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 ONE MILLION downloads! Subscribe, rate, and leave a review for us on iTunes!   Get Social with Dr. Meg on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @MegMeekerMD   Have a parenting question? Write Dr. Meg at askmeg@megmeekermd.com and she could answer your question during the show or you can let us know what you’d like to hear about in a future episode!   Dr. Meg’s parenting resources and tools are available at www.megmeekermd.com and click on “Parenting Resources”. Subscribe, rate, and leave a review for us on iTunes!