Most parents think picky eating starts in toddlerhood. But according to Jenny Best, founder of Solid Starts, the roots go much deeper and earlier.

In this Follow-Up episode, Jenny and I dig into the real reasons picky eating happens, what behaviors unknowingly contribute to it, and why feeding is so much more than just offering food. It’s emotional. It’s behavioral. It’s developmental. And yes—it’s totally fixable.

Together they discuss:

Why gagging isn’t always a red flag (and how it helps build skills)

The science behind chewing and why purees don’t teach it

How spoon-feeding past a certain age can delay oral development

Why how we feed is just as important as what we feed

The sneaky role anxiety and pressure play at mealtimes

What Jenny wishes more pediatricians (and parents) understood

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

Do you know what a bone age is? If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling over early puberty headlines or wondering if plastic cups and lavender lotion are harming your child’s hormones this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Dr. Sarah Hart Unger, a pediatric endocrinologist, mom of three, and co-host of the Best of Both Worlds and Best Laid Plans podcasts. Together, we cut through the confusion and misinformation around early puberty, endocrine disruptors, and what’s actually backed by science.

We dive into:

What early puberty actually looks like including what’s normal vs. concerning, the difference between true puberty and adrenal changes, and when to seek evaluation.

Real vs. rumored causes like the roles of body fat, genetics, and endocrine disruptors like BPA and lavender without spiraling into fear or guilt.

When medical treatment is needed, when reassurance is enough, and why chasing puberty “delays” can sometimes do more harm than good.

To connect with Sarah Hart-Unger check out all her resources at https://linktr.ee/the_shubox

And enjoy our previous episode: https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/i-wish-my-kid-was-a-little-bit-taller-height-and-kids/ 

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: Why earlier puberty headlines are everywhere

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

If the phrase “kindergarten readiness” sends you into a spiral of flashcards and phonics drills, this one’s for you.

In this follow-up episode, I chat with Susie Allison (@busytoddler), former kindergarten teacher and mom of three, to reframe how we think about school prep. Spoiler: it’s not about who can write their name in cursive or recite the alphabet backwards.

We talk about:

Why academic checklists miss the bigger picture

The real skills that help kids thrive in school (like asking for help and taking turns)

Why earlier isn’t always better when it comes to reading

How to raise kind, confident kids without burning yourself out trying to be their full-time teacher

Whether your child is starting kindergarten soon or you’re just feeling the pressure to “keep up,” this episode is your permission slip to focus on what actually matters.

🎧 Download, follow, and share this episode with a friend who needs the reminder.

📌 Want the full episode? Head to pedsdoctalk.com for more!

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

If you’ve ever felt confused, judged, or overwhelmed by how weight is discussed at your child’s doctor’s visits? Whether your child is in a larger body, a smaller body, or somewhere in between this episode is for anyone who wants to raise healthy kids without harmful messaging.

I’m joined by Dr. Tommy Martin, a physician, educator, and passionate advocate for reframing weight and health conversations with compassion and clarity. Together, we explore why BMI was never meant to guide pediatric care, how weight bias shows up in medical settings, and what parents can do to protect their child’s body confidence without ignoring health.

We dive into:

Why BMI was never meant for individual kids and how outdated growth charts still shape care today

The lasting harm of weight bias in healthcare, from missed diagnoses to internalized shame as early as age 3

How to reframe conversations around health without numbers or labels and practical ways to advocate for your child

To connect with Dr. Tommy Martin follow him on Instagram @dr.tommymartin, check out all his resources at https://link.me/dr.tommymartin

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: Why weight conversations in pediatrics matter

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

Five and a half years ago, I became a mother.

In this deeply personal Follow-Up episode, I revisit the story that changed everything for me: my traumatic birth experience with my son Ryaan, the complications that followed, and how it impacted me as a mother, a pediatrician, and a human.

Whether your birth went sideways slowly or spiraled in an instant—this episode is for you.

I share:

The moment I knew something was wrong

What I experienced during 13 painful days in the hospital

How trauma shaped my identity, my anxiety, and my approach to parenting

The invisible grief many parents carry

Why birth trauma deserves to be seen, supported, and spoken about

If you’ve ever felt like your story didn’t “count” because you survived… this one is for you.

💛 You are not alone. Your story matters. And healing is possible.

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

If you’ve ever assumed that being near your child at the pool meant they were safe, this episode might just change the way you see water forever.

I’m joined by Lindsay Mondick, Director of Aquatic Safety for the YMCA of the USA and a lifelong advocate for drowning prevention. We talk about what drowning really looks like (spoiler: it’s not like the movies), why so many tragic incidents happen with adults present, and how something as simple as putting your phone down can be the difference between life and death.

She joins me to discuss: • Why drowning is quick, silent, and often missed even with supervision nearby • The “Phones Down, Eyes Up” campaign and what every caregiver needs to know • How to build layers of water safety from swim lessons to life jackets to water watchers

Whether you’re a pool regular, weekend beachgoer, or backyard splash pad fan—this conversation is a must-listen for every parent this summer.

To connect with the YMCA follow them on Instagram @ymca; TikTok @ymcaofficiall; Facebook @TheY and YouTube @ymca. Learn more at Phonesdowneyesup.org

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 – 01:18 Why This Conversation Matters

01:19 – 02:37 Meet Lindsay: A Lifelong Water Safety Advocate

02:38 – 04:35 The Pandemic’s Impact on Drowning Risk

04:36 – 06:14 Why Proximity Isn’t Enough

06:15 – 08:32 Active Supervision: What It Looks Like

08:33 – 10:16 Are Lifeguards Enough?

10:17 – 12:14 Strong Swimmers Still Need Supervision

12:15 – 13:41 The Hidden Dangers of Lakes and Open Water

13:42 – 15:53 What Drowning Really Looks Like

15:54 – 19:55 The Power of Prevention and Real-Life Stories

19:56 – 22:31 Swim Lessons: How Early Is Too Early?

22:32 – 27:14 Teaching Adults to Swim (And Why It Matters)

27:15 – 30:07 Bridging the Gap in Underserved Communities

30:08 – 32:04 One Simple Habit That Can Save a Life

32:05 – 36:15 Minimizing Distraction Without Guilt

36:16 – 39:10 Final Thoughts + Taking 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

You’ve probably seen it—your toddler pretending to cook after watching you in the kitchen, or mimicking your sighs after a long day. It’s not just cute—it’s neuroscience. In this powerful follow-up episode, Dr. Mona sits down with educator Chris Lake to unpack mirror neurons, the brain’s fascinating mechanism for learning through observation.

Together, they explore how these neurons shape everything from crawling and speech to empathy and emotional regulation—and how everyday moments of modeling can support your child’s development more than any app ever could.

Whether you’re wondering how screen time affects speech, why your toddler copies your every move, or how to introduce new toys and skills more effectively, this conversation offers both science and simple strategies for parents to put into practice.

What You’ll Learn:

The surprising research behind mirror neurons and observational learning

Why our kids learn best through watching (not just being told)

How mouth-gazing helps with speech development—and why screens fall short

Why modeling behaviors like sharing and play matters more than we think

The link between demonstration, confidence, and child mastery

The truth about screen time’s impact on social and language skills

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

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure about your baby’s feeding challenges, this conversation is a validating, eye-opening listen.

I’m joined by Mallory Roberts, a licensed speech-language pathologist, infant feeding specialist, and craniosacral therapist. We dive into the misunderstood world of infant reflux including what’s really going on beneath the surface, why “they’ll outgrow it” isn’t always the full story, and how a holistic, body-based approach can change everything about how a baby feeds, feels, and thrives. 

She joins me to discuss: 

Why reflux is often misunderstood and why medication shouldn’t always be the first step

How feeding position, parental stress, and early body tension play a major role in symptoms

What craniosacral therapy is, and how gentle, connection-based care can transform feeding struggles

To connect with Mallory Roberts follow her on Instagram @thefeedingmom.method, check out all her resources at https://www.thefeedingmom.com/ 

00:00 – Intro

02:06 – What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

03:01 – Meet Mallory Roberts

07:45 – What’s Missing in Traditional Reflux Care

10:08 – Feeding Position Matters

12:14 – A Holistic Reflux Plan

17:47 – Red Flags for Reflux

23:10 – What Happens in a Craniosacral Session

28:00 – The Parent’s Energy Matters

33:13 – Where She Places Her Hands (and Why)

37:11 – How to Find a Therapist (or Learn Yourself)

41:23 – Final Encouragement for Parents

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

What’s the real difference between ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) and traditional swim lessons and is one really safer?

In this episode, I sit down with a certified ISR instructor to break down what ISR actually is, how it works, and why it’s not the “throw-your-baby-in-the-pool” method people assume it is. With drowning being the leading cause of accidental death in kids ages 1–4, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent near water.

We cover:

The history and science behind ISR

How ISR teaches self-rescue and survival skills

How it compares to traditional swim classes (including one-on-one lessons)

Why lessons are just 10 minutes a day and why that works

Common misconceptions: trauma, tears, and floating myths

What to look for in a swim instructor

When babies and toddlers can safely start ISR

Whether you’re a pool owner, beach-goer, or just a parent exploring water safety, this episode will help you make informed decisions and feel more confident in protecting your child around water.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“They’ll eat if they’re hungry.” This CAN be true for many kids when it comes to feeding and picky eating, but for some kids it’s not great advise. I welcome Dr. Taylor Arnold, a PhD, registered dietician, and founder Growing Intuitive Eaters and she is on a mission to foster a healthy relationship with food and teach adults how to talk to kids about food in a positive way.

She joins me to discuss: 

Why this advice can lack a lot of nuance 

When to know or be concerned your child may have an underlying issue regarding feeding solids

Why online guidance around feeding sometimes lacks necessary nuance

To connect with Dr. Taylor Arnold follow her on Instagram @growing.intuitive.eaters, check out all her resources at https://msha.ke/growingintuitiveeaters

00:00 – Intro

01:29 – Meet Dr. Taylor Arnold

03:45 – Let’s Break It Down: Why That Phrase Fails Some Kids

06:09 – Medical and Sensory Red Flags to Watch For

08:11 – So What Should Parents Do Instead?

10:56 – Red Flags That Signal It’s Time to Act

13:32 – A Pediatrician and Parent’s Perspective on Feeling Brushed Off

15:05 – Feeding, Sleep, and Behavior: The Pediatric Trifecta

15:58 – A Final Feeding Pet Peeve: School Nutrition Assignments

20:03 – Final Takeaway: If You’re Not Being Heard, Get Louder

21:54 – Where to Find Dr. Taylor Arnold’s Free Resources

22:55 – Dr. Mona’s Closing Reflections

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.

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