Parents today face the challenge of guiding their children through a world that feels increasingly complex. Dr. Meg Meeker, known as America's Mom and a leading...
Ep. 270: The Myth of Teaching Responsible Drinking to Teens
Can allowing teens to drink at home teach them responsible alcohol use? Dr. Claudia Black, a leading expert in teen substance abuse and addiction, reveals why this approach may actually encourage drinking outside the home.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why parental supervision doesn’t prevent teen drinking – It often normalizes alcohol use.
The real reasons teens drink – Peer pressure, social acceptance, and stress.
How parents influence teen drinking habits – Your behaviors set the tone.
Teen substance abuse warning signs – Recognizing underlying trauma, like bullying or anxiety.
Effective strategies for prevention – Setting clear boundaries and healthy family rituals.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Introduction: The debate on responsible teen drinking
00:21 – Meet Dr. Claudia Black: Expert insights on addiction and family dynamics
01:15 – What really drives teenage drinking?
02:12 – Peer pressure vs. parental influence: Which matters more?
11:28 – The hidden traumas behind substance use (bullying, loss, anxiety)
19:43 – How to talk to your teen about alcohol
24:04 – Recognizing warning signs and taking action
31:40 – Prevention, boundaries, and positive family rituals
About Dr. Claudia Black
Dr. Claudia Black, Ph.D., is a pioneering addiction specialist, author, and speaker known for her groundbreaking work on family systems and substance abuse. As the Clinical Architect of the Claudia Black Center for Young Adults and a Senior Fellow at The Meadows Treatment Center, she has dedicated decades to helping individuals and families heal from addiction and trauma.
Resources & Links:
Learn more about Dr. Claudia Black → https://bit.ly/3DSI33p
👉 Book a coaching session with Dr. Meg Meeker today → https://bit.ly/41A4pQb
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38:19
Ep. 269: Expert Strategies for Helping Kids Sleep Better
Struggling with your child's sleep? In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with sleep expert Dana Obleman, founder of the Sleep Sense Program, to tackle common sleep challenges in babies, toddlers, and teens. They discuss:
Why children wake up at night and how to help them sleep independently
The four-month sleep regression and how to navigate it
Strategies to reduce nighttime wake-ups in nine-month-olds
Tips for healthy sleep habits in preschoolers and teenagers
The impact of screen time, blue light, and melatonin on sleep quality
Why a consistent bedtime routine is crucial for kids of all ages
If you're looking for practical sleep solutions for your child, this episode is packed with expert advice to help your family get better rest. 👉 For more expert parenting advice, visit megmeekermd.com.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to Parenting Great Kids
00:31 – Understanding Infant Sleep Challenges
02:34 – Solving Common Sleep Issues in Babies
08:04 – Nighttime Wake-Ups & Sleep Strategies for Older Babies
16:03 – Screen Time & Sleep Hygiene for Preschoolers
23:33 – Teen Sleep Struggles & How to Fix Them
28:43 – Why Sleep Matters for All Ages
34:31 – Final Thoughts
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About Our Guest: Dana Obleman
Dana Obleman is the founder of the Sleep Sense Program, a trusted resource that has helped over 100,000 families worldwide establish healthy sleep habits for their children. Since 2003, she has provided practical, compassionate solutions through her step-by-step methods, empowering parents to teach independent sleep skills with confidence. A sought-after speaker and author, Dana is passionate about helping families navigate sleep challenges at every stage, from infant sleep regressions to teen sleep struggles.
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39:56
Ep. 268: Teen Dating Today—A Teen’s Perspective with Elle Liemandt
In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with 15-year-old Elle Liemandt, the creator of Ask Elle, an AI-powered dating coach app designed for teens. They dive into the challenges of modern teen dating, exploring how social media platforms like Snapchat influence relationships and shape teen interactions. Elle shares insights on how her app helps teens rebuild essential social skills, handle rejection with confidence, and develop healthier dating habits.
Dr. Meeker and Elle also discuss the crucial role parents play in guiding their teens through today’s evolving dating landscape. They highlight key strategies for fostering open parent-teen communication and staying informed about social media’s impact on relationships.
This episode is essential listening for parents, educators, and anyone looking to understand the new rules of teen dating in the digital age.
About Our Guest
Elle Liemandt is a driven 15-year-old high school student passionate about using technology and education to create positive change. As the creator of AI-powered platforms Datebot and Ask Elle (iOS), she helps teens navigate the complexities of dating and relationships with confidence and insight.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
✅ The reality of teen dating today
✅ How Snapchat and other social platforms shape teen relationships
✅ The biggest social pressures teens face in dating
✅ Why rejection is a major issue for boys—and how to help
✅ How the Ask Elle app supports teens in building confidence
✅ The importance of parent-teen communication in dating discussions
📌 Episode Timestamps:
📌 00:00 – Introduction to the Episode
📌 00:35 – Meet Elle Liemandt: Teen Dating Trailblazer
📌 01:49 – The Reality of Teen Dating Today
📌 02:41 – Snapchat and Teen Dating Dynamics
📌 03:53 – The Impact of Social Media on Teen Relationships
📌 06:17 – Elle's Viral TikTok and Teen Dating Trends
📌 10:10 – Addressing Boys' Fear of Rejection
📌 11:17 – How Ask Elle App Helps Teens Navigate Dating
📌 17:21 – Encouraging Parent-Teen Communication
📌 23:20 – The Future of Ask Elle and Social Media's Role
📌 27:53 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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29:40
Ep.267: Balancing Career Success & Family: Joe Hashey’s Strong Family Project
In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker sits down with Joe Hashey to discuss balancing career ambitions with a thriving family life.
Joe, a former educator turned fitness leader, shares his journey of recognizing work-family imbalance and the steps he took to correct it. After his father’s passing, he re-evaluated his family’s health and values, leading to The Strong Family Project—a structured approach to parenting that helps families:
✅ Define core values
✅ Build consistent routines
✅ Strengthen family bonds through daily habits
Dr. Meeker and Joe discuss the 7 Pillars of Personal Development, covering morning routines, family meetings, and strategies for co-parenting. They offer practical advice on child development, screen time boundaries, family traditions, and fostering resilience in kids.
Episode Highlights:
📌 00:00 – Welcome & Intro to Joe Hashey
📌 01:42 – From Teaching to Fitness Industry
📌 02:34 – Struggles Balancing Work & Family
📌 03:29 – Pandemic’s Impact on Parenting
📌 06:12 – The Birth of The Strong Family Project
📌 07:26 – Defining Core Family Values
📌 10:08 – Parenting Challenges & Solutions
📌 16:09 – Managing Screen Time & Peer Influence
📌 20:50 – The 7 Pillars of The Strong Family Project
📌 26:30 – Co-Parenting Strategies
📌 29:28 – Personal Growth & Life Lessons
📌 32:23 – Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
Meet Joe Hashey:
Joe Hashey, M.Ed., is a former educator turned entrepreneur and family strategist. After earning his Master’s from Colgate University, he taught for eight years before founding a fitness company inspired by his father’s passing. Recognized as a Small Business Person of the Year in 2018, Joe later shifted focus to helping families build structure and strong relationships through The Strong Family Project.
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38:21
Ep. 266: Teen Dating: What I Wish I Knew | Reflections from Adulthood
💡 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!
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📢 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!
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Parents today face the challenge of guiding their children through a world that feels increasingly complex. Dr. Meg Meeker, known as America's Mom and a leading authority on parenting, teens, and children's health, provides practical insights to simplify the parenting journey. As a trusted pediatrician, mother, and bestselling author, Dr. Meeker engages with top experts and real parents to discuss current issues, answer important parenting questions, and offer actionable advice. Her podcast delivers simple, effective solutions, offering hope and encouragement to every parent
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