If you're a parent struggling to get your child to eat a "proper" meal, have you ever been told, "Just make them eat!"? Or, "Just starve them and they'll eat anything!"?

In this episode, Dr. Kaye Napalinga, developmental and behavioral pediatrician with special training in feeding issues, empowers us with insights on: 

• what exactly goes into the feeding process
• why "just make them eat" or "just starve them" actually sets us up for frustration and stress
• what we can look at and what to do instead

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Picky Eaters vs Problem Feeders Questionnaire from the SOS Approach to Feeding
• Picky eating on the Discerning Parenting blog and podcast

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

👩‍⚕️ Guest:
Dr. Paula Martinez-Mallari, pediatrician and gut health specialist, and mom of four!

🍼 Description:
Is your child refusing food, only eating white-colored meals, or taking forever to finish a plate? You're not alone! In this practical and judgment-free episode, pediatrician and mom Dr. Paula explains the different types of picky eaters—and  what parents can do about it.

🗣️ Questions We Asked Dr. Paula:

• What's the difference between normal toddler food preferences and true picky eating?
• What are the different kinds of picky eaters you’ve seen?
• Is threatening or bribing kids to eat effective?
• What happens during a consultation with a feeding specialist or pediatrician?
• Why is advice like “just starve them, they’ll eat” potentially harmful?
• What’s food chaining—and how can parents try it at home?
• What are better alternatives to hiding vegetables or bribing kids with candy?
• Is snacking okay?

💡 Key Takeaways:

• There are different types of picky eaters, so there's no one-size-fits-all.
• Food refusal may signal deeper issues, like sensory sensitivity or underlying medical/developmental concerns.
• Strategies such as food chaining can help kids accept new foods by gradually transitioning from familiar ones.
• Avoid bribing or threatening—build positive mealtime experiences instead.
• Watch out for red flags like weight loss, very limited food variety, or mealtime stress affecting family life.

📚 More Resources:

https://discerningparenting.com/what-to-do-if-your-child-is-a-picky-eater/

https://discerningparenting.com/encouragement-for-moms-of-picky-eaters/

✨ Loved this episode?
Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Are you starting solids with your baby and feeling overwhelmed by all the advice? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Paula Martinez-Mallari, a pediatric gastroenterologist (gut health and nutrition specialist) and mom of four answers common questions and shares practical advice for parents navigating this exciting milestone.

💬 Topics We Covered:

• Going beyond the traditional vs baby led weaning debate... and the #1 thing we should be focusing on instead
• What to do when your baby refuses food
• Letting babies explore textures and tastes
• How to balance breastfeeding/formula with solid foods
• Changes in baby poop when you start solids
• Spotting early signs of constipation
• Taking the pressure off starting solids - for both parents and babies!

📌 Key Takeaway:

Starting solids doesn’t have to be stressful. Enjoy the journey, and remember—it’s a milestone for your baby and for you.

📎 Resources Mentioned:

✅ Our guide to complementary feeding with the short course Feeding Baby Right
✅ FREE parenting toolkit: https://discerningparenting.com/toolkit/

📎 Research Mentioned:

Systematic review on baby-led vs traditional complementary feeding

D'Auria, E., Bergamini, M., Staiano, A., Banderali, G., Pendezza, E., Penagini, F., Zuccotti, G. V., Peroni, D. G., & Italian Society of Pediatrics (2018). Baby-led weaning: what a systematic review of the literature adds on. Italian journal of pediatrics, 44(1), 49. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-018-0487-8

📌 Points we want to highlight:

1. Modified baby led weaning (taking care to remove choking hazards) appears to be safe. This is good news for parents who want to follow BLW.

2. There's no evidence that babies fed the traditional way grow up to become picky eaters or get stuck eating purees. This is great news for moms who keep trying baby led weaning but it's just not working for them. If that's you, stop feeling like you've failed! Go ahead and feed using the method that is easier for you. You have enough to worry about without adding on this unnecessary pressure.

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Are you second-guessing your parenting style—wondering if you're being too strict or too lenient? Does it feel like whatever you do, there's bound to be someone telling you you're doing it wrong? You're not alone.

In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we're diving deep into that fine line we're often trying to navigate as parents - discerning where to set boundaries that actually work.

✅ You'll discover:

• Why kids need boundaries to feel safe and secure
• The difference between being firm and being harsh
• 3 things to consider when deciding what limits to set

👩‍⚕️ We've shared our own experiences and personal insights as well. 

🛠️ Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Download your free copy of the Discerning Parenting Toolkit
• The Discerning Parent's Guide to Toddler Behavior: From Power Struggles to Connection

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Many parents feel like they’re constantly playing referee between their kids. Sibling squabbles can be exhausting, and the guilt of not knowing whether to step in or let them work it out can be overwhelming. 

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of sibling rivalry—why it happens, when to intervene, and how to foster a healthy sibling relationship.

We’re joined by Dr. Pauline Camposano-Marquez, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician and a mom of three, who shares both professional insights and real-life experiences raising young children close in age. She discusses:
✔️ Reasons behind sibling rivalry we may not realize
✔️ The trap of always making the older child "give in"
✔️ The importance of modeling conflict resolution at home
✔️ Practical strategies to reduce rivalry
✔️ The hidden family dynamics that shape sibling relationships

Whether you’re dealing with constant bickering or want to lay the foundation for a strong sibling bond, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and encouraging stories too.

Resources & Links:
💡 Download the Discerning Parenting Toolkit for free: discerningparenting.com/toolkit

 📌 Contact Dr. Pauline: [email protected] or 0968-8822252 for scheduling
 📌 Need a developmental pediatrician? Head over to the website of the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics - https://psdbp.org/find-a-doctor/

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow parent! 💛

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Is too much screen time affecting our brains? In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Paul Filomeno, an addiction and recovery medicine specialist, pediatrician, and founder of Healthy Screens PH, to discuss the concept of digital dementia. 

While not a formal medical diagnosis, digital dementia describes the cognitive effects of excessive screen use—such as poor memory, shorter attention spans, and difficulty with problem-solving.

Dr. Paul shares his expertise on how screen time impacts brain development in children, including executive function, impulse control, and empathy. We also explore  problematic internet use, digital distraction, and parental technoference—and most importantly, what we can do as parents to protect ourselves and our kids.

In this episode, you'll discover...
✅ What digital dementia is and how it affects memory and attention span
✅ How excessive screen time impacts children's brain development
✅ How to set digital boundaries for a healthier family life

Resources & Links Mentioned:
📌 Previous Episodes with Dr. Paul:

• How to Reduce Screen Time Without Tantrums
• Signs Your Child’s Screen Time is Too Much

📌 More Resources on Digital Parenting:

• Visit DiscerningParenting.com/digitalparenting and let us know you're interested in this!
• Learn more about Healthy Screens PH and Dr. Paul’s advocacy.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help more parents discover this important conversation!

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Are you worried that your child may be addicted to social media? You’re not alone! Social media is designed to keep users hooked, and kids are especially vulnerable. 

In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Paul Filomeno, an addiction medicine specialist, pediatrician, and dad. He shares research-backed insights on social media addiction in kids, red flags to watch for, and practical strategies to help children develop healthier online habits.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is NOT meant to replace medical advice. When in doubt, consult a licensed practitioner.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Is social media really addictive? Understanding how platforms manipulate dopamine and attention.
✅ Red flags of social media addiction: Signs that go beyond just spending too much time online.
✅ How social media affects kids' mental health: The link between early exposure, anxiety, and depression.
✅ Setting healthy boundaries: Why restriction isn’t the answer, but regulation and co-journeying are.
✅ Modeling healthy habits as a parent: How your own screen time impacts your child.
✅ When to seek professional help: Understanding when social media use becomes a deeper issue.

Resources & Links:
📌 Learn more about Dr. Paul Filomino’s work at Healthy Screens PH

Follow Healthy Screens PH here:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/healthyscreensPH
IG:  https://www.instagram.com/healthyscreens.ph
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthy-screens-ph

 📌 Get practical and curated parenting resources at DiscerningParenting.com
📌 Need help with digital parenting? Let us know! Visit: discerningparenting.com/digitalparenting

Don’t Miss Our Next Episode!
We’ll be diving into new expert insights about screen time and its impact on both kids and parents. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out!

💬 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend and leave us a review!

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Are you worried about your child’s screen time? How much is too much? 

In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we’re joined by addiction medicine specialist and pediatrician Dr. Paul Filomeno, founder of Healthy Screens PH. Dr. Paul brings both his expertise and personal experience as a dad to help us understand when screen time becomes problematic and how to create a healthy media balance for our kids.

We dive deep into:

• The warning signs that screen time may be too much
• Distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy screen use
• Age-appropriate guidelines for screen time (and making them work in real life!)
• Choose high-quality content for your child

If you've ever felt guilty about screen time or struggled to set limits, this episode is for you. Discover how to take small, realistic steps to create a balanced media plan for your family without power struggles or guilt.

Resources Mentioned: 

📖 Check out our books for more guidance: discerningparenting.com/books 

📩 Join the Digital Parenting Waitlist and let us know that guidance on this would be valuable for you.

Connect with Us: 

🌟 Follow the Discerning Parenting Podcast for more expert insights on parenting in the digital age! 

💬 Share this episode with your family and friends—let’s navigate screen time together!

About Dr. Paul:

As a dad to a young child, Dr. Paul has a deep passion for pioneering studies on behavioral addictions in children and adolescents, including screen time and substance use. As the founder of Healthy Screens PH, he is committed to advancing research and practical strategies to address the growing concerns of both digital and substance-related addictions in the pediatric population. His work emphasizes the development of effective, culturally sensitive approaches to managing addiction issues in young people. He is also a certified Gaming and Gambling Addiction Specialist, having completed his certification at Asia Metropolitan University (AMU) in Malaysia. He currently serves as a consultant in Addiction and Recovery Medicine and Pediatrics at the Philippine General Hospital.

Booking Link:
https://seriousmd.com/doc/paul-lawrence-filomeno

Viber/SMS/Telegram: +63 949 4385188

Clinics:
St. Claire Medical Center (Makati)
Kindred Health PH (Taft)
San Juan de Dios Medical Center

🔗 Related Episodes:

• Effects of Screen Tim

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

Struggling with screen time battles? In this episode, Dr. Paul Filomeno, the first pediatrician in the Philippines locally trained in addiction and recovery medicine, shares why screens are so captivating for toddlers and how parents can transition their kids away from screens with fewer meltdowns. We discuss research-backed strategies, practical tips, and the importance of movement and alternative activities.

As a dad to a young child, Dr. Paul has a deep passion for pioneering studies on behavioral addictions in children and adolescents, including screen time and substance use. As the founder of Healthy Screens PH, he is committed to advancing research and practical strategies to address the growing concerns of both digital and substance-related addictions in the pediatric population. His work emphasizes the development of effective, culturally sensitive approaches to managing addiction issues in young people. He is also a certified Gaming and Gambling Addiction Specialist, having completed his certification at Asia Metropolitan University (AMU) in Malaysia. He currently serves as a consultant in Addiction and Recovery Medicine and Pediatrics at the Philippine General Hospital.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ Why screens are so addictive for toddlers
✔️ The science behind their resistance to stopping screen time
✔️ Practical strategies to transition toddlers away from screens smoothly
✔️ The importance of consistency and alternative activities
✔️ Why screen-free times like bedtime and meals are crucial

Resources Mentioned:
📌 Discerning Parenting Toolkit – Free download with a language activity guide for toddlers, tips on handling toddler tantrums, and more!
📌 Join the Digital Parenting Waitlist and let us know that guidance on this would be valuable for you.

🔗 Related Episodes:

• Get Kids Moving - even if you have limited space
• Effects of Screen Time; Understanding Screen Time Addiction - with Dr. Paul Filomeno
• Effects of Screen Time on Language and Development of Toddlers and Young Kids - with Dr. Angel Dy

Stay Connected:
✅ Subscribe to the Discerning Parenting Podcast so you don’t miss our coming episodes on managing screen time.

✅ Get in touch with Dr. Paul:
Booking Link:
https://seriousmd.com/doc/paul-lawrence-filomeno

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

In this episode, Dr. Victoria Ang-Nolasco and Teacher Tasha Mendoza tackle a common concern for parents: What if my child isn’t reading by age three? (Or age four or five?) 

They discuss the undue pressure placed on parents, why early reading isn’t always developmentally appropriate, and how to focus on holistic growth instead.

Key takeaways:

• Reading milestones typically develop around ages 5–7.
• Language, play and social-emotional development in early childhood are more critical than academic skills.
• Forcing reading too early can lead to frustration and aversion to learning.
• Advocate for developmentally appropriate practices in schools.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read Stress-Free by Dr. Victoria Ang-Nolasco and Teacher Tasha Mendoza
• Toddler Talking: Boost Your Child's Language and Brain Development in Three Easy Steps by Dr. Victoria Ang-Nolasco
• CDC Milestone Tracker App

For more support on helping your child thrive developmentally and academically, grab a copy of Learning by Heart at discerningparenting.com/books or on Amazon.

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.

⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.

⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and ​​must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.