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.

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💡 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.