The Pediatrician Next Door - Simple Advice on Parenting and Family Health

Feeling overwhelmed by parenting advice from Google, Instagram, and everyone you know? You’re not alone! Learn how to cut through the noise and find answers you can actually trust about your child’s health.  Dr. Wendy talks about the viral parenting hacks that fill your feed (are they genius or just hype?), the scary headlines that make you second-guess yourself, and why not all advice—online or offline—is created equal. You’ll hear simple tips for spotting sketchy medical content, finding reliable resources, and getting the most out of your conversations with your pediatrician.        Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Family meals are supposed to be good for kids—but what if getting everyone to the table feels like the most stressful part of your day? Join Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN, host of the Managing Mealtime Madness podcast to hear realistic, judgment-free advice for busy parents: how to plan meals around your schedule, make dinnertime less chaotic, and more fun.     Check out my favorite Kids Cooking/Baking set – it's a great gift idea!    Listen to Sarah Schlichter’s podcast:  Managing Mealtime Madness and read blog: Bucket List Tummy      Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your child still wetting the bed? You’re not alone—and there is help. In this episode, pediatric urologist Dr. Andrew Kirsch from Georgia Urology joins me to explain why bedwetting happens, when it’s normal, and when it might be a sign of something more. We talk about what causes bedwetting, and why common treatments don’t always work. Dr. Kirsch also shares his brand-new approach to treating bedwetting.  If your child is over age 5 and still struggling with nighttime accidents, this episode will give you the facts, the hope, and a better plan for moving forward.  Buy the book: The Ultimate Bedwetting Survival Guide  Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you give parents and kids a safe space to ask their most embarrassing health questions? Dr. Wendy shares what she learned from a live Q&A with 50 mothers and teen girls. From questions about vaginal discharge, and body image, to shaving, acne, and saying “no,” you’ll hear the real concerns our kids have—and how parents can respond. This episode is full of advice to help make the hard talks easier.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your toddler screaming at bedtime? Is your teen suddenly moody or defiant? Before you blame "bad behavior," take a breath. Dr. Wendy Hunter shares four real stories—from an 11-month-old to a 14-year-old—to show why acting out is often a cry for help, not disrespect. Learn how emotional dysregulation can look like defiance and discover calm, practical ways to respond. You'll walk away feeling more confident—and more connected to your child. You're not alone, and you're doing better than you think!    Read:  The Explosive Child by Ross Greene  Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka  Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teaching kids to take charge of their health starts earlier than you think. Dr. Wendy shares how to help kids build health independence—starting with simple things like talking to the doctor, knowing their own symptoms, and understanding their family medical history. You'll also hear the powerful story of Thad Hamilton, whose experience with a genetic cancer shows why it matters for kids to learn this early. Plus, get a checklist you can start using with your child as young as age 3 to get them ready for their next doctor visit.    The Save our Stomachs campaign’s mission is to build an endowment fund supporting sustained Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer syndrome research.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fireworks can be magical—or totally overwhelming. Why do some kids love the Fourth of July while others dread it? Learn tips for helping kids who are sensitive to loud noises, or anxious around crowds. Get ideas for fun, low-stress alternatives to traditional fireworks. Create a Fourth of July that’s festive, safe, and kid-friendly for everyone in the family!    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your child’s weight something to be concerned about—or just a normal part of growing up? Pediatrician and registered dietitian Natalie Muth, MD joins me to talk about how doctors decide when a child’s weight needs attention. We explain why a shift in BMI percentile—not just a number on the scale—can grab our attention, and how puberty, sleep, and lifestyle all play a role. Plus, we share practical tips for supporting healthy habits at home without harming your child’s self-esteem.    Read The Family Fit Plan by Dr. Natalie Digate Muth    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the role of medication in treating anxiety and depression in kids and teens. When can it help—and how do you decide? Psychiatrist Julia Krankl, MD, returns to share guidance for parents on when to consider medication and what to expect if your child starts an SSRI or other treatment. If you’re feeling unsure or even nervous, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and insights on finding the right balance between therapy, lifestyle changes, and meds.    Guest Julia Krankl, MD - Read her book: The 21st Minute: Everything you Wished Doctors Explained about Mental Health     Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does your child have anxiety—or are they just a little worried? Anxiety is a normal part of growing up, but sometimes it can interfere with daily life. Psychiatrist Julia Krankl, MD returns to share simple, effective tools parents can use to treat anxious thoughts at home. From progressive muscle relaxation to better sleep routines, learn to help your child feel calmer, more confident, and in control.     Read The 21st Minute: Everything you Wished Doctors Explained about Mental Health by Julia Krankl, MD    Read: It’s Not All in Your Head: How Worrying About Your Health Could be Making You Sick – and What You Can Do About It    Listen: Calm App – 7 Days of Sleep    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Practical tips to help your family get the most out of summer camp and family vacations—without the stress! Whether you're sending your child to overnight camp or hitting the road together, you'll learn how to plan ahead and make it fun for everyone. Dr. Wendy talks about the benefits of camp and travel for kids’ growth, independence, and confidence. Summer is the perfect time to make memories and build stronger family bonds!    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the best tools for managing your child’s anxiety, sadness, or stress weren’t found at the pharmacy—but in your daily routine? Dr. Julia Krankl, a psychiatrist and author of The 21st Minute, shares the powerful and often overlooked role of lifestyle in treating mental health issues in children and teens. We explore why meditation works (yes, even for squirmy kids!), how to sneak mindfulness into a busy family schedule, and why movement and gratitude can be just as powerful as medication. Learn easy to use tips that can make a real difference in your child’s emotional well-being.    Read The 21st Minute: Everything you Wished Doctors Explained about Mental Health by Julia Krankl, MD     Try these Guided Self-Compassion Practices – Kristen Neff at self-compassion.org    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not just you—seasonal allergies really are getting worse. In this episode, Dr. Wendy explains why allergy season is lasting longer, why more kids are affected, and what simple steps you can take at home to bring relief. Plus, the surprising ways allergies can affect your child.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think it’s all about diet and exercise? Think again. Explore the surprising lifestyle factors that play a powerful role in childhood obesity and healthy weight—like sleep and even friendship. Guest pediatrician Dr. Natalie Digate Muth shares what science says about how things like social connection and sleep routines affect your child’s metabolism and long-term health. Learn how small, simple changes in your family’s daily habits can make a big difference—no calorie counting required.      Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Weight loss drugs are all over the news—and your social media feeds! But are they safe for teens? And when are they actually used? Pediatrician and registered dietitian Dr. Natalie Digate Muth explains how doctors are combining lifestyle changes with new medications to help adolescents manage their weight and avoid long-term health problems.    Learn more from Dr. Natalie Digate Muth   Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices