When I talk to and meet with other moms, I get a sense that we all want the same thing. We all long to connect with our kids.

And, of course, we also want to stay connected – even in the teen years.

Well, today’s guest knows all about that, and she’s here to give us some tips and tricks to be the kinds of parents our kids really need (and want). It’s a whole lot simpler than many of us make it.

Dr. Meg Meeker is a pediatrician, parenting expert, bestselling author, podcaster, and maybe most importantly–a mom.

I hope this podcast episode is wind in your parenting sails.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • how our kids’ identities are really shaped (it’s probably not the way you think it is)
  • what our kids want from us more than anything else
  • how to make the time we spend with our kids count

Click the play button below:

Listener Guide

Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast:

  • 1:48 Dr. Meg Meeker is here!
  • 3:25 What kids really want
  • 8:00 The impact of a peaceful and happy parent
  • 10:00 Competition kills joy
  • 14:32 Connection, Community and Confidence
  • 18:09 Time and attention – how to make it count
  • 24:26 The most powerful tool we have …
  • 27:53 The Runaway Bunny (and our teens!)
  • 31:07 Let the kids speak

Quotes to Remember:

“A child’s identity is shaped by spending face-to-face time with mom or dad, by scouring our faces for clues about what we think about them, and what we believe about them. That’s why this one-on-one time has to happen in the same room, with eye-contact.  I love the reading aloud that you’re talking about because all this happens while someone’s reading aloud.”

“I think it’s really important to do a lot of self-talk and say, ‘You know what? At the end of the day I’m going to pick out three things that I did really well as a mom, or tried really hard to do, and I’m give myself a pat on the back, and I’m not going to compare myself to how my friends are doing it.’”

Your child doesn’t want to be a performer for you, your child just wants you to enjoy being with them.”

Books from this episode:

(All links are affiliate links.)

Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace
The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids
The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know
Strong Mothers, Strong Sons: Lessons Mothers Need to Raise Extraordinary Men
Hero: Being the Strong Father Your Children Need
Boys Should Be Boys: 7 Secrets to Raising Healthy Sons
The Runaway Bunny

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