The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

Sensory processing isn’t always easy to spot, but it affects how kids experience the world in a big way. From clothing struggles to party meltdowns, what looks like “behavior” can often be a child’s nervous system asking for help. That’s why I sat down with occupational therapist Laura Petix, who specializes in sensory processing and works with families online to support kids with unique sensory needs. We talk about what sensory processing really means, sensory processing differences, how parents can recognize differences, and why shifting from “disorder” to “differences” matters for kids’ self-esteem and support. Laura shares her own parenting experiences as a neurodivergent mom raising a neurodivergent child, and we break down myths that leave parents feeling judged or confused. We cover: What sensory processing is and how it shapes daily life for kids The difference between typical toddler behavior and sensory differences Red flags that suggest a child might need more support The “sensory cup” analogy for understanding overstimulation and meltdowns Why discipline doesn’t fix sensory needs, and what actually helps Practical ways parents can validate, regulate, and advocate for their kids To connect with Laura Petix check out all her resources at https://theotbutterfly.com/.  Follow her on Instagram at @theotbutterfly. 00:00 Intro & Dr. Mona’s Story 03:15 Meet The OT Butterfly (Laura Petix) 06:45 What Sensory Processing Really Means 10:40 Typical vs. Sensory-Driven Behavior 16:00 From Disorder to Difference 20:00 Early Signs in Babies and Toddlers 23:40 Parent Stories & The Sensory Cup Analogy 31:00 Supporting Kids (and Yourself) 34:00 Myths and Misunderstandings 41:00 When to Seek Help & Encouragement for Parents 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

When my son had a stroke and seizures as a newborn, every moment felt uncertain. Once things stabilized, that deep anxiety finally eased until the first time he got sick again. I remember walking into his room and feeling that old fear rush back. If you’ve ever felt your heart race when your child spikes a fever or starts coughing, you’re not alone. Even if your child’s never been seriously ill, that drop in your stomach is real. Health anxiety is something many parents carry, especially after the pandemic reminded us how fragile health can feel. In this episode, I share what helped me work through that anxiety—both as a pediatrician and as a mom who’s lived it. I talk about the mindset shifts that changed everything: Accepting that I can’t control every outcome for my child Trusting that I’m doing my best with the resources I have Remembering that back-to-back viruses mean my child’s immune system is learning Focusing on what’s in my control, not the scary “what-ifs” Finding hope, even when it’s hard 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

Politics and public health haven’t always been so divided, but in today’s world, even science and vaccines have become political battlegrounds. That’s why I sat down with Congressman Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of Congress and a voice for Gen Z leadership, to talk about where we go from here. We dig into what it means to lead in such a polarized time, the dangers of politicizing health, and how younger generations can push for change. Congressman Frost opens up about his perspective on the vaccine mandate debate in Florida, the role of misinformation, and why community and courage matter more than ever. We cover: How public health became politicized—and why that’s so dangerous The impact of Covid-19 on trust in science and communication missteps we can learn from The real stakes of rolling back vaccine mandates in states like Florida Why Gen Z’s voice and skepticism can be a strength in leadership How grassroots advocacy, calls, and community action can still influence policy Congressman Frost’s perspective on staying hopeful and grounded in the fight for public health and democracy To connect with Congressman Maxwell Frost check out all his resources at https://frost.house.gov/.  Follow him on Instagram at @repmaxwellfrost   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 – Health care at risk: Frost’s opening 00:33 – Dr. Mona on vaccine rollbacks and misinformation 02:08 – Meet Rep. Maxwell Frost: Gen Z in Congress 04:32 – How public health became politicized 07:25 – Mistrust, disinformation, and Covid’s lasting impact 11:36 – The pediatrician’s perspective on burnout and broken systems 18:32 – Communication failures during the pandemic 21:23 – Vaccine mandates in Florida and political agendas 28:09 – What real advocacy looks like: calls, town halls, showing up 34:07 – Gen Z leadership, corruption, and the fight for change 43:08 – Division, anger, and re-centering community 50:26 – Radical optimism and 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

Friendships after motherhood can feel complicated. Before kids, hanging out with friends might have been as easy as grabbing brunch or planning a last-minute outing. But now? Time, energy, and support look very different. In this Follow Up episode, Dr. Mona revisits her conversation with relational health educator Danielle Bayard Jackson, author of Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women’s Relationships. Together, they break down why building and maintaining friendships as a mom feels harder—and how to approach it with more grace and intention. Listen to the full episode. You’ll hear about: The three biggest reasons friendships fade after kids: lack of time, lack of practice, and lack of support Why connection (even small, everyday moments) matters just as much as long-standing friendships How to reframe expectations around old friendships that have shifted Practical steps to nurture the friendships you want, from “autopilot” routines to finding weak ties that still bring value The importance of reciprocity and how to express your needs without guilt 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

Car seat safety is one of those topics that feels overwhelming…so many straps, rules, and confusing instructions and yet it’s one of the most important things we do as parents. In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and child passenger safety technician, Michelle Pratt from Safe in the Seat, to talk about the most common car seat mistakes parents make and how to fix them. We both share our own missteps (yes, even as a pediatrician and as a safety expert!) and the lessons that changed how we buckle our kids in. We cover: Why “winging it” with installation is risky, and how to practice before you leave the hospital Chest clip placement, shoulder strap positioning, and the “one-inch rule” every parent should know Rear-facing myths, what age to turn forward, and why “rear until 2” isn’t the full story The truth about aftermarket products (like those head straps) and why they can be dangerousHow to empower kids to notice and speak up about their own car seat safety To connect with Michelle Pratt check out all her resources at https://www.safeintheseat.com/.  Follow her on Instagram at @safeintheseat.  Car Seat Finder Tool: https://www.safeintheseat.com/find-your-best-car-seat Safe to Switch: https://courses.safeintheseat.com/offers/uufJeUvJ/checkout 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 – Why Car Seat Safety Feels Overwhelming 01:00 – Dr. Mona Introduces Michelle Pratt and Their Connection 04:40 – Car Lines, Backpacks, and Real-Life Safety Struggles 08:20 – Michelle’s Origin Story and Why She Started Safe in the Seat 12:00 – The Hospital Discharge Mistake Almost Every Parent Makes 17:45 – Chest Clip Placement Explained 23:00 – Teaching Kids to Be Their Own Safety Advocates 26:00 – Survivor Bias and Distracted Driving Today 27:00 – The One-Inch Rules Parents Don’t Know 33:20 – Shoulder Strap Placement: Rear vs Forward Facing 37:00 – Why Reading the Manual Actually Matters 41:15 – Rear-Facing Until Four: The Physics and Development Behind It 46:30 – Real-Life Exceptions: Motion Sickness, Car Fit, and Caregiver Needs 59:00 – Resources from Safe in the Seat 1:00:15 – Final Thoughts and How to Share This 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 styles are everywhere on social media—gentle, attachment, positive, even FAFO (that’s “f around and find out”) parenting. But what does the research actually say about these labels? And is there really one “right” way to raise kids? In this follow-up episode, Dr. Mona revisits her conversation with clinical psychologist and Parenting Translator, Dr. Cara Goodwin. Together, they unpack what science tells us about parenting styles, where trendy terms fall short, and why connection plus boundaries is what really matters. Listen to the full episode. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why “gentle parenting” isn’t well-defined in research The three parenting styles psychologists actually study—and which one predicts the best outcomes Why mixing and matching strategies is often the healthiest approach The problem with rigidly sticking to one style (especially with spirited or neurodivergent kids) Tools like timeouts, rewards, and praise—why research shows they can be helpful, not harmful What behaviors are never okay, no matter your style (think spanking, threats, or shaming) 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

Big kids mean big feelings and sometimes that shows up as defiance, meltdowns, or even anxiety. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really going on beneath the surface and why it’s not just “bad behavior.” We often think school-aged is cruising with emotions but big feelings are common. I’m joined by returning guest Alyssa Campbell, a child development expert, to provide the right tools for when emotions can feel overwhelming. We’ll talk about how age bias often shapes the way adults respond to older kids’ emotions, why yelling or punishment backfires, and how collaborative emotional processing can help kids feel understood while still respecting boundaries. You’ll learn: Why defiance is often a sign of unmet needs, not disrespect The role of age bias in how we label behavior in older vs. younger kids How collaborative emotional processing helps kids regulate big emotions Practical, evidence-based ways to respond to meltdowns, worry, and pushback using her “F.A.C.T.S.” method How to raise kids who feel both confident and connected To connect with Alyssa Campbel check out all her resources at https://www.seedandsew.org/about. Follow her on Instagram at @seed.and.sew. Buy her new book “Big Kids, Bigger Feelings” here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/big-kids-bigger-feelings-alyssa-blask-campbellrachel-stuart-lounder?variant=43408468377634  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 “Easy Years” Myth01:16 – Why 5–12 Isn’t Smooth Sailing02:38 – Meet Alyssa Blas Campbell03:11 – Parents Feel Blindsided05:28 – Big Kid Development Shifts07:25 – What Big Meltdowns Look Like09:12 – Do We Expect Too Much?11:04 – 9 Senses & Nervous System15:23 – Different Kids, Different Needs18:08 – Handling Defiance With Compassion22:53 – Sibling Differences in Regulation25:48 – The F.A.C.T.S. Acronym31:29 – Amusement Park Example34:53 – Why Age Bias Misleads Us38:18 – The S.I.P. Method Explained42:12 – Rethinking Respect & Defiance44:40 – Parenting Is a Relationship46:22 – Closing Thoughts & Resources 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

Having a baby in the NICU is something no parent plans for. Whether your child is born premature, needs extra support after delivery, or faces unexpected medical challenges, the NICU experience can feel overwhelming and full of unknowns. Listen to the full episode. You’ll learn: Why babies are admitted to the NICU (and what that first moment feels like for parents) What doctors, nurses, and staff monitor day-to-day to support growth and healing How NICU rounds work and the key questions parents can ask Why every care plan is individualized—and how parents are essential members of the team The emotional side of being a NICU parent, from guilt to uncertainty, and how staff help families feel supported 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

Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician and author of "Managing Childhood Anxiety For Dummies", joins to discuss the often overlooked signs of childhood anxiety, such as stomachaches and irritability. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing these symptoms early and advocates for parents to engage in open dialogue with their children about their feelings. The conversation also tackles common myths about anxiety medications, especially SSRIs, and highlights how family dynamics and school transitions can exacerbate anxiety. Practical strategies for support are shared, empowering families to take proactive steps.

Discover essential parenting insights with a focus on five things to stop doing as parents. Learn why comparing your child to others can be harmful and why spanking falls short as a discipline method. Embrace your role as a parent rather than striving to be your child's friend. Understand the dangers of chasing the elusive 'perfect' kid and prioritize your own needs for a healthier family dynamic. This discussion is all about fostering a balanced and supportive environment for both parents and children.