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

What You’ll Learn:

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

Resources:

Max Lucado’s book: Tame Your Thoughts

🎧 As Heard on PGK

Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast.

https://amzn.to/46IsRjD

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

📩 Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter:

https://bit.ly/46G4Niw

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

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

Start your coaching journey today

Sponsors:

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

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

In this transformative episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes psychotherapist and parenting coach Todd Sarner to unpack powerful, research-backed parenting strategies that prioritize connection and attachment over behavior control. Sarner challenges the traditional "behavior-first" models and instead encourages a relational, attachment-first parenting style that fosters emotional regulation, trust, and long-term resilience in children.

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

About Our Guest

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

🎧 As Heard on PGK

Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast.

https://amzn.to/46IsRjD

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

📩 Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter:

https://bit.ly/46G4Niw

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

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

Start your coaching journey today

Sponsors:

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

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

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

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

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

What You'll Learn in This Episode

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

About Our Guest

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

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

🎧 As Heard on PGK

Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast.

https://amzn.to/46IsRjD

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

📩 Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter:

https://bit.ly/46G4Niw

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

Start your coaching journey today

Sponsors:

• 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
• Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange
• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg

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

In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Tia Slightman to explore the "why" behind your child's behavior. Together, they provide simple, effective strategies for disciplining with love and respect—without power struggles or emotional explosions.

You’ll learn how your own personality influences your discipline style, how to set firm boundaries, and how to stay calm even when your child isn’t. They also dive into the Behavior Needs Roadmap, helping you handle challenging behaviors with confidence. Plus, there's encouragement for single parents and those navigating trauma recovery with children.

Whether you're parenting a strong-willed child or just tired of yelling, this episode offers hope—and real tools you can use today.

Tia Slightman is a parenting strategist and creator of the Behavior Needs Roadmap. She helps parents decode their child’s behavior and discipline with empathy and consistency. Learn more at www.tiaslightman.com.

As Heard on PGK

Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast.

https://amzn.to/46IsRjD

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter:

https://bit.ly/46G4Niw

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

Start your coaching journey today

Sponsors:

• 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
• Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange
• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg

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

From finding joy in small, everyday moments to leveraging technology as a tool for inspiration, this episode offers practical advice for overwhelmed parents and emphasizes how awe can be a protective emotional anchor in today’s chaotic world.

Whether it's watching clouds, taking in art, or sharing a heartfelt show like Carl the Collector, you’ll walk away with actionable tips and renewed inspiration to reconnect with your child through the lens of wonder.

About Our Guest: Deborah Farmer Kris

Deborah Farmer Kris is a parenting journalist, education columnist, and child development expert with a deep passion for helping families rediscover joy and connection. She is a columnist for PBS KIDS for Parents and the founder of Parenthood365, where she offers practical resources to help parents navigate the beautiful (and messy) moments of everyday life. Deborah is also an educational consultant and frequent speaker on how to cultivate awe, resilience, and curiosity in children.

Resources:

Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive (Free Spirit Parenting™) – Paperback, May 27, 2025

👉 https://amzn.to/4ozm1EH

As Heard on PGK

Check out other books we've talked about on the podcast.

https://amzn.to/46IsRjD

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Subscribe to the Parenting Great Kids Newsletter:

https://bit.ly/46G4Niw

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

Start your coaching journey today

From finding joy in small, everyday moments to leveraging technology as a tool for inspiration, this episode offers practical advice for overwhelmed parents and emphasizes how awe can be a protective emotional anchor in today’s chaotic world.

Whether it's watching clouds, taking in art, or sharing a heartfelt show like Carl the Collector, you’ll walk away with actionable tips and renewed inspiration to reconnect with your child through the lens of wonder.

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
• Listen to Aidee, "Nothing Rhymes With Orange": https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange
• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg

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

In Part 2 of this live series, Meg returns with practical solutions for one of the biggest challenges facing today’s families: protecting kids from online porn and predators. If Part 1 opened your eyes to the harsh reality, Part 2 arms you with real tools, proven strategies, and powerful conversations that can help you take back control.

Join Meg as she unpacks:

• How predators target kids through popular apps and games
• Why delaying internet access might be the best parenting move you make
• The best parental control software (like BARK and Screen Strong)
• The safest starter devices for kids (Gab Watch and beyond)
• How to open conversations about sex, privacy, and online dangers with your child
• How to monitor devices without breaking trust

This episode is filled with hope, empowerment, and practical tactics you can start using today. Don't miss this vital continuation of the conversation every parent needs to hear.

👉 Want all the resources mentioned in today’s episode?

Sign up here to get the full guide.

💬 Need help applying this to your family?

Book a coaching session with Meg today.

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
•  Listen to Aidee, “Nothing Rhymes With Orange”: https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange  
• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg

Tags: Pornography, Screens, Social Media, Online Safety, Parenting Styles, Sexual Abuse, Mental Health, Self Esteem, Child Development, Time Management

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

In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with journalist and author Leland Vittert, who shares his compelling journey growing up on the autism spectrum. From enduring bullying to discovering his voice through writing, Leland opens up about the key role his father played in his development and how perseverance and unconditional support changed the trajectory of his life.

Leland’s memoir, Born Lucky, chronicles his experience navigating the world with neurodiversity, the impact of an autism diagnosis, and the emotional highs and lows of childhood. This episode is a message of hope for parents raising neurodiverse children, reminding us that persistence, trust, and love truly matter.

Key Themes:

• The emotional and social challenges of growing up autistic
• The long-term effects of bullying
• Why early diagnosis and support matter
• The powerful role of a present and engaged parent
• Learning social skills and resilience in real life

📘 Learn more about Leland Vittert’s book Born Lucky: https://amzn.to/42Ae4X8

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

📢 Join the Ask Dr. Meg Parenting Portal for exclusive content, expert-led courses, and tools to help you parent with confidence.

Sign up here for the free webinar: Protecting Your Kids from Pornography, Part 2:

What You Can Do.

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
•  Listen to Aidee, “Nothing Rhymes With Orange”: https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange  
• Rula makes quality mental healthcare accessible and affordable—matching you with licensed therapists who accept your insurance, often with appointments as soon as tomorrow. Get started at Rula.com/drmeg

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

In You Can’t Teach Calm If You Can’t Be Calm, Dr. Meg Meeker welcomes guests Kahlila Robinson and Sarah Gerstenzang, co-authors of The Self-Regulation Workbook for Children Ages 5 to 8. Together, they unpack how parental self-regulation plays a crucial role in helping children build emotional resilience and develop lifelong emotional skills.

This episode dives into why your own calm sets the tone for your child’s behavior, especially when dealing with post-COVID stress, emotional outbursts, or peer conflicts. Kahlila and Sarah share practical, science-backed tools to help parents recognize emotional contagion, model regulation, and foster secure attachments.

Whether you're managing meltdowns or building daily routines with intention, this conversation reminds us: you can’t teach calm if you can’t be calm yourself.

👉Want personalized guidance from Dr. Meg?

If you're struggling to stay calm in the chaos of parenting—or just want expert advice tailored to your family's needs—Dr. Meg offers one-on-one coaching for parents who are ready to grow, heal, and lead with confidence. Learn more here.

🧷Links 

The Self-Regulation Workbook for Children Ages 5 to 8 by Kahlila Robinson and Sarah Gerstenzang

https://amzn.to/4gLC8fq

Meg's Amazon Favs

https://amzn.to/42QT3re

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

📌 Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Parenting Challenges

00:33 – Launch of the Self-Regulation Workbook

01:26 – Why Parental Self-Regulation is Key

02:40 – Staying Calm in Heated Moments

05:29 – How Emotions Transfer Between Parent & Child

08:31 – Addressing Post-COVID Anxiety in Kids

11:08 – Helping Kids Develop Emotional Awareness

12:34 – Simple De-Escalation Tools for Parents

17:44 – Matching Strategies to Different Child Personalities

18:37 – Connection-Based Discipline

21:28 – Children’s Core Emotional Needs

23:31 – Teaching Kids to Cope with Stress

25:15 – Managing Peer Conflict and Social Stress

28:30 – Healing Emotional Wounds in Childhood

30:50 – Balancing Work, Stress & Parenting

36:14 – Final Thoughts & Resources

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
•  Listen to Aidee, “Nothing Rhymes With Orange”: https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange  

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

In this compelling episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Dr. Gertrude Lyons, TEDx speaker, parenting coach, and author of the upcoming book Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust. Together, they explore how outdated beliefs around motherhood continue to shape women's emotional lives—and how to break free from them.

They discuss how emotional suppression, lack of boundaries, and perfectionism are robbing mothers of joy. Dr. Lyons challenges moms to prioritize their emotional wellness, set healthy boundaries, and reclaim their identity so they can raise emotionally resilient kids.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why self-sacrifice is not the gold standard of parenting
• How generational parenting patterns shape today's mothers
• Why self-care is essential—not selfish
• Tools for rewriting the "mother code"
• How emotional intelligence starts with you
• The link between maternal burnout and child development

Guest:

Dr. Gertrude Lyons – TEDx speaker, author, transformational coach

Visit: drgertrudelyons.com

 Never Miss an Event – Subscribe to our mailing list for live event invites, new episode alerts, and weekly parenting wisdom.

👉 Join Our Mailing List

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
•  Listen to Aidee, “Nothing Rhymes With Orange”: https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange  

Ask Dr. Meg Community – Get direct access to live Q&As, exclusive content, and a tribe of intentional parents.

👉 Home - Meeker Parenting

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

Is pornography hijacking your child’s brain?

In this essential episode of Parenting Great Kids with Dr. Meg Meeker, Dr. Meg sits down with Parker Hymas, Director of Public Outreach at Fight The New Drug, to expose the growing threat pornography poses to kids and teens in today’s digital-first world.

📊 First exposure happens as early as age 9.

🧠 Discover how pornography rewires young brains and distorts healthy relationships.

💬 Learn how to start honest, shame-free conversations with your children before the internet does.

From the neuroscience behind porn addiction to tools for empowering your family, Parker Hymas shares evidence-based insights and real-life solutions every parent needs.

In this episode, we cover:

• The alarming rise in early exposure to pornography
• What porn does to the developing brain—based on science
• The mental and relational fallout of chronic porn use
• Debunking the myth of “harmless” pornography
• How to talk to your kids about porn without shame or fear
• Actionable resources from Fight The New Drug to protect your family

Our Guest:

Parker Hymas is the Director of Public Outreach at Fight the New Drug, a non-religious, non-legislative nonprofit raising awareness about the harmful effects of pornography. Through science, personal stories, and engaging presentations, Parker equips parents, educators, and communities with tools to understand how porn impacts the brain, relationships, and society. 

📬 Never Miss an Event – Subscribe to our mailing list for live event invites, new episode alerts, and weekly parenting wisdom.

👉 Join Our Mailing List

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
•  Listen to Aidee, “Nothing Rhymes With Orange”: https://platoon.lnk.to/nothing-rhymes-with-orange  

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