Summer can make screen limits harder to hold, but it’s also a perfect time to reclaim imagination, connection and play. In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Sandy Reed shares her expert insight on how screen time affects child development, how to set boundaries that work for your family and why boredom might be the best thing for your child’s brain. With more than 27 years of experience (and generations of patients), Dr. Reed brings clarity, compassion and realistic advice for today’s parents. Key Moments: Avoid the Summer Screen Time Slide – 1:16 Make a Family Media Plan – 2:20 What Too Much Screen Time Actually Does to Kids – 3:22 Passive vs. Active Screen Time – 5:16 No-Excuses Screen Time Rules – 7:48 Easy, Creative Alternatives to Screens – 11:31 Parents Screen Habits Matter, Too – 14:02 American Academy of Pediatrics Media Plan Builder: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx Read more from Dr. Reed on our blog: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/managing-screen-time-expert-tips-for-parents/ Download our screentime tip sheet: https://health.fmolhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ParentingUS5E8_ScreenTimePlanDownload.pdf Learn more about Dr. Reed: https://doctors.ololchildrens.org/provider/sandy-shows-reed/1297722
What’s the key to safe summer fun? According to Dr. Nicholas George, it’s all about modeling good habits, setting boundaries and never skipping the helmet. In this ParentingU episode, he shares personal stories (including a scary childhood injury), smart safety tips for bikes and scooters, and how parents can balance protection with play. From concussions to goose eggs and everything in between, this episode helps parents navigate summer safety without panic. Key Moments: Benefits Beyond the Backyard – 3:02 Brains on Bikes – 4:00 Lead by Example – 5:20 Helmet Hair, Don't Care – 7:39 Safety Rules Without Panic – 11:43 Scrapes, Swells and When to Worry – 16:43 Read more from Dr. George on our blog: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/a-parents-guide-to-safer-summers/ Learn more about Dr. George: https://doctors.lourdesrmc.com/provider/nicholas-taylor-george/2215694
Summer’s here, and that means more sunshine — and more sneezing! Join pediatric allergy expert Dr. Theron McCormick as he unpacks the mysteries of summer sniffles, itchy eyes and how to keep your kids smiling (not sniffling!) all season long. From allergy-busting hacks and myth-busting truths to travel tips and must-try remedies, this episode is jam-packed with advice that will help you breeze through allergy season. Get ready to turn summer allergies into summer adventures! Key Moments: Understanding Seasonal Allergies – 2:27 What’s an Allergy? What’s a Summer Cold? - 5:08 Preventing Allergy Flare-Ups – 6:29 Over-the-Counter Medicines – 10:30 Debunking Allergy Myths – 13:47 Managing Allergies While Traveling – 18:47 Food Allergies – 30:45 Asthma and Seasonal Allergies – 32:45 Resources Mentioned: Pollen.com for checking pollen counts National Weather Service for air quality updates Various over-the-counter medications like Claritin, Zyrtec, Flonase and Nasonex DEET and PICARDIN-based insect repellents Read more from Dr. McCormick on our blog: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/parentingu-your-kids-summer-allergy-survival-guide/ Learn more about Dr. McCormick: https://doctors.ololchildrens.org/provider/theron-g-mc-cormick/1297107 Download an allergy tip sheet: https://health.fmolhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ParentingUS5E6_AllergyTipDownload.pdf
From bug bites to skinned knees, summer brings plenty of opportunities for adventure — and a few inevitable mishaps. In this episode of ParentingU, Dr. Kali Broussard, pediatrician and infectious diseases specialist with Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Health, shares practical tips to help parents manage common summer injuries and prevent bigger problems. Dr. Broussard breaks down when to worry (and when not to), why insect repellent matters, what every first aid kit should include and how simple wound care can make a big difference. Plus, she ends with must-know water safety advice for families spending time in or around the pool. Key Moments: Insect Bites Prevention & Treatment - 2:29 Signs of Infection – 4:25 Different Bites and Stings – 5:07 Insect Repellants – 11:16 Cleaning & Caring for Minor Cuts and Scrapes – 13:01 Essentials for Your Family’s First Aid Kit – 15:48 Read more from Dr. Broussard on our blog: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/a-parents-guide-to-summer-first-aid/ Learn more about Dr. Broussard: https://doctors.lourdesrmc.com/provider/kali-a-broussard/2585966 Download a First Aid Kit checklist: https://health.fmolhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ParentingUS5E5_FirstAidKitChecklist.pdf
Parents on the hunt for summer activities for their kids might want to look close to home: the kitchen! In this ParentingU episode, Dr. Thiravat Choojitarom, Our Lady of the Lake Children's Health pediatrician with a passion for culinary medicine, shares how time spent cooking can teach kids real-life skills that last far beyond summer. From cracking eggs to choosing recipes, Dr. Choo breaks down age-appropriate ways to invite kids into the kitchen and let them take the lead. Along the way, he explains how cooking together builds confidence, sparks creativity and encourages healthier eating habits. You’ll also hear why boredom isn’t the enemy of growth, how modeling behaviors matters more than micromanaging and why it’s okay if the pancakes come out a little wonky. With practical tips and plenty of encouragement, this episode is your reminder that life skills don’t have to be perfect to stick. They just have to start. Key Moments: The Importance of Culinary Skills for Kids – 2:57 Age-Appropriate Cooking Skills – 5:16 Encouraging Independence in the Kitchen – 7:54 Other Essential Life Skills for Kids – 9:20 The Power of Boredom – 11:24 Making Cooking Fun –18:09 Read more from Dr. Choo on our blog: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/help-kids-find-joy-in-the-kitchen-with-real-life-skills/ Need some recipe inspiration? Download Dr. Choo’s red gravy and salad dressing recipes: https://health.fmolhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ParentingUS5E4_RedGravyVinaigrette.pdf Learn more about Dr. Choojitarom: https://doctors.ololchildrens.org/provider/thiravat-choojitarom/1297388
In this episode of ParentingU, Dr. Kristen Sandoz, pediatrician with Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Health, dives into one of the most important topics of summer: keeping kids safe around water. From pools to puddle jumpers, Dr. Sandoz shares what every parent needs to know — including why drowning is so dangerous (and often silent), how to spot a real-life water emergency and what tools can make a big difference. You’ll hear practical tips for every age and stage, plus the truth about so-called “dry drowning” and when to start swim lessons. Whether you're heading to the beach, the backyard pool or a splash pad, this episode will help you feel more confident and prepared. Key Moments: Alarming Reality of Drowning for Young Kids – 1:03 What It Means to Be a Water Watcher – 2:20 How to Recognize Drowning – 3:46 ‘Dry Drowning?’ Setting the Record Straight – 4:45 Swim Lesson Options – 8:30 Layers of Protection – 10:50 Are Puddle Jumpers Safe? - 12:08 CPR Training for Parents – 13:15 Everyday Drowning Risks – 14:30 Read more from Dr. Sandoz on our blog: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/watch-the-water-to-keep-kids-safe-this-summer/ Learn more about Dr. Sandoz: https://doctors.lourdesrmc.com/provider/kristen-finney-sandoz/1962541 Download a Water Watcher tag: https://health.fmolhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WaterWatcherTag_CHTau_2024.pdf Learn more about the National Drowning Prevention Alliance: https://ndpa.org/
Summer road trip season is here, and if you’ve got kids in the back seat, you know it’s not all sunshine and sing-alongs. In this episode of ParentingU, Dr. Kyle Pontiff, sports medicine physician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, shares his top tips to help families hit the road safely. From seat belts and snack breaks to sun protection and screen time sanity, Dr. Pontiff covers what you really need to think about before you pile into the car. He’s got practical advice (like how often to take movement breaks) and fun ideas (hello, car karaoke) to keep the whole crew healthier and happier mile after mile. Key Moments: Take Regular Breaks to Stretch – 3:00 Often-overlooked Tip: Sun Protection in the Car – 8:49 Avoid Dehydration – 9:52 Snack Strategies and Road Trip MVPs – 12:49 Always Buckle Up – 15:17 Car Seat Tips – 15:33 Why Kids Shouldn’t Prop Feet on Front Seat – 17:21 Make Memories with Maps and Sing-alongs – 19:12 Screen Time and the Quiet Game – 19:51 Read more from Dr. Pontiff on our blog: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/the-ultimate-summer-road-trip/ Want a quick hit of snack inspiration? Download Dr. Pontiff’s Road Trip Snack Sheet for healthy, car-friendly ideas: https://health.fmolhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ParentingU_Season5E2_KylePontiffMD_RoadTripTips.pdf Learn more about Dr. Pontiff: https://doctors.ololrmc.com/provider/Kyle+Jude+Pontiff/1882694
With less structure and more free time, summer can be challenging for kids with ADHD and their parents. Josh LeJeune, NP, with Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Health, offers advice on keeping kids engaged, creating light routines and incorporating activities that balance fun with focus. Josh discusses the unique challenges faced by children with ADHD, including emotional regulation, the importance of structure and the differences in how ADHD presents in boys and girls. Josh provides practical tips for parents on creating routines, managing screen time and fostering social skills, while also emphasizing the importance of self-care for parents. Key moments: Understanding ADHD Symptoms – 02:18 ADHD in Boys vs. Girls – 05:44 Summer Challenges for Kids with ADHD – 09:01 Creating Structure and Routine During Summer – 11:44 Managing Screen Time Effectively – 15:24 Social Skills and Connections – 19:27 ADHD Medication During the Summer – 22:44 Healthy Sleep Schedules – 26:52 Parents, Take Care of Yourself – 29:48 Read more from on our blog and see Josh’s paintings: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/helping-kids-with-adhd-stay-social-over-the-summer/ Learn more about Josh LeJeune, NP: https://doctors.lourdesrmc.com/provider/joshua-le-jeune/2184423
This season, ParentingU is bringing you pediatrician-approved tips to help you keep your kids safe, healthy and having fun all summer long. From water safety and road trip prep to bike helmets, bug bites, backyard allergies and screen time, we’re talking about the real stuff that comes up when routines change and the days get longer. We’ve even got expert advice for navigating summer with kids who have ADHD, because every child deserves a summer that feels good. Plus, we’re asking our guests (and you!) to share your favorite thing about summer. What do you love about this season? Drop it in the comments or email us at podcast@fmolhs.org. We’d love to hear from you! Follow ParentingU wherever you listen to podcasts and get expert tips all summer long. Learn more at https://fmolhs.org/parentinguhttps://fmolhs.org/parentingu. Let's make summer parenting a little easier, together.
From changing voices and growing pains to first periods and teenage mood swings, puberty comes with so many changes. Empower yourself to support your child through puberty with confidence. This episode of ParentingU features expert insights from Karli Boggs, MD, Board Certified gynecologist with Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group, and Brett Hutchinson, MD, Board Certified pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health. More Helpful ParentingU Resources - Read our blog post, all about teen puberty: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/understanding-puberty-in-girls-a-comprehensive-guide-parentingu-podcast/ - Watch ParentingU host Stephanie talk with Dr. Boggs and Dr. Hutch: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/a-parents-guide-to-boys-puberty-parentingu-podcast/ - Dr. Boggs recommended parents learn more at the American Academy of Pediatrics' healthychildren.org and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's girlshealth.gov Season 4 of ParentingU is all about Teens and Tweens! You can hear all episodes of ParentingU on our website or Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. New! Watch videos of our podcast on YouTube: ParentingU playlist.
Vaccines are a modern medical miracle according to “Dr. Hutch” (also known as Brett Hutchinson, MD, Board Certified pediatrician.) While we’ve talked about COVID vaccines on other ParentingU episodes, this time Dr. Hutch joins us to talk about what vaccines teens and tweens might hear about from their doctors at well check visits. If you’ve ever questioned why your teen or tween is recommended to take vaccines that you never received, Dr. Hutch gives clear, understandable explanations about how vaccine technology has changed over the years and why teens of today might receive vaccinations that parents did not. ParentingU host Stephanie asks Dr. Hutch about the current recommended vaccine schedule and what conditions are trying to be prevented from the vaccinations. The conversation even covers flu shots for teens, and the top myth about flu shots. Parents will appreciate Dr. Hutch’s calm, thoughtful manner in talking about vaccinations (he’s even got some suggestions for treats—even teens appreciate a little treat—after getting a round of vaccination shots.) More Helpful ParentingU Resources - Read more about vaccines for teens and tweens on our blog: Vaccines for Tweens & Teens | ParentingU Podcast - Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (fmolhs.org) - Dr. Hutch has included a handy primer for parents: A Parents’ Primer on Vaccines - Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (fmolhs.org) - Check out our current recommended vaccine schedule. Download the guide here: What to Expect at Well Checks Guide (PDF) Watch Dr. Hutch speak with Stephanie (mom of two and ParentingU host): https://youtu.be/evgGDF8C9Ig Season 4 of ParentingU is all about Teens and Tweens! You can hear all episodes of ParentingU on our website or Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. New! Watch videos of our podcast on YouTube: ParentingU playlist.
Sports teams and athletics can be a formative, fun part of tweens and teens lives. How can parents make sure teens are participating in sports in a safe way, that avoids injury, while providing enrichment, exercise, and life lessons along the way? ParentingU welcomes Kyle Pontiff, MD, sports medicine physician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health to share his insights about getting the most out of youth sports. Dr. Pontiff offers practical guidelines for parents to assess how much activity is too much as well as explains the importance of rest for young athletes (if sports pros can rest, youth athletes can rest, too!) Dr. Pontiff also offers thoughtful perspectives on how to balance a desire to excel with a spirit of healthy competition. Parents of kids in sports programs will appreciate the real-world information in this episode. More Helpful ParentingU Resources - Read more about sports medicine for teens and how Dr. Pontiff cares for young athletes on our blog: The Playbook for Safer Youth Sports | ParentingU Podcast - Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (fmolhs.org) - Watch Dr. Pontiff speak with Stephanie (mom of two and ParentingU host): https://youtu.be/WLbAcvxfWl4 Season 4 of ParentingU is all about Teens and Tweens! You can hear all episodes of ParentingU on our website or Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. New! Watch videos of our podcast on YouTube: ParentingU playlist.
Illness and injury seem to come up at any time (sometimes, the most inconvenient times!) How do parents of teens and tweens know when to go to urgent care and when to go to the Emergency Room? Hannah Chachere, MD, a pediatrician with Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Health joins us on ParentingU to break down all the different choices parents have when encountering an illness or injury with a teen or tween. What is the difference between urgent and emergency care? Do you know when to call the pediatrician’s office instead of going to urgent care? Do you know when urgent care might be the best option, as well as what types of urgent care offices are available? You’ll find out on this episode as well as receiving practical tips from Dr. Chachere about first aid and some home remedies that she swears by! More Helpful ParentingU Resources - Dr. Chachere recommended a first aid product: Hibiclens, also known as chlorhexidine gluconate—available at most drug stores - She also likes family favorites like Aquaphor, Vaseline, and local honey (listen to the episode for more details) - We have a handy “Where to Go for Care” guide you can get here: https://health.fmolhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024ParentingU_Where-to-Go-800x1000-1.jpg - Watch Dr. Chachere and Stephanie on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Yfly4ehPHLk - Read our informative blog post all about where to go for care: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/panic-free-pediatrics-where-to-seek-care-for-your-sick-or-injured-tween-or-teen-parentingu-podcast/ Season 4 of ParentingU is all about Teens and Tweens! You can hear all episodes of ParentingU on our website or Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. New! Watch videos of our podcast on YouTube: ParentingU playlist.
The teen years can be difficult—for parents and teens alike! Did you know there’s a whole medical specialty dedicate to young people ages 12 to 21? It’s called adolescent medicine, and Ruben Battley, MD joins ParentingU to talk about what adolescent medicine is and how it can help families. Dr. Battley shares his insights from seeing patients at the Adolescent Medicine Clinic in Baton Rouge. He offers practical tips for how parents can be positive role models for teens, plus how to openly discuss topics teens need to hear about. This episode will give parents of teens and tweens hope and clarity for navigating these formative years with their children. More Helpful ParentingU Resources - Read our blog post all about adolescent medicine for teens and tweens here: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/a-foundation-for-self-esteem-and-healthy-tween-and-teen-relationships-parentingu-podcast/ - Watch Dr. Battley and Stephanie on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ayXBd62lk5c Season 4 of ParentingU is all about Teens and Tweens! You can hear all episodes of ParentingU on our website or Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. New! Watch videos of our podcast on YouTube: ParentingU playlist.
As children grow up, they gain more independence and autonomy in every aspect of their life, including healthcare. Nicholas George, MD, pediatrics and internal medicine physician with Our Lady of Lourdes Health, shares the advice he gives parents to help ease the transition from pediatric to adult primary care. Dr. George emphasizes that it’s normal and natural for adolescents to want more privacy during medical appointments. We hope this episode of ParentingU gives you some ideas for supporting your tweens and teens as they continue the journey through adolescence. Questions Answered on the Episode - Why might I need to leave the room during my older child’s healthcare appointment? - How can I help my child feel comfortable speaking openly with their physician? Additional Resource - Read more on Helping Kids Feel Empowered at the Doctor’s Office We’ll be back with more and another regular ParentingU episode soon. You can hear all episodes of ParentingU on our website or on your favorite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts. New! Watch videos of our podcast on YouTube: ParentingU playlist.
Teens and tweens have their own needs when it comes to eating and food. Teens might be past the baby years when younger children are figuring out what they like to eat and what they need to grow, but not quite to the adult years when metabolisms change and most growing is done. How can parents help their teens develop healthy eating habits that will serve them well into adulthood? Lisa Le, MD, a pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Prairieville joins host Stephanie on this episode of ParentingU to talk about what teens need in terms of nutrition and calories as they grow into adults. This episode is filled with great practical tips that will help get teens involved in their own health and nutrition, developing what can be positive, life-long food habits. More Helpful ParentingU Resources - Read our blog post all about healthy eating for teens: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/the-adolescent-appetite-healthy-eating-tips-for-tweens-and-teens/ - Watch Dr. Le and Stephanie on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QZjll7W9vik Season 4 of ParentingU is all about Teens and Tweens! You can hear all episodes of ParentingU on our website or Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. New! Watch videos of our podcast on YouTube: ParentingU playlist.
Teenagers and tweens start asking about it early—first with colas and sodas, but soon after with coffee and energy drinks. It’s all about caffeine. While adults might worry about caffeine hyping kids up and disrupting sleep, teens often seek out caffeine for the same reasons adults do. Caffeine is a stimulant, make no mistake about that, but some of the things people believe about caffeine might not be fact-based. On this episode of ParentingU, Kali Broussard, MD joins host Stephanie to get the straight story about caffeine for teens and tweens. How much caffeine is too much? Does caffeine stunt kids’ growth? What is really in those energy drinks? Dr. Broussard provides some great guidelines all parents can use when making decisions about caffeine. More Helpful ParentingU Resources - Read our blog post all about caffeine for teens: Beyond the Buzz: Insights on Teens, Tweens and Caffeine - Watch Dr. Broussard and Stephanie on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cFvSa9sEVUw While you pour yourself another cup of coffee, if you know a parent who is interested in how much caffeine their kids are consuming, you’re invited to share this episode of ParentingU. Season 4 of ParentingU is all about Teens and Tweens! You can hear all episodes of ParentingU on our website or Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. New! Watch videos of our podcast on YouTube: ParentingU playlist.
It’s a teenager milestone that fills some parents with fear and dread: teen driving. How can parents help teens learn how to be safe and responsible drivers without causing family strife? Grant Clinkingbeard, MD, pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health who practices on the Northshore, shares ways parents can help their teens develop safe driving habits. Dr. Clinkingbeard brings the facts—and shares many actionable tips—to help make this stage of the parenting journey as productive and peaceful as possible. More Helpful Teen Driving Resources - Read our blog post all about driving in the teen years: Roadmap to Safety: Teen Driving Tips - Watch Dr. Clinkingbeard and Stephanie on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C6FIcLAcYKI?si=RHJymEViqXSCLFpv What was your favorite teen driving tip from Dr. Clinkingbeard? If you know someone with a teen driver, you’re invited to share this episode of ParentingU. Season 4 of ParentingU is all about Teens and Tweens! You can hear all episodes of ParentingU on our website or Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. New! Watch videos of our podcast on YouTube: ParentingU playlist.
Is your teen getting enough sleep? Or are they trying to “catch up” on the weekend? Or do you worry they’re sleeping too much, staying in bed as much as they can? Teens and tweens have different sleep needs than toddlers or young adults. Natalie Derouen, MD joins host Stephanie on the Season 4 premiere of ParentingU podcast to talk about sleep for teenagers. Sleep habits and sleep routines can be forged in the teen years, and may help (or hinder!) young people in these important years. Dr. Derouen shares tips and tricks for helping teens get quality sleep, and provides helpful facts about sleep needs from ages 11-18. We all know sleep is important, but parents will have all their top sleep questions answered on this episode. More Helpful ParentingU Resources - Read our blog post all about sleep for teens and tweens here: Unlock the Secrets to Teen & Tween Sleep – ParentingU Podcast - Watch Dr. Derouen and Stephanie on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZeAZigCa8Ck Season 4 of ParentingU is all about Teens and Tweens! You can hear all episodes of ParentingU on our website or Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. New! Watch videos of our podcast on YouTube: ParentingU playlist.
As children grow up, they gain more independence and autonomy in every aspect of their life, including healthcare. Nicholas George, MD, pediatrics and internal medicine physician with Our Lady of Lourdes Health, shares the advice he gives parents to help ease the transition from pediatric to adult primary care. Dr. George emphasizes that it’s normal and natural for adolescents to want more privacy during medical appointments. We hope this extra credit episode of ParentingU gives you some ideas for supporting your tweens and teens as they continue the journey through adolescence. Questions Answered on the Episode - Why might I need to leave the room during my older child’s healthcare appointment? - How can I help my child feel comfortable speaking openly with their physician? Additional Resource - Read more on Helping Kids Feel Empowered at the Doctor’s Office We’ll be back with more and another regular ParentingU episode soon. You can hear all episodes of ParentingU on our website or on your favorite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts. New! Watch videos of our podcast on YouTube: ParentingU playlist.