The PedsDocTalk Podcast

This week on The PedsDocTalk Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Lucky Sekhon, board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, OB-GYN, and author of The Lucky Egg, for a conversation about the fertility basics so many adults were never actually taught. We talk about the fertility knowledge gap, what ovulation really means, how to time intercourse more effectively, and when it may be time to stop waiting and get support. We also get into one of the biggest misconceptions people hear all the time, that every fertility treatment is IVF. Dr. Sekhon breaks down the difference between cycle tracking, medicated IUI, and IVF, and explains what the fertility workup is actually looking at, from ovulation and uterine structure to sperm factors and age-related egg quality. We discuss: • Why so many adults reach the point of trying to conceive without really understanding fertility • Signs in your cycle that may be worth paying attention to earlier • Why the fertile window is smaller than many people realize • Why temperature tracking alone may miss the best timing • What ovulation predictor kits are actually picking up • What lifestyle habits may help support fertility • The difference between prenatal vitamins, folic acid, and fertility supplements • When to see a fertility specialist based on age, cycle regularity, and how long you've been trying • How IVF differs from IUI and other treatment options • The emotional reality of infertility and secondary infertility To connect with Dr. Lucky Sekhon follow her on Instagram @lucky.sekhon check out all her resources at https://theluckyegg.com and buy her new book: https://linkly.link/2TYtU 00:00 IVF myths and the truth about IVF babies 00:00:56 Welcome and why this fertility conversation matters 00:04:31 The fertility knowledge gap nobody teaches 00:06:37 Ovulation basics and the small fertile window 00:09:20 Who Dr. Lucky's book is really for 00:11:34 Why fertility advice online can make people more anxious 00:14:42 How to actually track ovulation 00:17:53 Why temperature tracking can miss the moment 00:19:19 Lifestyle habits that support fertility 00:23:32 Supplements, prenatal vitamins, and what may actually help 00:25:38 Does stress really cause infertility? 00:26:52 When to stop waiting and see a fertility specialist 00:30:15 Dr. Mona's secondary infertility story 00:32:42 What IVF is, and how it differs from IUI 00:39:35 The emotional reality of IVF and fertility preservation 00:42:22 Why sharing infertility stories helps, and hurts 00:45:43 What happens at the first fertility specialist visit 00:49:55 IVF stigma, false guarantees, and harmful myths 00:56:42 Are IVF babies different? What the data actually says 01:00:11 Final takeaways and where to find Dr. Lucky Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bringing home a new baby can feel equal parts joyful and overwhelming. In this Follow Up episode, I revisit a favorite past conversation, I Just Had a Baby, Now What?, and share practical newborn guidance through the lens of both a pediatrician and a mom. We talk about what newborns really need in the early weeks, how to recognize common cues for hunger, sleep, and interaction, and why simple routines like feeding, diaper changes, tummy time, and cuddles matter more than perfection. I also share insights from a recent parent survey in partnership with Angelcare and Diaper Genie about the products and routines families say helped them most in those early months. I discuss: What the fourth trimester means The core needs of a newborn Reading hunger, sleep, and play cues Why babies cry, and it is not always hunger Feeding on demand in the early weeks Simple routines that support connection Easy ways to engage your newborn Why holding your baby does not spoil them How to ease stress in the newborn stage To learn more about Angelcare and Diaper Genie products visit https://diapergenie.com and https://angelcarebaby.com. And don't forget to follow @angelcare and @diapergenieofficial Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parents carry their past into their parenting, often without realizing it. In this episode, I sit down with relationship therapist and author Eli Harwood to talk about how emotional baggage forms, how it quietly shows up in the way we respond to our kids, and what it actually looks like to break those patterns in real time. We get honest about triggers, shame, defensiveness, and the parts of ourselves we learned to tuck away long before we ever had children. Eli breaks down how emotional inheritance works, why our bodies react before our brains catch up, and how to shift from reactive parenting to connected parenting. This isn't about perfection or never getting activated. It's about noticing, pausing, and choosing something different so our kids don't have to carry what we never had support for. If you've ever wondered, “Am I passing this on?”, this conversation will help you see the patterns with compassion and give you tools to change the story. What we talk about: Why emotional baggage forms and how it shows up in parenting How your childhood coping strategies become adult triggers The difference between reacting and responding Why kids activate the parts of us we haven't healed How shame keeps patterns going Practical steps to interrupt the cycle Why slowing down is the most powerful parenting tool How to repair with your child when you slip into old patterns To connect with Eli Harwood follow her on Instagram @attachmentnerd, check out all her resources at https://www.attachmentnerd.com/ and buy her book “How to Deal with Your ___ So Your Kids Don't Have To: https://www.amazon.com/Deal-Your-____-Kids-Dont/dp/1632175967  00:00 – The Core Idea: Kids Feel What We Don't Heal 05:23 – From Secure Kids to Secure Parents 09:18 – The Five Gifts of a Secure Parent14:06 – Showing Up Without Making Kids the Burden23:14 – When Your Stuff Spills Out 25:58 – Hidden Baggage: Denial, Over-Apologizing, and Self-Doubt 27:28 – Bias, Blind Spots, and Long-Term Connection 36:40 – Emotional Maturity in Real Life 41:17 – “I Want Mommy”: Rejection and Attachment Preferences Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sleep training can feel like a lightning rod topic, especially when it comes to the cry it out method. In this episode, I talk with a mom who used extinction sleep training with both of her sons at different ages. She shares what it actually looked like night by night, why other methods did not work for her family, and how sleep training ultimately changed their home for the better. In this conversation, we cover: • What the extinction method actually looks like • How long crying lasted and what progress looked like • Why Ferber did not work for her baby • The role of timing and developmental readiness • When night feeds may be appropriate to drop • Why sleep quality affects mood, tantrums, and regulation • How to handle judgment around sleep choices Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Friendship heartbreak hits differently when it's your child. In this episode, I sit down with child development specialist Dr. Robyn Silverman to talk about bullying, boundaries, rejection, and what to say when your child feels left out. We dive into the moments that trigger us as parents, especially when their pain mirrors our own childhood wounds, and how to respond with steadiness instead of panic. If you've ever felt your chest tighten when your child says, “They don't want to play with me,” this conversation is for you. We talk about helping kids define what a good friend actually is, building identity from the inside out, and supporting them through social struggles without bulldozing the situation or blaming them. This episode is about raising confident kids who know they are enough, even when friendships shift. What we discuss: • Why fifth grade and early adolescence can feel like a social turning point • How to help kids define what a true friend looks like • Why proximity friendships don't always work long term • The power of identity and “I am” statements • How negative self talk creates a confidence feedback loop • What to say when your child says they're being bullied • What not to do in the heat of the moment • How to respond without escalating the situation • Supporting social skill growth without labeling your child as the problem • The importance of repair when we as parents don't handle it perfectly • Why parenting always offers a do over To connect with Dr. Robyn Silverman follow her on Instagram @drrobynsilverman, check out all her resources at https://drrobynsilverman.com/ and buy her book “How to Talk To Kids About Anything”: https://parenting.drrobynsilverman.com/book#heading-t_xdY060m2H  00:00 – When Friendship Hurts: The Question Every Parent Faces 01:10 – Meet Dr. Robyn Silverman: Helping Parents Navigate Hard Conversations 02:22 – Why Talking About Friendship and Bullying Matters 03:06 – The Childhood Experience That Inspired Dr. Silverman's Work 07:08 – Teaching Kids What a Good Friend Actually Is 10:52 – Why Kids Stay in Friendships That Don't Treat Them Well 12:28 – Helping Kids Find Friendships That Fit Who They Are 15:02 – How Self-Identity Shapes Social Confidence 19:47 – What To Do When Your Child Says They're Being Bullied 21:13 – The First Words to Say When Your Child Opens Up 25:34 – Rebuilding Self-Worth After Friendship Rejection 27:11 – When Your Child Feels Like No One Wants to Be Their Friend 31:13 – Avoiding the Blame Trap When Kids Struggle Socially 33:37 – Parenting Is the Ultimate Do-Over 36:12 – A Simple Exercise to Help Kids Choose Better Friends Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you've ever felt guilty for not entertaining your child 24/7, this conversation is going to feel like a deep exhale. In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest modern parenting misconceptions: that good parents are constant playmates. Somewhere along the way, many of us absorbed the idea that we need to be fully engaged, fully available, and fully entertaining at all times. But that shift has come at a cost, both for kids and for parents. We talk about why independent play is not neglect. It is developmental gold. When children play alone or without adult direction, they are practicing creativity, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and flexibility. That kind of play is not second best. It is often the highest level of developmental work they can do. We also explore the other side of the equation. When adults skip meals, chores, work, or rest to constantly entertain their child, stress builds. Resentment builds. Exhaustion builds. That is not healthy for anyone. In this episode, we cover: ✔️ Why you are not required to play all day ✔️ The difference between connection and constant entertainment ✔️ Why some kids struggle more with independent play ✔️ How to break the entertain-me cycle ✔️ A practical step-by-step plan to build this skill ✔️ Why consistency matters more than intensity Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Infant sleep has become one of the most polarizing topics in modern parenting. In this thoughtful and nuanced conversation, I sit down with sleep consultant and family therapist Chrissy Lawler to unpack co-sleeping, sleep training, safety data, and the emotional charge surrounding these decisions. As a pediatrician, I was trained to follow AAP safe sleep guidelines, but real-world parenting, cultural practices, and honest conversations with families have pushed me to approach this topic with more openness and clarity. We discuss what the data actually shows, where the gaps exist, and why shame and fear-based messaging don't help families make safer decisions. Whether you co-sleep, sleep train, or are still figuring it out, this episode focuses on evidence, harm reduction, attachment, parental well-being, and finding what works for your unique family system. In this episode, we discuss: Why co-sleeping is so controversial, especially coming from a pediatrician AAP guidelines vs cultural sleep practices around the world The dangers of polarized, shame-based sleep messaging Harm reduction principles for families who choose to co-sleep Risk factors that increase sleep-related infant deaths What the data does and does not tell us about co-sleeping safety The “Safe Sleep Seven” and its limitations Sleep training myths, cortisol concerns, and attachment Why parental sleep and mental health matter just as much as baby sleep The impact of sleep deprivation on relationships and long-term family dynamics How to filter social media noise and make evidence-based decisions Foundational newborn sleep strategies to reduce desperation and unsafe practices The role of resilience, stress tolerance, and “good enough” parenting To connect with Chrissy Lawler follow her on Instagram @the.peaceful.sleeper, check out all her resources at https://www.thepeacefulsleeper.com/ and buy her book “The Peaceful Sleeper: An Intuitive Approach to Baby Sleep”: https://www.thepeacefulsleeper.com/book  00:00 – Intro 01:15 – A Pediatrician's Experience With Unsafe Sleep 02:07 – Why Parents Secretly Bedshare 02:54 – Introducing Chrissy Lawler and Her Work 05:04 – Why Safe Sleep Messaging Often Misses Real Life 07:03 – The Cultural Differences Around Infant Sleep 11:03 – Why Parents Feel Pressure Around Sleep Training 16:04 – What Actually Makes Co-Sleeping Dangerous 20:01 – Harm Reduction: If Families Choose to Bedshare 28:00 – Sleep Training Myths and Misunderstandings 38:00 – The Emotional Side of Infant Sleep Decisions 39:01 – How Shame Impacts Honest Conversations With Pediatricians 45:01 – Practical Ways to Make Infant Sleep Safer 48:02 – The Bigger Takeaway: Safety, Support, and Informed Choices Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Few things trigger parents faster than physical behavior. It can feel embarrassing, frustrating, and sometimes even personal. But what if these behaviors are less about “bad behavior” and more about a brain that simply isn't ready yet? In this episode, we break down why toddlers lean into physical, reactive behaviors when big feelings take over. Their emotional capacity is growing quickly, but their ability to pause, regulate, and explain what they're feeling is still catching up. So they use what works fast - their bodies. We talk about how to respond in the moment without shaming, lecturing, or asking rhetorical questions toddlers cannot answer. Instead of saying “Why are you biting me?” or “That's not nice,” we explore how to set firm boundaries while still guiding the skill that is developing. You'll learn how to: ✔️ Separate the action from the intention ✔️ Redirect behavior without minimizing the need behind it ✔️ Offer appropriate outlets for physical impulses ✔️ Reinforce correct behavior at home, even if incidents are happening at daycare ✔️ Partner with teachers to prevent behaviors before they escalate ✔️ Avoid common mistakes like shaming, over-talking, or making it personal Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Surrogacy is often talked about in headlines or celebrity news, but rarely explained in a way that helps people truly understand the experience behind it. In this episode, I'm joined by surrogacy consultant Jessie Jaskulsky, founder of Surrogacy Simplified, to talk openly about what the surrogacy process actually looks like, the misconceptions that surround it, and the emotional reality many families face while trying to grow their family. Jessie shares her personal path through pregnancy loss, infertility, and ultimately two surrogacy journeys that helped her welcome her daughters. From navigating the logistics and cost to managing grief, uncertainty, and public judgment, this conversation brings compassion and clarity to a topic that is often misunderstood. In this episode, we discuss: What surrogacy actually means and the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy Common misconceptions about why families pursue surrogacy Why public conversations about surrogacy can be filled with judgment and misinformation The emotional toll of infertility, pregnancy loss, and long fertility journeys How intended parents cope with uncertainty and lack of control during a surrogacy pregnancy What the financial reality of surrogacy can look like and ways families plan for it How to begin exploring surrogacy if it's something you're considering The bond between parents and babies born through surrogacy How friends and family can better support someone going through this process To connect with Jessie Jaskulksy follow her on Instagram @surrogacysimplified, check out all her resources at linktr.ee/surrogacysimplified  You can also join her free Intended Parent Community: https://tally.so/r/mORv9A 00:00 Surrogacy, Stigma, and the Comments Families Shouldn't Face 02:00 What Most People Get Wrong About Surrogacy 05:49 Gestational Carrier vs Surrogate Explained Simply 08:07 The Real Reasons Families Turn to Surrogacy 10:16 Why Celebrity Surrogacy Stories Spark So Much Judgment 13:07 Infertility, Anxiety, and the Emotional Side of This Process 15:34 What Surrogacy Really Costs, and Why 22:11 The First Steps for Families Considering Surrogacy 25:22 The Hardest Part, Letting Go of Control 30:06 Bonding, Love, and the Truth About Surrogacy Babies Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special follow-up episode, Dr. Mona shares the full live conversation recorded at Children's Hospital Colorado in front of more than 100 clinicians. The discussion centers on a reality many pediatricians and parents are facing every day: families are no longer walking into the exam room with just their child, they are also bringing TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, viral clips, and online comment sections with them. In this episode, we discuss: How social media is reshaping the pediatric exam room Why misinformation spreads so effectively among parents Common mistakes clinicians make when responding to hesitant families How validation can lower defensiveness without validating false claims Vaccine conversations, trust-building, and shared decision-making Why pediatricians need to understand the digital world parents live in How AI, telehealth, and online education may shape the future of care Check out the video of this episode on Charting Pediatrics YouTube page. Want more episodes of Charting Pediatrics? Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it look like to balance Olympic competition, motherhood, and the unexpected realities of parenting? In this episode, I sit down with Olympic gold medalist Elana Meyers Taylor to talk about raising two children with disabilities, leaning on support, and how motherhood changed the way she thinks about success, identity, and resilience. We also talk about representation in sport, using ASL as a family, and the mental health side of chasing big goals. It is an honest conversation about what it takes to keep showing up as both an elite athlete and a mom. In this episode, we cover: What it felt like to finally win Olympic gold after years of coming close Why the right village matters in motherhood and elite sport Parenting two children with disabilities and using ASL as a family How representation can help other families feel less alone What sport taught her about parenting through uncertainty How motherhood changed her identity, perspective, and relationship to winning The realities of being a Black athlete in winter sports Why access and inclusion in sports still matter What she hopes her children take away from watching her story How she prepares for the post-Olympics emotional crash and protects her mental health To connect with Elana Meyers Taylor follow her on Instagram @elanameyerstaylor, check out all her resources at https://www.elanameyersusa.com.  Purchase the shirt Dr. Mona is wearing here. 00:00 Intro: Elana Meyers Taylor on Gold, Motherhood, and Perspective 02:58 The Gold Medal Moment After a Fifth Olympics 07:50 Why Success in Motherhood Takes a Village 10:43 Building the Right Support System as a Mom and Athlete 14:13 Raising Deaf Children, Disability Advocacy, and Representation 18:09 How Sports Prepared Her for Medical Parenting 20:49 How Motherhood Changed Her Identity as an Athlete 24:38 Breaking Barriers in Winter Sports as a Black Olympian 29:17 What She Hopes Her Children Learn from Her Story 31:02 Finding Joy in Ordinary Mom Life After Olympic Gold Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're talking about independent sleep for older babies and kids, why it often gets harder with age, and how to approach it in a way that supports both your child and your family. This is not about shutting the door and ignoring your child. It's about teaching a skill gradually, consistently, and in a way that fits your child's temperament. We discuss why earlier can be easier when it comes to removing sleep associations, but also why there is no hard deadline. Independent sleep is not about emotional distance. It is about helping your child fall asleep without needing a specific person, place, or condition that can make life harder later, especially during travel, sleepovers, camp, or when caregivers change. In this episode, we cover: ✔️ Why sleep associations can become more challenging as kids grow ✔️ How language and mobility make older kids more persistent at bedtime ✔️ When to consider anxiety or separation issues before starting sleep changes ✔️ Why location matters, especially transitioning from your bed to theirs ✔️ The “camping out” method and how to gradually reduce your presence ✔️ Why consistency beats intensity every time ✔️ How middle of the night wake-ups often improve after bedtime changes Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parenting changes everything, including your relationship. In this episode, I sit down with therapist and author Eli Weinstein to talk honestly about why couples feel so disconnected after kids, what actually fuels resentment, and the small shifts that bring you back to each other. We cover expectations, invisible labor, communication traps, and why the first year with a new baby can shake even the strongest partnership. Eli also walks through practical tools like the five-minute check in, full communication, and his favorite phrase for opening up hard conversations without them turning into fights. This episode is real, relatable, and grounding. If you've ever thought, “We love each other, so why does this feel so heavy?”, you're not alone. Eli shares stories from his own marriage, the couples he supports, and the tiny moments that rebuild connection when life feels chaotic. Whether you're new parents, in the thick of it, or years past the baby stage, this is a conversation that brings clarity and hope. What we talk about: Why the first year after a baby strains even healthy relationships Expectations vs perception vs reality The invisible load and why it feels so uneven How resentment quietly builds The five-minute daily check in Full communication (and why hints don't work) Rhombus moments for airing feelings safely Fighting fair and repairing in front of kids Why couples don't need perfection, just honesty Small gestures that matter more than grand romantic moments To connect with Eli Weinstein follow him on Instagram @thedudetherapist, check out all his resources at linktr.ee/dudetherapist and buy his book “From I Do To We Do”: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book  TBD Chapters Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Travel is often framed as a luxury or a break from real life, but in this conversation we explore how it can be a powerful developmental tool for kids. Beyond sightseeing, travel becomes a classroom for empathy, adaptability, and connection. We talk about how exposure to new cultures, languages, and environments helps children grow socially and emotionally, even when trips don't go as planned. The goal is not perfect itineraries, but meaningful experiences that stretch comfort zones and strengthen family bonds. We also highlight how many of these lessons can happen with or without international travel. Curiosity about the world, honoring others' needs, and learning to navigate discomfort are skills families can practice anywhere. Travel simply magnifies those opportunities, giving kids real-time chances to build resilience, perspective, and compassion. What we discussed: Using travel as an opportunity for education and growth Building curiosity about other cultures and people Exposure to diversity through real-life experiences Learning empathy through cultural connection Creating global awareness even from home Turning curiosity into advocacy and compassion Practicing flexibility when plans fall apart Modeling calm problem-solving during stress Kids learning adaptability from unexpected setbacks Honoring individual needs within a group Taking turns and negotiating shared experiences Respecting parents' and siblings' preferences Practicing patience and compromise Learning to feel comfortable being different Building empathy for newcomers and outsiders Growing confidence in unfamiliar environments Prioritizing family connection over perfection Choosing time together as a core value Managing resources like time and energy intentionally Strengthening family identity through shared experiences Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when an allergist steps into the online world and starts breaking down headlines in real time? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Zachary Rubin, board certified allergist and immunologist, content creator, and now author of All About Allergies. We talk about why allergy misinformation spreads so easily, why “allergy” is not a catch all term, and how social media has unexpectedly made him a better clinician. We also get honest about the current state of medicine. Burnout. Insurance barriers. The time crunch in clinic. And why rebuilding trust between families and physicians starts with better communication, humility, and human connection. This is a conversation about nuance in a world that craves certainty, and why meeting families where they are matters more than ever. In this episode, we discuss: • Why “sensitization does not equal allergy” and what that actually means • The difference between allergy, intolerance, and sensitivity • Why food sensitivity tests are often misleading • The truth about local honey and seasonal allergies • Shellfish allergy and contrast dye myths • Egg allergy and flu vaccine misconceptions • Why 90 percent of reported penicillin allergies are not true allergies • How timing and rash characteristics matter when evaluating antibiotic reactions • The explosion of biologic medications and the hidden burden of insurance approvals • How social media can improve doctor patient communication • The role of humility and nuance in rebuilding trust • Humanizing doctors and why connection is powerful medicine To connect with Dr. Zachary Rubin follow him on Instagram @rubin_allergy, check out all his resources at linktr.ee/rubin_allergy and buy his book “All About Allergies!”: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790561/all-about-allergies-by-zachary-rubin-md    00:00 Allergy Is Not a Catch-All Term 02:37 Why Dr. Rubin Went Online 09:27 Why This Book Had to Exist 12:59 What Parents Are Most Anxious About Today 15:10 Why Food Allergy Testing Is Often Misused 16:38 Allergy vs. Intolerance vs. Sensitivity 22:01 The Obsession With Blood Work 24:57 The Systems Problem in Medicine 34:08 Rebuilding Trust in Medicine 38:51 How Social Media Made Him a Better Doctor 43:53 Allergy Myths That Need to Go 48:57 The Penicillin Allergy Problem 50:55 Rashes, Timing, and True Drug Reactions Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Timeouts have become one of the most misunderstood discipline tools in modern parenting conversations. In this episode, we unpack why timeouts are being labeled as harmful online and how that claim does not match decades of research. The real issue is not that timeouts damage attachment, but that many parents were never taught how to use them correctly. When done properly, a timeout is not punishment or shame. It is a structured pause that helps a child and parent calm down so learning can actually happen. We also talk about discipline as a layered system, not a single tactic. Timeouts are only one small part of a bigger parenting framework built on connection, attention, praise, and natural consequences. The conversation highlights nuance, temperament differences, and why no single method works for every child. Instead of vilifying tools, we focus on using them thoughtfully, consistently, and in ways that support regulation and growth. What we discussed: Why timeouts are being criticized in gentle parenting spaces Claims about attachment damage and trauma, and what research actually shows The difference between punitive timeouts and regulatory timeouts Why most parents are never taught how to use timeouts correctly Discipline as teaching, not shaming The discipline pyramid and where timeouts fit The foundation of connection and one-on-one attention Catching positive behavior with praise and rewards Using natural and logical consequences Why timeouts are a last-tier tool, not a first response Temperament differences and individualized discipline Neurodivergent children and why some tools matter more Evidence-based parenting programs that include timeouts Situations where timeouts are appropriate, like safety concerns Situations where timeouts are not helpful, like full meltdown tantrums The importance of calming the nervous system before teaching Avoiding threats, shame, and over-talking during discipline Giving children space when they need separation to regulate Why parenting tools should expand, not shrink Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As parents, many of us want to raise kind, empathetic kids, but we don't always feel equipped to talk about race, bias, and identity in everyday life. In honor of Black History Month, this conversation feels especially important. I sit down with culturally responsive therapist Anjali Ferguson to unpack how early children begin noticing differences and how small, ordinary moments shape their understanding of the world. We talk about the discomfort adults feel, the fear of saying the wrong thing, and why silence often teaches more than we realize. This episode is not about blame. It is about giving families tools to move forward with intention. Dr. Ferguson brings both professional expertise and deeply personal experience as a South Asian woman raising biracial South Asian and Black children. Together we explore how culture, trauma, and identity intersect in parenting, and why these conversations are not optional extras, but foundational to raising emotionally healthy kids. Her children's book, An Ordinary Day, shows how subtle bias can show up in everyday childhood experiences and how families can use those moments to build empathy instead of fear. My hope is that this episode helps parents feel less frozen and more ready to start small, stay curious, and keep showing up. We discussed:  • Why kids notice race and differences earlier than most adults expect • How racial bias forms in early childhood • The gap in culturally responsive parenting resources • Growing up between cultures and identity formation • Raising biracial children and protecting cultural identity • Everyday microaggressions and their long-term impact • How racism creates chronic stress in the body • Generational trauma and epigenetic effects • The role of racial socialization in protecting children • Why avoiding conversations about race harms kids • How parents can respond when bias shows up in real time • Teaching empathy through ordinary daily moments • Building diverse environments through books, toys, and media • Supporting kids when they experience exclusion or bias • Why parents don't have to be perfect to start • Practical ways families can talk about race at any age To connect with Dr. Anjali Ferguson follow her on Instagram @dranjaliferguson, check out all her resources at https://draferguson.com/ and buy her book “An Ordinary Day”: https://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-Day-Dr-Anjali-Ferguson/dp/B0B8BDNXVK  Additional Resources: www.parentingculture.org 00:00 The Hidden Impact of Microaggressions 00:56 Why This Conversation Matters During Black History Month 02:57 Representation in Parenting Spaces 06:34 Dr. Anjali's Personal Story: Culture, Trauma, and Identity 10:42 Racism as Trauma: A Professional Awakening 14:30 Parenting Biracial Black Children 19:32 When Do Kids Notice Race? 24:56 Inside An Ordinary Day and Why It Matters 31:37 Chronic Stress, Racism, and Long-Term Health 37:13 What to Say When Bias Happens 42:51 Why Every Family Must Talk About Race 47:18 You Will Mess Up, And That's Okay Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feeding choices carry an enormous emotional weight for new parents, often shaped more by online narratives and cultural pressure than by balanced evidence. In this conversation, we unpack formula guilt, breastfeeding myths, and how distorted risk messaging fuels shame. We talk about how understanding research in context can help parents move away from fear-based thinking and toward informed, values-based decisions that support both parent and baby. The episode also explores the long-term impact of early feeding shame on maternal confidence. Feeding is often the first major parenting decision, and how a parent navigates it sets the tone for future choices. We focus on strengthening self-trust, rejecting stigma, and recognizing that child outcomes are driven by complex environmental and social factors, not a single feeding method. What we discussed: Why parents feel guilt around formula feeding How online activism shapes feeding narratives Evaluating whether sources of information are trustworthy Misleading statistics and risk exaggeration Relative risk vs absolute risk in infant illness The psychological harm of formula shaming Why stress can worsen milk supply struggles Breastfeeding benefits in realistic context Why breastfed babies still get sick The role of environment and exposure to germs Myths about allergies, IQ, and milestone differences How child development is multifactorial Socioeconomic factors in feeding research Sibling comparison studies and feeding outcomes Why shame damages maternal bonding Strengthening decision confidence early in parenting Owning feeding choices without apology How openness reduces stigma for other parents Modeling self-trust for the parenting journey Letting go of guilt about long-term outcomes Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Check out Mallory's new book, "Bottle Service": https://www.amazon.com/Bottle-Service-Encouragement-Guilt-Free-Successful/dp/1668088762 Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If mealtimes feel heavier than they should, this episode is going to make a lot click. I sit down with dietitians Diana and Dani to unpack how diet culture quietly slips into everyday parenting and shapes how kids see food, their bodies, and themselves. Their new book offers a roadmap for raising kids who trust their bodies and feel safe at the table, and our conversation goes far beyond picky eating. We talk about the language we use, the pressure we don't realize we're applying, and how small daily moments build a child's long-term relationship with food. What we discuss: Why diet culture starts affecting kids as early as preschool The “invisible curriculum” kids absorb from our modeling, messaging, and moments What food positivity actually means and how it goes beyond food neutrality How the Division of Responsibility supports trust and self-regulation Common ways parents accidentally misapply feeding advice Why labeling foods as good or bad backfires long term The connection between pressure, restriction, and future dieting patterns Reframing picky eaters as “learning eaters” Why fewer than 5 percent of so-called picky eaters are truly nutrient deficient How values like control vs connection influence feeding decisions Small shifts parents can make to protect a child's relationship with food To connect with Diana Rice follow her on Instagram @anti.diet.kids and check out all her resources at https://tinyseednutrition.com/  Follow Dani Lebowitz at @kid.food.explorers and visit her website: https://kidfoodexplorers.com/  Their new book “Food Positivity: How to Ditch Diet Culture and Talk to Kids About Food“ is available for pre-order https://www.amazon.com/Food-Positivity-Ditch-Culture-About/dp/1394335202?&linkCode=sl1&tag=dianakrice-20&linkId=cb9fdb7069f2f96a3f795cbd75485914&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl  Enjoy Diana Rice's first episode, “Your kid doesn't need a diet“ on the PedsDocTalk podcast. https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/your-kid-doesnt-need-a-diet-approaching-conversations-about-our-childs-weight-and-health-in-a-productive-way/  00:00 Welcome + What Is Food Positivity? 02:29 Meet Diana and Dani 04:24 How Diet Culture Starts in Early Childhood 06:09 The Invisible Curriculum: Modeling, Messaging, Moments 07:59 Food Positivity vs Food Neutrality 14:43 Division of Responsibility Made Simple 18:59 Why Red Light, Green Light Backfires 20:15 Felt Safety, Trust, and Confident Food Leadership 33:22 Rethinking “Picky Eating” as Learning Eating 38:10 Pressure, Restriction, and Self-Regulation 42:01 Small Shifts to Protect Your Child's Relationship with Food 48:43 Where to Get the Book + Final Takeaways Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sleep training is one of the most emotionally charged parenting topics online, and this conversation pulls it back to what actually matters, evidence. We talk about how social media amplifies fear and confusion, why parents are told to “trust” personalities instead of data, and how looking directly at research helps cut through the noise. While opinions are loud, the body of evidence around behavioral sleep interventions is far less controversial than the internet suggests. We also walk through what the data says about timing, safety, and developmental readiness. From common myths about brain development to the fear of letting a baby cry, this episode centers on nuance. Sleep training is not all-or-nothing, not one rigid method, and not a replacement for parenting. It is a flexible set of tools families can adapt based on temperament, comfort, and goals. What we discussed: Why social media creates confusion around sleep training The importance of trusting research over personalities What the literature says about behavioral sleep interventions Why there is less scientific debate than people think Typical age ranges supported by evidence, around 4 to 6 months Developmental readiness and self-soothing ability The difference between sleep training and night weaning Why babies vary widely in temperament and sleep patterns The myth about prefrontal cortex development Why infants are capable of learning sleep skills Fear-based messaging and misuse of scientific language How parental anxiety gets amplified by misinformation Modifying sleep training methods to match family comfort Graduated extinction, parental presence, and flexible approaches The role of compromise between caregivers The core goal, helping a child fall asleep without active intervention Why sleep training does not replace responsive parenting Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is one of the most important conversations I've had about vaccines. I sit down with a leading vaccine expert to slow down the noise and talk honestly about where we are right now in America. We discuss how vaccines went from one of the greatest public health successes in history to something many families feel unsure about, and what that shift means for children. This is not about politics or headlines. It's about what I see as a pediatrician, what clinicians across the country are experiencing, and why protecting kids still has to be the center of the conversation. We talk about fear, misinformation, and the very real consequences of falling vaccination rates. I share personal stories from training and practice that still stay with me, and we unpack how trust eroded, how Covid changed the landscape, and what parents deserve to understand moving forward. My hope is that this episode helps families step back from the chaos and reconnect with the core goal we all share: keeping children safe, healthy, and out of hospitals whenever we can. What we discuss: The current state of vaccines in America Why vaccines are a victim of their own success How misinformation spreads faster than evidence Turning points that eroded public trust in vaccines The impact of Covid on vaccine perception Real clinical consequences of falling vaccination rates Stories of vaccine-preventable illness from practice Why personal choice affects community safety Changes to vaccine recommendations and public messaging What parents should understand about risk vs benefit To connect with Paul Offit follow him on Instagram @pauloffitmd and check out all his resources at https://www.paul-offit.com/  00:00 Opening Message: The Real Risk of Skipping Vaccines 02:12 Meet Dr. Paul Offit 03:30 The Current State of Vaccines in America 05:04 Vaccines Are a Victim of Their Own Success 06:12 Why We Still Need Vaccines for “Rare” Diseases 08:27 Where Modern Vaccine Distrust Began (1982 Turning Point) 10:34 Pandemic Fallout and Vaccine Hesitancy 12:02 Frontline Stories from COVID 15:06 Denial in the Face of Evidence 17:11 How Vaccine Communication Should Change 19:00 Operation Warp Speed and Scientific Breakthrough 21:13 Politics and Public Health History 23:18 Measles Deaths Are Not “The Cost of Doing Business” 25:20 Medical Freedom vs Public Responsibility 28:23 Schedule Changes and Shared Decision Making 32:49 Life Before Rotavirus Vaccine 34:02 RSV Breakthroughs and Modern Progress 38:31 The Emotional Toll of Vaccine Misinformation 40:02 Residency Stories: When Prevention Fails 43:30 A Message to Vaccine-Hesitant Parents 45:35 What Keeps Dr. Offit Fighting 47:04 Final Takeaway: Vaccines Succeeded So We Forgot Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Motherhood can quietly shift the emotional balance in a partnership. In this conversation, we explore why resentment toward a partner is so common after having a baby and why it is not a personal failure, but a researched, predictable relationship stress point. The transition to parenthood often exposes invisible labor, unequal expectations, and emotional strain that many couples were never taught how to name, let alone fix. We also talk about practical starting points for repairing connection. From making invisible labor visible, to changing how conflict is communicated, this episode focuses on teamwork, fairness, and ongoing conversations that prevent resentment from hardening into distance. The goal is not perfection or 50-50 equality, but shared understanding and intentional partnership. What we discussed: Why resentment often grows after becoming parents The emotional and physical load many mothers carry Research showing relationship dissatisfaction in the first year postpartum How partnership dynamics affect postpartum mental health The concept of making invisible labor visible Dividing responsibilities in a way that feels agreed upon, not forced Why equality is not always 50-50, but fairness still matters Separating the partner from the problem Communicating needs without blame or accusation How suppressed resentment turns into bitterness The value of weekly relationship check-ins Addressing partners who resist conversations about workload Explaining impact instead of arguing details How shared labor improves emotional and physical intimacy Why connection is built through everyday support, not grand gestures Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this solo episode, I reflect on how parenting has changed since the 90s, and not always for the better. This episode is not about going backward or rejecting progress. It is about blending what we know now about emotions and development with what used to work well, giving kids space, time, and trust to grow. I explore how constant comparison, nonstop information, overscheduling, and screens have shifted parenting toward fear and control, often leaving parents exhausted and kids overwhelmed. I share why boredom matters, why independence is built in small moments, and how parenting feels lighter when it is guided by values instead of perfection. In this episode, I talk about: Why independence is a skill kids build through small, age-appropriate freedoms Why bullying feels heavier now, and how protecting home as a safe space matters How overscheduling crowds out confidence, creativity, and rest Why boredom is not a problem, but a skill kids need to practice A values-based approach to screens, using them intentionally instead of automatically Why errands, car rides, and everyday moments are real opportunities for growth Why doing less can help both kids and parents feel calmer and more confident 00:00 Parenting Like It's 1996 01:39 The Park Moment and Independence 02:56 Fear, Comparison, and Information Overload 05:45 Overscheduling and the Loss of Boredom 07:16 Screens Then vs Screens Now 11:15 Why Boredom Builds Confidence 13:00 Kids Belong in the Real World 13:58 What Parenting Has Improved 16:09 The Permission to Do Less 17:12 Letting Go of Perfect Parenting Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Follow-Up episode, Dr. Mona revisits one of the most stressful early parenting experiences, an inconsolable newborn. She breaks down what colic actually means, why the label is often misunderstood, and how to tell the difference between normal newborn fussiness and signs that need medical attention. The goal is not to dismiss crying, but to give parents a framework so they feel informed instead of brushed off. Dr. Mona walks through what's happening developmentally in those early weeks, why many babies hit a fussy peak around 6 weeks, and how to run a calm mental checklist at 2 a.m. She also covers red flags that deserve a pediatric visit, from fever to poor feeding to blood in the stool. Most importantly, this episode centers parents. Fussiness is common, phases pass, and support matters. You are not failing if your baby cries and you can't fix it instantly. You are learning your baby in real time. Key takeaways ✔️ Colic is a real pattern of crying, but it should never replace a thoughtful medical check ✔️ Most newborn fussiness peaks between 2 to 8 weeks and improves with time ✔️ Wet diapers, weight gain, and periods of calm are reassuring signs ✔️ Fever in a baby under 2 months always deserves a call to your pediatrician ✔️ Persistent crying with poor feeding, major spit up, or blood in stool needs evaluation ✔️ Not all crying is hunger, babies also cry from overstimulation and adjustment ✔️ Newborns are not spoiled by being held and comforted ✔️ Parents need pauses too, caring for yourself helps you care for your baby Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when achievement stops motivating and starts measuring worth? In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Wallace to talk about how achievement culture quietly shapes our kids and us based on her New York Times Best Selling Book Never Enough:When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It. We unpack why so many high-performing kids struggle with anxiety, burnout, and a constant never-enough feeling, even when they look successful on the outside. We also preview her newest book, Mattering, which explores a simple but powerful idea: kids do better when they feel valued for who they are and when they see how they add value to others. That sense of mattering acts as a buffer against pressure, comparison, and setbacks. We also talk about the bigger picture, how economic pressure, school culture, and social media fuel comparison, and why parents are not failing for feeling stuck in this system. In this episode, we discuss: • Why high-achieving kids are at higher risk for anxiety and burnout • How achievement culture shapes long-term self-worth • Clean fuel vs fear-based motivation • Why mattering supports resilience and mental health • How comparison takes hold and how social media adds pressure • How parents can support healthy striving without pressure • Why kids should not worry alone and the role of adult support To connect with Jennifer Wallace follow her on Instagram @Jenniferbrehenywallace, check out all her resources at Jenniferbwallace.com and buy her books “Mattering” https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/preorder and “Never Enough” https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/about-never-enough .  00:00 Why praise alone does not build self worth 00:40 Why this conversation matters for parents today 02:16 The hidden cost of achievement culture 03:37 How achievement came to define childhood 05:05 From teen pressure to adult never enough 07:14 What achievement culture looks like later in life 07:50 Dirty fuel vs clean fuel for motivation 11:13 When self worth becomes tied to success 12:08 What the research shows about high achieving kids 16:33 Why pressure feels worse now 18:18 What resilient kids have in common 39:07 Redefining achievement as mattering Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Potty training can feel smooth one day and completely off track the next. In this Follow Up episode of the PedsDocTalk podcast, Dr. Mona revisits a favorite potty training conversation while actively potty training her own youngest child and dealing with very real regressions. Dr. Mona is joined by Allison Jandu, founder of The Potty Training Consultant, to break down readiness, timing, and how to choose a method that fits your child and your family. They talk through the average age for potty training, common signs of readiness, and why age alone should not drive the decision. This episode compares gradual approaches and shorter weekend-style methods, explores why some kids resist even when they seem ready, and explains how pressure, timers, and rewards can sometimes backfire. You will also hear practical guidance on floor potties versus toilet seats, using daily routines to support learning, and helping kids feel more in control through play and choice. If potty training feels confusing, frustrating, or messier than expected, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and realistic support. Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Watts to talk about something so many parents and caregivers quietly wrestle with, how to stay fired up in the middle of responsibility, burnout, and the weight of shoulds. Shannon is the founder of Moms Demand Action and the author of Fired Up, and our conversation goes far beyond advocacy. We talk about identity, purpose, and what happens when women are taught to put obligation ahead of desire for most of their lives. This episode is about what it looks like to reconnect with yourself, not by blowing up your life, but by getting honest about what matters. Topics we cover include: Why so many women are taught to fulfill obligations before desires How guilt, fear, and perfectionism drain motivation The difference between purpose and being purposeful Imposter syndrome and fear of public failure Parenting, fulfillment, and modeling self trust for kids Community as a key part of sustainable change Why wanting more does not mean you are ungrateful To connect with Shannon Watts follow her on Instagram @shannonrwatts, check out all her resources at https://shannonwatts.org/home/ and buy her book “Fired Up” https://www.firedupbook.com/.  00:00 – Choosing Hope Over Cynicism 00:38 – Why This Conversation Matters Right Now 01:31 – Meet Shannon Watts 02:55 – Staying Fired Up Without Burning Out 03:36 – Leaving California and Finding Community 05:55 – Talking Across Differences 07:17 – Why Women Feel Stuck in Obligation 08:35 – The Moment Everything Changed 10:22 – Desire vs Obligation 12:45 – It Is Never Too Late 15:13 – Rethinking Legacy and Guilt 18:06 – What Kids Really Learn From Us 20:12 – Losing Forward and Redefining Failure 23:21 – Handling Blowback and Shame 25:27 – Imposter Syndrome and Being the First 27:59 – Values, Abilities, and Desires 32:18 – Finding Your People 37:22 – Parenting, Purpose, and Modeling Fire 40:48 – The First Step to Living on Fire 42:51 – Final Reflections Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parenting already asks a lot of us. So why does it feel like our generation is carrying so much more pressure, doubt, and noise? In this Follow-Up episode, I'm revisiting one of our most listened-to conversations, a real, late-night talk with my husband Gaurav that hit a nerve for so many parents. We talk honestly about how comparison culture, constant advice, and fear of getting it wrong have made parenting feel heavier than it needs to be. We Talk About Why our generation feels intense pressure to parent “the right way” How social media and constant access to other people's lives fuels comparison Why more information does not always lead to more confidence How external voices can drown out parental intuition The problem with chasing a narrow definition of success for our kids Why perfection is not only impossible, but unnecessary How reconnecting with yourself can quiet parenting anxiety What it really means to be “doing your best” as a parent Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this solo episode, I am opening up about a big life change. I recently resigned from my clinical job. On paper it may sound simple, but the story under it holds a lot of layers, emotion, and growth. I talk about what led to my decision, what it brought up from my childhood, and how this shift is changing the way I raise my kids. If you grew up chasing safety, grades, or approval, parts of this will feel familiar. I get into: Why leaving a “stable” job can feel scary even when it is the right move Growing up with fear of failure and how that shaped my choices How the healthcare system wore me down over time The grief that comes with leaving patients, residents, and a place that shaped me Panic, burnout, and the signs your body gives you before your mind catches up How I want my kids to think about failure, risk, and self trust Why security matters and why quitting is not always simple or possible What it means to choose alignment even when fear is in the room Check out more on Poppins as I step into a new role there  00:00 – What Bravery Really Means 01:06 – Welcome and Finding Joy Returns 02:35 – Growing Up With Fear of Failure 03:48 – Why Medicine Felt Safe 04:25 – Burnout and Losing Alignment 04:46 – Building PedsDocTalk 05:31 – Signs It Was Time to Leave 06:45 – Choosing Risk and Entrepreneurship 07:46 – Grief, Loyalty, and Letting Go 09:09 – When the System Moves On Without You 09:53 – Breaking Generational Patterns 10:15 – What I Want My Kids to Learn 11:44 – Choosing Yourself Despite Uncertainty 12:45 – Questions to Find Your Own Alignment 13:30 – Closing and What's Next Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Follow-Up episode, Dr. Mona revisits one of the most downloaded PedsDocTalk conversations, her discussion with Dr. Loretta Breuning on how rewards and threats shape a child's brain. They break down why yelling, pleading, and bribing often backfire, and how attention itself can accidentally reinforce behaviors parents want to stop. You will hear why giving in after resistance makes behaviors stronger over time, and how inconsistency trains kids to escalate. This episode focuses on building healthier reward pathways with clarity and consistency, without fear, shame, or constant power struggles. If certain parenting moments feel stuck on repeat, this conversation helps explain why and what to do differently. Want more? Listen to the original, full episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are never wrong for being worried about your child. You are allowed to ask questions, ask for help, and ask for another set of eyes. Advocacy is not confrontation, it is care. And the doctors caring for your family are human too, carrying both expertise and emotion into every room they enter. In this episode, I sit down with pediatric ER physician and creator Dr. Beachgem for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about what families often misunderstand about emergency care, how to advocate for yourself and your child in the hospital, and what it really looks like to practice medicine on both sides of the stretcher. And yes, we also talk about The Pitt, why it resonates so deeply with healthcare workers, and why humanizing medicine matters more than ever. We discuss: • What pediatric ER doctors really want parents to know before walking into the ER • Why waiting in the ER does not mean no one cares • How and when to advocate for a second opinion in the hospital • What “Condition H” or rapid response means for patients and families • How social media has changed how doctors listen to patients • Why ER doctors often see risk differently than outpatient pediatricians • Common injuries ER doctors wish families understood better • The emotional toll of emergency medicine and how clinicians cope • Why humanizing doctors matters for the future of healthcare • What gives hope in a system that feels broken To connect with Dr. Beachgem follow her on Instagram @dr.beachgem10 and check out all her resources at linktr.ee/beachgem10  00:00 – The emotional weight ER doctors carry01:00 – Why this episode, and why The Pitt hits so hard02:40 – What medical dramas get right (and wrong) about the ER03:45 – Meet Dr. Beachgem, training, career, and why she creates content07:30 – Burnout, misinformation, and why showing up online matters09:20 – Advocacy as a patient, when speaking up saves lives12:50 – Condition H and how to ask for a second opinion in the hospital14:05 – What parents often misunderstand about ER wait times16:15 – Triage explained, why waiting doesn't mean no one cares18:15 – Risk colored glasses, injuries ER doctors never forget22:00 – Trampolines, e-bikes, helmets, and real-world safety patterns26:10 – Why The Pitt humanizes medicine better than most shows31:00 – COVID flashbacks, grief, and emotional survival in the ER36:35 – Coping with loss, compartmentalization, and burnout43:30 – What gives ER doctors hope, and a message for parents Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I break down the three core needs every child has to feel secure, confident, and connected with their parents: safety, respect, and connection. These are not soft ideas or permissive parenting. They are the foundation of authoritative parenting and the reason kids are more likely to listen, trust, and stay connected to us as they grow. In this episode, I discuss: Why safety, respect, and connection are the foundation of effective parenting The difference between authoritative and authoritarian parenting How emotional safety and predictability build trust Why routines matter more than many parents realize How to set boundaries while still respecting your child Consent, choices, and body autonomy across ages Respectful approaches to meals and picky eating Why public shaming damages confidence and trust The importance of apologizing and repairing Simple ways to build connection without needing more time How these principles reduce power struggles and anxiety Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the year wraps up, I've been looking back at some of my favorite chats from the shows I visited this season. New episodes return January 7. On this episode of the Elevated Thoughts podcast, I sat down with two thoughtful first-time dads to talk about the topics parents are wrestling with right now. We got into the messy middle of vaccine hesitancy, why so many families feel caught between loud opinions, and how I work through those conversations in my practice with honesty and calm. We also talked about what it's really like to raise kids in an online world where everyone feels permission to comment on your choices. I shared my own experience as a pediatrician and mom. Why I struggled with decisions around my son's early medical care, how I think about benefit and risk, and why empathy has to stay at the center of these discussions. We moved into milestones, feeding, toddler chaos, and the everyday pressure parents feel to get everything “right.” We discuss: My own experience with hesitancy after my son's traumatic birth The rise of online misinformation and why parents feel so unsure What the vitamin K refusal trend is actually putting babies at risk for Government involvement in vaccines and where things get complicated The truth about financial incentives for pediatricians Milestones, late walking, and why parents shouldn't blame themselves How humor and connection help parents through the daily grind Why dads' voices matter in parenting spaces and how they shape the culture Elevated Thoughts is restoring positive discourse between right & left. Politics, history & culture. New episodes every Wednesday at 4PM EST For more visit www.elevatedthoughtspod.com Check out the original episode on Elevated Thoughts' YouTube page: https://youtu.be/rvTp1cAsyLg 00:00 – Coming Up 00:55 – Why I re-aired this conversation 02:49 – Meet the hosts of Elevated Thoughts 03:34 – Why dads need parenting conversations too 04:32 – Why I started PedsDocTalk 06:28 – What parents are actually looking for 07:53 – Being both a pediatrician and a parent 08:49 – My own vaccine hesitation as a mom 11:27 – Why vaccine conversations became so charged 13:04 – How I talk about benefit vs risk 16:05 – Making informed choices without shaming 18:05 – Talking to vaccine hesitant families 21:10 – Why flexibility keeps families engaged in care 24:55 – Government, mandates, and public health 28:41 – Why the vitamin K shot matters 33:53 – How vaccine studies actually work 41:59 – Milestone anxiety and late walking 45:49 – Letting go of parental guilt 49:15 – What parenting is really about Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we talk about one of the most loaded parenting topics out there, baby sleep. Do babies need to be taught to sleep, or is sleep something you should just let happen? And if a family wants support, when does it actually make sense to work on sleep skills? I sit down with a pediatric sleep expert to unpack what sleep teaching really means, why there is no single right approach, and how families can make choices that fit their needs without guilt or pressure. We break down the idea that sleep is a learned habit, not a moral issue, and why both feeding to sleep and teaching independent sleep can be loving choices depending on the family. In this episode, we discuss: Why sleep does not have to be all or nothing The difference between newborn sleep shaping and independent sleep skills When families often decide sleep support feels helpful How feeding, timing, and consistency affect sleep What research shows about sleep teaching, stress, and attachment Why sleep regressions are about growth, not failure How better sleep can support parental mental health and reduce burnout How sleep habits connect to toddler behavior and boundaries later on Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No one prepares you for how much your relationship changes after having a baby. The exhaustion, hormones, mental load, and body changes all take a toll on desire and closeness, and it's rarely talked about honestly. In this Follow Up episode, Dr. Mona talks with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish about what really happens to intimacy after baby. They unpack why desire often dips postpartum, how to reconnect emotionally and physically, and why great sex isn't about frequency. It's about connection, communication, and redefining what intimacy looks like now. This episode is for any parent who's ever thought something's changed between us and I don't know how to fix it. You're not broken, you're human, and this conversation will help you find your way back to each other. Why desire often drops after childbirth and how to understand it without shame How hormones, sleep, and stress affect intimacy The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire How to start rebuilding emotional connection in 10 minutes a day The role of small rituals like check-ins, laughter, and simple touch in rekindling closeness Why there's no normal amount of sex, only what feels right for you and your partner Ways to talk openly about what you both want and need Dr. Tracy's new book, "You, Your Husband, and His Mother" comes out November 4th. Order your copy here. Want more? Check out the full episode. Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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