence. A sought-after speaker and author, Dana is passionate about helping families navigate sleep challenges at every stage, from infant sleep regressions to teen sleep struggles.

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In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with 15-year-old Elle Liemandt, the creator of Ask Elle, an AI-powered dating coach app designed for teens. They dive into the challenges of modern teen dating, exploring how social media platforms like Snapchat influence relationships and shape teen interactions. Elle shares insights on how her app helps teens rebuild essential social skills, handle rejection with confidence, and develop healthier dating habits.

Dr. Meeker and Elle also discuss the crucial role parents play in guiding their teens through today’s evolving dating landscape. They highlight key strategies for fostering open parent-teen communication and staying informed about social media’s impact on relationships.

This episode is essential listening for parents, educators, and anyone looking to understand the new rules of teen dating in the digital age.

Elle Liemandt is a driven 15-year-old high school student passionate about using technology and education to create positive change. As the creator of AI-powered platforms Datebot and Ask Elle (iOS), she helps teens navigate the complexities of dating and relationships with confidence and insight.

✅ The reality of teen dating today

✅ How Snapchat and other social platforms shape teen relationships

✅ The biggest social pressures teens face in dating

✅ Why rejection is a major issue for boys—and how to help

✅ How the Ask Elle app supports teens in building confidence

✅ The importance of parent-teen communication in dating discussions

📌 00:00 – Introduction to the Episode

📌 00:35 – Meet Elle Liemandt: Teen Dating Trailblazer

📌 01:49 – The Reality of Teen Dating Today

📌 02:41 – Snapchat and Teen Dating Dynamics

📌 03:53 – The Impact of Social Media on Teen Relationships

📌 06:17 – Elle's Viral TikTok and Teen Dating Trends

📌 10:10 – Addressing Boys' Fear of Rejection

📌 11:17 – How Ask Elle App Helps Teens Navigate Dating

📌 17:21 – Encouraging Parent-Teen Communication

📌 23:20 – The Future of Ask Elle and Social Media's Role

📌 27:53 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Joe Hashey to discuss balancing career ambitions with a thriving family life.

Joe, a former educator turned fitness leader, shares his journey of recognizing work-family imbalance and the steps he took to correct it. After his father’s passing, he re-evaluated his family’s health and values, leading to The Strong Family Project—a structured approach to parenting that helps families:

✅ Define core values

✅ Build consistent routines

✅ Strengthen family bonds through daily habits

Dr. Meeker and Joe discuss the 7 Pillars of Personal Development, covering morning routines, family meetings, and strategies for co-parenting. They offer practical advice on child development, screen time boundaries, family traditions, and fostering resilience in kids.

Episode Highlights:

📌 00:00 – Welcome & Intro to Joe Hashey

📌 01:42 – From Teaching to Fitness Industry

📌 02:34 – Struggles Balancing Work & Family

📌 03:29 – Pandemic’s Impact on Parenting

📌 06:12 – The Birth of The Strong Family Project

📌 07:26 – Defining Core Family Values

📌 10:08 – Parenting Challenges & Solutions

📌 16:09 – Managing Screen Time & Peer Influence

📌 20:50 – The 7 Pillars of The Strong Family Project

📌 26:30 – Co-Parenting Strategies

📌 29:28 – Personal Growth & Life Lessons

📌 32:23 – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

Meet Joe Hashey:

Joe Hashey, M.Ed., is a former educator turned entrepreneur and family strategist. After earning his Master’s from Colgate University, he taught for eight years before founding a fitness company inspired by his father’s passing. Recognized as a Small Business Person of the Year in 2018, Joe later shifted focus to helping families build structure and strong relationships through The Strong Family Project.

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💡 What do adults wish they had known about teen dating? How can parents guide their teens to make healthier relationship choices?

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with team member Alexie, who reflects on 20 years of dating experiences—starting at just 15. She shares insights on relationship challenges, emotional struggles, and regrets, highlighting the impact of parental guidance and the importance of open conversations in shaping healthier dating decisions.

🎙️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ Why early dating experiences shape long-term relationship patterns

✅ How self-confidence and emotional awareness impact dating choices

✅ The role of social media in modern teen relationships

✅ How parents can set healthy boundaries without alienating their teens

✅ What every teen should hear before they start dating

💡 Want expert guidance from Dr. Meg? Click here to book a coaching session and get personalized parenting advice!

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📢 Subscribe & Leave a Review!

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review so more parents can learn how to help their teens navigate dating with confidence!

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With Valentine’s Day just behind us, many parents are reflecting on teen dating—when it should start, what rules to set, and how to guide their kids through relationships. In this Ask Dr. Meg episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker answers the most common questions from parents, covering everything from the right age to start dating to setting healthy boundaries and expectations.

She emphasizes the importance of open communication, encouraging parents to involve their teens in setting dating guidelines. Dr. Meeker also shares why she advises against high school dating due to its emotional impact and potential for heartbreak, advocating instead for strong friendships. Additionally, she highlights practical strategies for helping teens make informed choices, such as role-playing real-life scenarios and setting non-negotiable character traits for future partners.

This episode is part one of a two-part series on teen dating. In part two, we’ll hear from a young adult who reflects on what she wishes she had known about dating as a teenager. Don't forget to enable notifications on your podcast app so you don’t miss part two.

Want to work directly with Dr. Meg? Click here to book a personalized coaching session and get expert guidance on navigating your child’s journey through teen dating!

📌 00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast

📌 00:18 – Why Discuss Dating?

📌 02:12 – Should Kids Date in High School?

📌 02:29 – The Impact of Breakups

📌 03:25 – Mistakes and Risks in High School Dating

📌 04:34 – Friendships vs. Dating

📌 05:36 – Understanding Dating Expectations

📌 06:10 – The Pressures of Dating

📌 17:49 – Setting Boundaries and Rules

📌 21:54 – Setting Curfews and Boundaries

📌 22:47 – Discussing Dating Rules with Your Spouse

📌 23:26 – The Dangers of Underage Drinking

📌 25:22 – Role-Playing Dating Scenarios

📌 30:02 – Handling a Problematic Boyfriend

📌 34:27 – Building Trust and Setting Expectations

📌 37:28 – Staying Involved in Your Child's Private World

📌 40:52 – Concluding Thoughts and Professional Help

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If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review so more parents can confidently guide their teens through dating!

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“Authenticity isn’t about staying the same—it’s about being true to yourself across life’s many roles.” In this episode, media personality Jeanne Sparrow shares how she has embraced authenticity throughout her career and personal life, offering practical lessons for maintaining genuine connections. From interviewing iconic figures to navigating personal relationships, Jeanne reveals how to balance shifting roles while remaining true to yourself.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for parents and professionals, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries, listening generously, and building authentic connections that foster trust and growth.

Ready to take the next step in your parenting journey? Connect 1:1 with Dr. Meg for personalized coaching tailored to your family’s needs.

Whether you’re a parent looking to improve communication with your children or a professional navigating workplace dynamics, this episode is your guide to living authentically and fostering stronger connections.

Jeanne Sparrow is an award-winning communicator with a distinguished career in television, radio, and public speaking. She currently hosts a weekly radio show on Chicago’s V103 and the Fearless Authenticity podcast on the iHeart Podcast Network. Her upcoming book, Fearless Authenticity: Lead Better, Sell More, and Speak Sensationally, is available for pre-order (link in the show notes). Jeanne’s expertise in guiding others to embrace their authentic selves has made her a sought-after speaker and mentor.

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In this episode, we delve into the journey of sobriety with Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, author of Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want. Chris shares her inspiring story, from recognizing her own drinking problem to the pivotal moment that led her to seek help. She provides valuable insights into understanding addiction, managing family and social dynamics, and the importance of building a supportive community.

Listeners will also gain practical advice on navigating difficult family conversations about alcohol use and preventing substance use in their children. This episode offers empowering strategies for individuals and families striving for a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you’re reflecting on your own relationship with alcohol or seeking ways to support loved ones, this conversation delivers inspiration and actionable tips for embracing a sober, balanced life.

Visit us online for access to free resources and book your coaching session with Dr. Meg.

About Chris Janssen

Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, is a bestselling author, award-winning speaker, and board-certified coach with a master’s in counseling psychology. Specializing in high performers, she helps clients achieve sustainable results by combining her expertise in the psychology of success with their skills. Chris trained as a Results Coach with Tony Robbins and has been recognized as one of Brainz Magazine's Global Top 500 Influential Leaders.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Dry January and Sober Living

00:34 Meet Chris Janssen: Author and Sober Living Advocate

01:08 Recognizing Problem Drinking

02:41 Chris Janssen's Personal Journey

04:24 The Turning Point and Seeking Help

06:05 Understanding Addiction and Recovery

08:53 Navigating Family and Social Dynamics

22:30 Talking to Kids About Drinking

31:42 Preparing Kids for College

33:36 Conclusion and Resources

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Wild Interest, where the magic happens when kids run the show. Find it wherever you get your podcasts. It’s wild!

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In this episode of Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker, Dr. Meg is joined by Julie Ryan McGue—an award-winning writer, domestic adoptee, and identical twin—to dive deep into the complexities of adoption and identity. Julie opens up about her journey of growing up as an adoptee, the emotional impact of being part of a closed adoption, and her search for birth relatives to uncover critical medical history.

Listeners will gain valuable insights as Julie discusses:

Julie also shares her perspective on the generational and emotional struggles often tied to adoption, highlighting how openness and honesty can help adopted children cultivate a positive sense of self.

This episode offers invaluable takeaways for adoptive parents, adoptees, and anyone eager to better understand the dynamics of adoption.

Tune in now to hear Julie’s remarkable story and thoughtful advice!

Julie Ryan McGue is an American writer, domestic adoptee, and identical twin. Her award-winning memoir, Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging, was released in May 2021 and chronicles her journey to uncover her birth relatives. Through her writing, Julie explores the intricate themes of identity, family, and belonging, providing hope and inspiration for adoptees and adoptive families alike.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Great Kids

00:26 Guest Introduction: Julie Ryan McHugh

01:03 Early Life and Adoption Experience

02:25 Navigating Identity and Belonging

04:09 Challenges of Closed Adoption

06:38 Support Groups and Shared Experiences

08:43 Complex Family Dynamics

16:31 Cultural Identity and Adoption

21:27 Personal Journey and Health Issues

34:05 Advice for Adoptive Parents

35:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Our Sponsors:

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Wild Interest, where the magic happens when kids run the show. Find it wherever you get your podcasts. It’s wild!

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Join Dr. Meg Meeker for a meaningful conversation with Jim Burns, founder of HomeWord, on navigating conversations about sexuality with kids in today’s social media-driven world. They discuss how societal norms and digital influences shape children’s perceptions of sex and share practical strategies for parents to approach sex education with confidence and clarity. From handling awkward moments to addressing topics like pornography and sexual abuse, this episode offers valuable insights to help parents provide value-centered, ongoing guidance in a culture often filled with negative messaging.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

00:41 Meet Dr. Meg Meeker and Jim Burns

00:58 The Importance of Talking About Sex with Kids

01:24 Challenges Parents Face

03:08 Church and Sexuality

04:13 Cultural Influences on Sexuality

06:38 Effective Communication Strategies

22:49 Addressing Pornography and Its Impact

32:08 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

Need parenting help? Grab a coaching spot with Dr. Meg Meeker!

Featured Guest:

Jim Burns, founder of HomeWord, is a global speaker and author with over 3 million resources published in 20+ languages. His HomeWord with Jim Burns podcast is available on major platforms, focusing on strong marriages, confident parenting, empowered kids, and healthy leadership. Some of his best-known books include Doing Life With Your Adult Children and Confident Parenting. Jim lives in Southern California with his wife, Cathy, their three daughters, three sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

Our Sponsors:

Stay warm this season with Heat Holders®—from thermal socks to cozy hats, gloves, and layers, they’ve got you covered. Get 15% off at heatholders.com with code “DRMEG” and free shipping on orders over $25!

Hungryroot is your personal shopper and nutritionist combined, making healthy eating easy and stress-free. Get 40% off your first box, plus enjoy a free item in every box for life! Visit Hungryroot.com/drmeg and use code DRMEG to claim this exclusive offer.

Breathe easier, live better with AirDoctor! Head to airdoctorpro.com, use promo code DRMEG, and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers!                                     

Clear hormonal & cystic acne with no side effects with Phyla Biotics. Enter code DRMEEKER at checkout and start your journey to healthier skin.

Build a better you, one brick at a time with Field of Greens. No extracts, no lab-made stuff, just whole, organic fruits and vegetables. Visit fieldofgreens.com and use promo code DRMEG for free rush shipping and 15% off your first order.

Start saving and investing for your future with Acorns—visit acorns.com/drmeg or download the app today!

Wild Interest, where the magic happens when kids run the show. Find it wherever you get your podcasts. It’s wild!

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