Humans love and connect through storytelling, especially kids. In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Andrew Peterson, an award-winning singer, songwriter, and the author of the Wing Feather Saga. Andrew shares his journey from aspiring author to accomplished musician, and how reading the Narnia books with his kids inspired him to write his own captivating stories. His intentional approach to leaving room for hope and imagination in his storytelling, drawing from his Christian faith, offers valuable insights for parents who are seeking to cultivate a love for reading and creativity in their own children.

TODAY’S GUEST:

For more than twenty years now, Andrew Peterson has been about the business of quietly changing lives in four-minute increments. In the city of Nashville where music is an industry in the same way fast food, generic greeting cards, and bumper stickers are industries, Peterson has forged his own path, refusing the artistic compromises that so often come with chasing album sales and radio singles and creating instead a long line of songs that ache with sorrow, joy and integrity, and that are, at the end of the day, part of a real, ongoing, human conversation. 

Andrew is also the award-winning author of The Wingfeather Saga, a four-book fantasy adventure series for young people, described as The Princess Bride meets The Lord of the Rings. The books have been re-released as collectible hardcover editions through Penguin Random House in 2020, and production is underway on the first season of the animated series through Angel Studios (The Chosen), set to release in 2022.

Andrew and his wife, Jamie, have been married for over 24 years and have three children, Aedan, Asher, and Skye. In his spare time Andrew keeps bees, builds dry stack stone walls, gardens, draws, and sleeps.

One of the most important gifts you can give your child is a love for literature. As parents, we play a vital role in fostering a love for stories that can shape our children's outlook on life and inspire them to dream big. Andrew shares how the power of storytelling can ignite your child's imagination and cultivate hope.

In this episode, you will learn how to:

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FROM THE PRODUCER

Discover "How to Talk to Your Kids About Puberty & Sex" – a vital resource for parents with children aged 8 to 18. Equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to have these essential conversations. Visit meekerparenting.com/courses to learn more. Get social with us and take advantage of other resources here. 

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If your kids play sports, there are some fundamental values and life lessons they can gain from them. This week Coach Denny Duron joins Dr. Meg Meeker to share his unique journey in sports and the profound impact of instilling values, teaching life lessons, and fostering personal growth in youth sports. He emphasizes that success in sports goes beyond winning on the field and highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for children to thrive. 

TODAY’S GUEST:

Denny Duron, a football coach, pastor, leadership coach, and speaker, is the guest on this episode of Parenting Great Kids. With his involvement in Meeker Parenting, a nonprofit organization with diverse outreach programs, Denny has a wealth of experience in instilling values in youth sports. His story and the Evangel Christian Academy's football program are the subjects of the Docuseries God Family Football. Denny's background in film, music, and innovation has earned him awards and patents, adding credibility to his insights on the topic. In this episode, he joins Dr. Meg Meeker to discuss the importance of instilling values in youth sports and how it contributes to character development and personal growth in children. Prepare to gain valuable knowledge and practical tips from Denny's expertise in this field.

Whether it's teamwork, perseverance, or sportsmanship, the skills learned on the playing field extend far beyond the game itself. It's not just about winning or losing, but about instilling strong values and helping them become well-rounded individuals. Discover how youth sports can be a catalyst for personal growth and character development.

In this episode, you will learn how to:

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FROM THE PRODUCER

Discover "How to Talk to Your Kids About Puberty & Sex" – a vital resource for parents with children aged 8 to 18. Equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to have these essential conversations. Visit meekerparenting.com/courses to learn more. Get social with us and take advantage of other resources here. 

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In our efforts to protect and shield our kids from the pain and discomfort of this world, we inadvertently can make them be more codependent and fearful instead of resilient. Dr. Jonathan DePierro joins Dr. Meeker to discuss the power of resilience. Dr. Jonathan DePierro shares powerful strategies for building resilience, even in the face of unforeseen adversity and chaos.

It may sound counterintuitive but our constant rescue missions and avoidance tactics are unintentionally hindering our children’s growth and ability to bounce back. 

In the face of relentless bullying, Dr. Jonathan DePierro's childhood seemed destined for darkness. But hidden within the shadows of his past lies a remarkable twist, a glimmer of hope that defies all odds. Listen to discover the secrets to raising resilient kids and how to empower them to face adversity head-on.

In this episode, you will learn how to:

• Build Resilience in Children: Discover practical strategies to help your children develop resilience skills and thrive in the face of life's challenges.

• Importance of Social Support: Learn how fostering a strong network of social support can enhance your child's resilience and provide them with the support they need during difficult times.

• Foster Curiosity for Resilience: Explore the power of curiosity in building resilience and discover techniques to encourage your child's natural curiosity, helping them to develop a resilient mindset.

• The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex: Understand how the prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in building resilience and learn strategies to strengthen this executive functioning area of your child's brain.

• Addressing Mental Health Misconceptions: Gain insights into common misconceptions surrounding mental health in children and ensure you have accurate information to support your child's emotional well-being.

TODAY’S GUEST:

Dr. DePierro is a seasoned clinical psychologist renowned for his expertise in psychological resilience and the therapeutic intervention of trauma-related mental health conditions. As an esteemed Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, he also serves as the Associate Director of Mount Sinai's Center for Stress, Resilience, and Personal Growth. Follow him @jon_m_depierro.

FROM THE PRODUCER

Discover "How to Talk to Your Kids About Puberty & Sex" – a vital resource for parents with children aged 8 to 18. Equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to have these essential conversations. Visit meekerparenting.com/courses to learn more. Get social with us and take advantage of other resources here. 

OUR SPONSORS:

skylightframe.com

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In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast Dr. Meg Meeker and Brent Dusing chat about the need for creating safe and wholesome entertainment options for children in the digital age. They discuss the alarming rates of anxiety, depression, and moral decline among kids and how True Play aims to address these issues. True Play offers a subscription-based platform that provides high-quality, biblically sound content, including video games, digital comics, and videos. If you're a parent seeking safe and engaging entertainment for your children, this episode is a must-listen. You'll gain insights into the importance of media choices and how True Play can contribute to your child's mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

In this episode, you will learn how to:

TODAY’S GUEST:

Brent Dusing created TruPlay to bring excellent, fun, beautiful, and biblically authentic entertainment to audiences worldwide. An entrepreneur at heart, Brent pioneered game creation with Christian content through Lightside Games, a Christian gaming studio reaching more than 7 million game players world wide and resulting in 25,000 decisions for Christ. As the founder and CEO of Cellfire, Brent created the nation’s leading mobile coupon company, used today at grocers like Safeway and Kroger, leading Catalina Marketing to acquire Cellfire for $108M.Brent began his career as a venture capitalist at Menlo Ventures, where he sourced multiple 9-figure exits and generated top-quartile returns. Over his career, Brent has been featured on CNN, Fox News, ABC News, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, and other news media. Brent has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University.

OUR SPONSOR

A revolutionary baby monitor is born! Masimo Stork is a new device to monitor your baby's health. Featuring SET technology which has been used in hospitals for nearly 25 years, Masimo Stork uses a silicone boot to track your baby's pulse rate, oxygen saturation and skin temperature. While not a medical device, Masimo Stork can help you be a calmer, more confident parent. Go to masimostork.com to learn more. 

FROM THE PRODUCER

Discover "How to Talk to Your Kids About Puberty & Sex" – a vital resource for parents with children aged 8 to 18. Equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to have these essential conversations. Visit meekerparenting.com/courses to learn more. Get social with us and take advantage of other resources here. 

RECOMMENDED EPISODES

Digital Safety 101: Back to School Edition, Part 1

Digital Safety 101: Back to School Edition, Part 2

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Do you want to feel empowered and confident when making important medical decisions for your children? Wondering how you can ensure that your choices are based on solid evidence? Dr. Marty Makary, a renowned medical expert, joins Dr. Meg Meeker on this episode of Parenting Great Kids podcast to discuss the importance of taking an evidence-based approach to medical decision-making. His insights shed light on the need for open dialogue and critical thinking when it comes to medical decisions, urging parents to be proactive in seeking reliable information. By the end of the episode, you will feel empowered to navigate the complex world of medicine with confidence and make informed choices for your children's well-being.

In this episode, you will learn how to:

TODAY’S GUEST:

Dr. Marty Makary is a dynamic and highly respected figure in the field of medicine. As a professor, New York Times bestselling author, and health policy expert, he brings a unique blend of expertise and real-world experience to the table. Dr. Marty is known for his nonpartisan stance and his commitment to evidence-based medicine. With a track record of engaging with diverse perspectives, he challenges the politicization of important medical issues like COVID and vaccines. Dr. Marty's refreshing approach and dedication to scientific evidence make him a trusted voice in the field. Join us as we delve into the topic of evidence-based medicine with Dr. Marty Makary and gain valuable insights that can help inform our medical decisions for the well-being of our children.

OUR SPONSOR

A revolutionary baby monitor is born! Masimo Stork is a new device to monitor your baby's health. Featuring SET technology which has been used in hospitals for nearly 25 years, Masimo Stork uses a silicone boot to track your baby's pulse rate, oxygen saturation and skin temperature. While not a medical device, Masimo Stork can help you be a calmer, more confident parent. Go to masimostork.com to learn more. 

FROM THE PRODUCER

Discover "How to Talk to Your Kids About Puberty & Sex" – a vital resource for parents with children aged 8 to 18. Equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to have these essential conversations. Visit meekerparenting.com/courses to learn more. Get social with us and take advantage of other resources here. 

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:42 - Distinguished Guest

00:03:08 - Politicization of COVID and Vaccines

00:06:45 - Medical Establishment and Opinion

00:07:25 - Arrogance and Groupthink

00:16:20 - The Harm of Giving Every College Student a Booster

00:16:52 - The FDA Approval of the COVID Vaccine

00:19:13 - Myocarditis and Vaccine Safety

00:21:25 - Politics and Medical Decision-Making

00:23:10 - Lack of Data on COVID Deaths and Risk-Benefit Analysis

00:31:26 - The Importance of Honesty in Vaccination Messaging

00:32:03 - Intense Paternalism in Medicine

00:33:45 - The Need for Trust in Medicine

00:34:24 - Trusting Pediatricians and Making Informed Decisions

00:37:21 - Parenting Out of Fear 

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Does this sound familiar? You've been told that spending more time with your child will strengthen your bond, but despite your efforts, you still feel a disconnect. The pain of longing for a closer relationship with your child while constantly wondering what you're doing wrong can be overwhelming. In this episode I’m joined by Aaron Bryant, a passionate advocate for father-child relationships as he guides fathers to mend broken bonds and foster open communication with their children.

In this episode, you will learn how to:

TODAY'S GUEST(S)

Meet Aaron Bryant, a key figure in Family Lines, an organization dedicated to enhancing the father-child bond through intentional connection and open dialogue. Aaron has played a vital role in the creation of video curriculum that invites families to engage in authentic and meaningful conversations. Through his work with Mending Lines, Aaron has witnessed the profound impact of father-child bonding experiences and is passionate about empowering dads from all walks of life to take the necessary steps to strengthen their relationships with their children. His expertise and genuine dedication to the cause make him a trusted authority on the subject of fatherhood.

FROM THE PRODUCER

Dr. Meg just launched "Simple Discipline that Works," the ultimate course on discipline you'll ever need! If you enjoyed today's episode, kindly consider sharing it with a friend, and be sure to subscribe to remain consistently updated with our newest episodes.  

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If you want to support your child through their grief and trauma, but you feel unsure of what to do, this episode is a must-listen. Maybe you've been told to just give it time or try to distract them, but deep down, you know these actions aren't meeting your child's needs. Dr. Julie Kaplow shares practical ways to support our children through their healing journey, including the importance of self-care as you help your kids.

In this episode, you will be able to:

TODAY'S GUEST(S)

Julie Kaplow, PhD, ABPP, is an accomplished clinical psychologist and expert in childhood trauma and grief. She holds several leadership positions, including Executive Vice President at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, where she focuses on trauma and grief programs and policies, as well as Executive Director of the Trauma and Grief (TAG) Center at The Hackett Center for Mental Health in Houston, Children's Hospital New Orleans, and Tulane University School of Medicine. Dr. Kaplow also leads the Lucine Center for Trauma and Grief, providing no-cost teletherapy to traumatized youth in Texas and Louisiana. Her work includes research, publications, and grant-funded programs aimed at enhancing resilience in children facing adversity, and she has contributed to important advisory groups in the field of mental health. Prior to her current roles, she held key positions at Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine, and she has a strong educational background in psychology and clinical training.

FROM DR MEG: 

With the escalation of global conflict dominating the news right now, your kids may be exposed to images online or on social media that will frighten or traumatize them. Help them process by teaching them to pray to God for His protection over all children caught in the crossfires of this war - and the families of those whose children are lost or missing.  

FROM THE PRODUCER

Dr. Meg just launched "Simple Discipline that Works," the ultimate course on discipline you'll ever need! If you enjoyed today's episode, kindly consider sharing it with a friend, and be sure to subscribe to remain consistently updated with our newest episodes.  

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Have you been told to simply calm down or just ignore it when dealing with your child's challenging behavior? Yet, despite your best efforts, you still feel overwhelmed and frustrated, with no improvement in sight. It's time to break free from the cycle of ineffective actions that only add to your pain and start discovering effective strategies that can truly make a difference in managing your child's challenging behavior. Meet Dan Peterson, a man who discovered a different approach to managing challenging behavior in children with ADHD and anxiety. His journey reveals a powerful secret that can transform the lives of both parents and their children. Dan shares his unique perspective on building connection, reinforcing positive traits, and addressing underlying emotions.

In this episode, you will be able to:

TODAY’S GUEST

Dan Peterson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and an advanced trainer for the Nurtured Heart Approach™ (NHA). Dan is considered the area expert in the Nurtured Heart Approach. He specializes in helping adults who work with or have challenging children develop strategies for their child to succeed in both the school environment and family setting. Dan wants to provide parenting tips for children with behavioral problems and encourage positive parenting. Learn more about Compass 4 Life and Dan Peterson here.

FROM THE PRODUCER

Dr. Meg just launched "Simple Discipline that Works," the ultimate course on discipline you'll ever need! If you enjoyed today's episode, kindly consider sharing it with a friend, and be sure to subscribe to remain consistently updated with our newest episodes.  

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Are you going through the motions and focused on surviving the parenting productivity game? In this episode, author and pastor Kyle Idleman reveals the startling truth about why our way of parenting isn't working. Tune in to discover the importance of prioritizing connection over production.

TODAY’S GUEST:

Kyle Idleman, renowned for his thought-provoking insights and resilience, serves as the senior pastor at Southeast Christian Church, one of America's largest congregations. He is best known for his best-selling books, which have touched countless lives around the world. His passion has always centered around deepening understanding, encouraging inner growth, and fostering connections. He opens up about his personal journey, revealing how, despite being a driven productivity-focused professional, he rediscovered the importance of meaningful connections with family. His transformative experiences sparked compelling discussions that have inspired parents and adults alike.

In the hustle of daily life, parents often find themselves leaning towards productivity, sacrificing valuable connection time with their family. This tendency leads to a disconnection from loved ones. Learn how to consciously reorder your priorities, place the focus on forming deep, meaningful relationships rather than just ticking off the boxes on your to-do lists.

In this episode, you will be able to:

FROM THE PRODUCER

Dr. Meg just launched "Simple Discipline that Works," the ultimate course on discipline you'll ever need! If you enjoyed today's episode, kindly consider sharing it with a friend, and be sure to subscribe to remain consistently updated with our newest episodes.  

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Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!. Click here and use code 50drmeg for 50% off plus free shipping!

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In a world where childhood and adolescent suicide is an alarming concern, one mother's tragic loss drives her to become an advocate for mental health. This week Dr. Meg Meeker talks with Leslie Weirich about the loss of her son to suicide. Leslie debunks some myths about suicide and sheds light on the truth behind teen suicide prevention.

In this episode, you will be able to:

TODAY’S GUEST:

Leslie Weirich is a dedicated advocate for suicide prevention, sharing her powerful message for the past six years with teens, young adults, parents, and the military. Her journey began tragically when she lost her son Austin to suicide on September 10th, 2016, which also marks World Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day. She left her full-time job as a Financial Recruiter in 2020 to focus on nationwide speaking, emphasizing youth mental health, especially among young men, student athletes, and the military. Certified in various mental health programs, Leslie's advocacy includes record-breaking fundraising and keynote appearances at significant events. Connect with Leslie through her website at LesliesHope.org.

Suicide Prevention Resources

Help is available, speak with someone today!

Call or text 988

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

FROM THE PRODUCER

Dr. Meg just launched "Simple Discipline that Works," the ultimate course on discipline you'll ever need! If you enjoyed today's episode, kindly consider sharing it with a friend, and be sure to subscribe to remain consistently updated with our newest episodes.  

OUR SPONSOR

Skip trips to the grocery store and count on HelloFresh to make home cooking easy, fun, AND affordable – that’s why it’s America’s #1 meal kit!. Click here and use code 50drmeg for 50% off plus free shipping!

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