

Discerning Parenting
Victoria Ang-Nolasco, MD
Are there days you feel you’ve had it with the sleepless nights, the temper tantrums, the constant fatigue of trying to keep up with an active baby? Does it feel like you’re always working so hard as a parent, trying to do everything for your kids and family, and yet it never feels enough? We get it. You love your child more than anything, and yet parenting is also exhausting and challenging. Especially when you’re bombarded with criticism and pressure to be the perfect parent (which, spoiler alert, does not exist!). But what if you had experts who understand exactly what you’re going through help you navigate the everyday challenges of parenting your baby, toddler, or preschooler? What if they help you use scientific research to your advantage, so you become the calmer, happier, and more empowered parent you’ve always wanted to be? That's why we created "Discerning Parenting," the podcast that helps you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters in your parenting journey. Join Dr. Victoria Ang-Nolasco, developmental and behavioral pediatrician, positive parenting coach, author, speaker, and mom, as she and our guest experts tackle your most pressing parenting concerns. From toddler discipline to helping kids learn to talk or to read, from starting solids and potty training to promoting social and emotional development, this podcast is jam-packed with valuable insights and practical tips specifically tailored for parents of kids age 5 and below. So join us and discover how you can use the combined power of science, knowing your child, and your own intuition in making the best parenting decisions for you and your family. Head over to discerningparenting.com and get our FREE parenting resource library too!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 19, 2024 • 21min
063 - Parent-Led Interventions and How They Can Help with Dr. Amy Kwok
In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we welcome Dr. Amy Kwok, CEO of Penguin Smart, to delve into the transformative power of parent-led interventions in fostering child communication skills. Dr. Amy, with her extensive background in medicine and public health, sheds light on how simple yet intentional practices within everyday routines can significantly impact a child's language development. Drawing from research and practical experience, we explore parents' pivotal role in shaping their children's communication abilities, emphasizing the importance of frequency and involvement over precision. Join the conversation as we debunk parenting guilt, provide actionable insights, and offer resources to empower parents on their discerning parenting path.Learn more about Penguin Smart, digital solutions for parent-centered speech intervention. Follow Penguin Smart on social media.⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges. 🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Mar 13, 2024 • 39min
062 - Why Kids Need to Move (and How To Get More Movement Into Their Day) with Dr. Rachel Pope
Welcome to this week's episode of the Discerning Parenting podcast, where we delve into the crucial topic of why kids need to move and explore practical ways to incorporate more movement into their daily lives. As parents, it's a common concern to ensure our children are staying active and healthy, yet many of us face challenges in finding opportunities for them to move, whether it's due to limited space or busy schedules.Today, we're joined by a special guest who brings both personal and professional insights to the discussion. Dr. Rachel Pope, a doctor of physical therapy, a dedicated mother of four, and an avid runner, understands firsthand the importance of movement for children's development. She'll be sharing her expertise on why movement matters and offering valuable tips on how parents can encourage their kids to stay active, even amid busy routines and constrained environments.So, if you've ever wondered how to get your kids moving more or why it's so essential for their growth and well-being, you're in for a treat. Let's dive in with Dr. Rachel Pope and explore the transformative power of movement in parenting.About our Guest:Dr. Rachel Pope is a doctor of physical therapy (since 2006), and pregnancy & postpartum specialist, she has helped countless Moms get strong again so they can live their lives. As a Mom, Dr. Rachel knows how limited the time you have to yourself is. Some days it feels impossible to squeeze any more into a day. That's why she combined her experience and expertise to create the perfect mix of quick, yet impactful exercises for a fast return back to running. Learn about how Dr. Rachel can help you.⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges. 🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Mar 5, 2024 • 45min
061 - Parenting Emotionally Intense Kids with Anouk Briere-Godbout
In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, you are in for an insightful discussion on understanding and supporting emotionally intense children. With us is a seasoned mom and expert in social work, Anouk Briere-Godbout, who herself is raising three emotionally intense kids. The episode promises a wealth of practical wisdom and firsthand experience. Anouk's journey as both a parent and a professional spans over 15 years, providing her with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world expertise. As a mom who intimately understands the challenges of nurturing emotionally intense children, she brings a compassionate and empathetic perspective to the table.Whether you're a parent grappling with the nuances of raising an emotionally intense child or simply curious about this topic, this episode provides invaluable wisdom and guidance. Join us as we embark on a journey to better understand and support these remarkable young individuals.About our guest:Anouk is a mom of three emotionally intense kids, who has a Master's in Social Work and has been supporting parents for 15 years (and that's how long she’s been a mom!). She now supports parents of emotionally intense kids for whom nothing in the “general parenting advice” seems to work so they feel confident in trying different things that fit their kids' needs better.Listen to Anouk's podcast, Parenting the Intensity.Find Anouk on social media - @parentingtheintensity⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges. 🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Feb 27, 2024 • 39min
060 - Preschool Readiness Without The Stress with Candy Chan
Many parents worry when their three-year-olds aren't yet reading or writing, fearing they might be falling behind. Today's podcast episode will address these concerns by exploring early literacy milestones and expectations.Candy Chan, an Oxford Brain Story Certified educator, a Certified Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, and a Certified Health and Wellness Coach are joining today's conversation. With her wealth of knowledge, Candy sheds light on the intricacies of early childhood literacy, offering valuable insights and practical advice for parents navigating this crucial developmental stage.Whether you're a concerned parent seeking guidance or simply curious about early childhood education, this episode promises to be both informative and enlightening. Tune in to gain invaluable knowledge and empower your child's literacy development journey.About our guest: Candy Chan is an Oxford Brain Story Certified educator, Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, and Health and Wellness Coach. With over 11 years of experience teaching preschool and a background in Children's Ministry, she understands the crucial role of emotional intelligence in child development. Candy's journey, from Stanford alum with patents to founding Hoppity Learning, is driven by her belief in empowering parents and children alike. Through Hoppity Learning, she aims to nurture strong parent-child connections and equip families with emotional intelligence skills for a brighter future.⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges. 🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Feb 20, 2024 • 47min
059 - Parenting Guilt: The Result of Unethical Marketing? with Dr. Michelle Mazur
Have you ever come across a Facebook Ad promising to eliminate yelling in just 21 days, accompanied by a child's drawing depicting a mom as a monster? The pressure on parents to meet unrealistic standards is relentless, and it's time to confront the potentially harmful effects of unethical marketing on our mental health and parenting journey.Our special guest for this crucial conversation is Dr. Michelle Mazur, a messaging strategist, word wizard, and author with a PhD in communication. As the host of the Rebel Uprising podcast and co-host of "Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business," Dr. Michelle sheds light on the subtle manipulation tactics that contribute to parental guilt and stress. Join us as we discuss the impact of these marketing strategies on both parents and their children and explore ways to navigate the challenges of contemporary parenting in the digital age. If you've ever felt the weight of societal expectations as a parent, this episode is a must-listen.About our guest:Dr. Michelle Mazur is a visionary messaging strategist and word wizard behind the acclaimed "Make Marketing Suck Less" podcast and author of three influential books, including, "The 3 Word Rebellion: Create a One-of-a-Kind Message that Grows Your Business into a Movement." As the founder and CEO of Communication Rebel, Dr. Michelle specializes in empowering change-making business owners, entrepreneurs, and speakers to become thought leaders by harnessing the power of their unique message. Her innovative 3-Word Rebellion approach helps clients stand out and make a lasting impact in their industries, revolutionizing how they communicate and connect with their audience.⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges. 🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Feb 13, 2024 • 54min
058 - Love In The Chaos: Strategies For Keeping Your Marriage Intact Amid Parenthood with Robert and Sharla Snow
In this special Valentine's Day episode, we are treated to an insightful discussion with Dr. Robert and Sharla Snow, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo whose expertise in science, art, and the human experience has been dedicated to enriching marriages. With a combined passion for understanding the intricacies of relationships, they offer valuable insights on maintaining a strong and enduring bond amid the challenges of parenthood—a topic highly requested by their audience.Drawing from their extensive experience and unique blend of disciplines including neuroscience, neurolinguistic programming, and hypnotherapy, Dr. Robert and Sharla provide practical strategies for nurturing love amidst the chaos of raising children. About our guests:Dr. Robert and Sharla Snow are a husband and wife team with over 31 years of marriage experience. They blend neuroscience, NLP, and their personal journey to help couples unlock the secrets to a happy marriage. Robert holds a doctorate in Physical Therapy from USC, while Sharla is skilled in NLP, Hypnosis, and Time Line Therapy®. They also integrate Gottman Couples Therapy principles into their coaching. Their mission stems from their own struggles and triumphs, driving them to empower couples globally with tools for lasting love.Learn more about their approach and how they can help you! Listen to their podcast, Master Your Marriage.Follow them on social media: @masteryourmarriage⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges. 🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Feb 6, 2024 • 9min
057 - Renew Your Heart for a Fresh Start: Embracing HeartHealing®
Did you know that 66% of moms confess that parenthood is more challenging than they initially anticipated? As a parent, you're no stranger to the ceaseless juggle of caring for your children, balancing work commitments, tending to household chores, and tackling the never-ending to-do list. It's a constant struggle to carve out time for yourself amidst the demands of everyday life.If you've found yourself trapped in a cycle of perpetual giving, experiencing burnout, grappling with unexplained sadness, overwhelming exhaustion, or wrestling with feelings of anger and frustration, you're not alone. Join us in this episode as we explore a powerful method that can revolutionize your approach to parenting and provide you with the tools to address these challenges head-on. Discover practical strategies to break free from the pressures of unrealistic expectations and learn how to prioritize self-care, creating a more fulfilling and balanced life for both you and your family. It's time to reclaim your well-being and redefine your parenting journey.❤️ Find wholeness for yourself, so you can show up better for your family. Come on a HeartHealing® journey to heal the self-doubt, negativity, and worry that’s been holding you back from full parenting success.⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges. 🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Jan 30, 2024 • 17min
056 - Recovering From The Past Through HeartHealing (So You Can Become The Parent You Want To Be)
In this eye-opening episode of the Discerning Parenting podcast, Dr. Victoria delves into the heart of a common struggle for many parents - the battle against yelling and losing patience. With empathy born from personal experience, Dr. Victoria reflects on her journey, not as a parent initially but as an individual grappling with anger.Frustrated parents often find themselves caught in a cycle of promising to stay calm, only to succumb to the overwhelming surge of frustration. Join us as we explore the profound impact of past experiences on our present actions, even in ways we may not consciously recognize.Discover the transformative power of acknowledging and addressing the roots of anger, gaining invaluable insights that can reshape your approach to parenting and personal growth. Tune in to this episode for a candid and empowering conversation on breaking free from the chains of frustration and embracing the patient, discerning parent within.❤️ Find wholeness for yourself, so you can show up better for your family. Come on a HeartHealing® journey to heal the self-doubt, negativity, and worry that’s been holding you back from full parenting success.⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges. 🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Jan 23, 2024 • 14min
055 - Navigating The Struggle Of Feeling "Not Enough"
Picture this: the fatigue of a long day, the desire for a moment of escape, only to be bombarded by advertisements for parenting perfection. "Be the perfect parent," they say, but the pressure is suffocating.In this episode, we unravel the relentless pressure parents face in a world of idealized parenting standards and societal judgments. From social media perfection to unsolicited remarks during public meltdowns, we explore the common struggles that leave parents feeling they're not doing enough. Join us for a brief yet impactful discussion, offering insights on navigating this pervasive sense of inadequacy.❤️ Find wholeness for yourself, so you can show up better for your family. Come on a HeartHealing® journey to heal the self-doubt, negativity, and worry that’s been holding you back from full parenting success.⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges. 🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Jan 16, 2024 • 15min
054 - Why Am I Feeling Overwhelmed? 3 Common Parenting Challenges After The Holidays
Are you feeling overwhelmed?In this episode, we explore the aftermath of the holiday season—a mix of joy, chaos, and the struggle to return to routine. Dr. Victoria Nolasco delves into the universal feelings of parental guilt and overwhelm that arise during this transition. Join us for a candid discussion on why parents crave a break and how to navigate these emotions without guilt. Short, insightful, and perfect for those seeking a post-holiday breather.❤️ Find wholeness for yourself, so you can show up better for your family. Come on a HeartHealing® journey to heal the self-doubt, negativity, and worry that’s been holding you back from full parenting success.⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges. 🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot! The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.


