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

After watching the Netflix series Adolescence, I was left gutted, moved, and full of questions—just like many of you who reached out. “I watched it. I was shocked. I was moved… but now what do I do with these big feelings I’m having and this information?” Whether you’re raising a boy or a girl, this show forces us to reckon with disconnection, violence, and parenting in the digital age. In this conversation, I sit down with Ruth Whippman and Dr. Zabina Bhasin to explore what the show reveals about masculinity, emotional disconnection, and how boys are often left emotionally starved in today’s culture. We talk about parenting, school systems, and online influences—and most importantly, how we can start doing better for our kids. We discuss:  How the Netflix series Adolescence reflects the emotional isolation many boys experience—and why it’s a cultural crisis. How masculinity, parenting, school systems, and online influences shape how boys express (or suppress) their feelings. Practical, compassionate strategies to help parents, educators, and adults raise emotionally safe, connected boys in today’s world. To connect with Ruth Whippman follow her on Instagram @ruthwhippman, check out all her resources at http://www.ruthwhippman.com/, join her Substack: I Blame Society and purchase her book Boy Mom. Ruth Whippman has previously been on the PedsDocTalk Podcast: https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/masculinity-and-politics-exploring-the-connection-between-gender-ideals-and-voting-trends/ https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/raising-boys-and-redefining-toxic-masculinity-and-how-it-impacts-friendships-and-emotional-health/  To connect with Dr. Zee follower her on Instagram @drzee_md  and @listen2thekidz_, and check out all her resources at https://www.dr-zee.com/  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 Introducing Guests: Ruth Whippman and Dr. Z – Experts on masculinity, emotional safety, and parenting. 00:02:59 Themes from the Show 00:06:06 Cultural Crisis 00:07:28 Emotional Starvation 00:09:43 Nature vs. Nurture 00:11:51 Raising Emotionally Healthy Boys 00:15:17 Cultural Messaging 00:20:00 Behavioral Conditioning vs. Biology 00:24:11 Friendships, Brotherhood, and Vulnerability 00:30:44 Teaching Emotional Literacy 00:35:40 Hope for the Future 00:42:10 The Need to Be Seen 00:50:11 Action Steps for Parents 00:56:00 Closing 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

In this special “East Meets West” follow-up, I sit down with an inspiring pediatrician from India to explore how different cultures approach vaccines, public health, and the doctor-patient relationship. We talk about: Vaccine acceptance in India vs. the U.S. How trust and education impact vaccine decisions What India’s polio success story can teach us The power of gratitude and connection in medicine Why kindness matters just as much as science This is more than a conversation about medicine — it’s a shared love letter to the families we care for, and a reminder that compassion, respect, and a simple “thank you” can cross any border. Whether you're a parent, pediatrician, or just curious about how different systems work, this episode will leave you with hope and a deeper appreciation for the healing power of human connection. Want more? Enjoy the full episode at PedsDocTalk.com 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

In this episode, I’m getting deeply personal about something so many of us carry but rarely talk about: mom guilt. After speaking at the Mom 2.0 Summit and leaving home with a sick child, I found myself questioning everything—again. Can I be a present, loving mom and still pursue the work that lights me up?  I explore the tension between purpose and presence, and how we can reframe guilt as a sign of how deeply we care—not proof that we’re failing. I also dive into the concept of the “good-enough mother,” the power of modeling joy, and why slowing down doesn’t mean giving up. If you’ve ever felt torn between who you are and who you’re becoming, this episode is for you. I discuss:  Why mom guilt isn’t always a red flag—it’s often a sign of growth and purpose. How modeling joy and ambition can actually strengthen your child’s emotional development. What it means to embrace shifting seasons in motherhood without losing yourself. 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 – Welcome and Why This Episode Matters 01:20 – Guilt, Motherhood, and the Summit 03:21 – Speaking to Moms as Whole People 04:21 – The Return of Finding Joy 05:08 – The Good Enough Mother 06:18 – Purpose Beyond Motherhood 07:46 – When Purpose Feels Out of Reach 08:36 – Modeling Fulfillment for Our Kids 10:20 – Wholeness is the Legacy 12:49 – Integration, Not Sacrifice 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

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Aliza Pressman (@raisinggoodhumanspodcast), developmental psychologist, author, and host of the Raising Good Humans podcast, to break down her science-backed framework for parenting: the 5 R’s — Reflection, Regulation, Rules, Repair, and Relationship. These five simple but powerful principles aren’t just theory — they’re practical tools you can apply to everyday challenges like screen time, sibling fights, and meltdowns. Dr. Pressman shares how these core ideas help build strong, connected relationships with our kids, even when things get messy. We also talk about: Why repair is more powerful than perfection How to stay grounded when parenting triggers old wounds What makes parenting advice helpful vs. overwhelming How to parent with intention, not fear Whether you're deep in toddler tantrums or navigating the teen years, this episode will help you feel more confident, calm, and connected. Want more? Enjoy the full episode at PedsDocTalk.com 00:00 – Welcome to The Follow Up with Dr. Mona 00:32 – Meet Dr. Aliza Pressman and the 5 Principles of Parenting 01:13 – What Are the 5 R’s and Why Do They Matter? 02:08 – Applying the 5 R’s to Real Life (Example: Screen Time) 05:56 – How to Regulate Yourself Before Setting Limits 07:02 – Why It Feels Hard—But Gets Easier 08:35 – Parenting Is a Long Game 09:13 – Finding the Balance Between Advice Overload and Chaos 10:39 – What the Science Says (Without Getting Overwhelmed) 11:48 – Developmental Nuggets That Shift Perspective 12:56 – When In Doubt, Come Back to the 5 R’s 13:07 – Final Words + Where to Learn More from Dr. Aliza 13:18 – Dr. Mona’s Closing Message 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

There is a lot of terminology and misconceptions thrown around in the pediatric sleep world especially on social media. Can they self- settle? Are wake windows a real thing? And what about regressions?  I welcome back Sujay Kansagra who is a pediatric neurologist and sleep medicine physician at Duke who has dedicated his life to helping kids (and their parents) sleep better. He knows sleep and the importance of it. He was on my show before on an episode called Sleep-training: What the evidence does or doesn't say.  He joins me to discuss:  If genetics play a role in sleep and if there is such a thing as a “good” or “bad” sleeper If “wake-windows” are evidence-based If there’s a certain age we would expect a baby to “sleep through the night” The truth behind sleep regressions  To connect with Sujay Kansagra follow him on Instagram @thatsleepdoc and purchase his book My Child Won’t Sleep: A Quick Guide for the Sleep-Deprived Parent Additional Resources About Sleep: Review of Sleep Training Data: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17068979/ Cortisol and Sleep Training Research Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27221288/ Short Sleep Gene: https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2019/08/415261/after-10-year-search-scientists-find-second-short-sleep-gene "Sleeping Through the Night" Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20974775/ Wide Range of Normal Sleep During First Year: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12563055/ Sleep Regressions and Data Behind Fixed Months for Regression: https://www.babysleep.com/sleep-advice/what-is-a-sleep-regression/ 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 – Intro 01:17 – Meet Dr. Sujay Kansagra: Pediatric Sleep Doc at Duke 04:38 – Do Genetics Impact How Children Sleep? 06:05 – Why Labels Like “Bad Sleeper” Can Be Harmful 08:06 – What’s the Deal with Wake Windows? 10:31 – Why Overtired Kids Have Trouble Falling Asleep 12:55 – Are Sleep “Crutches” Like Nursing or Rocking Bad? 15:00 – When and How to Phase Out Sleep Associations 16:33 – The Parent Sleep Guilt Spiral—And Why It’s Not Helping 18:05 – Social Media Pressure and Parenting Choices 19:30 – When Should Babies Sleep Through the Night? 23:04 – Is There a Minimum Weight for Sleep Training? 25:19 – Why Sleep Isn’t Just Sleep: Feeding, Temperament, and More 25:59 – What Science Says About Sleep Regressions 28:44 – Why Modern Parenting Creates Fear Around Normal Sleep 30:08 – Don’t Pathologize Your Parenting Journey 30:52 – Final Message: Sleep Is Hard—Even for Sleep Experts 32:14 – Where to Learn More from Dr. Kansagra 33:02 – Wrapping Up: Science, Sanity, and Sleep Confidence 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

Whether you're preparing for birth or in the thick of postpartum recovery, this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice. We’re joined by Liesel from Mommy Labor Nurse (@mommy.labornurse) to answer some of the most common questions about labor, C-sections, vaginal delivery, and what actually happens after the baby is born. We cover: How to advocate for yourself during labor (without conflict) Must-have items for C-section and vaginal birth recovery How to care for stitches and prevent infection What no one tells you about postpartum bleeding Pain management tips and why you shouldn't try to be a hero Why stool softeners are your best friend (seriously) From grabber tools to emotional resilience, this is the kind of candid postpartum prep we all deserve. Want more? Enjoy the full episode at PedsDocTalk.com 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Preview 00:46 – Advocating for Yourself During Labor 03:04 – C-Section Recovery Must-Haves 05:28 – Postpartum Tips for Vaginal Deliveries 07:12 – How to Care for Stitches (C-Section & Vaginal) 10:28 – One Thing I Wish I Knew Postpartum 13:47 – Why the First 24 Hours Postpartum Are Wild 14:22 – Surprised by Postpartum Bleeding? You’re Not Alone 15:16 – Wrap Up & Takeaways 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

Buzzwords like “non-GMO” and “all natural” can make a product appear like a good choice but with confusing marketing how do we curb the overwhelm and make good food decisions for our kids? Whether you're navigating snack aisles or Instagram reels, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants real, evidence-based guidance on feeding their family well. I’m joined by Dr. Adrian Chavez, who has a Ph.D. in Nutrition and Health Promotion, to discuss: How fear-based marketing and social media myths mislead parents. How to decode buzzwords like "organic" and "non-GMO" and make informed choices without the guilt. Practical, judgment-free tips to build healthy habits for your family—without the overwhelm. To connect with Dr. Adrian Chavez follow him on Instagram @dr.adrian.chavez and check out all his resources at https://dradrianchavez.com/  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. 00:00 – Meet Dr. Adrian Chavez 02:29 – How Adrian Got Into Nutrition (And Unlearning Misinformation) 05:14 – What Sparked His Social Media Mission 07:49 – Education vs. Debunking Online 10:00 – Social Media Fear Tactics and Food Shaming 13:12 – Is the “Healthier” Option Worth It? 16:15 – How to Spot Buzzwords and Misleading Labels 20:41 – The Reality of Organic Food Labels 21:00 – Marketing Tricks That Make Junk Food Look Healthy 24:05 – Why Education Beats Regulation 27:03 – Movement vs. Nutrition in Kids’ Health 29:07 – How Packaging & Characters Influence Kids’ Food Choices 31:56 – What Real Nutrition Education Should Feel Like 34:22 – Are There Hidden Additives in Kids’ Foods? 38:23 – Final Message: Start Small & Stay Consistent 43:05 – Where to Find Dr. Adrian Chavez 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

In this The Follow-Up episode with the incredible team behind @biglittlefeelings, we're diving deeper into the everyday power struggles parents face — food throwing, hitting, biting, meltdowns, and more. I'm joined by Kristin and Deena to break down practical, compassionate scripts for managing these challenging behaviors without yelling, shaming, or losing your cool. You’ll learn: What to actually say when your toddler throws food How to respond calmly and effectively to hitting and biting Why trying to teach in the middle of a meltdown doesn’t work The difference between setting a boundary and escalating a situation How validating emotions can prevent anxiety and support long-term emotional health Whether you're parenting a 1-year-old or a 5-year-old, these tools are grounded in developmental psychology, trauma-informed care, and real-world parenting experience. If you’ve ever wondered why your child isn’t “listening” or felt stuck in a cycle of frustration, this episode is for you. Want more? Enjoy the full episode at PedsDocTalk.com 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

What does it really mean to parent with data—and how do you do it without losing your mind?  Let’s unpack the power and pitfalls of data-driven parenting in a world full of misinformation and clickbait. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by studies, headlines, or trying to “do it right,” this episode will bring clarity, nuance, and a whole lot of reassurance. Today, I’m joined by Emily Oster, an economist and NYT best-selling author, to discuss: How data can guide parenting decisions—without demanding perfection or causing overwhelm. Ways to navigate conflicting research, misinformation, and fear-based headlines in today’s media landscape. Practical tips for building data literacy, knowing when to seek evidence, and trusting your instincts as a parent. To connect with Emily Oster follow her on Instagram @profemilyoster and check out all her resources at parentdata.org  00:00 – Introduction to Emily Oster 02:49 – How Emily Got Started in Parenting Data 04:16 – The Promise and Limits of Data-Driven Parenting 07:02 – Sleep, Solids, and the Complexity of Parenting Choices 08:08 – Honesty About Data Limitations 09:02 – When the Data Doesn’t Exist 10:09 – Media Panic & Screen Time Headlines 11:27 – Building Data Literacy as a Parent 13:32 – The Rise of Pseudoscience & Misinformation 14:55 – How to Tell If a Study Is Legitimate 16:28 – Parasite Cleanses & Misused Studies 19:03 – Competing With Clickbait 22:27 – Vaccine Conversations & Honest Health Communication 24:25 – The Hope for a Nuanced Future 27:01 – How to Stay Informed Without Overwhelm 29:00 – Parenting as a Process of Figuring It Out 30:08 – What Really Feels Overwhelming 33:08 – Trusting Lived Experience Over Data Alone 34:12 – The Search for Certainty vs. Embracing the Mess 35:48 – You’re Not Going to Mess Up Your Kid 37:59 – Closing & Where to Find Emily 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

Is America REALLY less healthy than it used to be? Or is that just a myth?  Lately, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement has been romanticizing the past—but was it really a "healthier" time? 🤔 Higher infant mortality, shorter life expectancy, and limited medical advancements suggest otherwise. Today, I’m joined by Nini Munoz, Science & Risk Communicator, and Dr. Jessica Knurick, Dietitian & Nutrition Scientist, to break down: The myth of the 'healthier past'—why public health was worse, not better. Misinformation & fear-based narratives—how MAHA spreads harmful myths about vaccines, food, and disease. The real problem with food policy—why fixating on seed oils & food dyes distracts from real issues like ultra-processed food and food deserts. The wellness industry’s role—how influencers profit off fear with detoxes, supplements, and misinformation via predatory wellness. What actually improves health—real solutions like healthcare access, school lunch reform, and food subsidies. It’s time to stop falling for misguided nostalgia and start focusing on evidence-based solutions that actually improve public health.  Tune in now! To connect with Jessica Knurick follow her on Instagram @drjessicaknurick and check out all her resources at https://linktr.ee/drjessicaknurick  To connect with Nini Munoz follow her on Instagram @niniandthebrain and join her on Substack: https://techingitapart.substack.com/  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 — Misleading Comparisons: Japan, Fluoride, and Health Outcomes 00:00:52 — Welcome to the Show: What MAHA Gets Wrong 00:01:39 — Fear-Based Distractions vs. Real Public Health Solutions 00:02:53 — Meet the Experts: Dr. Jessica and Nini Munoz 00:03:23 — Are Americans Less Healthy Now? Breaking Down the Data 00:07:01 — Why Living Longer Means Facing Chronic Disease 00:09:51 — Screening, Diagnostics, and Better Detection—Not a Health Decline 00:11:13 — The Missing Conversation: America’s Broken Food Environment 00:14:15 — Red Dye 40 & Skittles: Why This Isn't Solving Chronic Disease 00:17:39 — Targeted Marketing & Food Access: A System Built Against Low-Income Families 00:22:00 — Poverty, Policy, and Public Health Failures 00:27:01 — Lessons From Colombia: How Classism and Privatization Worsen Health Outcomes 00:31:31 — Vaccines, Autism, and Recycling Disproven Theories 00:37:08 — Why Some Pediatricians Push Alternative Schedules 00:39:10 — Predatory Wellness: The Business of Fear and False Solutions 00:43:13 — The Wellness Industry Formula: Scare, Distract, Sell 00:46:30 — When Wellness Fails: Who Do We Turn To? 00:49:10 — Healthcare Reform & Public Trust: Fixing the Root Problems 00:51:12 — Final Thoughts: Real Solutions for a Healthier America 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