
Today's Guest(s)
Mark Merrill is founder and president of Family First. From the Family Minute daily radio program to his recent book, “All Pro Dad: 7 Essentials to be a Hero to your Kids”, Mark has striven for decades to be a voice of truth motivated by a passion to see marriages and families strengthened.
EPISODE NOTES
The importance of a healthy marriage for a healthy family should be obvious, but it’s something that’s easy to overlook in hectic schedules that people have these days. In this episode, Dr. Meg talks with Mark and Susan Merrill, authors of the companion books Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands and Lists to Love By for Busy Wives. They discuss the significance a healthy marriage has on the health of your family and ultimately the health of your kids’ future marriages and families.
Also in this episode Dr. Meg gives you her points to ponder to begin using right away and answers a question from a mom about talking to her kids about the death of a beloved family pet. Do you have a question for Dr. Meg? If so, email them to askmeg@megmeekermd.com and she could answer your question in an upcoming episode!
0:00 – WELCOME
Dr. Meg introduces the topic “Healthy Marriages, Healthy Families”. She also teases her conversation with Mark and Susan Merrill, her points to ponder, and a question from a mom about talking to her kids about the death of a beloved family pet.
1:40 – PARENTING RESOURCES
Dr. Meg understands that talking to your kids about sex is uncomfortable and wants you to have the tools you need to make this conversation easier and more effective. Check out Dr. Meg’s digital toolkit, “How To Have The Talk With Your Child” to get ready for the initial conversation. Go to megmeekermd.com and click on “Parenting Resources” to find out more!
4:02 – POINTS TO PONDER
Dr. Meg gives you her points to ponder as you learn more about healthy marriages leading to healthy families.
16:12 – A CONVERSATION WITH MARK AND SUSAN MERRILL (PART 1)
Dr. Meg sits down with Mark and Susan Merrill, authors of the companion books Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands and Lists to Love By for Busy Wives. They discuss the significance a healthy marriage has on the health of your family and ultimately the health of your kids’ future marriages and families.
33:40 – AD – SUNBASKET
Now that it’s back-to-school season, it feels like there’s a million new things to do every day. And getting a balanced, healthy, kid-friendly dinner on the table every night is easier said than done. Now you can cook delicious, nutritionist-approved recipes the whole family will love, with the new Family Menu from Sun Basket. Each week, Sun Basket features a recipe co-created with Chef Tyler Florence of the Food Network. Go to SunBasket.com/MEG today to get $35 off your first order!
34:59 – A CONVERSATION WITH MARK AND SUSAN MERRILL (PART 2)
Dr. Meg sits down with Mark and Susan Merrill, authors of the companion books Lists to Love By for Busy Husbands and Lists to Love By for Busy Wives. They discuss the significance a healthy marriage has on the health of your family and ultimately the health of your kids’ future marriages and families.
49:05 – LET’S GET SOCIAL
Email Dr. Meg at askmeg@megmeekermd.com or tweet your question to her @MegMeekerMD. In this segment, Dr. Meg answers a question from Cindy concerning how to talk to her kids about the death of a beloved family pet.
53:47 – PARENT PEP RALLY
54:40 – FROM THE PRODUCER
Thanks for listening to Episode 39, Healthy Marriages, Healthy Families and for helping Dr. Meg’s parenting revolution reach more than FIVE MILLION downloads!
View More Episodes

Raising Strong Kids: Building Resilience in Challenging Times
Episode 219 | In our efforts to protect and shield our kids from the pain and discomfort of this world, we inadvertently can make them be more codependent and fearful instead of resilient. Dr. Jonathan DePierro

Protecting Kids from Harmful Content
Episode 218 | It’s tough to find safe and wholesome entertainment options for children in the digital age. The digital content children consume can significantly influence their thoughts, attitudes, and behavior. Brent Dusing

An Evidence-Based Look at Vaccines
Episode 217 | Do you want to feel empowered and confident when making important medical decisions for your children? It starts by ensuring your choices are based on solid unbiased scientific evidence. Dr. Marty Makary

Building Powerful Father-Child Relationships
Episode 216 | Struggling to connect with your child? Aaron Bryant, a passionate advocate for father-child relationships, guides fathers on how to mend broken bonds and foster open communication with their children.

Supporting Children through Grief and Trauma
Episode 215 | Sooner or later, your child will experience grief or trauma. As a parent, there’s nothing more painful than seeing your child struggle and not find relief. Dr. Julie Kaplow.

From Chaos to Calm: Managing Challenging Behavior in Children
Episode 214 l If you feel overwhelmed and frustrated about your child’s challenging behavior, it’s time to break free from the cycle of ineffective actions that only add to your pain.