Are your parenting methods helping or hindering your child’s development? In this episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker, pediatrician and bestselling author, breaks down the four key parenting styles—authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful—and how each one affects your child’s emotional and behavioral growth. You’ll learn how to identify your default parenting style, what might be influencing it (including your own upbringing), and how to shift toward a more effective and loving approach. Dr. Meeker also tackles common parenting challenges like setting boundaries, dealing with whining, and balancing warmth with discipline. Whether you’re a first-time parent or raising teens, this episode offers a practical roadmap for becoming a more intentional, confident parent. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The psychology behind different parenting stylesWhy authoritative parenting leads to emotionally resilient, responsible kidsThe risks of authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful stylesHow your own childhood shapes your parentingHow to set clear boundaries without being harshReal-life scenarios + listener Q&A with Dr. MeekerThe unique role of fathers in shaping secure children 👉 Join the Ask Dr. Meg Parenting Portal Connect with like-minded parents on a mission to raise spiritually strong, emotionally healthy kids. Timestamps for Easy Navigation: 00:00 – Introduction: Why Parenting Style Matters 00:37 – Discovering Your Default Parenting Approach 03:34 – The Four Parenting Styles Defined 04:32 – What Makes Authoritative Parenting So Effective 07:57 – The Downside of Authoritarian Parenting 10:32 – The Dangers of Permissive Parenting 13:01 – Understanding Neglectful Parenting 14:18 – Helicopter Parenting: Where It Fits 14:57 – How Your Upbringing Shapes Your Parenting 18:54 – Time to Reflect: What’s Working, What’s Not 19:52 – Comparing Authoritarian vs. Authoritative 26:02 – What Permissive Parenting Looks Like 26:42 – Teaching Kids Self-Discipline 27:15 – Authoritative vs. Permissive: The Line Between 27:55 – Risks of Uninvolved Parenting 29:38 – Helping Your Child Build Confidence 30:01 – Pitfalls of Authoritarian Homes 30:43 – Blending Styles and Evolving as a Parent 34:12 – What is “Parenting Preload”? 36:24 – Strategies for Whining and Setting Boundaries 45:31 – Why Fathers Are Critical to Child Development 47:22 – Join the Parenting Great Kids Community Sponsors:Hungryroot – 40% off + free gift with code DRMEGFam Gabs – 10% off conversation cards with code DRMEGPODK12-powered Schools – Tuition-free, accredited online learning for K–12Thrive Causemetics – Clean beauty with purpose. 10% off your first order See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.