With everything we have to worry about in today’s world, it’s easy to lose sight of how our children can have their own big worries too. Things like getting nails clipped, night-time noises, strangers, doctors, even entering a pool can feel overwhelming to our children.   How do we help them push through their fears? Which are normal, and which are extreme? And how do we validate their feelings without making their fears worse? Jessica Rolph, your host, welcomes Pediatric Psychologist Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart to today’s episode. She is an expert in childhood anxiety and helps parents distinguish between appropriate behavior and something that requires more attention.   Key Takeaways:  [1:48] What should parents do and not do when it comes to soothing their children’s fears? [3:11] What’s the optimal way to handle fear?  [4:22] How to tackle repetitive fears? [6:08] When does separation anxiety become a concern?  [8:17] Where do parents draw the line between encouraging, strongly encouraging, or even making their child try something new, while also respecting their fears? [10:35] How can we help a child push through their fear? [13:15] Do we push through the first time they face a fear, or can gradual exposure begin the second or third time?  [15:07] What is a normal level of apprehension towards strangers for toddlers and what is extreme?  [18:30] How do parents avoid over-pathologizing their children? [21:17] Where can parents get help with their questions about anxiety?  [22:03] Dr. Lockhart suggests parents be aware of what we are consuming. [23:33] Jessica shares the highlights of her conversation with Dr. Lockhart.   Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Lovevery.com Receive weekly emails about your child’s development, and stay in the know about new play essentials, promos, and more by signing up at Lovevery.com Follow Lovevery and Jessica Rolph on Instagram. Connect with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart on Instagram

Young children are naturally egocentric. This is a normal part of their development, as they must first make sense of the world around them through their own eyes, before they can see it through someone else’s. In fact, until they approach preschool age, they have little reason to believe that others might have feelings or thoughts different from their own. But getting them to eventually understand that everyone’s got their own perspective, is how we teach kindness.   Empathy — the ability to imagine how others might be feeling — is a cornerstone of kindness, and Jessica Rolph, your host, is joined by  Monica Guthrie-Purchase to help us support our children in building that skill. Monica is a Start Early Education Coordinator. She is also the mother of two adult sons and grandmother to one granddaughter.   Key Takeaways: [2:01] What is the first step to building kindness? [2:45] How can parents model empathy? [5:10] When do children start showing that they have empathy?  [6:43] How can parents help their children build perspective? [9:34] The benefits of teaching your child that a person isn’t bad, only their behavior. [11:18] Should parents encourage their child to make an apology?  [14:24] Monica shares some practical activities to teach empathy. [16:28] How can books help children build kindness and empathy? [17:23] Thinking of others can become part of the daily routine at home. [20:46] Jessica shares her top takeaways from the conversation with Monica Guthrie-Purchase.   Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Lovevery.com   Receive weekly emails about your child’s development, and stay in the know about new play essentials, promos, and more by signing up at Lovevery.com Follow Lovevery and Jessica Rolph on Instagram.   Kindness Starts With You, Jacquelyn Stagg

Independence, freedom, order, beauty. These are all elements of the Montessori play space, and who doesn’t want these things for their child? However, sometimes adopting a Montessori approach can feel like a high bar.   Jessica Rolph, your host, is joined by Simone Davies, author of The Montessori Baby and The Montessori Toddler. She can also be found online at The Montessori Notebook, where she gives tips, answers questions, and provides workshops to parents.   Simone would argue that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing when it comes to embracing Montessori at home; there are many small ways to incorporate Montessori, practices that not only reduce clutter but also bring more ease into our daily routines with our toddlers.    Key Takeaways: [2:06] Does Montessori’s focus on real experiences get in the way of a child’s natural inclination towards fantasy and imagination?  [4:05] How does Montessori reconcile this focus on the “real” with a child’s enthusiasm for dress up and fantasy play?  [5:18] What are the differences between Montessori at school and Montessori at home?  [6:31] How long should caregivers allow children to be immersed in self-driven tasks?  [7:44] What does it mean to be a Montessori parent? Who is Montessori for? [8:42] What does freedom within limits look like in a Montessori home setting? [9:28] Is there a Montessori view on discipline?  [11:14] What does “Follow the child” entail? [13:20] What are some ways to create a “Yes space”?  [14:49] How can parents support their child’s freedom of expression and movement in a small home?  [16:02] Simone talks about how having a beautifully prepared environment can feel out of reach for some people. [17:26] What is the best way to implement toy rotation? [19:40] What are some ways that families can incorporate Montessori at home without spending any money?  [22:10] Jessica shares the highlights of an inspiring conversation with Simone Davies.   Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Lovevery.com Receive weekly emails about your child’s development, and stay in the know about new play essentials, promos, and more by signing up at Lovevery.com Follow Lovevery and Jessica Rolph on Instagram.

Play has so much to teach us, children and parents alike. Sometimes parents can get a little too involved in their child’s play, particularly with the extra cool toys. When does our guidance become interference? And what amount of direction is appropriate?   Dave Neale joins Jessica Rolph on this episode to help us strike the right balance. Dave is a researcher in the psychology of play at the Centre for Research on Play in Education, Development and Learning at the University of Cambridge.   Key Takeaways: [1:13] Dave explains the ‘sweet spot’ when a parent can provide support while not being too involved in the child’s play. [3:20] Playing and its link with structured learning. [5:30] How to find the balance between helping children achieve the goal of a game or letting them just explore the materials. [8:18] Play with your children, engagement and becoming an entertained play partner are the most important factors. [9:23] The effects of a parent who is not sufficiently involved. [12:23] What is Dave’s favorite activity to do with 0-12 months old babies?   Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Lovevery.com Learn more about Dave Neale Centre for Research on Play in Education, Development & Learning (PEDAL)   Receive weekly emails about your child’s development, and stay in the know about new play essentials, promos, and more by signing up at Lovevery.com Follow Lovevery and Jessica Rolph on Instagram.

Any pregnant mom will tell you: Their body goes through a major transformation! And with each passing month, nutritional needs change. We hear lots about omega-3s, but did you know that protein and choline play critical roles in the baby’s development in utero? Host Jessica Rolph speaks with Registered Dietitian Ryann Kipping, founder of The Prenatal Nutritionist.   Key Takeaways: [1:40] What is the role of protein in a pregnant person’s diet? [5:05] In what ways should our diet shift post-pregnancy?  [9:54] What nutrients are particularly important during the last stage of pregnancy?  [12:35] What risks come with not gaining enough weight during pregnancy? [15:07] What is better for preconception: Folic acid or folate? [18:02] What are Ryann’s tips around supplementation during pregnancy?   Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Lovevery.com Dr. Brewer's Pregnancy Diet The Prenatal Nutritionist Follow The Prenatal Nutritionist on Instagram   Receive weekly emails about your child’s development, and stay in the know about new play essentials, promos, and more by signing up at Lovevery.com Follow Lovevery and Jessica Rolph on Instagram.

The so-called “Mozart effect” first entered the public conscience in the early 90s. The theory states that listening to classical music while pregnant, will make your baby smarter. We talk a lot about how babies become smarter on My New Life, so host Jessica Rolph figured she better dig into this theory. Here to give us a straight answer is Dr. Thomas Dardarian. He is an OB-GYN at Axia Women's Health and past president of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists.   Key Takeaways: [1:45] Does playing Mozart while pregnant make our babies smarter?  [2:47] What can we extrapolate from evidence of new neurons generated in chicks and rats exposed to music in utero?  [4:33] What about other sounds? When does a baby start to hear sounds outside the belly? [5:24] Does does talking and singing to the baby in the womb make a difference? [7:06] Where does Dr. Dardarian come down on regularly reading to a baby in utero?  [8:36] What about repetitive prenatal reading of a single story? Can that have an impact?  [9:52] Is there danger in exposing your unborn child to loud of music or other loud sounds?   Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Lovevery.com Receive weekly emails about your child’s development, and stay in the know about new play essentials, promos, and more by signing up at Lovevery.com Follow Lovevery and Jessica Rolph on Instagram Learn more about Axia Women’s Health Follow Axia Women's Health on Instagram

Children, like adults, lie and they can learn to do so from the young age of 2 years old, according to the researchers. In this episode, Jessica Rolph is joined by Dr. Kang Lee, a University of Toronto professor who has been examining lying and what it tells us about human cognition for over two decades. Kang is so dedicated to this field of study, he has convinced some 5,000 children to lie to him!   While many parents despair when in the face of these little lies, evidence suggests it is proof that executive functioning skills are developing in a child’s brain. Kang says to use these moments as teachable ones, but resist the urge to fall back on the “Never Cry Wolf” story. You’ll find out why at the end of this episode!   Key Takeaways: [2:37] What is the difference between lying and storytelling? [3:50] How does a child’s fantasy world factor into the storytelling?  [5:49] How should you respond when you trap your child in a lie?  [8:28] Is it a good idea to call our children out on their lies at all?  [12:05] How does the situation differ when a child is lying to get their needs met? [15:48] When do children start to use white lies in social settings?  [18:10] Are white lies OK? How can we help children differentiate between the various types of lying?  [20:04] How do parents encourage truth-telling with a 3-5 year old?  [24:21] Jessica shares key takeaways from her honest conversation with Dr. Kang Lee.   Mentioned in this episode:  Brought to you by Lovevery.com Receive weekly emails about your child’s development, and stay in the know about new play essentials, promos, and more by signing up on Lovevery.com Follow Lovevery and Jessica Rolph on Instagram.    Dr. Kang Lee and his associates are conducting a social integrity study exploring children’s decision-making and rule adherence. Children will read stories and do activities in two 1-hour sessions, online via Zoom. Families will receive a certificate and a $25 Amazon gift card for participation. Use this link to learn more and participate: kangleelab.com/participate  

Jessica Rolph is joined by Dr. Kate Barret and Dr. Terry Jo Bichell to bring listeners the story behind “Uncle Rob’s Pizza Party,” a Lovevery book about a toddler’s relationship with a man with Angelman Syndrome.   Lovevery’s Senior Advisor of Equity and Inclusion, Nicole Stamp, guides the conversation. This episode challenges some of the norms around how we discuss neurodiversity, particularly with our children.   Key Takeaways: [2:15] Jessica explains why Uncle Rob’s Pizza Party has a special place in her heart. [3:05] Jessica and Kate share how this book came to fruition. [5:36] The sisters look back at their childhood growing up together with Rob and share interactions with other children around Rob’s condition, and why a book like this would have been helpful. [7:13] Jessica and Kate talk about the process of actually creating the book. [9:19] Jessica talks about the photoshoot for the book, which became her favorite day ever at work.  [10:47] Terry Jo shares her experience with Angelman syndrome. [12:03] Terry Jo talks about the relationship between her son Lou, diagnosed with Angelman, and his nephew, Elio. [15:52] Terry Jo shares what is important for a family to know If a child is showing any traits that could be markers of Angelman syndrome or any other cognitive diagnoses. [17:51] Kate, from her background in occupational therapy, shares her advice for families who think that maybe their child is exhibiting behaviors that might be associated with some kind of diagnosis.   Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Lovevery.com Angelman.org Cure Angelman Combined Brain Receive weekly emails about your child’s development, and stay in the know about new play essentials, promos, and more by signing up at Lovevery.com Follow Lovevery and Jessica Rolph on Instagram. 

Choline is a nutrient proven to have a lasting link to a baby’s brain development when taken in pregnancy, but many prenatal vitamins don’t have much choline. The recommended amount is 450 mg/day, and studies show only 10 percent of all pregnant women get enough.   A recent study at Cornell University looked at the benefits of doubling the recommended choline consumption. It showed a link between sustained attention in 7-year-olds and 930 mg of choline during pregnancy. There is also some research backing the possible benefits of giving choline supplements to breastfeeding mothers and toddlers. Host Jessica Rolph is honored to be joined by study authors Dr. Barbara Strupp and Dr. Richard Canfield.   Key Takeaways: [1:58] What did Dr. Strupp and Dr. Canfield’s human study discover? [5:44] Choline has been proven (in animal studies) to improve not only attention but also some other benefits. [9:30] What should pregnant women be doing with this information?  [12:06] Dr. Canfield talks about the different ways to get adequate levels of choline as a pregnant woman. [13:45] Is there any indication that supplementing to the adequate intake, or even above that amount, is helpful for breastfeeding moms?  [16:00] Dr. Strupp talks about indications that supplementing during childhood can make a difference in future brain health. [17:59] How do Dr. Canfield and Dr. Strupp approach choline consumption in their adult lives? [20:48] Jessica shares the highlights of her conversation with the Cornell researchers.   Mentioned in this episode: Brought to you by Lovevery Receive weekly emails about your child’s development, and stay in the know about new play essentials, promos, and more by signing up on lovevery.com Follow Lovevery and Jessica Rolph on Instagram.

Parent-child interaction is crucial to brain development. An important part of that interaction is what is said while we’re engaging with our child — not just the words we use, but the frequency of those words and the way in which they are offered up.   Jessica Rolph welcomes Dr. Dana Suskind to today’s episode to talk about the reasons why a language-rich environment is so important and to best achieve one. Dr. Suskind is the author of Thirty Million Words: Building a Child's Brain and she is releasing a new book in April called Parent Nation: Unlocking Every Child's Potential, Fulfilling Society's Promise. Key Takeaways: [1:36] Dana talks about her path from surgeon to public health advocate.  [3:03] How nurturing words contribute to the development of an infant’s brain. [4:15] An overview of the Thirty Million Words study, the impetus behind Dana’s first book. [6:45] How can parents help develop a nurturing experience while talking to their infants? Dana and her team developed 3 Ts: Tune in, Talk more, and Take turns. [9:05] How can parents prioritize language in the face of so much streaming? [10:25] Cooing and goofy exchanges with your baby have a critical role to play as catalysts. Dana explains why. [12:23] The distinction between overheard speech and speech directed to the child. [13:16] Dana talks about Parent Nation, a book that pictures a society that puts children and families at the center, that values the important work that parents and caregivers do every day. [16:08] Most of this country believes in the power of family, parents, and caregivers, but they don’t look at one another as allies or as a collective whole. Dana and her team want to change that.   Mentioned in this episode: ParentNation.org Brought to you by Lovevery.com   For practical tips on how to create a language-rich environment for your baby and toddler, tune into My New Life episodes:    ​​Get your baby talking with The Speech Sisters Baby talk: Learning your baby’s language with communication and play with Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek