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:

Gain insightful knowledge on the importance of proactive mental health awareness and its role in preventing youth suicides.

Understand the critical role mental health plays in preventing child & adolescent suicides and why it should be everyone's concern.

Appreciate the importance of instilling resilience in our children and how it shapes them for future challenges.


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
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Ep 212: The Fight to Prevent Teen Suicide with Guest Leslie Weirich

Parents are trying to navigate children through a world they themselves don’t often understand. America’s Mom, Dr. Meg Meeker, the country's trusted authority on parenting, teens, & children's health, offers practical insights to help parents simplify. The pediatrician, mother, & best selling author engages with experts & parents to take on relevant issues, answer real questions, & provide simple hope & encouragement to every parent.

Kids & Family

In this episode of "Parenting Great Kids," Dr. Meg Meeker and Dr. Stephen Whiteside, a distinguished board-certified clinical psychologist and director of pediatric anxiety disorders at Mayo Clinic, explore the crucial topic of managing anxiety in children. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Whiteside stresses the significance of accurate diagnosis and provides practical tips for parents navigating childhood anxiety. They emphasize the idea of managing rather than eliminating your child’s anxiety, because it's a normal part of life. The conversation also delves into exposure therapy, explaining how repetitive practice in confronting anxiety can boost confidence and reduce its impact.
Dr. Whiteside emphasizes how parents can take an active role in how their children deal with anxiety in a therapeutic setting and participate in post-practice discussions to reinforce learning and instill confidence. This unique approach ensures that both the child and the parent can handle anxiety-inducing situations at home independently.
In this episode, you will be able to:

Understand the signs and symptoms of childhood anxiety to provide better support for your child.

Learn about effective treatment options for childhood anxiety and OCD.

Explore the benefits of exposure therapy in helping children cope with anxiety.

Gain insight into identifying different anxiety disorders in children to better understand their struggles.

Discover valuable parental guidance on how to support and empower your child through their anxiety.

Explore practical strategies for managing school bullying anxiety to help your child thrive in challenging situations.


Listen Now for Expert Advice on Supporting Your Child's Mental Health

Today’s Guest
Stephen P. H. Whiteside, Ph.D., is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist, Professor of Psychology at Mayo Clinic, and Director of the Pediatric Anxiety Disorders Program there. With a BA in Psychology from Northwestern University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kentucky, he's dedicated to enhancing access to evidence-based care for pediatric anxiety disorders and OCD. Whiteside, the author of "Mayo Clinic Anxiety Coach: A Parent’s Guide to Treating Childhood Anxiety and OCD," has secured research funding from notable institutions like the National Institutes of Health and has published over 80 scientific articles, including co-authored books on exposure therapy.

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Ep. 234: Empowering parents to understand and navigate childhood anxiety with Dr. Stephen Whiteside

In this episode of the Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker is joined by Brooke Romney, author of "52 Modern Manners for Today's Teens." They explore the critical role of teaching etiquette and interpersonal skills to children. Brooke discusses the inspiration behind her passion for manners, derived from observing both socially adept and challenged youngsters. They delve into how mastering etiquette boosts a child's self-esteem and enriches their relationships. They also discuss the importance of parents modeling respectful behavior to instill these values in their children. The episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life examples that demonstrate the value of manners. Essential listening for parents, this podcast offers practical strategies to nurture children’s social and emotional growth!

Today’s Guest
Brooke Romney is a writer, speaker and leader of an online community who helps moms of teens and tweens create meaningful, healthy and enjoyable relationships with their children through practical application, education and community. Her goal is for every family to feel confident and connected. The mother of four boys ages tween to adult, Brooke knows parenting perfection isn’t real and takes an honest and hopeful approach with her audience. Her best-selling book 52 Modern Manners for Today’s Teens (Volumes 1 & 2) provides weekly tips to help parents and teens navigate the complexities of today’s world. The follow-up, 52 Modern Manners for Kids, will feature tips for kids and tweens aged four to 12 and is set to release this August. Brooke's work has been featured in The Washington Post, Scary Mommy and Forbes. Brooke and her family live in Utah.

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From the Producer
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Ep. 233: Teaching Teens Manners with Brooke Romney

Are you grappling with your teenager's excessive screen time and finding it difficult to limit their digital usage? This week on the Parenting Great Kids podcast, we delve deep into the challenges of teen screen addiction with Michael Jacobus, a seasoned summer camp director and the visionary behind Reset Summer Camp. With an impressive career spanning over three decades and a personal journey through his son's battle with gaming addiction, Michael is uniquely positioned to offer actionable advice and expert insights.

In a world where digital devices are omnipresent, understanding the nuances of screen addiction and implementing effective strategies is crucial for parents. Michael discusses the critical role of specialized programs, like Reset Summer Camp, in supporting teenagers to overcome the allure of screens and video games. He shares essential tips on recognizing addiction signs, the significance of timely intervention, and tailoring approaches to meet individual needs. Furthermore, he emphasizes the benefits of therapeutic activities in fostering healthier tech habits and enhancing family relationships. Tune in to this enlightening episode for practical strategies to help your teen navigate the digital world responsibly. 

Today’s Guest
Michael Jacobus is a life-long, career Camp Director and youth-development specialist. An internationally recognized author, child-development professional and outdoor education guru, Michael founded Reset Summer Camp after witnessing, (within his own family) the dangers and challenges of screen addicted youth.

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From the Producer
Discover your vital role as a dad amidst modern challenges through our courses, shaping lasting bonds and empowering your parenting journey. Explore The New Era of Fatherhood and The Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters Playbook at meekerparenting.com/courses. 



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Ep.232: Managing Teen Screen Addiction: What Parents Need to Know with Michael Jacobus

In this episode of The Parenting Great Kids podcast, Dr. Meg Meeker chats with Jennifer Wallace, an award-winning journalist and social commentator, about the impact of achievement culture on children. Jennifer shares her insights from a national survey of parents, revealing the pressure parents feel to ensure their children's academic success, and the toll it takes on their own wellbeing. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by parents in navigating societal expectations and the detrimental effects of achievement culture on children's mental health. Jennifer’s findings serve as a wake-up call to parents, urging them to prioritize their children's wellbeing and connection over performance pressures.
Today’s Guest
Jennifer Wallace is an award-winning journalist and author of the New York Times bestselling book Never Enough: When Achievement Pressure Becomes Toxic – and What We Can Do About It. She is a frequent contributor to The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, and appears on television to discuss her articles and other hot topics in the news. After graduating Harvard College, Jennifer began her career in television at "60 Minutes," where she worked as a journalist for many years. She lives in New York City with her husband and their three children. 

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From the Producer
Discover your vital role as a dad amidst modern challenges through our courses, shaping lasting bonds and empowering your parenting journey. Explore The New Era of Fatherhood and The Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters Playbook at meekerparenting.com/courses.
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Ep. 231: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic to Our Children with Jennifer Wallace

As a parent, we all have fears, doubts, or concerns that we need help figuring out. In this special episode, Dr. Meg Meeker responds to listener-submitted questions covering a range of parental concerns. She dives into real-life situations that everyday parents are facing. From dealing with absentee biological parents to setting boundaries with teenagers, managing young children’s behavior, and balancing attention between siblings, Dr. Meeker shares her years of experience, wisdom, and practical advice on how to navigate the toughest parenting challenges and how to stay cool under pressure.
Have a question of your own for Dr Meg? Email her at hello@Meekerparenting.com for a chance to be answered on an upcoming episode.

Our Sponsors
Masimo Stork is a revolutionary new baby monitor. To learn more, go to masimostork.com
Crunch Labs: CrunchLabs is a STEM monthly subscription build box for kids. Learn more by visiting crunchlabs.com/DrMeg
Thrive Market: Thrive Market is the customized and economical way to shop organic, non-gmo, and healthy - for you and your family. Visit thrivemarket.com/drmeg
Whole Life Pet : Your pet can’t choose healthy, but you can! Choose Whole Life Pet for human grade, freeze-dried, nutrient-rich, all natural food and treats for your dog or cat! https://wholelifepet.com/


From the Producer
Discover your vital role as a dad amidst modern challenges through our courses, shaping lasting bonds and empowering your parenting journey. Explore The New Era of Fatherhood and The Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters Playbook at meekerparenting.com/courses.

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Ep 212: The Fight to Prevent Teen Suicide with Guest Leslie Weirich

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