The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

As we close out 2025 and step into a fresh year, I’ve been thinking back on some of the conversations I loved most from guest spots on other shows. New episodes pick back up on January 7. On this episode of The Dude Therapist, I joined Eli Weinstein for a conversation that moved through so many parts of real-life parenting — the worries, the humor, the triggers, and the growth that comes with raising kids. We talked about why parents get so locked into metrics, how to zoom out and see the whole child, and what it looks like to pause, observe, and guide instead of jumping in. I shared how becoming a mom shifted my own approach, from sleep to feeding to managing my triggers, and why self insight matters just as much as the strategies we offer our kids. It was an honest, grounded chat about raising kids while raising ourselves too.  We discuss: Why parents get stuck on numbers like weight percentiles and milestones. How giving kids space to try and struggle helps them grow. How boredom supports play and problem solving. How a parent’s own childhood shapes reactions and triggers. What healthy boundaries look like without shame or fear. How to handle online misinformation with calm and clarity. The importance of steady check-ins and flexible routines at home. Eli Weinstein, LCSW is a therapist, speaker, and creator of The Dude Therapist podcast. His work focuses on making mental health and relationship topics accessible, relatable, and grounded in real life. His upcoming book, From I Do to We Do (Wiley, March 2026), is a compassionate, practical guide for couples navigating the challenges of parenting while trying to stay connected as partners. Learn more about Eli and his work here: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com Pre-Order Eli’s Book:Connect With Eli: From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage Through Parenting Years Pre-order + freebies: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book Instagram: @eliweinstein_lcsw Podcast: The Dude Therapist 00:00 – Coming Up 01:24 – Re-air intro: why this episode is for overwhelmed parents 01:46 – Meet Eli Weinstein and why this conversation hits differently 04:01 – Dr. Mona’s parenting philosophy and lighthouse parenting 05:50 – Why sleep is foundational for kids and parents 07:03 – Teaching kids skills by stepping back 09:56 – Overparenting vs building independence 11:27 – What parents worry about too much 14:11 – Big picture growth vs number based parenting 15:41 – Milestones, timelines, and unnecessary panic 17:01 – Giving kids space to develop and problem solve 21:19 – Parenting as a professional vs parenting your own kids 23:32 – Breaking generational patterns in parenting 40:41 – Core takeaways for confident parenting Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever clean up the toys, turn around, and somehow the mess is worse? Or feel like you are the only one picking things up? In this Follow Up episode, Dr. Mona is joined by Tyler Moore, also known as Tidy Dad, to talk about how to involve kids in household routines in ways that actually work for real life. Not rewards. Not sticker charts. Just teamwork. They break down how chores build belonging, how to set developmentally appropriate expectations, and simple system changes that help kids help more, from tidying toys to getting out the door with less stress. If you are trying to declutter, simplify routines, or stop feeling like the household manager of everything, this episode is for you. We discuss: Why involving kids in routines builds belonging, not just responsibility How to think about chores as teamwork instead of punishment What kids can realistically help with at different ages Why breaking tasks into small steps reduces frustration for everyone How to set up your home so kids can help independently Simple system changes that make mornings and clean up easier Why resistance often means a skill is missing, not defiance Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this final episode of 2025, I’m sharing something deeply personal - my relationship with anger, where it came from, and how I’ve worked to change it. This is one of the most vulnerable solo episodes I’ve ever recorded, because anger is a feeling so many of us carry quietly, especially in parenthood. This episode is for the parent who feels ashamed after snapping. For the one who feels tense all the time. For the one who is scared they might repeat what they grew up with. Your anger does not make you a bad parent. It makes you human. And change is possible. I discuss: ✔️ How anger showed up in my early life and why it became my default response ✔️ The moment with our puppy that forced me to see my patterns clearly ✔️ How stress, trauma, and burnout can pull old reactions back to the surface ✔️ What I learned through coaching, therapy, and eventually EMDR ✔️ How this work changed my nervous system, my parenting, and my day-to-day mindset ✔️ The brain science behind anger and why your body reacts before your thoughts do ✔️ What often sits underneath explosive reactions ✔️ How your window of tolerance affects everything ✔️ The real tools I use when I feel overwhelmed ✔️ How I teach my kids that feelings are allowed, but hurtful behavior is not 00:00 Scary parents are scared parents01:10 Why anger shows up in parenting02:49 When anger becomes a problem, not a protector03:09 The moment I knew I had to change05:44 Trauma, motherhood, and why anger came back06:59 How therapy helped me find peace08:48 Fear, the nervous system, and the science of anger10:59 Breaking the cycle while raising kids12:14 Tools to handle anger in the moment14:13 Teaching kids that feelings are ok, harmful behavior is not17:03 Repair, progress, and modeling growth19:48 When to seek support and why it matters21:41 You are not broken, change is possible Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’ve ever spent the whole day dreaming about going to bed, only to climb under the covers and lie wide awake, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. I’m joined by sleep psychologist Dr. Shelby Harris to talk about the tired-but-wired cycle so many mothers fall into and why it’s more common than you think. We unpack the real reasons your brain won’t shut off at night, from revenge bedtime procrastination to the mental load that follows moms everywhere. Dr. Harris explains how habits, overstimulation, and our constant push to “catch up” all get in the way of rest, even when we’re desperate for it. And most importantly, she shares the science-backed strategies that actually work for an overwhelmed parent who needs sleep but can’t find the off switch. Whether you’re dealing with the occasional rough night or months of broken sleep, this conversation brings clarity, relief, and doable steps that don’t add more pressure to your already full plate. In This Episode, We Cover: ✔️ Why moms feel exhausted all day yet can’t fall asleep at night ✔️ The psychology behind “tired but wired” ✔️ Revenge bedtime procrastination and why it hits mothers so hard ✔️ How over-stimulation and unfinished to-dos keep your brain awake ✔️ Simple sleep hygiene habits that truly help ✔️ What to do when your phone is sabotaging your nights ✔️ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): who it helps and why ✔️ When to consider medication and what that process looks like ✔️ How our own sleep habits shape our kids’ sleep long term Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with retired pediatrician and grandmother Dr. Bubbie, whose 40 years in pediatrics give her a rare, steady perspective on the highs and lows of raising kids today. We talk about what modern parents are doing well, why so many of us feel anxious even when we’re doing a good job, and how social media has quietly changed the way we parent. Dr. Bubbie shares what she has learned from decades of caring for families and what surprised her when she stepped into the online world after retiring. We get into the pressures parents feel to get everything right, the fear of making mistakes, and how comparison steals the calm that most families are craving. We also talk honestly about grandparents, boundaries, discipline, and the tension between wanting to follow all the new information out there while trying to honor our own instincts. We also cover: ✔️ What today’s parents truly excel at ✔️ How finances, childcare, and social media shape stress ✔️ Why intuition gets quieter when we’re overloaded ✔️ What past generations did well that’s worth bringing back ✔️ How to think about milestones without panicking ✔️ The rise of gentle parenting, what it gets right, and where it goes sideways ✔️ Why some kids seem “behind” online when they’re actually right on track ✔️ Vaccine misinformation, raw milk trends, and the danger of online “experts” ✔️ How pediatricians actually make decisions, and why the team approach matters To connect with Dr. Bubbie follow her on Instagram @askbubbie and check out all her resources at linktree.com/askbubbie TBD Chapters Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Power struggles feel like part of the toddler job description, but they don’t have to run the whole house. In this episode, I break down what’s really happening in those intense moments and how small shifts in tone, control, and connection can turn things around. This isn’t about “winning” a battle. It’s about helping your child feel capable while keeping your own sanity intact. We talk through the everyday situations that spark the most battles, why strong-willed kids push back as hard as they do, and how to meet them with calm authority instead of getting pulled into the chaos. You’ll learn how to give healthy control without giving up your boundaries, how to use your child’s growing cognitive skills, and how to de-escalate when emotions spill over on both sides. If you’re tired of standoffs at mealtime, bedtime, the bathroom, or anywhere in between, this episode will help you feel more steady, more clear, and less stuck in the tug-of-war. In This Episode, We Cover: ✔️ Why it takes two to have a power struggle ✔️ When to give control and when to step in ✔️ How to offer choices without losing structure ✔️ Simple scripts that shift the tone instantly ✔️ Using cognitive development to your advantage ✔️ Redirecting repetitive demands without escalating ✔️ How to recover when things go sideways ✔️ Playfulness as a tool for reducing tension Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it look like to raise kids who believe they belong in science, who feel confident speaking up, and who see women as leaders in fields that have long pushed them out? I first came across Emily Calandrelli’s work years ago on social media, and her mix of joy, honesty, and curiosity pulled me in immediately. Her voice reminded me that advocacy doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful and that our kids are always watching how we chase our own dreams. She is now one of my favorite examples of what it means to model confidence and curiosity for the next generation. On today’s episode, Emily and I talk about finding her way in a male-dominated STEM world, what she learned from losing her Netflix show, and how creating her own YouTube series changed everything. She also shares the story behind her viral TSA moment, how it sparked federal legislation, and what it meant to finally launch into space after dreaming about it for two decades. We discuss: ✔️ How representation in STEM shapes kids’ beliefs about what’s possible ✔️ Why speaking up matters, even when it’s uncomfortable ✔️ The pressure mothers face when they pursue big goals ✔️ What her spaceflight taught her about wonder and perspective ✔️ How parents can spark scientific thinking and curiosity at home To connect with Emily Calandrelli follow her on Instagram @thespacegal and check out all her resources at https://www.thespacegal.com/  00:00 Intro 00:51 Welcome + How Emily Sparked TSA Policy Change 01:50 Raising Confident Science-Loving Kids 03:22 Emily’s Path From MIT to TV 05:03 Breaking Into Science Media as a Woman 06:25 Losing a Netflix Show and Starting Over 09:30 Building Emily’s Science Lab on YouTube 11:22 Redefining Success Beyond Algorithms 14:44 Motherhood, Identity, and Letting Go of Guilt 18:36 The Spaceflight Story She Worked 20 Years For 22:31 How She Funded Her Own Ticket to Space 24:11 What Seeing Earth From Space Feels Like 25:00 The Gendered Backlash After Her Spaceflight 31:01 The TSA Incident That Went Viral 32:31 Turning Viral Attention Into Real Legislation 38:12 STEM Representation for Kids Today 43:13 How Parents Can Model Curiosity at Home 46:47 Why Meeting Girls in STEM Fuels Her Work 49:21 Closing Thoughts + Where to Find Emily Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this follow up episode, we revisit one of the most loved ideas on the show, because parents tell me again and again that it changed the way they show up for their kids. We’re talking about the Independence Before Intervention principle, a simple shift that helps kids build confidence, resilience, and trust in themselves while still knowing we’re right there when they need us. Inspired by watching her own kids obsess over the transformation of caterpillars, Dr. Mona explores how struggle is a natural and necessary part of growth. Babies, toddlers, big kids, even adults, all move through moments that feel tough. The goal isn’t to remove every frustration. It’s to help kids see that effort isn’t failure and that they’re safe trying, adjusting, and trying again. Inside this episode, Dr. Mona breaks down how this principle looks across different ages and real life moments, including: ✔️ Newborns learning to pass gas and poop ✔️ Babies connecting sleep cycles without immediate intervention ✔️ Infants and toddlers brushing teeth with growing independence ✔️ Problem solving during play, frustration, and puzzles ✔️ How verbal coaching builds emotional skills and persistence Want more? Check out the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pregnancy comes with a lot of rules, warnings, and fear based posts online. But how much of that advice is actually rooted in science, and how much is leftover noise that keeps parents stressed for no reason? In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Jessica Knurick, a nutrition researcher and registered dietitian who has spent years breaking down food myths in the pregnancy and postpartum space. Together we walk through the biggest areas of confusion, why so much misinformation spreads so fast, and how to make calmer, more confident choices during pregnancy. We talk about: The most common food rules that get blown out of proportion Why certain foods get labeled as “dangerous” without context What the real risk of listeria looks like, and how to lower it Sushi, soft cheese, runny eggs, deli meat, and why the blanket rules don’t tell the full story How to think about risk in pregnancy without spiraling The truth about the glucose test and why the alternatives online fall short What high mercury fish means and why fish is still an important part of pregnancy nutrition Where fear based content online pulls parents in and how to protect your headspace To connect with Dr. Jessica Knurick follow her on Instagram @drjessicaknurick and check out all her resources at https://www.jessicaknurick.com/ My Experience with Gestational Diabetes: https://youtu.be/QCtGft6p7c0  00:00 Why fear around food and the glucose test is rising 01:25 Why Dr. Jessica Knurick’s work matters in pregnancy nutrition 03:44 How misinformation spreads during pregnancy 06:13 The gray area behind food rules and risk 08:36 Soft cheese, deli meat, and runny eggs: what’s actually risky 11:06 The truth about listeria and real foodborne illness risks 14:12 Sushi, fish, mercury, and what research actually shows 17:04 How to approach food safety without spiraling 20:29 Real life examples of weighing pros and cons in pregnancy 23:34 What the glucose test really measures 25:53 Why screening happens at 24–28 weeks 27:52 Common myths about the glucose drink 30:30 Alternatives like jelly beans, pancakes, and OJ: why they don’t work 33:54 When at home monitoring is appropriate 42:17 A helpful tip for managing symptoms after the test 43:24 Final message on protecting your mental space in pregnancy Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Follow Up episode, I’m opening up about something I’ve counseled countless parents through yet still had to face myself: the emotional weight of percentiles. After my daughter Vera was born, a mix of postpartum complications, exclusive pumping, and constant worry about her petite size pulled me into a spiral I didn’t see coming. This episode walks through that experience with honesty and compassion. I share what feeding looked like in those early weeks, how comparison added pressure, how anxiety shaped her feeding behavior, and the turning points that helped me step back into a steadier perspective. Most importantly, we revisit what matters far more than the number on a chart: the big-picture signs of a thriving baby. If you’ve ever left a checkup feeling shaky or second-guessing yourself, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we talk about: What percentile anxiety actually sounds and feels like for parents How postpartum complications and exclusive pumping layered into worry The comparison trap and why it hits so hard in early parenthood How anxiety can accidentally shape feeding behavior (and how to reset) The real indicators of healthy growth beyond the chart When to seek support for both your baby and your own mental health Why you are not failing your child, even when the numbers feel scary Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it really mean to raise securely attached kids? I first came across Eli Harwood’s book Raising Securely Attached Kids on a solo trip, and it completely re-energized how I think about connection and parenting. Her words reminded me that so much of raising emotionally healthy kids starts with how we show up, not how perfect we are. It is now one of my most favorite parenting books out there.  On today’s episode, Eli and I talk about the real meaning of secure attachment, how it shows up in everyday moments, and why so many of us misunderstand it. She shares her own story of growing up with a cycle-breaking mom, how that shaped her work, and the lessons she now passes on to parents everywhere. We discuss:  ✔️ What secure attachment actually means in daily life ✔️ The four main attachment styles and how they develop ✔️ How to tell if your child feels emotionally safe with you ✔️ Why repair after conflict is one of the most powerful parenting tools ✔️ How to build lasting connection through small, consistent moments To connect with Eli Harwood follow her on Instagram @theattachmentnerd, check out all her resources at https://attachmentnerd.com/ and purchase her books here: https://attachmentnerd.com/books  Upcoming mother daughter journal “Uniquely Us” https://attachmentnerd.com/books/uniquely-us Upcoming encyclopedia style book called “How to Deal With Your ____ so Your Kids Don’t Have To” created to help parents develop healthy emotional patterns!  https://attachmentnerd.com/books/how-to-deal-with-your-so-your-kids-dont-have-to EMDR Podcast Episode: https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/trauma-therapy-why-you-may-need-emdr/  0:00 What Secure Attachment Really Is 1:00 Why One Safe Caregiver Changes Everything 1:58 How Dr. Mona Found Eli Harwood 3:12 Eli’s Story and Becoming Attachment Nerd 7:58 How Attachment Theory Shapes Family Patterns 10:12 Why Connection and Communication Matter 12:18 What Secure Attachment Looks Like Day to Day 19:39 The Four Attachment Styles Explained 30:13 How To Tell If Your Child Feels Emotionally Safe 32:35 Real-Life Parenting Mistakes and Repair 37:59 Four Daily Habits That Build Secure Attachment 42:56 Listening, Feedback, and Emotional Language 43:55 Repairing After Messy Moments 50:24 Final Takeaways and Where To Learn More Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Raising kids who feel proud of who they are, not just what they do, is one of the biggest gifts we can give them. In this Follow-Up episode, I revisit my conversation with Dr. Becky Kennedy, recorded back when I was a new mom trying to understand how to raise a confident child. Now, with Ryaan heading into six, these lessons hit even deeper. We talk about what real confidence looks like for kids, why outcome-based praise can backfire, and how to help our children find pride from the inside out. Dr. Becky breaks down how to shift the focus from grades, goals, and achievements to the qualities that matter most: effort, curiosity, and the internal spark that keeps them trying. You’ll hear: Why kids who shine early aren’t always the ones with the strongest sense of self How over-relying on praise tied to performance can lead to pressure or perfectionism Simple swaps you can use today to build true confidence The power of noticing the process, not the product How to shift your questions so your child learns that good feelings start from within, not from outside approval Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More and more women are getting diagnosed with ADHD later in life, often after becoming parents, and it’s not because ADHD is “trending.” It’s because we’ve missed it for decades. In this conversation, I talk with psychiatrist and author Dr. Sasha Hamdani about why ADHD in girls and women often goes unnoticed, how hormones and motherhood reveal hidden symptoms, and why self-understanding can be so freeing. We discuss stigma, emotional regulation, anxiety, and how parenting can bring clarity to our own neurodiversity. If you’ve ever wondered why things got harder after kids, or why your child’s diagnosis suddenly made your own life make more sense, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. We discuss: Why ADHD in girls and women often gets overlooked How hormonal shifts during puberty, postpartum, and perimenopause can unmask ADHD The difference between anxiety-driven distraction and true ADHD How parenting adds new executive function challenges that make symptoms more visible The role of emotional regulation in ADHD—and why it’s missing from the diagnostic criteria How a late diagnosis can change the way you see yourself and parent your kids To connect with Dr. Sasha Hamdani follow her on Instagram @thepsychdoctormd and  check out all her resources at https://www.drhamdanimd.com/. 00:00 - Intro 01:55 - Meet Dr. Sasha Hamdani: psychiatrist, ADHD specialist, and creator 04:00 - Rediscovering ADHD during medical school 06:00 - From burnout to advocacy: how social media changed her work 06:45 - Getting diagnosed as an adult woman and the emotions that followed 10:30 - How ADHD was misunderstood in the 90s—and still is for many girls 12:00 - Why diagnoses often appear after motherhood and hormonal shifts 16:30 - Parenting stress, executive function overload, and ADHD symptoms 18:20 - How girls are taught to mask and why that delays diagnosis 22:00 - ADHD, anxiety, and the “chicken or egg” challenge 27:00 - How self-understanding reshapes parenting and connection 35:15 - Why “superpower” isn’t the right framing—but awareness is powerful 41:20 - The missing piece: emotional regulation in ADHD and Sasha’s upcoming book 47:16 - Dr. Mona’s reflections on self-awareness, parenting, and compassion We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you! Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sleep training might be one of the most debated topics in parenting but it doesn’t have to be so polarizing. In this Follow-Up episode, I revisit my most downloaded episode, “We’re Losing Sleep Over Our Kids’ Sleep,” to talk honestly about what sleep training really means, the methods that exist, and how to decide what’s right for your family. You’ll learn: ✔️ What “sleep training” actually means (hint: it’s not one-size-fits-all) ✔️ The differences between the cry-it-out, Ferber, and gradual methods ✔️ Why crying doesn’t mean cruelty—and how boundaries are loving ✔️ How to spot when a method isn’t working for your baby ✔️ Why our generation’s obsession with baby sleep may be adding more stress than it solves Want more? Listen to the original full episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re raising girls in a world where filters are the norm, “what I eat in a day” videos flood their feeds, and puberty hits earlier than ever. It’s no wonder body image struggles start young. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Melisa Holmes to talk about how parents can help their daughters build confidence in their changing bodies without shame, fear, or comparison. We’ll cover how to talk about puberty in age-appropriate ways, what to do when kids start noticing body differences, and how to handle tricky moments like when your child says, “I feel fat.” You’ll also learn: Why body image starts long before puberty What not to say (and what helps instead) How your own body talk shapes how your child feels about theirs How social media is shaping kids’ self-worth—and what parents can do about it To connect with Dr. Melisa Holmes check out all her resources at https://girlology.com/.  Follow her on Instagram at @dr.melisa.holmes and @girlology.  For 20% off an annual subscription (after a free 7 day trial) go HERE and use this code: PedsDocTalk to activate your discount. We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you! 00:00 – The First Signs of Body Image Struggles 02:03 – Welcome, Dr. Melisa Holmes 03:06 – Breaking the Silence Between Generations 04:01 – Media, AI, and the Shifting Ideal 04:48 – Why It Starts So Young 07:02 – Boys, Girls, and Body Pressure 08:33 – Growing Up in a Filtered World 09:34 – Teaching Media Literacy and Self-Protection 12:07 – Modeling Confidence from the Start 15:23 – How Parents Pass Down Body Shame 20:22 – Reclaiming Joy in Food and Movement 22:49 – Puberty Talks Without the Awkwardness 26:51 – Raising Compassionate Boys Too 30:33 – Supporting Emotional Changes in Puberty 33:33 – What Every Girl Should Know About Her Body 36:22 – Parents, Schools, and the Role of Education 38:40 – Final Takeaway Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No one prepares you for how much your relationship changes after having a baby. The exhaustion, hormones, mental load, and body changes all take a toll on desire and closeness, and it’s rarely talked about honestly. In this Follow Up episode, Dr. Mona talks with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish about what really happens to intimacy after baby. They unpack why desire often dips postpartum, how to reconnect emotionally and physically, and why great sex isn’t about frequency. It’s about connection, communication, and redefining what intimacy looks like now. This episode is for any parent who’s ever thought something’s changed between us and I don’t know how to fix it. You’re not broken, you’re human, and this conversation will help you find your way back to each other. Why desire often drops after childbirth and how to understand it without shame How hormones, sleep, and stress affect intimacy The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire How to start rebuilding emotional connection in 10 minutes a day The role of small rituals like check-ins, laughter, and simple touch in rekindling closeness Why there’s no normal amount of sex, only what feels right for you and your partner Ways to talk openly about what you both want and need Dr. Tracy's new book, "You, Your Husband, and His Mother" is now on sale: Order your copy here. Want more? Check out the full episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when a chiropractor decides to go to medical school? In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Richard Schoonmaker, a former chiropractor turned osteopathic medical student, to talk about why he made the switch, what he learned about evidence-based care, and how chiropractic and medicine can actually work together when done responsibly. What We Discuss: Why Dr. Schoonmaker left chiropractic to pursue medicine The difference between chiropractic and osteopathic training How to spot red flags in online chiropractic content The truth about chiropractic care for babies and kids What evidence-based, collaborative care could look like How modern medicine can build trust by listening better To connect with Richard Schoonmaker follow him on Instagram at @richs_oms2 and TikTok at @rich_oms2.  We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you! 00:00 – Intro 02:00 – Meet Dr. Richard Schoonmaker 03:00 – From Chiropractic to Medicine 07:15 – What He Took From Chiropractic Into Medicine 08:15 – Evidence-Based Chiropractic vs. Online Myths 10:00 – Why Some Chiropractors Go Viral (and Off the Rails) 16:00 – How Chiropractors Are Trained (and Where Gaps Exist) 21:20 – The Lack of Oversight in Pediatric Chiropractic Care 24:00 – The Supportive (Not Substitutive) Role of Chiropractic 28:30 – Common Reasons Parents Seek Chiropractic Care for Kids 33:10 – What the Research Actually Supports 36:30 – Understanding OMM in Osteopathic Medicine 40:00 – Why Context Matters: Symptom Relief vs. Causation 43:00 – The True Meaning of Holistic Care 45:00 – Calling Out Misinformation Responsibly 48:00 – The Real Reason Patients Seek Alternative Care 49:40 – Building a Better Relationship Between Chiropractors and Physicians 51:45 – How Parents Can Find a Safe, Evidence-Based Chiropractor 54:50 – Final Thoughts and Where to Find Richard Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’ve all heard the phrase breast is best. But is it really that simple? In this episode, I sit down with an expert to talk honestly about what the research actually says about breastfeeding and where the science gets murky. We break down what’s fact, what’s myth, and why so much of the “breast is best” messaging comes from data that’s more correlation than causation. From IQ to obesity to immune health, we unpack what studies really measure (and what they don’t). I also share my own story as a pediatrician who planned to breastfeed but ended up formula-feeding my son after a difficult birth and ICU stay. That experience shaped how I talk to parents today because feeding your baby should never come with shame. We discuss: Why most breastfeeding research isn’t based on randomized trials How socioeconomic factors shape the data we see on long-term “benefits” The difference between short-term and long-term outcomes What sibling studies tell us about IQ, weight, and immunity Why guilt over feeding choices can actually take away from connection The importance of supporting all feeding journeys—breast, bottle, or both Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’ve ever wondered why traditional discipline like timeouts, threats, punishments feel off or doesn’t actually work, this episode will change the way you see toddler behavior. I’m joined by Devon Kuntzman, toddler expert and founder of Transforming Toddlerhood, to talk about how we can move from managing our kids’ behavior to teaching through it. We unpack why toddlers act out, how to handle power struggles without punishment, and how parents can stay calm (and human) in those messy moments. Devon shares her framework for effective discipline, the difference between natural and arbitrary consequences, and the long game of raising emotionally intelligent kids. We discuss: Why toddlerhood isn’t “terrible”—it’s transformational and  what’s really happening in the toddler brain Why punishment feels effective short-term but harms long-term growth The 3 parts of effective discipline: connection, limits, and teaching skills How to pause before reacting when you’re triggered and the power of noticing positive behavior How to reframe “bad” behavior as communication The one question that can change how you discipline To connect with Devon Kuntzman check out all her resources at https://www.transformingtoddlerhood.com/.  Follow her on Instagram at @transformingtoddlerhood. And purchase her brand new book “Transforming Toddlerhood” available now: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/TTBook We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you! 00:00 – The mindset shift: Teach, don’t punish 01:10 – Welcome & introduction to Devon Kuntzman 02:30 – Why toddlerhood isn’t terrible—it’s teachable 05:00 – Understanding your toddler’s brain and behavior 07:40 – Behavior as communication: decoding what kids are telling us 09:00 – From control to connection: the real purpose of discipline 10:45 – The recipe for effective discipline (connection, limits, teaching) 13:20 – Natural vs. logical vs. arbitrary consequences 17:00 – Why quick fixes don’t work and the long game of discipline does 25:30 – How to pause, stay grounded, and model emotional regulation 29:15 – Dr. Mona’s “bubble hack” and real-life calm-down strategies 31:30 – Positive reinforcement: noticing the behavior you want to see 35:00 – The ultimate reframe: what skill does my child need to learn? 37:00 – You’re human, your child’s human—progress over perfection 38:00 – Closing reflections and where to find Devon’s book Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a pediatrician, I know how stressful it can feel when you’re filling out those developmental questionnaires at your child’s checkup. You check a few “no” boxes, and suddenly you’re spiraling! What does this mean? Should I be worried? In this episode, I sit down with an autism specialist to talk through what some of those screening questions actually mean and how they’re meant to be interpreted. We look at common items from the M-CHAT like pointing, pretend play, and responding to their name and unpack why these aren’t simple yes-or-no milestones. We talk about what’s typical, what might be worth keeping an eye on, and how to bring up your concerns in a productive way with your child’s doctor. Most importantly, we discuss why one missed skill doesn’t equal a diagnosis, and how to focus on the whole picture of your child’s development. We discuss: Why the M-CHAT can sometimes create more confusion than clarity What “joint attention” looks like in real life (and why it matters) Why pretend play is about creativity, not just copying What finger posturing means—and why it’s often a self-soothing behavior When to worry about your child not responding to their name How delayed babbling fits into speech and language development How to ask your child’s clinician the right follow-up questions when you’re worried Want more? Listen to the original, full episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices