

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

Oct 31, 2023 • 30min
043 - Is increased screen time in young kids linked to developmental or language delays? Interview with Dr. Angel Dy
Parenting in the digital age comes with its fair share of challenges, and one of the most pressing concerns for parents today is managing screen time for their children. The constant barrage of advice and opinions can be overwhelming. On one hand, you'll hear experts advocating for strict limitations on screen time, while on the other, some suggest that early exposure to screens can boost a child's intelligence. So, how do you find the right balance?In this episode, we delve into the world of screen time and its impact on young children's development. We're fortunate to have Dr. Angel Dy, a medical doctor, early childhood development advocate, and founder of The Growing Brain Ph., who conducted extensive research on this very topic. Get insights firsthand from the study author herself!About Dr. Angel Dy:Dr. Angel Dy is a medical doctor and a passionate advocate for early childhood development with over a decade of experience. She holds degrees from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health and completed postgraduate studies at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the UC Davis Mind Institute. Dr. Dy is an Assistant Professor at the AT School of Medicine and Public Health and an Assistant Head of Mental Health Sciences flagship programs. She's a certified trainer for the "Zero to Three" Growing Brain curriculum and has published academic articles on topics like screen time's impact on child development. She is widely recognized in the parenting space as The Growing Brain PH.⭐ 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.

Oct 24, 2023 • 36min
042 - Understanding and Supporting Twice Exceptional Children with Julie Skolnick
Are you the parent of a gifted child whose brilliance is often overshadowed by their distractibility? Do you often find yourself perplexed by your child's potential, wondering why they don't always excel as you expect them to? You're not alone, and today's episode of the Discerning Parenting podcast is tailor-made for you.In this enlightening conversation, we have the privilege of hosting the author of the groundbreaking book, "Gifted and Distractible." Our guest, Julie Skolnick, is an expert in the field of child development and education and has dedicated her career to understanding the unique challenges faced by gifted children who struggle with maintaining focus and harnessing their exceptional abilities.Get to know Julie Skolnick:Julie F. Rosenbaum Skolnick, M.A., J.D., Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, supports parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, and advises professionals. She has a strong background in sociology and actively serves the gifted and twice-exceptional community. Julie hosts Let’s Talk 2e! events and publishes "Gifted & Distractible." She's a parent of three twice exceptional children and finds comfort in her red standard poodle therapist, Tigger.Grab a Free 20-minute call with Julie - Julieskolnick.com/20minJulie's website - http://www.withunderstandingcomescalm.com/⭐ 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.

Oct 17, 2023 • 13min
041 - Visual Routine Charts: Why They Benefit Kids and How To Use Them
Do you ever find yourself wondering how to create a routine that truly works for your family? Are you concerned that imposing a strict routine might stifle your child's creativity and flexibility? If these questions resonate with you, you're not alone. In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into the world of parenting routines and discover the delicate art of balancing structure with adaptability.Join us as we explore the benefits of structure in a child's life, from providing a sense of security to fostering healthy habits. Discover how routines can be a powerful tool in managing the chaos that often comes with parenting.Download the free guide “How to Create a Visual Routine Chart” from the Discerning Parenting Toolkit for instructions on how to create a chart that works for your own family!⭐ 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.

Oct 10, 2023 • 12min
040 - My two-year-old won't sit during meals!
It can be frustrating if you have a two-year-old who won't sit during meals. We know that mealtimes are an important time to connect with family during a busy day, and of course, we're all worried, is my two-year-old getting enough nutrition? And it's understandable that getting a two-year-old to sit down and stay seated can be a challenging task.That's exactly what we'll talk about in this episode.⭐ 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.

Oct 3, 2023 • 20min
039 - Helping Your Child Handle Big Feelings with Children's Book Author Kim T. S.
In this heartwarming and insightful episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we dive deep into a topic that resonates with parents everywhere: guiding our children through the rollercoaster of emotions.Do you ever find yourself wondering, "How do I help my child learn to regulate their emotions?" or "My child is struggling with big feelings, how do I help them with that?" If so, you're in for a treat! Our guest today is the wonderful children's book author and devoted mother, Kim T. S.Join us as we embark on a journey with Kim, who has crafted beautiful stories that not only captivate young readers but also provide valuable lessons on emotional regulation. Kim's books serve as powerful tools for parents and educators to engage with children and assist them in understanding and managing their emotions.About Kim T.S.: After her dad passed away in 2019, Kim decided to stay home to focus on raising her son, Kyle, who was 3 years old and struggling with anger. She started writing to help him understand that, while all feelings are okay, we can’t let them take over us. One of her best-selling books is called, "Feeling All My Feelings Book". Learn more about Kim's published works.⭐ 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.

Sep 26, 2023 • 9min
038 - Why do toddlers throw toys instead of playing with them?
Has someone said that your toddler is bad or naughty because they threw a toy to the floor instead of playing with it? Or maybe someone is telling you that unless you punish your toddler, you'll be spoiling them. If you are wondering why your toddler loves to throw toys instead of playing with them, you're not alone. In this episode, we talk about this common behavior, why it happens, and what to do about it.Embrace your toddler's love for throwing toys and turn it into a fantastic learning opportunity with our FREE guide, "12 Learning Activities for Toddlers Who Like to Throw Toys." Get it for FREE!Nurture your child's development with science-backed support! Join the Discerning Parent's Club - your one-stop hub for research-based, scientific parenting support.⭐ 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.

Sep 19, 2023 • 14min
037 - Language Stimulation for Toddlers
When should a child be talking? Should you worry if your child isn't talking yet? And what can you do to boost your child's language development? These are just some of the common questions I get about speech and language development. And if that's what you're wondering about, listen to this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast where we'll talk about strategies to boost your toddler's language development.If you have a baby or child below three, the Toddler Talking book is for you. You'll get powerful, science-backed, and yet practical strategies to boost your baby's language and brain development.Nurture your child's development with science-backed support! Join the Discerning Parent's Club - your one-stop hub for research-based, scientific parenting support.⭐ 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.

Sep 12, 2023 • 18min
036 - Is it bad to use consequences to help kids learn?
Is it bad to use consequences to help kids learn? Parenting often feels like a delicate balancing act, and using consequences is a controversial topic. It's often hotly debated in parenting forums. On one side, there are some who say that we should never use any consequences that are administered by the parent.We should only allow natural consequences. On the other hand, there are those who insist that each time a child misbehaves, they should receive a consequence that's unpleasant to them. Otherwise, they will not learn the appropriate behavior. Now, our podcast aims to empower discerning parents like you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the challenges of parenting.So how do we have a balanced and effective approach? So that we build empathy, growth, and resilience in our kids.⭐ 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.

Sep 5, 2023 • 11min
035 - Does praising a child make them conceited or spoiled?
In today's thought-provoking installment, we delve deep into a topic that has left many parents in a state of uncertainty: Does praising a child make them conceited or spoiled?We've all encountered those articles on the internet warning against over-praising, leaving parents puzzled about striking the right balance. The concern that praising a well-behaved child might inadvertently trigger misbehavior certainly adds another layer of complexity.But what about those who grew up with parents adhering to a more restrained approach, believing that silence was the ultimate indicator of success? In this episode, we unravel the psychology behind this perspective and explore whether this upbringing truly paves the path to effective parenting.So, whether you're a seasoned parent or someone just beginning the parenting journey, this episode promises to provide you with fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways. Tune in to the Discerning Parenting Podcast as we dissect the intricacies of praise in child-rearing and empower you to make informed decisions for your family. ⭐ 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.

Aug 29, 2023 • 26min
034 - 6 Keys to Better Mental Health for Parents with Psychiatrist Dr. Julie Arellano-Khullar
It's no secret that parenting is a journey filled with its fair share of joys, triumphs, and, of course, challenges. But what happens when those challenges start taking a toll on the mental health of parents? The effects ripple far beyond just the individuals themselves. In today's episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we are joined by my good friend of over 20 years, Dr. Julie Arellano-Khullar, and together we will uncover the keys to better mental health for us parents. Get to know Dr. Julie Arellano-Khullar:Dr. Julie is a former classmate from medical school at the University of the Philippines, where she earned degrees in both BS Psychology and Medicine. Having completed her psychiatry residency at Wayne State University, Detroit Medical Center, she's now a psychiatrist making cross-cultural strides, aiding parents in navigating mental health challenges. Beyond her medical prowess, she's an Earth advocate, artist, author, lifelong learner, and devoted mom. Check out Dr. Julie's book, "ANADI: A Book about Eternal Love for Moms and Kids of All Ages". This beautifully written picture book reads like a melodic poem from start to finish, with each heartwarming page, inviting the reader to take a tender pause. ⭐ 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.


