Are your parenting methods helping or hindering your child’s development?

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker, pediatrician and bestselling author, breaks down the four key parenting styles—authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful—and how each one affects your child’s emotional and behavioral growth.

You’ll learn how to identify your default parenting style, what might be influencing it (including your own upbringing), and how to shift toward a more effective and loving approach. Dr. Meeker also tackles common parenting challenges like setting boundaries, dealing with whining, and balancing warmth with discipline.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or raising teens, this episode offers a practical roadmap for becoming a more intentional, confident parent.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The psychology behind different parenting styles
• Why authoritative parenting leads to emotionally resilient, responsible kids
• The risks of authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful styles
• How your own childhood shapes your parenting
• How to set clear boundaries without being harsh
• Real-life scenarios + listener Q&A with Dr. Meeker
• The unique role of fathers in shaping secure children

👉 Join the Ask Dr. Meg Parenting Portal

Connect with like-minded parents on a mission to raise spiritually strong, emotionally healthy kids.

Timestamps for Easy Navigation:

00:00 – Introduction: Why Parenting Style Matters

00:37 – Discovering Your Default Parenting Approach

03:34 – The Four Parenting Styles Defined

04:32 – What Makes Authoritative Parenting So Effective

07:57 – The Downside of Authoritarian Parenting

10:32 – The Dangers of Permissive Parenting

13:01 – Understanding Neglectful Parenting

14:18 – Helicopter Parenting: Where It Fits

14:57 – How Your Upbringing Shapes Your Parenting

18:54 – Time to Reflect: What’s Working, What’s Not

19:52 – Comparing Authoritarian vs. Authoritative

26:02 – What Permissive Parenting Looks Like

26:42 – Teaching Kids Self-Discipline

27:15 – Authoritative vs. Permissive: The Line Between

27:55 – Risks of Uninvolved Parenting

29:38 – Helping Your Child Build Confidence

30:01 – Pitfalls of Authoritarian Homes

30:43 – Blending Styles and Evolving as a Parent

34:12 – What is “Parenting Preload”?

36:24 – Strategies for Whining and Setting Boundaries

45:31 – Why Fathers Are Critical to Child Development

47:22 – Join the Parenting Great Kids Community

Sponsors:

• Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
• Fam Gabs – 10% off conversation cards with code DRMEGPOD
• K12-powered Schools – Tuition-free, accredited online learning for K–12
• Thrive Causemetics – Clean beauty with purpose. 10% off your first order

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

Can faith and perseverance really transform a life from survival to success?

In this inspiring episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes Angela “Stikks” Adams—a single mom turned successful model and founder of the Christian Models Association. Angela opens up about her incredible story of overcoming hardship, staying grounded in her Christian faith, and choosing purpose over popularity.

From battling poverty to breaking into the modeling industry without compromising her values, Angela shares the real-life lessons and God-centered strategies that helped her rise above. She also explains how parents can pass on "God-confidence" instead of self-confidence to help their children walk in truth and strength.

If you're a single mom, a parent trying to raise faith-filled kids, or someone searching for hope during hard times, this episode will speak directly to your heart.

👉 Join the Ask Dr. Meg Parenting Portal

Connect with like-minded parents on a mission to raise spiritually strong, emotionally healthy kids.

In This Episode:

• The raw challenges of single motherhood and starting over with nothing
• How faith can reshape your identity and future
• The hidden dangers of seeking validation from the world
• Building "God-confidence" in your children
• Creating a God-honoring career in a values-challenging industry
• Practical encouragement for moms navigating loneliness, exhaustion, and uncertainty
• Why purpose and obedience matter more than popularity and applause

About Angela "Stikks" Adams

Angela is a professional model, speaker, and founder of the Christian Models Association, an organization dedicated to helping aspiring models walk in their faith while pursuing careers in fashion and entertainment. Her passion is to guide others, especially single mothers, into their God-given potential through authenticity, discipline, and spiritual alignment.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Struggling to find an apartment as a single mom

01:02 – Parenting in a world that pressures compromise

01:46 – Pursuing God-given dreams despite hardships

02:44 – Single motherhood and trusting God through adversity

10:30 – Moving across the country to rebuild a life

15:55 – Finding work and divine encouragement

17:36 – The importance of real, face-to-face interactions

17:48 – Entering the modeling world with strong values

18:03 – Avoiding spiritual and professional traps

18:50 – Staying true to God’s purpose

21:42 – Teaching children faith-based confidence

22:47 – Launching the Christian Models Association

24:05 – Why "God-confidence" outlasts self-confidence

29:28 – Powerful encouragement for single mothers

34:30 – What it means to model with purpose

Sponsors:

• Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEG
• Fam Gabs – 10% off conversation cards with code DRMEGPOD
• K12-powered Schools – Tuition-free, accredited online learning for K–12
• Thrive Causemetics – Clean beauty with purpose. 10% off your first order

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

Parenting strong-willed kids can be exhausting—but it doesn’t have to be a constant battle. In this episode, Dr. Meg is joined by Kirk Martin, founder of Celebrate Calm and host of the Calm Parenting Podcast, to talk about how to handle big emotions—starting with your own. From defusing power struggles to managing anxiety and sibling fights, Kirk shares practical, often humorous strategies to help you stay calm, confident, and connected to your kids.

You Will Learn:

• Why your calm is more important than your child’s behavior
• How to avoid power struggles with strong-willed kids
• Simple ways to lower anxiety in your home
• The difference between teaching and controlling
• Creative solutions for homework, sibling fights, and more
• How humor and self-reflection can shift the parenting dynamic

Join the PGK Community!

Looking for more support? Join our Parenting Great Kids community  where you'll find exclusive content from Dr. Meg, parenting resources, expert interviews, and a community of parents just like you.

👉 Learn more & sign up here

About Our Guest:

Kirk Martin is the founder of Celebrate Calm, a behavior training resource that has helped over 500,000 parents and teachers worldwide. He is also the host of the Calm Parenting Podcast. Known for his practical strategies and relatable humor, Kirk teaches families how to stop yelling, defuse defiance, and build stronger connections with their kids. 

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Parenting strong-willed kids

00:27 – Meet Kirk Martin

01:37 – Why parental self-control matters most

02:50 – Strategies for managing defiance

06:42 – Creative homework solutions

09:48 – Handling sibling fights without yelling

14:16 – Reducing parental stress

17:47 – From controlling to teaching

18:52 – Dealing with tween attitude

21:00 – Understanding and easing anxiety in kids

27:35 – How humor builds connection                                                   

32:02 – Encouraging honest communication

34:32 – Final thoughts and resources

Our Sponsors:

• Hungryroot – 40% off plus a free item in every box with code DRMEG
• Fam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids. Use code DRMEGPOD for 10% off
• K12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12
• Thrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order

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

Can today’s teens still achieve financial freedom in a world of soaring inflation, student debt, and housing costs? In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Rachel Rodgers, entrepreneur and author of Future Millionaires, to uncover actionable strategies for helping young people become financially independent.

From building marketable skills to encouraging entrepreneurship and resilience, Rachel shares powerful tools that empower teens to take control of their financial futures.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why the traditional American Dream is harder to reach—and what to do about it
• How to help your child recognize their natural skills and turn them into income
• The “Million Dollar Decisions” formula and why it matters
• Why teaching kids to embrace failure can lead to lasting success
• Smart, age-appropriate ways to introduce kids to investing and money management

🎉 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.

About Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers is a business coach, lawyer, and bestselling author of We Should All Be Millionaires. Her latest book, Future Millionaires, offers a blueprint for teaching teens how to build wealth, develop decision-making skills, and create lasting independence. She’s the founder of Hello Seven, a company that helps women and people of color grow their businesses and transform their financial futures.

Our Sponsors:

• Hungryroot – 40% off plus a free item in every box with code DRMEG
• Fam Gabs – Spark real conversations with your kids. Use code DRMEGPOD for 10% off
• K12-powered schools – Tuition-free, accredited online public education for K–12
• Thrive Causemetics – Clean, vegan beauty that gives back. Get 10% off your first order

Episode Breakdown:  

00:00 Introduction: Financial Challenges for Young Adults

00:56 The American Dream and Its Challenges

01:37 Strategies for Financial Independence

03:52 The Importance of Marketable Skills

05:35 Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Teens

10:21 Parental Guidance and Support

14:36 Teaching Kids About Money

18:21 Motivating Kids with Incentives

19:28 Million Dollar Decisions Formula

21:10 Teaching Kids Decision-Making Skills

24:02 Encouraging Kids to Embrace Failure

29:08 Financial Education for Kids

35:11 Conclusion and Resources

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

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.