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.

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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

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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

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• 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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

In this episode:

The life skills every teen needs before leaving home

Why failure builds independence and confidence

Communication, budgeting, and decision-making in everyday life

The crucial role fathers play in raising self-sufficient kids

Timestamps:

00:00 – Father’s Day message

Resources:

About Our Guest

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

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

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

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

In This Episode:

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

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

Sponsored by:

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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.

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

You’ll hear:

Why perfectionism creates disconnection—and what to do instead

How to distinguish healthy guilt from harmful shame

The overlooked role of temperament and trauma in parenting struggles

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

The healing power of small, intentional family rituals

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Episode Breakdown:

About Craig Knippenberg

Sponsored by:

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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.

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

Together, they explore:

Why traditional recovery approaches sometimes fall short

How mindfulness and comprehensive care can change lives

What busy parents need to know about recognizing addiction

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

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The emotional toll of addiction on parents and families

The neuroscience behind substance use and mental health

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

Practical steps for seeking help and beginning the recovery journey

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

Sophros Recovery → https://sophrosrecoverytampa.com

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

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

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

15:35 – Overcoming stigma and asking for help

18:05 – Understanding the stages of change in recovery

18:32 – Motivation, mindfulness, and internal transformation

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

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

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

28:23 – Navigating daily life while maintaining sobriety

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

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

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Do you feel like you're constantly running on empty trying to be the “perfect” parent? In this powerful episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Israa Nasir, licensed psychotherapist and author of Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More, to unpack how the pressure to always “do more” is impacting parents and their children.

Israa shares how toxic productivity is driven by perfectionism, fear of inadequacy, and cultural expectations—and how it leads to chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, and strained family dynamics. Together, she and Dr. Meg explore practical ways to break the cycle of overfunctioning and reclaim peace and presence at home.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What toxic productivity looks like in real-life parenting

How fear and societal expectations fuel burnout

The long-term emotional effects on both parents and kids

How to set flexible boundaries and prioritize well-being

Simple tools like micro-breaks, reprioritization, and self-worth reframing

Empowering advice for single moms carrying it all

About Israa Nasir

Israa Nasir is a NYC-based psychotherapist, speaker, and mental health educator. She helps high-achieving individuals overcome perfectionism, burnout, and emotional dysregulation. Her new book Toxic Productivity is a compassionate guide to reclaiming mental space and joy in a hustle-obsessed culture.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Introduction to Toxic Productivity
00:50 – What is Toxic Productivity?
02:05 – How It Impacts Parents and Children
04:31 – Parenting Rooted in Fear
08:40 – Breaking the Cycle of Overachieving
12:07 – Reprioritizing and Setting Boundaries
26:26 – Separating Self-Worth from Productivity
32:16 – Advice for Single Moms Navigating Overload
36:34 – Final Reflections and Empowering Takeaways

Toxic Productivity by Israa Nasir → Toxic Productivity — Israa Nasir

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What does it mean to parent when the world isn't built for you? Jessica Slice, author of Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World, joins Dr. Meg Meeker to share her powerful story of raising a child with a disability. Jessica discusses the myths around "perfect parenting," the societal barriers disabled parents face, and how true connection matters far more than physical perfection.

In this episode, we discuss:

Jessica’s journey to disability – and motherhood – and how she reclaimed her narrative.

The unique challenges and joys of parenting with a disability.

The critical role of community support and adaptive problem-solving.

How unrealistic societal standards impact all parents, not just disabled ones.

The importance of teaching children about disability with honesty and compassion.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Introduction: The unique challenges of parenting 00:21 – Meet Jessica Slice: Advocate, author, and mother 01:34 – Jessica's personal journey into disability and motherhood 03:12 – Parenting with a disability: Challenges and strengths 04:31 – Adopting and raising a newborn as a disabled parent 08:34 – How community and creative problem-solving make parenting possible 16:08 – Facing (and fighting) accessibility barriers in everyday life 24:04 – Why community support matters more than perfection 26:25 – Teaching kids empathy and understanding about disability 28:51 – Final reflections and words of encouragement

Jessica Slice is a disabled author, speaker, and essayist whose upcoming memoir Unfit Parent has been shortlisted for the J. Anthony Lukas Prize. She’s the co-author of several books, including Dateable and We Belong (with the late Judy Heumann), and her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Glamour, and more. A sought-after podcast guest, Jessica holds degrees from Davidson College and Columbia University and lives in Toronto with her family.

 Resources & Links:  Learn more about Jessica Slice’s book Unfit Parent → https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jessica-Slice/author/B0D96Q4KB5 

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

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