
Today's Guest(s)
Dr. Thomas Lickona is a developmental psychologist and educator focused on helping parents and schools develop good character in children. He is the founding director of the Center for the 4th and 5th Rs (Respect and Responsibility) at SUNY Cortland, where he was a professor of childhood for 40 years. He’s published eight books on character and received the Sanford N. McDonnell Lifetime Achievement Award in Character Education in 2001.
EPISODE NOTES
This week is Part 2 of the Raising Kind Kids series with Dr. Thomas Lickona. Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate, all things that a parent wants to develop in their children. In this episode, Dr. Meg gives you practical advice that will help you on your journey to raising kids that are filled with kindness.
She talks with Dr. Thomas Lickona who is known as the “father of modern character education. As a developmental psychologist, professor of education emeritus, and founding director of the Center for the 4th and 5th Rs (Respect and Responsibility) at the State University of New York at Cortland, who better to talk to about developing kindness in your children. Also in this episode, Dr. Meg gives you her points to ponder to begin using right away! 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 – AD – KIWI CO
KiwiCo creates super cool, hands-on projects for kids that make learning about science, technology, engineering, art, and math fun! KiwiCo’s mission is to provide the next generation of innovators with the tools and foundation they need to become creative problem-solvers and critical thinkers. KiwiCo is offering Parenting Great Kids listeners the opportunity to try them for free. Visit kiwico.com/meg to find out more about their projects for kids!
1:31 – AD – CIRCLE ROUND
If you’re looking for a great screen time alternative for your kids that you will enjoy as well, check out Circle Round! This is a story telling podcast for kids from WBUR, Boston’s NPR station. Stories explore topics such as kindness, persistence, and generosity. Subscribe to Circle Round via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts!
2:54 – WELCOME
Dr. Meg introduces the topic “Raising Kind Kids – Part 2”. She also teases her conversation with Dr. Thomas Lickona and her points to ponder.
4:52 – PARENTING RESOURCES
Dr. Meg is also reminding parents about her webinar on discipline available at MegMeekerMD.com! Dr. Meeker’s latest course, Discipline With Courage & Kindness, is designed to help guide you on your journey to being the parent you’ve always wanted to be — the parent your kids need. Just visit her homepage and click on the parenting course for more information!
5:41 – POINTS TO PONDER
Dr. Meg gives you three points to ponder as you learn more about raising kind kids!
11:27 – A CONVERSATION WITH DR. THOMAS LICKONA (PART 1)
Dr. Meg sits down with Dr. Thomas Lickona, who is known as the “father of modern character education. As a developmental psychologist, professor of education emeritus, and founding director of the Center for the 4th and 5th Rs (Respect and Responsibility) at the State University of New York at Cortland, who better to talk to about developing kindness in your children.
23:12 – AD – SUNBASKET
As a busy parent it’s hard to find time and energy to be sure you’re eating well and eating right. No matter how much experience you have in the kitchen, Sun Basket makes it easy to make healthy and delicious meals for your family! Go to the Sun Basket app and pick from 18 weekly recipes like Fully Loaded Beef Tacos with Mexican Simmer Sauce. No matter what your eating plan is, Sun Basket has a menu that’s right for you! All ingredients are sourced from the best farms and suppliers to ensure that your produce is fresh and organic, and your meats and seafood are responsibly-raised. Go to SunBasket.com/meg today to learn more and get $35 off your first order!
25:10 – AD – THIRD LOVE
Armed with the measurements of millions of women, ThirdLove bras are designed to fit real women. With their Fit Finder quiz, ThirdLove helps you identify your breast shape and find styles that fit your body in less than a minute! ThirdLove values comfort and quality with straps that don’t slip, ultra-soft smoothing fabrics, and lightweight memory foam. Go to thirdlove.com/meg now to find your perfect fitting bra and receive 15% off your first purchase!
27:01 – A CONVERSATION WITH DR. THOMAS LICKONA (PART 2)
Dr. Meg sits down with Dr. Thomas Lickona, who is known as the “father of modern character education. As a developmental psychologist, professor of education emeritus, and founding director of the Center for the 4th and 5th Rs (Respect and Responsibility) at the State University of New York at Cortland, who better to talk to about developing kindness in your children.
36:41 – LET’S GET SOCIAL
Email Dr. Meg at askmeg@megmeekermd.com or tweet your question to her @MegMeekerMD. In this segment, Dr. Meg typically answers a listener question, but to allow time to cover the rest of Dr. Lickona’s interview, she had to skip this week. Stay plugged in for an entire episode devoted to listener questions, soon!
37:29 – PARENT PEP RALLY
37:58 – FROM THE PRODUCER
Thanks for listening to Episode 55, Raising Kind Kids – Part 2 and for helping Dr. Meg’s parenting revolution reach more than FIVE MILLION downloads!
View More Episodes

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.

Shift Your Parenting from Production to Connection
Episode 213 | Are you going through the motions and focused on surviving the parenting productivity game? In this episode, author and pastor Kyle Idleman reveals the startling truth about why our way of parenting isn’t working.

The Fight to Prevent Youth Suicide
Episode 212 | This may be one of the most critical life-saving podcasts you will hear this year. We’re losing our kids to the growing epidemic of childhood and adolescent suicide. Leslie Weirich

Overcoming Hidden Loneliness with the Power of Friendship
Episode 211 | Have you ever wondered why some friendships feel superficial while others bring immense joy and fulfillment? Tune in to learn about cultivating meaningful relationships for our children. Hear about the crucial role of conscious communication and support in navigating through challenging times.

Strengthen Parent-Child Bonds with Faith-Filled Strategies
Episode 210 | Looking to create deeper and more impactful relationships with your kids? Andy Dooley—TikTok sensation, author, NFL Seattle Seahawks host, and father of four—shares interesting ways to nurture stronger parent-child bonds and cultivate lasting, meaningful connections.

A Guide to Homeschooling
Episode 209 | Jennifer Pepito is the author of Mothering by the Book, host of the Restoration Home podcast, and the founder of The Peaceful Press.