As parents, we can plant the seeds, but our kids have to do the growing themselves. That's a great-sounding quote, but it's not always easy for us parents to swallow. Why? Because we want our kids to succeed, we want the best for them. As a result, it can be so hard to find that balance between a nudge in the right direction and letting them take their own steps, versus leading them hand-in-hand down the path with the idea of protecting them so that they don’t fail…..which, as anyone who’s followed me long enough knows, is a sure way lead to failure in the end. So whether you have young kids or a teen who’s off to college, the question becomes this:How do we help our kids and teens find direction, to find themselves and their own path, without inserting OURselves in the way? How do we nudge our kids in a way that helps them become who they want to be? To get the answer, I turned to career and outplacement coach Jason Levin...and the result is an episode that might help both kids & parents find our own paths

This is a unique episode because this is the very first time that I’ve ever re-broadcast a previously aired episode—and I’m doing it for a good reason. Fevers tend to stress us all out, making it important for every parent to know when to worry, when not to, how to fix them, what thermometers to get, why fevers get higher at night, and more. In addition to this episode—one of the very first of the podcast—I've now created an article version of this information—updated & with even more useful info added. Check it out at drstevesilvestro.com/fever  

The holiday season is often hyped up to kids as “the most wonderful time of year,” a time that they simply must enjoy. After all, it’s packed with parties, pumpkin pie, candy canes, sleepovers with cousins—and, depending on your family’s traditions, the promise of presents. But sweet treats, packed holiday schedules, and tons of excitement can result in overtired, sugar-crashed, cranky kids more destined for the naughty list than the nice. This short episode features simple tips you can use to help ensure you and your kids can enjoy a smooth, happy holiday season!

I'm sure you've probably already noticed—traveling with kids is a lot different from traveling pre-kids! Whether you're traveling next week for a holiday, headed off to beach, or jetting around the world on an adventure, taking the kids along brings both wonderful joy & new stress. You might remember that back in Episode 08, I interviewed Marianne Perez de Fransius, cofounder of Bébé Voyage, for her great practical tips and secrets for getting the most out of traveling as a family. I'm proud to announce that I've joined the team at Bébé Voyage, both as a Medical Advisor and "Zen Expert," to help families keep healthy & happy in their travels. To help you beat—and prevent—stress on your next trip, here are my 6 Tips for Staying Zen While Traveling with Kids.   Big trip planned? Bébé Voyage Travel Guides provide you with everything you need to travel with your baby, infant or toddler. Their travel guides feature: the best things to see and do with young kids, family-friendly accommodations, what to do if your child gets sick, where to stock up on diapers, formula, etc., how to find a babysitter, key words and phrases, and much more. Use promo code ZENDOC for 10% off your travel guide purchase on the Bébé Voyage website: www.bebevoyage.com They currently have guides for:  London Paris Chicago Tokyo and Sydney with more coming soon! Once again, that's promo code ZENDOC for 10% off your travel guide purchase on the Bébé Voyage website: www.bebevoyage.com

Some time ago, a friend and I were having a discussion on Instagram about some of the terrible headlines in recent years. We were questioning how the world got to where we are today, and what we could do to raise kids who would grow up to make things better. Our conclusion? We need to teach our children empathy--the ability to see the world through someone else's eyes. The road to making the world a better place for our kids begins by encouraging them to develop these skills.  In this episode, I show you the easiest way to do it. Share this episode as a podcast or an article by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/empathy ***** This episode is sponsored by Wonder Crate, a monthly subscription box for kids ages 7-11 that encourages them to expand what they think is possible for themselves and the impact they can have in the world. Head to www.wondercratekids.com and use the code CHILD to get 20% off your subscription. 

This episode is a MUST-LISTEN for every parent!   “The Talk.”   There are a few big “The Talks” that come up in parenting, and one of the biggest is talking to kids about puberty.     Whether topics like puberty are subjects for dinner table conversation in your family or something that causes awkward hesitation for everyone involved, there are things that you need to know.   My superstar guest—Dr. Cara Natterson—is a pediatrician, consultant, and the author of the New York Times bestselling The Care and Keeping of You book series for girls, and her new book, Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys—making her the go-to expert for talking to kids about growing up and taking care of their bodies.    Learn more about Dr. Natterson, her books, and more at www.drstevesilvestro.com/puberty   This episode is sponsored by Wonder Crate, a monthly subscription box for kids ages 7-11 that encourages them to expand what they think is possible for themselves and the impact they can have in the world. Head to www.wondercratekids.com and use the code CHILD to get 20% off your subscription. 

Your kids and teens are online—and you need to keep them safe & know that they’re making the right choices.    If they can follow the advice in this episode, then you can be assured they will be.    This episode features audio from the first of a new series of videos I’ll be releasing.    I’d be SO grateful if you could share the video on Facebook here to help spread this message! ALSO, subscribe to my YouTube channel here so that you don’t miss any of my new videos as they’re released!

One of my strongest beliefs is this: You have to learn to take care of yourself in order to better care for your kids. Of course, that often seems more easily said than done. Once the baby comes, life is forever changed. Free time seems to disappear. You're tired all the time. And your body is...different. Pregnancy changes your body in ways that can be both beautiful and challenging. Our culture places so much emphasis on "losing the baby weight" -- but what if there could more than that? What if you could be stronger -- both physically AND mentally -- after your baby than you were before? My guest in this episode knows how to get you there. Lauren Collinsis a phenomenal athlete. After an injury sidelined her Olympic bid in track and field, Lauren channeled her athletic prowess into a career in sports modeling. With her sister, Kelly, she cofounded SISSFiT -- a fitness brand that inspires and empowers women around the world to take their fitness into their own hands. And along the way, Lauren became a mom -- experiencing first-hand the challenges that new moms face, and carving out her own amazing path forward. Lauren Collins will get you inspired and strong -- and shares her top tips for moms in this interview.

As a pediatrician and host of a parenting & kids’ health podcast, I come across a lot of parenting stories. Some are cute. Some are funny. Many, especially those I encountered personally when I used to work in a hospital, can be heartbreaking. But few stories have ever stopped me in my tracks, leaving me both stunned and inspired, promising myself to strive to be better tomorrow. Until this one. I have a feeling that this story will inspire you to make tomorrow better. Please SHARE this episode & article by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/72 PLUS, sign up for my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course, where you can learn everything you need to help you make tomorrow better for your family by learning to care for yourself so you can better care for your kids. Use the code PODCAST for 20% off - register at drstevesilvestro.com/courses

No matter what time of year it is, it’s almost always a sports season for your child. Whether they’re playing multiple sports throughout the year, or one sport all year long, many of today’s kids are full-time athletes. And when you consider that our kids are also constantly growing, changing, and learning, it’s clear that we parents need to make sure that we give them the fuel they need for success. My guest today is on a mission to do exactly that. This episode is a MUST-LISTEN for parents and coaches of young athletes! Get more info at www.drstevesilvestro.com/71