The Child Repair Guide with Dr. Steve Silvestro

Plenty of parents jumped for joy on October 7th when Pfizer asked the FDA to grant Emergency Use Authorization to give its COVID-19 vaccine to kids aged 5–11. While the official EUA approval hasn't yet been announced, the timing of when kids can potentially get the vaccine has led many parent to wonder whether the COVID vaccine can be given with the flu shot, or if some sort of spacing is needed. In this episode, I break down a recent study that gives us the answer! Important links: SHARE this episode as an article and a podcast: drstevesilvestro.com/136 SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel: youtube.com/drstevesilvestro FOLLOW me on Instagram: @zendocsteve REGISTER for my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course at drstevesilvestro.com/courses BUY my "Love Is Bigger" t-shirt here

People seem to think that sleep problems are only for babies. The moment you bring your newborn home, people start asking "How much sleep are you getting?"—and the question is more annoying than the lack of sleep! No one asks you that once you have a toddler or your kid's in school—and yet kids at these ages are often just as difficult to get to bed when they're supposed to. Enter: My 6 tips for getting kids to bed on time. This is an episode I've been asked to record for years, and I'm glad to be getting it out to you now—because we all need the sleep! You can share the article & audio version of this episode by sharing this link: www.drstevesilvestro.com/135 A few items mentioned in this episode (purchasing through these links helps support The Child Repair Guide): The Philadelphia Chickens album The Original Tot Clock My somewhat famous & well-loved Cloud Story

As part of the huge response to the last episode (thank you!) in which I broke down the new CDC guidelines on how vaccinated and unvaccinated people can mix, I received dozens of emails and Instgram messages from people asking questions about how the PB&J Method applies to their family's particular situation. Many of those questions had common themes—and I bet those themes are questions you might have, as well. In this episode, I present the latest data to answer those questions & help you navigate this new world where some people (adults!) are vaccinated and others (kids!) are not. You can SHARE the article version of this episode here: https://www.drstevesilvestro.com/134 You can BUY your own "Love Is Bigger" t-shirt or tote HERE: https://zendocsteve.creator-spring.com/

Now that the COVID vaccine rollout is well under way around the world—and the light at the end of the tunnel is within grasp!—we're still left with one wrinkle: How to handle gathering with family & friends when some people have gotten the vaccine and some haven't? This is especially important for families, as kids aren't likely to be able to get the vaccine until this fall or even this winter. I break down the CDC's guidelines, PLUS give you a super-simple way you can figure out what's safest for every possible situation: The Peanut Butter & Jelly Method. Hear me out on this—it'll make total sense! You can share this episode as both a podcast and and article by sharing this link: www.drstevesilvestro.com/133 ***And for listeners of the podcast, a special coupon to take 20% off my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course! Use the coupon code PODCAST and sign up at www.drstevesilvestro.com/courses  

I can't believe it, but The Child Repair Guide is celebrating a HUGE milestone! And to celebrate, I've dug deep into the archives to share a topic that I know impacts almost every family. I've said before that my job as a pediatrician & host of this podcast is to not just make all the parenting missteps myself, but to research the solutions & share what I find with you. Well, this one is a prime example! If this episode strikes a chord with you, take a screenshot of your podcast player as you listen, post it to your Instagram story & tag me @zendocsteve! You can share this episode by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/132 Hey, I designed a t-shirt! Get your 'Love Is Bigger' t-shirt right here!

With many areas approaching the dates and metrics they've set for reopening school—or back at school already—the question of schools' role in COVID spread has weighed heavily on many parents' minds. Well, it turns out that 50% of kids in the U.S. have been at school in-person, in one form or another, since the fall—and the data is in. I take a look at what we currently know, trying to tackle what has become an emotional topic for many, and shed some light on what we know works—and exactly what doesn't. You can share this episode as both a podcast AND an article by sharing this link: drstevesilvestro.com/131 Find me on Instagram @zendocsteve and on YouTube at youtube.com/drstevesilvestro

It goes without saying that the ability to manage stress and recover from trauma would certainly come in handy these days.   For parents, these skills of mental resilience are important even in “normal times,” as our kids learn how to handle challenges and stress by watching what we do in front of them. And yet the very act of being a parent—dealing with tantrums, poor sleep, questions about behavior and big decisions to make—is stressful in and of itself.   How can parents learn to manage stress in a healthy way that's also good for their kids?   My guest in this episode has an answer. Elizabeth Stanley, PhD is Associate Professor of Security Studies at Georgetown University, a military veteran, author, and the creator of Mindfulness-Based Mind Fitness Training.   And in her most recent book, Widen the Window: Training Your Brain and Body to Thrive During Stress and Recover from Trauma, Dr. Stanley outlines a powerful approach to help you cope with stress, become less driven by compulsions and emotions, recover from trauma, and enhance your resilience so you can live a truly whole life once more. This is so useful for all of us as parents—especially right now—and arming our kids with these skills would be like giving them superpowers.   You can learn more about Dr. Stanley & her Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training—and see if you can take it for free—by visiting www.drstevesilvestro.com/130

We are finally here—the end of 2020 & the start of 2021! But the truth is, we can't walk into 2021 hoping to reset the clock back to what life was like in 2019. This year changed us—and we need to let its lessons sink in and choose how we want to use them to direct us as we move forward. This episode explores how you can honestly assess what was good and bad, positive and painful for your family this year—and how to sort out new priorities for your family in the year ahead. TAKE $25 OFF the Mindfulness for Parents Online Course with the code NEWYEAR—sign up at drstevesilvestro.com/courses and start your year off on the best foot possible! If this episode resonates with you, SHARE it by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/129

This is a super-special & super-exciting episode! At long last, vaccines against COVID-19 are being rolled out and administered. Parents have been asking me a host of questions, and I'm answering as many as I can right here. This episode goes over everything we currently know about how this vaccine's new approach works, its effectiveness and safety, plus the little we know about it for kids and pregnant or breastfeeding moms. Take a screenshot of your podcast player, post it to Instagram, and tag me @zendocsteve! You can share this episode by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/128 Start the new year with the right mindset - Register for my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course here!

Perhaps the greatest challenge we all face as we grow up is finding our identity—figuring out who we are and who we want to become.   It's no easy task—some of us adults (maybe even most of us?) are still trying to figure this out. But the challenge is even greater for cross-cultural kids & teens. Whether they've lived in several cultural environments, have parents whose cultures are different from that of where they live, or have multiple cultural backgrounds in their families—cross-cultural kids & teens have a wealth of ingredients mixed in together to create the recipe of who they are.   Their challenge is to figure out what that recipe becomes—and it's the challenge of their parents to sort out how and how much to help them along the way. My guest today is Dr. Anisha Abraham. As a physician, educator, and parent, Anisha helps teens to discover their strengths, focus on their wellbeing, and successfully navigate a changing world. In this conversation, we talk about tips from her new book, Raising Global Teens: Parenting in the 21st Century. Get Dr. Abraham's book, Raising Global Teens: Parenting in the 21st Century right here. Share this episode by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/127

This holiday season, everyone is asking the same questions: “Can we find a way to get together with family? What if we all get tested first? Do we risk it?” COVID is destined to throw a massive wrench in what is often a time of gathering together. In this episode, I break down the risks + lay out some points to consider if you aim to make your family events safer. Think of this episode as the “sex ed” of COVID holidays—I'd rather you didn't do it at all, but since you might anyway, here's how to potentially lower your risk! You can find the shareable article version of this episode at www.drstevesilvestro.com/126 **This episode is sponsored by happyly. Happyly was created to help every parent feel like a super parent, with inspiration for activities and curated adventures near home or on the go. Take the pressure out of planning family adventures & download the free happyly app today.

It goes without saying that COVID has turned everything we know on its head. This is equally true for almost all things parenting. Things we used to take for granted—like scheduling a playdate in a park or seeing family—now take on extra layers of awkwardness and caution. Is the other family on the same page precaution-wise as you? How to handle the requests from Grandma to come visit when you know Grandma thinks differently about what is & isn't safe? Sarah Davis & Evie Granville are here with tips for handling all the awkward & uncomfortable situations of our brand new world. Their new book, Modern Manners for Moms & Dads: Practical Parenting Solutions for Sticky Social Situations, is packed with useful insights into modern parenting etiquette—and in this super-entertaining episode, they apply their approach to answer the questions we've all been asking. Find all the shownotes for this episode here. And get a copy of Evie & Sarah's book here. **This episode is sponsored by happyly. Happyly was created to help every parent feel like a super parent, with inspiration for activities and curated adventures near home or on the go. Take the pressure out of planning family adventures & download the free happyly app today.

Hey, we're all trying to do our best when feeding our kids healthy food. And what might be your best effort right now may not be your best effort at some other time, or the same as someone else's best effort—and that's okay. But what isn't fair is when the cards are stacked against you—when things that have been marketed to us as “food” are really causing harm to us and to our kids. The biggest, most prolific culprit? Sugar. It's everywhere—but it's not just in the places you'd expect. In the last several decades, sugar has silently found its way into so many foods we eat, many of which would surprise you. In fact, I recently shared a video on Instagram highlighting a fruit and chia cup that had 14 grams of sugar ADDED to the natural sugar already in the fruit. Nowadays, sugar is added to yogurt, tomato sauce, even the bread you use to make your kids' sandwiches. And this invasion of sugar into everything we eat isn't without consequence. We see its effects in everything from the obesity epidemic to kids' mood, behavior, and brain function. We're even seeing problems like fatty liver disease pop up in children. But there is hope. In their new book, Sugarproof: The Hidden Dangers of Sugar That Are Putting Your Child's Health at Risk and What You Can Do, Dr. Michael Goran and Dr. Emily Ventura paint not only the intimidating sugar-laden landscape of modern American diets, but also simple steps you can put into action with your family right now. In this enlightening conversation, Drs. Goran and Ventura show you how to “Sugarproof” your kids.   **This episode is sponsored by happyly. Happyly was created to help every parent feel like a super parent, with inspiration for activities and curated adventures near home or on the go. Take the pressure out of planning family adventures & download the free happyly app today. **Get your own "Happy Little Trees" Broccoli t-shirt here -- available in adult, kids, and baby sizes!

When a pediatric dietician has over 1 Million followers on Instagram, you know she's got amazing tips. Jennifer Anderson is the brilliant mind behind @kids.eat.in.color, the wildly successful Instagram through which she helps families around the world develop healthy eating habits in their kids without battles. And as you'll see in this interview, she's the real deal. We cover everything from picky eating and "one-bite rules," to kids who won't sit still for a meal, snacking tips and concerns, how to get them to eat a variety, and how to talk about nutrition in a way that doesn't develop problems later. This episode is packed with useful tips & insights, and I'm so excited to share it with you! **This episode is sponsored by happyly. Happyly was created to help every parent feel like a super parent, with inspiration for activities and curated adventures near home or on the go. Take the pressure out of planning family adventures & download the free happyly app today. **Get your own "Happy Little Trees" Broccoli t-shirt here -- available in adult, kids, and baby sizes!

We're about nine months into this pandemic—do you feel like you have a handle on how to tell if it's getting better or worse? Do you have a sense of how to know when it's OK for your family to “open up“ and start doing some things you've been holding back on? If your answer either of those questions is “no,” you're not alone. Absolutely. Not. Alone. A huge part of the problem for the average person trying to tease out useful information is that it's challenging to figure out exactly what information is indeed useful. There are a dozen different types of statistics discussed in the news or online dashboards, let alone different ways to measure them and different ways the numbers are spun depending on who's doing the talking. So in this episode, I'm here to simplify this for you. If you find this episode helpful, take a screenshot of your podcast player as you listen, post it to your Instagram Story, and TAG ME @zendocsteve. You can find the shareable article version of this episode at drstevesilvestro.com/122

One of the biggest questions I've been asked lately is how to help young kids develop social skills—whether it's because their preschools are currently closed, or their parents just want to make sure their kids thrive. It's a valid concern—but also one that you can learn to address right at home. I sat down with the wonderful Monica Silvestro—yup, the Monica Silvestro of 10-Minute Preschool fame & my favorite person of all-time—to discuss all her best tips for how parents can help their kids learn necessary social skills at home. See, Monica is an early childhood educator—and a well-loved one at that. She began her career in health communication, developing curricula for kids and teens to best learn about health and nutrition. She then segued into working directly on nutrition counseling, before combining many of her skills to transition into early childhood education. Monica shares some excellent tips that every parent can use at home—no matter the age of your kids. Follow Monica on Instagram @justanotherpreschoolteacher Find me on Instagram @zendocsteve Watch 10-Minute Preschool here. Take my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course at your own pace here.

There's been a great debate these past few months about whether and how to send kids back to school. But something's been missing from the conversation—the fact that most kids will experience online learning at some point this fall/winter no matter what, whether for a semester, a month, or just a few weeks. In this episode, I lay out why that's the case—PLUS tips from online learning expert Zoie Hoffman to help you make online learning most effective for your kids. Thanks as always for your support! SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel here. WATCH my 2-minute video on "How To Get Kids To Stop Touching Their Masks" here. GRAB my "Love Is Bigger" T-shirt here. Find more about Zoie Hoffman here. Be Well & Have Fun!

If you've felt like these past few months have both dragged on and flown past at the same time, you're not alone. We're all waiting with bated breath... “I can't wait until this is over.” But what does it do to us—as individuals? as a society?—when we “can't wait” for a whole year to go by? What happens to life in the meantime? This episode tackles this question & presents a philosophy I've been trying to live by—and have been trying to instill in my kids—these last several months. __ Share this episode with the link: drstevesilvestro.com/119 Check out my 'Love Is Bigger' t-shirt here Sign sup for the Mindfulness for Parents Online Course here and use the code 99OFF for $99 off the regular price.    

We all have multiple roles to play—but none of us expected to have to play them all at the same time, all day long. These last several months, many parents have had to fill the roles of parent, educator, and teleworker with few, if any, clear boundaries between them. The result? The nagging feeling that you're failing at every single one of those jobs. If this sounds like you, you're not alone—and as Dr. Andrea Bonior discusses in this insightful & fun interview, you're not doomed to feel this way forever. In fact, there are clear, simple steps you can take to feel more confident as you juggle all of these responsibilities at once. Dr. Andrea Bonior is a best-selling author, speaker, professor, and licensed clinical psychologist. She's the winner of a 2020 national Excellence in Teaching Award from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology, and author of three books—including her latest, Detox Your Thoughts: Quit Negative Self-Talk for Good and Discover The Life You've Always Wanted. This is Dr. Bonior's second appearance on The Child Repair Guide and I walk away with a plan to put into action every time I talk to her. If you've struggled to feel successful at all the roles you play these last few months (and haven't we all!), you need to hear this conversation. You can share this episode on social media by sharing the link www.drstevesilvestro.com/118 Limited Time: Take $99 off my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course by using the coupon code 99OFF - register at drstevesilvestro.com/courses

The most common answer pediatricians have been asked by parents of young kids is: "Is it safe to send my child to daycare right now?" The best, most honest answer we currently have? Probably. Maybe. We think. In this episode, I outline everything we currently know so you can make the best decision for your family. *You can share this episode by sharing the link: drstevesilvestro.com/117 *Find all '10-Miute Preschool' videos PLUS  my video explaining PPE to kids at youtube.com/drstevesilvestro *And the coupon to get the $149 Mindfulness for Parents Online Course for only $20 expires July 31st. Use the code TWENTY20 and sign up here: drstevesilvestro.com/courses

We're halfway into 2020 & it's clear that we could all use a glimmer of hope right now. This is a tool that I've mentioned before, but that has taken on even more importance for my family right now. My hope is that it can help yours, too. You can find the article version of this episode at drstevesilvestro.com/115 I've also extended the discount for my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course through July -- take the $149 course for only $20 by using the code 'TWENTY20'. Learn more here.

Like much of the country, I've been thinking a lot about inequality and bigotry of late, trying to put so many feelings into coherent thoughts. And as I do, the memory of one impactful experience from when I was 19 keeps coming back to me... You can find the article version of this episode at drstevesilvestro.com/116 The moral arc of the universe bends toward justice—but we have to be the ones who bend it.

The task of parenting a modern day boy is daunting. It's as if teenage boys and those who raise them are in an Indiana Jones movie, dodging blades and poisonous darts flying past them at every turn. And the snake-filled pit, of course, is the constant barrage of headlines showing masculinity gone wrong. So how do we crack the code of raising boys—and do so right at a time when they typically start growing quiet? That's the focus of Decoding Boys: The New Science Behind the Subtle Art of Raising Sons—the newest book from Cara Natterson, MD. You might remember Dr. Natterson from our episode together on “How to Talk to Kids about Puberty” (and if you haven't listened to that, you should—it's a fan-favorite!). Dr. Natterson is a superstar pediatrician who wears many hats, but its her work as caretaker of the modern iteration of The Care and Keeping of You and her book Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys—that makes her the go-to expert on helping families ride the ups and downs of puberty. In our conversation, she lays out the secrets you can use to crack the code of raising sons.

"Fear and what you do with it are two separate things." I love this quote from Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, especially right now.  What we and our kids do with big emotions can have more of an impact on our lives than feeling the emotions themselves.  In this episode, Robin Brannan, founder of Better Together Family Therapy, shares tips to help kids cope in difficult times. You just might find that many of these tips helpful for yourself, too! And on another note: If you or someone you know has a preschooler, be sure to check out 10-Minute Preschool, a new video series featuring the one and only Monica Silvestro! Monica takes the magic of her preschool classroom and brings it to your preschooler in fun, educational videos that are 10 minutes or less.  Check them all out here, with more to come:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK2JtHmTfH5lXyUH6S8z8TY2WSnp9TdY0

When I last spoke with Dr. Michael Daignault 6 weeks ago, the COVID-19 storm was approaching. Now that we're in the thick of it, he and I catch up to discuss what it's been like on the front lines in the Emergency Department. We also dispel some rumors you may have heard about treatment & prevention, discuss what's necessary to "open the country," and silver linings in this new normal. Find video of our conversation at youtube.com/drstevesilvestro You can help! Go to www.covid-meals.org and learn how to sponsor meals delivered from your local restaurants to your community hospital.

We're in a new normal—and with no clear end in sight. And as frustrating or anxiety-provoking as it may be, there is one indisputable fact about our current situation: We and our children will grow as people because of it. So how do we ensure that growth and development are the best they can be? How do we help our kids thrive during COVID-19? Having lived in Hong Kong and currently living in the Netherlands, Dr. Anisha Abraham has seen friends and coworkers manage parenting in a pandemic for months now—and she shares the lessons they've learned in our conversation on The Child Repair Guide Podcast. Dr. Anisha Abraham is a pediatrician and teen health specialist based in Amsterdam, Netherlands and on faculty at both the University of Amsterdam and Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC.  She works with teens, parents, and educators globally, using her 25 years of experience as a clinician, researcher, speaker, and health educator. Her book Raising Global Teens: Parenting in the 21st Century will be released this autumn in local bookstores and on Amazon. Listen as we discuss everything from home learning to how to help kids thrive in the midst of social distancing and pandemic.

So I'm the pediatrician who wrote that viral article discouraging playdates during the coronavirus pandemic. And while I'm glad the message got out—over 2 million people read that article—it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to write. Why? Because even though I know that such extreme social distancing is absolutely necessary to slow the spread of this sneaky virus, I also know that isolating ourselves from each other can have a massive toll on mental health. And I've seen that toll already. As I write this now, schools in my area have been closed for only a week, and yet my pediatric office has been flooded with calls from parents worried that their kids are becoming depressed. The risk for anxiety and depression amongst our kids and teens—and amongst ourselves—is real, and that risk will be compounded as the need for physical distancing inevitably stretches to several weeks more. So these are my recommendations for parents to help bolster the mental health of their kids and teens in the midst of this pandemic. You may find them helpful for yourself, as well.

There's a flood of information about the COVID-19 coronavirus out there, and it can be challenging to tease out what it really means for you and your kids. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Michael Daignault—an emergency medicine physician with a global health background who's been on top of providing info & guidance on coronavirus these last several weeks—and we break down everything parents need to know about the coronavirus outbreak. We cover: What coronavirus is & why COVID-19 is such a big deal What's making this spread more than SARS & MERS Symptoms of coronavirus in your family What makes COVID-19 so deadly The current situation with children and coronavirus Recommendations to keep your family healthy  The right way to wash hands Thoughts on your family's travel plans -- keep or cancel? Likely, best-, and worse-case scenarios of the coronavirus outbreak How should you prepare for coronavirus? Surgical masks vs. N95 masks -- whether they work & who should wear them Will disinfectants work against COVID-19? Current progress on treatments & vaccines for coronavirus SHARE this episode by sharing the link www.drstevesilvestro.com/109 WATCH video of our conversation at www.youtube.com/drstevesilvestro FOLLOW Dr. Michael Daignault on Instagram at @drdaignault FOLLOW me on Instagram at @zendocsteve

Comedian Ray Romano once noted that "having children is like living in a frat house — nobody sleeps, everything's broken, and there's a lot of throwing up."   As just about everyone listening to this right now knows, being a parent is one of the hardest things you'll ever do. Sure, it's also the most wonderful, joyous, meaningful thing you'll ever do—but it's no cakewalk.   That's why it really is so important to be able to look at the craziness of raising kids—yes, including the vomit everywhere—and somehow find the humor in it all.   That's the superpower of my guest today, James Breakwell. James is a professional comedy writer and self-described “amateur parent” of four girls, aged 8 and under. His parenting humor twitter account @XplodingUnicorn boasts over 1 million followers. Because of the way the social media world works, you may or may not recognize that account name, but I guarantee you've seen his writings if you're on social media.   James's online writing, most commonly taking the form of conversations between himself and one of his kids, deftly brings to life the innocence and absurdity of living in a house with tiny people whose understanding of the world is tenuous at best. But he does it in a way that I really appreciate and that makes him stand out from so many other parenting humorists—by respecting and marveling at his kids along the way.   He is the author of three books, including Only Dead on the Inside: A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse, Bare Minimum Parenting: The Ultimate Guide to Not Quite Ruining Your Child, and his newest book—How to Save Your Child from Ostrich Attacks, Accidental Time Travel, and Anything Else that Might Happen on an Average Tuesday.   This was a conversation that I really think you're going to enjoy. If you do, and you want to share this episode by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/108 , neither James nor I will be offended!

Yuck. Vomiting and diarrhea. Blech! As much as you might hate it, you're likely going to deal with the stomach bug many times once you have kids.  I've fully revamped and updated all my tips and insights for you, including: When to call the doctor right away When to call during business hours How to tell the difference between spit-up and vomiting, diarrhea and normal baby poop How to tell if your child is dehydrated What's actually going on when your child has a stomach virus How to help your child when she's vomiting What to do for diarrhea Foods & drinks to avoid Why you should expect that your child might vomit again 2 days after he seemingly stopped, plus why constipation comes after diarrhea Whether or not probiotics will help with a stomach virus The one tip that might keep you from getting sick, too! This is EVERYTHING I tell my patients' parents when their kids have a stomach virus -- and more!  You can view (and SHARE!) this episode as an ARTICLE by sharing the link www.drstevesilvestro.com/107

I'd say that anyone who's paid attention to the news in the last few years, has been on social media—or has just conversed with other human beings—has probably gotten the sense now and then that the world seems on edge. Still, many of us parents can get so inspired by our own kids that we get the sense that they're going to change the world—or at least their own corner of it. And a lot of kids might feel like they want to do exactly that.  But how to start? How to take the desire to do good and turn it into something real, something that can truly help people? That's the aim of my guest in this episode and the amazing organization she manages. I got to geek out a bit in this conversation because Katie Bowers is the managing director of the Harry Potter Alliance. No, it's not some sort of group where people talk about how awesome Harry Potter is. No, the HPA takes the passion that fans of Harry Potter and other books and movies have, and helps them turn that passion into action. As Katie says in our conversation: “When people truly become passionate about a book or a character, it's because they see themselves in that hero.” And the HPA has turned fans' passion into amazing results. With hundreds of thousands of members spanning 35 countries and six continents, the HPA has helped kids and adults create meaningful change around the world. They're pretty freaking awesome if you ask me! In our conversation, we talk about: The work of the HPA and how they “turn fans into heroes” Why Harry Potter and other fictional characters inspire fans to make social change How to decide what to do if you know you want to do something, but don't know what or how The power of “unironic enthusiasm”—the best way to foster your child's eagerness to help How to help your kids develop leadership qualities needed to bring about change Why it's okay to be Neville Longbottom instead of Harry or Hermione Specific projects for preschoolers vs. elementary school aged kids vs. high schoolers Tips for when your child's project fails The importance of building a good team around you How to help kids handle the risks of the spotlight when they stand up for what they believe Why kids might have a better opportunity to build bridges with those with opposing viewpoints than adults How to teach kids to handle tough conversations with friends and loved ones with opposing views And the value of “time, patience, love, and a willingness to keep at it.” Guys, I got fired up by this conversation—it's a great launchpad for you and your kids to make the world a better place. If you get inspired by this episode, please take a screenshot of your podcast app as you listen, post it to your Instagram Story, and tag me @zendocsteve. You can also share this episode on Facebook and elsewhere by sharing the link www.drstevesilvestro.com/106

Remember that "always wear sunscreen" song from the late-90s?  Well, here's my version—updated now that we're all parents. After taking care of thousands of kids for over a decade, plus raising two of my own for over twelve years, I've come to recognize the value of things that aren't taught in books. Here is some of my personal advice for a year of love, growth, and happiness for you and your family. Enjoy! 

I didn't walk into 'Frozen 2' expecting to be moved as deeply as I was. But an unexpected and brave choice struck a chord with me and, I hope, will have a positive impact on me & my family in the future. This episode is also available as an article at www.drstevesilvestro.com/frozen

When your kids were little, chances are that you'd occasionally face a “witching hour”—usually somewhere between 5 and 7 PM—when everyone was cranky and emotions ran high.   Now your kids are older and what happens smack in the middle of that timeframe? Homework!   Whether kids have specific challenges with learning or are doing just fine in school, it seems that tears and battles over homework are über-prevalent today. I hear it from friends and patients, and have absolutely experienced it in my own home.   Sometimes it's the volume of work. Other times, it's hard and your kid swears that you're helping them wrong (that's always a fun one…). And sometimes it's that your child just doesn't feel like doing it right now—though you know it needs to get done.   Enter: Zoie Hoffman.   Zoie is the founder and lead tutor at Hoffman Tutoring Group, an online tutoring company that serves students in K-8thgrade. Zoie's passion for personalized learning stems from her own experience struggling with academics in elementary and middle school. She dedicates her time to ensuring students get the education and mindset building they need to meet their academic goals through individualized tutoring sessions with amazing and qualified online tutors.   Zoie knows how to make homework less of a struggle for everyone—and she shares her tips in this episode.   Are kids having a harder time with homework today than in years past? How to help kids organize their approach to assignments Importance of taking breaks—and how long kids can be expected to focus based on their age How to plan for long-term assignments & projects Why you need to teach your kids how to get organized instead of expecting them to just know The best time for your kids to do their homework What to do if your family is too busy to keep up with homework routines Tips for kids with ADHD & other learning challenges How involved should parents be with their kids' work? Thoughts on the role of homework in today's education How reading logs can backfire & what to do instead How to handle it when your child says you're teaching it wrong How to help your child through self-doubt …and much more!'   This might be one of the most useful episodes to date! If there's a moment that stands out to you as you listen, take a screenshot of your podcast player at that moment, post it on Instagram and tag me @zendocsteve.   To share this episode out with a friend who you think could use help making homework time less of a battle, share the link drstevesilvestro.com/homework.

"People are not just birthing babies—they're birthing themselves as parents.” - Tara Campbell Lussier, cofounder of Arrow Birth Getting ready to have a baby is no small feat. We've somehow turned this millennia-old rite of the human experience into work. There are books to read. Conversations to be had. Things to buy. Your body and nutrition to prep. Seemingly huge decisions to make. This beautiful, natural experience can suddenly seem so overwhelming—which is why you want someone who is warm and wise by your side. My guest in this episode is that person. As you'll hear when we first start talking, I first met Tara Campbell Lussier when my wife and I were looking for a Doula before our daughter was born. Tara, Monica, and I quickly hit it off and we're so glad that we did. Tara was present for the births of both of my kids and she holds a special place in the heart of our family. But after spending nearly 12 years running a vibrant solo doula practice in northern Virginia, Tara is now the cofounder of Arrow Birth—an online platform that is revolutionizing birth education around the world. I was honored and very happy to have been a part played a part in Arrow's Discover Birth Education Course, and it's been a thrill to see Tara and the rest of her a wonderful team getting media coverage and winning accolades for the amazing work they're doing. In This Episode, We Talk About: What a doula can offer Why I wanted to step out of my doctor role for the birth of my children Arrow's platform bringing all the best experts from all facets of pregnancy, birth, and beyond—and what Tara learned by spending so much time speaking with them A few lessons Tara has learned starting a business as a busy mom The most important ways a mom can prepare herself for childbirth How to prep for post-delivery The biggest unmet needs in postpartum care What we should be saying to & asking of moms in the postpartum period—both to best support them and to better recognize postpartum anxiety & depression What moms actually need from visitors once they're home with the baby How Tara & Arrow are supporting moms and babies around the world …and much more! Tag me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn, and let me know what you think about my conversation with Tara Campbell Lussier! Important Resources for You to Use: Book Mentioned In This Episode: The Postpartum Husband: Practical Solutions for Living with Postpartum Depression - by Karen Kleiman, MSW

We all have “To Do” lists—sometimes several of them at once.  But do you have a parenting To Do List? And of those list of things to do—whether they're short-term or long-term—how many of them are things that NEED to get done, versus things you WANT to see happen, versus things you feel like you SHOULD be doing? See, there's a big difference—and my guest today will argue that all those “shoulds,” all those pressures we guiltily put on ourselves but are neither real needs nor wants, those “shoulds” just might be  Alison Escalante, MD believes our culture of anxiety is stealing parents' joy and telling them they can never do enough or get it right. She is a Pediatrician, TEDx Speaker, Writer and the Creator of the 3S method to help parents raise their kids skillfully AND enjoy doing it.  Dr. Escalante has degrees from Princeton in the history of ideas and Rutgers in medicine, and did her pediatric training at Duke and University of Chicago.  I found our conversation in Episode 101 of The Child Repair Guide to be quite a compelling argument for reassessing the personal and family goals we all set—and I bet you'll find something in it compelling, too. In our conversation, we talk about: How the United States is tied for #1 in the world when it comes to anxiety—and why anxiety is so natural for parents to feel Dr. Escalante describes the parenting “Should Storm”—and how our “shoulds” impact our kids and keep us from enjoying them as much as we could The problem with “catastophizing”—how the small parenting choices you make AREN'T actually going to mess your kids up for life How studies show that getting it wrong 70% of the time is actually good for your kids Taming your inner critic 3 steps to ending the “Should Storm”—with real-life examples Why so many parents feel the weight of Imposter Syndrome How to prevent your kids from developing Imposter Syndrome, and grow up confident and resilient instead We cover research showing that kids at high-achieving schools are as at-risk for mental and behavioral health problems as kids who suffer from poverty and abuse And how the parenting experts don't always get things right with their own families all the time (ahem!) While you're listening, if there's a moment that really stands out to you, take a screenshot of your podcast player and post it to your Instagram Story and tag me in it—@zendocsteve—and I'll share it out, too!

I can't believe it—100 episodes!  To celebrate this big milestone for The Child Repair Guide, I've dug deep into the archives to pluck out some of the absolute best insights from the pantheon of experts I've had the opportunity to speak with over the last 3 1/2 years. You'll hear from: Amy Morin, author of 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don't Do Psychiatrist Dr. Lindsay Clendaniel Patch Adams Susan Kaiser Greenland, author of The Mindful Child Marianne Perez de Fransius, cofounder of Bébé Voyage Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, @theguthealthmd Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run Each shares their 3 best tips for raising happy, healthy, confident kids, and each answer is unique & powerful. Thanks so much for all of the support through this 100-episode journey. Here's to 100 more!

Has this ever happened to you? You're in the grocery store checkout line, pregnant, and a random stranger decides it's okay to touch your belly. Or You encounter someone who has absolutely no medical training at all, but who is a self-proclaimed expert in something they passionately argue is crucial to the health of your family, even though doctors think it's backward. Or No matter what choice you make in caring for yourself or your family, there is always someone in your life who gives you the side eye or makes a comment that leaves you feeling like you're doing it wrong. Well, you're not alone. And not only are you not alone right now—you're experiencing challenges that mothers have faced for 100 years or more. That's the subject of You're Doing It Wrong: Mothering, Media, and Medical Expertise, co-authored by Bethany Johnson and my guest in this episode, Dr. Margaret Quinlan. And in our conversation, we covered a range of topics from her book, touching on issues that affect every mom out there, including:  Why the pressure of living up to “good mom” standards is so universal How the source of parenting information has changed over the past 100 years The subtle ways we put pressure on women even before they get pregnant How the words we use to describe issues that arise in pregnancy & delivery can place unnecessary feelings of blame on mothers How pregnancy is a “performance” in today's society The fact that so much advice and care has long been directed toward white, cis, middle and upper class women throughout history—and how that impacts people who don't fit those labels The rise of “lay experts,” and how anyone who is confident can present themselves as a self-described expert How to navigate the abundance of lay experts on social media and online What doctors should be doing to better help parents get good information and care Take a listen, then post a screenshot of your podcast player to your Instagram Story & tag me @zendocsteve!

Decided to share one of my speaking engagements with you because -- I hope -- there are some pearls in here that you might find helpful. Last week, I was invited to speak at Dentons in Washington, DC, to talk about "mindfulness for parents" with their Parent Professional Network.  You'll hear:  A powerful story from my pediatric training that shows how mindfulness can help us connect with ourselves in life-changing ways How to bring mindfulness into your family even without formal meditation Why putting our kids first and ourselves last ISN'T always in our kids' best interest Why pediatricians & parents struggle with little old ladies! HOW mindfulness works -- the most important part of the conversation that never gets discussed A full guided imagery exercise Why there's no such thing as "mindful parenting" You can watch the video of this whole episode on my YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/drstevesilvestro As always, I appreciate your feedback -- likes, comments & shares!

I have a SUPER special guest this week—my amazing wife, Monica Silvestro! Monica has built a life around education, health, and personal development—first working in the public health world on programs centered around youth education, then in the field of nutrition, and more recently in early childhood education. Working with 3-year-olds for the last 6 years, Monica has come to recognize many of the obstacles that can keep young kids from having the most successful preschool experience possible—and she shares those insights with you here in this episode. If you have a preschooler—or if you know someone who does—this is a must-hear episode!           

This is an episode I hope every parent hears. Bullying has been a hot topic in the last several years, and for good reason. Up to half of all kids report being bullied by the end of high school. One in three kids admits to bullying someone else(!), and up to 70% of kids report witnessing bullying episodes take place. All of which can have serious lifelong impacts on kids & teens. Who better to tackle this than a 5th-degree black belt with a heart of gold? Daniel Amaguana is becoming known as a premier expert in teaching kids &b teens how to use their voices to stand up for themselves. He's making a critical impact in the world of anti-bullying advocacy, and you can learn his best tips here. This is an episode you'll want to keep coming back to because there are pearls of wisdom right up through to the end! As you listen, I'd love it if you could take a screenshot of your podcast player, share it to your Instagram Story, and tag me @zendocsteve. You can also share this episode with parents & teachers who want to learn more about the best ways to combat bullying by sharing the link www.drstevesilvestro.com/bullying

This is a quick and important point that all parents of today's kids need to hear and pass on to their children. If your kids have said they want a YouTube channel, you're not alone—a new survey reports that three times more kids want to be a YouTube star than an astronaut (good news: almost as many kids want to be a teacher).  I'm actually okay with this desire—if it's for the right reasons. To make sure that's the case, this is the conversation you need to have with your kids: And because our kids are all of the YouTube generation, you can show them a video of this episode—so they can see it for themselves—on MY YouTube channel, youtube.com/drstevesilvestro And let me know what you think—leave a comment on the YouTube video or send me a DM on Instagram @zendocsteve

If you've never had swimmer's ear, let me tell you---IT HURTS. We pediatricians diagnose it in seconds, and now you can learn the simple trick we use and diagnose it at home. This episode is a more in-depth form of a video I'm releasing to Facebook, Instagram's IGTV, and YouTube later this week. I'm going to be going heavy into video over the next few months, and the content there is likely to be slightly different than what's coming through here in long form on the podcast. So depending on how you like to consume content, I've got every possible outlet for you—you can find me on Facebook at Dr. Steve Silvestro & The Child Repair Guide, Instagram @zendocsteve, and YouTube by searching Dr. Steve Silvestro. For the readers in your life, this episode is also available as an article at drstevesilvestro.com/94   Just trying to hit any which way you need because I'm truly dedicated to sharing everything I know with you so that you can feel more confident in keeping your kids healthy and happy.   So as always, I appreciate your attention and any and all feedback you leave on all of those channels.

I messed up. I made my daughter cry. It wasn't pretty, and I felt awful afterward.  But I've learned in my 11 1/2 years of parenting that owning your mistakes and apologizing to your kids is POWERFUL. In fact, the 3 BIG lessons I discuss in this episode can be used by you and your kids to make each other and your relationships stronger.  If this episode resonates with you, take a screenshot as you listen, post to your Instagram Story, and tag me @zendocsteve! Find the article version of this episode here: https://www.drstevesilvestro.com/power-of-apologizing-to-your-kids

Whether you're on the verge of starting to potty train, in the middle of it, or having no success at all, this is the episode for you. This is a completely revamped update to my 2016 episode, making this the most comprehensive conversation about potty training anywhere. Learn how to introduce potty training in a fun way, plus overcome your child's lack of interest, refusal, constipation, fear, accidents, and bedwetting. Please share this episode if it helps you!

I don't know about you, but my kids' dressers are jam-packed with trophies, medals, and ribbons. And all but two or three are for participation. Every season, the participation trophy stirs up debate. But the debate usually misses the point. Here's how to use the trophy to help your kid develop growth mindset & grit.

Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, this is an episode you need to hear. I sit down with Marc Groman, former Obama White House tech and privacy advisor, and Dr. David Reitman, adolescent medicine expert -- who together host the podcast Their Own Devices -- to cover everything from screen time and development, behavior, sexting, cyberbullying, kids' online privacy, and more. Everything you need to know to help your kids manage their digital lives in a healthy, safe way. The full transcript of this episode is available at https://www.drstevesilvestro.com/90

As you've likely heard, there's a measles outbreak. But if it's only infected a few hundred people, why all the fuss? Is this something you actually need to be concerned about? This episode was inspired by a conversation with a parent who asked me those very questions. Take a few minutes to listen, as I break down everything you need to know about why we care about measles outbreaks—plus what you need to know to keep your family healthy. And spread the word—share this episode as both a podcast & an article via the link drstevesilvestro.com/measles

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day," right? But what if your child isn't hungry before school? Is that a problem? What's going on & what should you do? In the first "Listener Mailbag" episode of The Child Repair Guide, I answer a listener's question about this very topic. If you'd like to submit a question for me to answer on the podcast, follow me on Instagram @zendocsteve and send me a DM, or leave a voicemail at the number mentioned in this episode!

Kids don't come with an instruction manual (just a "Child Repair Guide!"), and the parenting section in bookstores can be overwhelming. And yet, there are a handful of books that have stood the test of time. 1-2-3 Magic is one of them, having sold nearly 2 million copies over close to 30 years. My guest today is the author of this perennially bestselling discipline guide, Dr. Thomas Phelan. Dr. Phelan has worked with children, adults and families for over 35 years. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Illinois Psychological Association. Dr. Phelan is the author of numerous books, DVDs and audios, the most popular being 1-2-3 Magic: 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting, which is now in its 6th edition and has sold nearly 2 million copies. He maintains an active schedule of international lectures and his articles appear in many regional and national publications. And in our conversation, Dr. Phelan outlines the 3 simple steps you can use to radically change discipline challenges in your home.

In this episode, I partner up with Bébé Voyage to answer one of the biggest questions I get asked: Can a sick child fly on airplane? In this short, but insightful episode, you'll learn: The 3 questions you need to ask yourself before you fly with a sick child What happens to the ears when you fly—and how that can impact an ear infection Whether an ear infection should make you cancel your flight What to do if your child has a cold before a flight Is flying with a stomach bug worth it? How to handle strep throat, pinkeye, and more on a flight Take a listen & get to your adventure!