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

Kindergarten readiness is on a lot of parent’s mind as they child approaches this big milestone, but the pressure it can place on parents (and kids) can be a lot.  On this episode I welcome Susie Allison, who is a former kindergarten teacher and has a Masters in Education, author, blogger, mom and creator of Busy Toddler to discuss :  Why kindergarten readiness has become stressful  Why these standards have changed and are they developmentally appropriate?  What we should be focusing on guiding them instead prior to Kindergarten  Find out more about Susie Allison on her website Busytoddler.com or via Instagram @busytoddler Check out my weekly videos on child health & development by ⁠subscribing to PedsDocTalk on YouTube⁠. 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

Many times in parenting, there won’t be a course or article that covers every parenting situation or decision you find yourself in. I LOVE getting to chat with parents from the PedsDocTalk community on these nuanced topics. Today. I welcome Allyson who wants to sleep train her 4-month-old, but the infant will eventually room-share with a 3 year old. We discuss: Things to consider when making parenting decisions and choices Things to consider when sleep-training an infant who may end up room-sharing with a toddler How to prep the toddler for this transition  Check out all the PedsDocTalk Courses for more guidance, tips, and support during parenthood. The Toddler Courses will help you through the toddler stage! Check out my weekly videos on child health & development by ⁠subscribing to PedsDocTalk on YouTube⁠. 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

 I invite back Dr. Sarah Mitchell the creator of The Helping Babies Sleep Method to discuss common misconceptions on terminology and sleep training in general. We discuss: Defining what “CIO” is What does “sleeping through the night” really mean Two main reasons babies and toddlers struggle with sleep What the term sleeping through the night means After this, tune in to another episode with Dr. Sarah Mitchell: Do babies really need sleep-training or will they learn on their own? Quick simple 6 question sleep quiz with personalized responses: helpingbabiessleep.com/sleep-quiz Website: helpingbabiessleep.com Online sleep school: helpingbabiessleepschool.com Instagram: @helpingbabiessleep Check out my weekly videos on child health & development by ⁠subscribing to PedsDocTalk on YouTube⁠. 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 are so many decisions and things we do in parenting that can fill us with guilt. In this episode, I go over 5 things I commonly hear parents feel bad about, but they shouldn’t (Frankly, the list could have been even longer).  On this episode I go over:  Looking at your goals and what makes sense to you as a parent Following recommendations and remembering that can be just recommendations Creating balance in our schedule Looking at the big picture in parenting  Check out my weekly videos on child health & development by ⁠subscribing to PedsDocTalk on YouTube⁠. 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.  SPONSORS Are you flying with a newborn or toddler soon? No more worrying about lost or damaged strollers with BABYZEN YOYO. It is the perfect compact and lightweight stroller for travel and everyday life. Use promo code PEDSDOCTALK at checkout for a free cup holder with your stroller purchase. Visit BABYZEN.com with the promo code PEDSDOCTALK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’ve all been there: feeling judged about our choices as parents. And maybe, you have dished out judgement too.  On this episode I go over judgement in parenting: Why judgement blocks our joy as parents Why it’s so hurtful The judgement cycle and how to break it How to block out and navigate judgmental people in your life  Check out my weekly videos on child health & development by ⁠subscribing to PedsDocTalk on YouTube⁠. 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

I welcome a mom from the PDT community, Susmitha, to chat about guilt and feelings around traveling for work as a mom. We discuss: Why this guilt exists What internal work needs to be done before accepting and enjoying travel for work How to manage the feelings we have about inconveniencing others who care for our child Check out my weekly videos on child health & development by ⁠subscribing to PedsDocTalk on YouTube⁠. 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

I welcome Psychiatrist, New York Times Contributor, and author Dr. Pooja Lakshmin to discuss what real self-care really is. Her book REAL SELF-CARE: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness (Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included) is out today and we discuss: The difference between faux self-care and real self-care What the wellness industry forgets when it comes to true wellness How to actually do self-care that is transformative Systemic barriers to self-care  Connect with Dr. Pooja Buy Pooja's new book REAL SELF-CARE: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness (Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included) here. Sign up for Pooja's free Substack email list, Therapy Takeaway, here. Join Pooja's community, Gemma, the physician-built women's mental health platform here. Check out my weekly videos on child health & development by ⁠subscribing to PedsDocTalk on YouTube⁠. 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.  SPONSORS Stokke offers baby products designed to empower parents from day one, foster closeness and connection between them and their baby and to support the healthy development of their child. You can use promo code PEDSDOCTALK at checkout for a free cushion with any high chair purchase. Visit Stokke.com with the promo code PEDSDOCTALK Are you flying with a newborn or toddler soon? No more worrying about lost or damaged strollers with BABYZEN YOYO. It is the perfect compact and lightweight stroller for travel and everyday life. Use promo code PEDSDOCTALK at checkout for a free cup holder with your stroller purchase. Visit BABYZEN.com with the promo code PEDSDOCTALK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listen up, moms! We don’t have to be Pinterest perfect moms to be a good mom. If this is something that brings you joy, that is INCREDIBLE; but it’s not a checkbox that defines your worth as a mother. I welcome Anna—a mom from the PedsDocTalk community to chat about that mom guilt created by not being crafty and the elaborate activity planner. We discuss: Where guilt surrounding our actions as moms comes from What our children developmentally need for play How to reframe when you’re feeling guilty not doing enough for your kiddo  Check out my weekly videos on child health & development by ⁠subscribing to PedsDocTalk on YouTube⁠. 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.  SPONSOR Bitte is an online kids’ boutique where you will find a stunning collection natural gifts and essentials for your little ones. They offer chic organic cotton clothing and accessories, delightful toys, kid-friendly housewares, and so much more -- all made with sustainable materials for a gentler impact on our environment AND amazingly priced so as not to break your budget! Visit bitteshop.com and use code PedsDoc20 to receive 20% off your first order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Moving past purees can sometimes be trickier and oftentimes it’s the parents who are more nervous about this than the child. I welcome Katie Ferraro, registered dietician specializing in baby led weaning, mom of seven, and founder of Baby Led Wean Team to discuss moving past purees to more textured foods. We discuss: Why parents are sometimes nervous to move past purees Recognizing gagging versus choking Misconceptions surrounding BLW and textures How to encourage trickier textures in a safe way Grab a copy of Katie’s 100 FIRST FOODS list on her free weekly BABY-LED WEANING FOR BEGINNERS workshop. You can sign up for this week’s workshop times here: www.babyledweaning.co Check out my weekly videos on child health & development by ⁠subscribing to PedsDocTalk on YouTube⁠. 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.  Are you looking to scratch off dinner from your to do list? Try out Prep Dish today and have high quality, healthy and delicious meals planned out for your family. I got you a 2 WEEKS FREE PREP DISH MEMBERSHIP so you can see if they're a good fit for your family. Just go to prepdish.com/pedsdoctalk for a two week free trial - you won't regret it!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

OOOF. Toddler or child aggression: biting, kicking, hitting.. It can all seem overwhelming to manage, but how much is too much? I welcome Joia, a mom from the PDT community to chat with how much is too much when it comes to aggression. Listen in as we discuss: How to manage aggression Missteps to avoid  When is toddler aggression a concern Check out all the PedsDocTalk Courses for more guidance, tips, and support during parenthood. The Toddler Courses will help you through the toddler stage! Check out my weekly videos on child health & development by ⁠subscribing to PedsDocTalk on YouTube⁠. 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