💡 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!

📢 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!

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

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!

Key Moments

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

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

“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.

Our Sponsors:

Clear Airways, Clear Mind — Find gentle, effective relief from sinus discomfort with DeepCozy. Get 15% off all products at deepcozy.com with promo code DRMEG.

Track, Train, and Transform — The Amazfit Active 2 smartwatch blends sleek design, advanced tracking, and AI-driven coaching. Get 10% off at www.amazfit.com/DRMEG.

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.

Investing Made Simple — Acorns makes it easy to start investing with just spare change. Join over 13 million customers who’ve given their money a chance to grow. Get started at acorns.com/drmeg.

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!

Family-Centered Recovery — Equip Health offers virtual eating disorder treatment that empowers families to heal together. Visit equiphealth.com/drmeg to learn more.

Smart Money Habits Start Here — Acorns Early helps kids learn the value of money with a debit card, chores tracker, and interactive lessons. Get your first month free at acornsearly.com/drmeg.

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

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

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!

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

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:

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!

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

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!

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

Mothers often carry an invisible mental load—managing schedules, making decisions, and handling emotional labor for their families. On this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker offers practical parenting advice to help moms ease that burden and break free from the relentless pressure to "do it all." She’s joined by Dr. Whitney Casares, author, pediatrician and founder of Modern Mommy Doc . Together, they explore why emotional well-being, not productivity, is the key to happier, healthier parenting. The conversation covers actionable strategies for moms to set boundaries, reduce the influence of social media, and let go of guilt. Listeners will learn practical tools to create healthier home environments and embrace a balanced, fulfilling life for themselves and their families.

Key Moments: 

00:00 Introduction to Overachieving Moms

01:43 The Mental Load of Motherhood

05:01 Societal Pressures and Technology

06:02 The Impact of Social Media on Moms

09:38 The Centered Life Blueprint

13:56 Strategies for Managing Stress

17:23 Balancing Personal and Family Needs

22:38 Recognizing and Addressing Emotional Health

39:46 Conclusion and Resources

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

Featured Guest:

Dr. Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician, author, CEO and Founder of Modern Mommy Doc, and an American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson, who has been featured as a maternal child health expert in The New York Times, Forbes, Parents, Fortune, NBC News, ABC News, TODAY, and more.

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!

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

Teaching manners to teens might seem old-fashioned, but in today’s complex social landscape, it’s more important than ever. In this episode, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Brooke Romney, author of 52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens, to explore how modern etiquette can boost teens' confidence, strengthen their relationships, and open doors to new opportunities.

Brooke shares the inspiration behind her bestselling book series and highlights five essential manners every teen should know, from introducing themselves confidently to navigating their online presence mindfully. Packed with practical tips, this episode is a must-listen for parents looking to raise socially savvy and emotionally intelligent kids.

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

Featured Guest:

Brooke Romney, bestselling author of 52 Modern Manners for Today’s Teens, has transformed the way families approach social skills. Her practical, weekly tips help parents teach kids how to connect meaningfully with others. Follow her on Instagram @brookromneywrites for more parenting wisdom and grab her books to start fostering emotional intelligence at home.

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!

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!

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

Holiday stress is a challenge many parents, especially mothers, face each year. In this special episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker shares her personal insights to help you navigate the season with peace and joy. Instead of featuring a guest, this episode is all about Dr. Meg’s timeless advice on how to make the holidays meaningful for your family. From managing expectations to fostering deeper connections, you’ll walk away with practical tools to embrace a joyful, stress-free season. 

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

Key Moments:

00:50 Understanding Holiday Stress and Fear

01:37 Facing Fears and Managing Expectations

04:27 Tips to De-Stress Your Holidays

04:48 Shifting Expectations for Yourself and Others

08:22 Being Okay with Letting Others Down

11:52 Encouraging Kids to Give

16:43 Setting Boundaries and House Rules

24:03 Taking a Break from Stressful Activities

25:27 The Power of Prayer with Your Kids

31:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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!

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!

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

Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with former NFL linebacker and college football hall of famer David Pollack to explore his inspiring journey from professional athlete to author of the new book The Won’t Quit Kid. Pollack shares how a career-ending neck injury transformed his life, strengthening his faith and deepening his personal resilience. His story is one of perseverance, growth, and the power of embracing life’s unexpected challenges.

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

00:36 David Pollack's Journey: From NFL to Author

01:49 The Impact of a Career-Ending Injury

02:12 Faith and Resilience Through Adversity

03:33 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth

07:02 The Won't Quit Kid: Inspiration Behind the Book

09:31 Coaching and Mentorship: Building Future Leaders

10:47 Balancing Sports and Life: Advice for Parents

15:43 The Importance of Role Models and Mentors

18:02 Navigating Modern Parenting Challenges

20:29 Parental Concerns About Teen Parties

21:28 Transitioning from NFL to Broadcasting

23:20 Lessons from Early Broadcasting Career

25:47 The Won't Quit Kid: Inspiring Resilience in Children

32:42 Prioritizing Family and Faith

38:43 Final Thoughts and Parenting Advice

David Pollack, former NFL linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer, is known for his remarkable football career and 13 years as a standout analyst on ESPN College GameDay. After overcoming a career-ending neck injury, Pollack shifted his focus to inspiring others through his work with The Pollack Family Foundation, co-hosting the Family Goals podcast, and now as the author of The Won't Quit Kid. His debut children’s book, created in partnership with BRAVE Books, teaches kids the importance of hard work, patience, and resilience—values he exemplifies in his own journey. Pollack lives in Athens, Georgia, with his wife and children.

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!

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!

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