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

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.

What happens when politics ignores kids? Pediatrician and South Carolina Senate hopeful Dr. Annie Andrews joins me to talk about why children’s health depends on more than just doctor’s visits - it depends on the policies shaping their lives. From Medicaid cuts to paid leave, gun safety, and the cost of insulin, Dr. Andrews explains why neutrality in medicine isn’t an option and why pediatricians, and parents, have a responsibility to speak up. We discuss: Why Dr. Andrews made the leap from pediatrics to politics How policies like Medicaid cuts directly hurt children, families, and the health care system Why pediatricians and parents need to get louder in advocacy How healthcare has become political and why we need to be louder for our kids’ future  The child tax credit and other policies that could transform children’s futures How better policy can prevent burnout among doctors and improve care for every family To connect with Dr. Annie Andrews follow her on Instagram @annieandrewsmd, check out all her resources at https://drannieandrews.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 – Why Advocacy Alone Isn’t Enough 01:11 – Politics Is Already in Our Lane 02:32 – Meet Dr. Annie Andrews: Pediatrician, Mom, Senate Hopeful 04:04 – From Clinic to Campaign: Why She Ran 07:06 – Kids Left Behind in Red vs. Blue States 09:30 – Why Staying Neutral Can Hurt Kids 12:22 – Advocacy vs. Politics: What Really Creates Change 15:26 – Looking Ahead: Policy Priorities if Elected 16:50 – Medicaid Cuts and What They Mean for Families 22:02 – How Cuts Affect Doctors, Patients, and the Whole System 25:14 – Burnout, Reimbursement, and a Broken System 28:15 – Why Pediatricians Must Step Into Politics 30:17 – Fixing the Workforce Crisis in Pediatrics 33:52 – Final Call to Action: Getting Loud for Kids 35:30 – How to Connect With Dr. Annie Andrews 38:21 – Closing Thoughts: Hope Through Action 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

Bringing a newborn home is equal parts magical and overwhelming. The days are long, the nights are unpredictable, and you’re suddenly trying to decode every little cry, yawn, and wiggle. In this Follow-Up episode, I’m sharing the practical newborn guidance I give families every day in my clinic and in my own parenting life. I’ll cover: Feeding in the early weeks (when to wake vs. when to feed on demand) How to recognize your baby’s sleepy, hungry, and ready-to-play cues Why overtired babies are harder to soothe and what to do about it The truth about cuddling: you can’t spoil a newborn Ways to engage your baby: tummy time, talking, reading, and even singing How infant massage and early routines support both bonding and calm Listen to the full episode. 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

How to raise kids who are confident, resilient, and emotionally strong without controlling their every move? Dr. Ken Ginsburg, pediatrician, adolescent medicine specialist, and author of Lighthouse Parenting, joins me to share how parents can be a stable guiding presence while still giving kids the space to learn, fail, and grow. His “lighthouse” approach is grounded in decades of science and rooted in one clear goal: to help children thrive through love, boundaries, and trust. In this episode, we break down what every parent should know about raising confident, capable kids while building an enduring bond that lasts through adolescence and beyond. We cover: How lighthouse parenting balances guidance, protection, and trust Why boundaries, connection, and listening are the foundation for resilience The 7 Cs of resilience and how to weave them into everyday life To connect with Dr. Ken Ginsburg check out all his resources at Fosteringresilience.com and  Parentandteen.com . Follow him on Instagram at @parentandteen. Buy his Light House parenting book here: https://www.amazon.com/Lighthouse-Parenting-Raising-Guidance-Lifelong/dp/1610027191  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 parenting styles swing between extremes 01:30 – Authoritative vs. Lighthouse Parenting: What’s the difference? 03:18 – Meet Dr. Ken Ginsburg: The origin of Lighthouse Parenting 06:06 – Self-care, balance, and being the steady shoreline 14:04 – Building safety, respect, and boundaries from toddler years 21:08 – Happiness vs resilience: Teaching kids to handle big feelings 28:26 – Listening, repair, and the power of real apologies 38:26 – The 7 C’s of resilience every parent should know 44:32 – Final message: Why self-care is not selfish 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

Tantrums are a universal parenting challenge—they can feel overwhelming, embarrassing, or downright exhausting. But what if you had a simple, practical way to respond that actually helps your child learn to calm down? In this follow-up episode, I’m joined by Chris Lake, educator, child development expert, and founder of Behavior Booster. Chris breaks down his “Lake Method” of de-escalating tantrums in a way that makes sense for both kids and parents. We cover: What to do first when a tantrum starts (hint: safety comes before soothing) Why letting your child move through the crying cycle matters How to avoid common pitfalls that accidentally reinforce tantrums The power of validating emotions without caving to demands What an “extinction burst” looks like and why it’s actually a sign of progress Listen to the original, full episode. 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