Executive Functioning in Neurotypical Kids: Middle School Challenges and Practical Strategies S2E24 #59

We explore executive functioning in neurotypical children, focusing on the tricky middle school years. Using real-life stories from their own families, they break down common challenges—like remembering homework, staying organized, and controlling impulses—and explain how these reflect normal brain development.

We share practical tips for parents, including setting realistic expectations, scaffolding skills, encouraging your child to develop their own organizational strategies, and celebrating small victories. Learn how to support your child without creating unnecessary stress, and gain reassurance that struggles with executive functioning are often a normal part of growing up.

This episode is packed with relatable anecdotes, actionable advice, and gentle guidance for helping children thrive as they develop these essential life skills.

Resources: 

Cleveland Clinic Executive Function: What It Is, How To Improve & Types

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/executive-function

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected] 

Celebrating One Year S2E23 #58

Join our hosts as we celebrate our podcast's 1st birthday. We discuss our favorite episodes thus far and our most challenging moments.

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Visit our webpage ⁠https://tenkidstwodocs.com⁠ Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

Adverse Food Reactions in Infants: Distinguishing Food Allergy, Intolerance, and Sensitivity S2E23 #58

Food allergies, food intolerances, food sensitivities in babies—what’s the difference?

In this episode of Ten Kids, Two Docs, we dive into the confusing and often overwhelming world of infant food reactions.  We share personal experiences as pediatrician moms, raising children with significant food sensitivities at a time when medical guidelines were rapidly evolving.  We also discuss what is different today, how participating in a long-term food allergy study shaped our perspective, and why we has empathy for families navigating this journey.

If you’re a parent of a baby with eczema, food reactions, or suspected allergies—or if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by changing medical advice—this episode is for you.

Resources:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Infant-Allergies-and-Food-Sensitivities.aspx

George Du Toit et al.   Early consumption of peanuts in infancy is associated with a low prevalence of peanut allergy J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Nov;122(5):984-91

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected] 

HIB, Pneumococcus, and Pertussis - Why Vaccine Prevention Still Matters S2E22 Episode 57

In this third part of our three-part vaccine series, Dr. Sylvia Bank and Dr. Vivian Carlin are joined by Dr. Scott Krugman, Johns Hopkins-trained pediatrician and Dean of a George Washington University medical school campus. Together, they dive into the real-life impact of vaccine-preventable diseases—many of which parents today may never have seen.

Dr. Krugman shares his firsthand experiences caring for children before vaccines like Hib and Prevnar were widely available, painting a vivid picture of the fear, rapid deterioration, and life-altering consequences these infections could cause. From invasive Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) meningitis to pneumococcal disease and pertussis (whooping cough), he explains why early vaccination is critical for infants and young children.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or just curious about the history and science of vaccines, this episode provides clear, evidence-based insights and real stories from pediatricians on the front lines.

Resources:

Dr Scott Krugman’s hib Facebook Post https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1cNJvLbSTF/ 

Dr Scott Krugman’s Pertussis Facebook Post https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1L8pvYMGCU/ 

VAERS - Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System https://vaers.hhs.gov/

VSD - Vaccine Safety Data Link https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety-systems/vsd/index.html

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Special Guest - Dr Scott Krugman, MD

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected] 

Measles and Diphtheria - Why Vaccine Prevention Still Matters S2E21 Episode 56

In this second episode of our three-part vaccine series, Drs. Sylvia Bank and Vivian Carlin sit down with Dr. Scott Krugman, Johns Hopkins-trained pediatrician and Dean at George Washington University School of Medicine, to discuss the history, impact, and life-saving importance of vaccines.

Dr. Krugman shares his expertise on vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and diphtheria, highlighting the real risks children face without immunization. From the devastating complications of measles, like hospitalization and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), to the heroic story of Balto and the race to deliver diphtheria antitoxin in Alaska, this episode underscores why vaccines have been called one of the greatest public health achievements in history.

Resources:

Measles:  A Dangerous Illness by Roald Dahl https://www.roalddahlfans.com/dahls-work/essays-and-articles/measles-a-dangerous-illness/

Balto. Directed by Simon Wells, Universal Pictures, 1995.

Kimmel, Elizabeth Cody. Balto and the Great Race. Random House, 2002.

Dr Scott Krugman’s Diphtheria Facebook Post https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BzXua96VW/

Dr Scott Krugman’s Measles Facebook Post https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17pGkH6foZ/

VAERS - Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System https://vaers.hhs.gov/

VSD - Vaccine Safety Data Link https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety-systems/vsd/index.html

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Special Guest - Dr Scott Krugman, MD

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected] 

Vaccines 101:A Pediatrician’s Guide to Immunization Basics S2E20 Episode 55

Vaccines are one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—topics in parenting today. We tackle vaccines head-on, not just as pediatricians, but as moms who have made these decisions for their own families.

Drawing from decades of clinical experience and personal stories, Sylvia and Vivian discuss why vaccines have been one of the most transformative advances in pediatrics, how vaccine safety is monitored, and how misinformation has shaped public perception over the last few decades.

This is an open, honest, and evidence-based conversation designed to help parents understand the why behind vaccines—so they can feel informed and confident in their decisions.

Resources:

VAERS - Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System https://vaers.hhs.gov/

VSD - Vaccine Safety Data Link https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety-systems/vsd/index.html

HHS Autism Announcement Fact Sheet  https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/autism-announcement-fact-sheet.html

Vaccines Don't Cause Autism. Why Do Some People Think They Do?  How a retracted study from the 1990s undermined trust in vaccines and led to a persistent myth.

https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/the-evidence-on-vaccines-and-autism

Murch SH, Anthony A, Casson DH, Malik M, Berelowitz M, Dhillon AP, Thomson MA, Valentine A, Davies SE, Walker-Smith JA Retraction of an interpretation Lancet. 2004;363(9411):750. 

Madsen KM, Hviid A, Vestergaard M, Schendel D, Wohlfahrt J, Thorsen P, Olsen J, Melbye M A population-based study of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination and autism N Engl J Med. 2002;347(19):1477

Hviid A, Hansen JV, Frisch M, Melbye M Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccination and Autism: A Nationwide Cohort Study Ann Intern Med. 2019;170(8):513. Epub 2019 Mar 5. Fombonne E, Zakarian R, Bennett A, Meng L, McLean-Heywood D Pervasive developmental disorders in Montreal, Quebec, Canada: prevalence and links with immunizations Pediatrics. 2006;118(1):e139. 

DeStefano F, Bhasin TK, Thompson WW, Yeargin-Allsopp M, Boyle C Age at first measles-mumps-rubella vaccination in children with autism and school-matched control subjects: a population-based study in metropolitan Atlanta Pediatrics. 2004;113(2):259. 

Iqbal S, Barile JP, Thompson WW, DeStefano F Number of antigens in early childhood vaccines and neuropsychological outcomes at age 7-10 years Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2013;22(12):1263. 

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected] 

Why Your Teen Pushes Your Buttons- The Parent-Child Mismatch in the Teenage Years S2E19 Episode 54

Conflict with teenagers is common—but sometimes it’s not about behavior at all.

In this episode of 10 Kids, 2 Docs, pediatrician moms Dr. Sylvia Bank and Dr. Vivian Carlin explore the parent-child mismatch during adolescence. Through personal stories and professional insight, they discuss how personality differences, communication styles, and unmet expectations can create tension between parents and teens.

They share how recognizing a mismatch, stepping back when needed, and working as a parenting team can help preserve connection and protect long-term relationships—especially during the emotionally intense teenage years.

A reassuring and practical conversation for any parent navigating conflict with their teen.

Resources:  Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

by Susan Cain 

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected] 

From Zero to Chaos: Dads Talk Parenting Under Pressure

In this bonus episode of Ten Kids Two Docs, the husbands take the mic. Joseph Bank and Eric Carlin join pediatrician moms Dr. Sylvia Bank and Dr. Vivian Carlin for part two of the Husband Takeover, sharing their most stressful and formative moments in parenting.

From the shock of going from zero to one child, to the chaos of suddenly jumping from four kids to six through foster-to-adopt, these dads reflect honestly on pressure, exhaustion, teamwork, and problem-solving at home. The conversation explores how couples can navigate high-stress seasons of parenting without turning against each other—using intentional communication, shared problem-solving, and sometimes just letting a partner vent.

This episode is a candid, relatable look at parenting under pressure, teamwork in marriage, and why no one really knows what they’re doing until they’re in it together.

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Special Guest - Joseph Bank and Erik Carlin

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected]

The husbands are taking over the mic 🎙️

In this BONUS Husband Takeover episode, the dads step in to share their honest perspective on parenting, co-parenting, and what it’s really like being married to pediatrician moms.

From navigating medical advice at home to balancing work, family life, and modern fatherhood, this episode is full of real talk, laughs, and relatable moments. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at parenting as a team — from the dad’s point of view.

Whether you’re a mom, dad, or caregiver, this conversation is a reminder that raising kids works best when everyone has a voice.

👉 Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode, and share this one with a parent who needs a laugh today.

You’re Not Doing It Wrong: Understanding the Mismatch with Your Child S2E16 Episode 51

We discuss the parent child mismatch and how that can lead to clashing, butting heads, and worry about your toddler and young elementary school child.

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected]