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

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

Download on the App Store
  • Favorites

    207

    Followers

  • Typical duration

    48 min

    per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

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

  • Food, Policy and What Families Deserve: A Conversation with Dr. Rich Besser, President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

    Have you ever stood in the fresh produce aisle, looking at the price tags, and felt a wave of frustration because eating "real food" feels like a financial punishment? Families are being bombarded with constant advice to eat better and healthier, but how are they supposed to keep up when national nutrition programs and rising grocery costs are moving in completely opposite directions?

    In this episode, I connect with Dr. Rich Besser, former acting director of the CDC and current President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, to explore the deep divide in American food access and affordability. Dr. Besser shares insights from his decades-long pediatric career, explains how the politicization of public health has eroded parental trust, and provides a powerful blueprint for how everyday parents can fight back against broken systems.

    • The Morality of the Noise: How modern nutrition advice has created an exhausting landscape of parental guilt over basic food choices.

    • Navigating the Expert Divide: How to find evidence-based public health guidance at a time when institutional trust is fractured.

    • The Evolution of Medical Science: Why changing nutritional guidelines represent advancing scientific progress rather than medical waffling.

    • The Power of WIC and SNAP: How expanding federal assistance programs directly combats childhood hunger and why bureaucratic barriers are threatening access.

    • Reclaiming the Cafeteria: How parents can leverage local school boards to demand fresh, less-processed school lunch programs that support kids over big agriculture.

    • Why Food Deserts are Everyone's Problem: The moral, ethical, and societal reasons we must all care about nutritional affordability, even if our own households aren't feeling the pinch.

    • Democracy as a Health Metric: The surprising, direct link between local voting, ballot initiatives, civil rights, and the physical well-being of our families.


    • 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!

      Shop Dr. Mona’s favorite products: https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk (paid link)

      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

      49 min
    • The Follow-Up: Self Care for Moms

      Today I'm revisiting a favorite conversation with board-certified psychiatrist and bestselling author Dr. Pooja Lakshmin. We look at the difference between "faux self-care" and "real-self care" and how boundaries and self compassion are part of the internal process.

      If you feel like you're drowning under the mental load of parenting this episode offers a dose of clarity and empowerment. It's an eye-opening reminder that well-being isn't about another product or goal... it's about aligning your choices with your values.


      We discuss:

      • Why the wellness industry encourages a to-do list instead of addressing issues

      • The difference between self-care methods and self-care principles

      • How unrealistic expectations lead to shame and comparison

      • The role of setting firm boundaries and silencing your inner critic

      • Why practicing self-care can lead to changes that benefit entire communities.


      • Want more? Listen to the full, original 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!

        Shop Dr. Mona’s favorite products: https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk (paid link)

        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

        13 min
      • Melatonin, Magnesium & Sleep Supplements for Kids: What Parents Need to Know

        Have you ever found yourself staring at a brightly colored gummy bottle in the pharmacy aisle, hoping a quick supplement fix will finally give you a full night of uninterrupted sleep? The promise of an easy solution is incredibly tempting, but what if these trendy sleep hacks are actually masking deeper behavioral shifts your child really needs?

        In this episode, I connect with pediatrician and sleep medicine specialist Dr. Craig Canapari to separate social media fiction from clinical fact when it comes to pediatric sleep aids. Dr. Canapari breaks down the true neuroscience behind melatonin as a hormone, shines a light on the dramatic rise in accidental supplement overdoses, and uncovers what the data actually says about the viral magnesium foot rub trend.

        • The Rise of the "Purple Aisle": Why exhausted parents and heavy marketing are driving an unprecedented surge in pediatric sleep supplements.

        • Melatonin is a Hormone, Not Candy: The vital distinction between a natural biological trigger and utilizing exogenous melatonin as a hypnotic knockout pill.

        • The Nuance of Dosing: How melatonin can genuinely support neurodiverse children (like those with autism or ADHD) and why timing it right is everything.

        • The Poison Control Warning: The alarming 500% spike in melatonin overdoses and the critical danger of loose food supplement regulation.

        • Diving into the Magnesium Hype: Sorting through the TikTok claims of magnesium sprays and lotions to find out if there is any real pediatric evidence behind them.

        • The True Root of Sleep Issues: Why natural fads often act as a barrier to established, highly effective behavioral sleep hygiene adjustments.

        • The 20-Second Sleep Pitch: Dr. Canapari's foundational pillars—from consistent wake times to the ultimate goal of independent sleep—to safely reclaim your family’s rest.

        • Connect with Dr. Craig Canapari on Instagram @drcanapari, visit his site www.drcraigcanapari.com and buy his book It’s Never Too Late To Sleep Train: https://amzn.to/45UnnlX  (paid link)

          Sleep edit podcast:

          https://drcraigcanapari.com/podcast/episode-12-melatonin-and-magnesium-oh-my/

          IPSA position paper on melatonin in typically developing children:

          https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945725000474

          Magnesium:

          https://drcraigcanapari.com/magnesium-for-kids-sleep/

          https://drcraigcanapari.com/magnesium-sprays-and-lotions/

          Melatonin:

          https://drcraigcanapari.com/should-my-child-take-melatonin-a-guide-for-parents/

          https://drcraigcanapari.com/melatonin-overdoses


        • 00:00:00 - Introduction to Sleep Supplements

        • 00:00:41 - Meet Dr. Craig Canapari

        • 00:03:10 - Dr. Canapari’s Background & Yale Pediatric Sleep Center

        • 00:06:44 - The Rise in Supplement Use

        • 00:10:41 - Melatonin Explained: How It Works & Dosing Risks

        • 00:18:10 - When Melatonin Can Be Beneficial

        • 00:22:00 - Magnesium for Kids: Hype vs. Evidence

        • 00:33:09 - Topical Magnesium Sprays & Safety Concerns

        • 00:43:56 - Foundational Sleep Habits & Independent Sleep

        • 00:47:35 - Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Dr. Canapari


        • 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!

          Shop Dr. Mona’s favorite products: https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk (paid link)

          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

          54 min
        • The Follow-Up: Feeding Our Kids

          In this episode of the PedsDocTalk podcast follow-up, Dr. Mona sits down with Amy Palanjian, founder of Yummy Toddler Food. Together, they break down how to take the stress, guilt, and mental load out of feeding your kids.

          If dinner prep feels overwhelming or your toddler suddenly stopped eating their favorite foods, this quick dose of real, relatable parenting advice is for you!

          • Letting Go of Meal Prep Perfection: Why realistic expectations make kitchen logistics much easier.

          • Theme Nights to Reduce Decision Fatigue: How setting categories (like taco or pasta night) simplifies shopping and cooking.

          • Leaning Into Smart Shortcuts: Why frozen veggies, canned beans, and store-bought sauces save time, money, and sanity.

          • Creating Safe Table Experiences: How adding simple safety-net foods (like fruit or crackers) keeps mealtimes calm.

          • The Social Media Food Myth: Debunking the idea that offering 100 foods before age one prevents picky eating.

          • Understanding Toddler Appetite Shifts: Normalizing why toddlers naturally eat differently than babies.

          • Want more? Listen to the full, original 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!

            Shop Dr. Mona’s favorite products: https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk (paid link)

            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

            13 min
          • What Every Mom Should Know About Labor and Postpartum Recovery with OB-GYN Dr. Jennifer Lincoln

            Have you ever entered a medical environment feeling like your voice was completely secondary to the fast-moving machines and rigid hospital policies around you? It is a vulnerable position that leaves far too many birthing parents carrying psychological scars, but what if knowing the right language ahead of time is the ultimate shield against a traumatic birth?

            In this episode, I sit down with board-certified Ob-Gyn and author Dr. Jennifer Lincoln to demystify the intense world of labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Dr. Lincoln discusses why true informed consent requires deep clinical communication, provides practical tips on how to build a flexible birth preference sheet, and fearlessly tackles the complex systemic hospital policies that families are rarely warned about.

            • Writing the Legacy: What drove Dr. Lincoln to write a comprehensive, doctor-backed guide dedicated entirely to the raw realities of giving birth.

            • The Hidden Trauma Metric: Why up to half of birthing people experience psychological birth trauma and how clinical dismissal fuels it.

            • Birth Plans vs. Birth Preferences: Why shifting your terminology can protect your mental health and set you up for empowered choice in any delivery scenario.

            • The Corporate Blindspots of Delivery: How hidden out-of-network insurance bills can strike you even when you deliver at an in-network hospital.

            • Why Hospital Ideology Matters: The quiet systemic impact of a hospital's religious affiliation on your personal birth control options during a C-section.

            • The Candy Wrapper Analogy: Why the current healthcare system abandons moms immediately after birth and the 3 things you must know before being discharged.

            • Normalizing the Unspoken: A refreshing, unfiltered look at bodily functions in the delivery room and a vital resource for navigating the heaviest pregnancy outcomes.

            • Connect with Dr. Jen Lincoln on Instagram @drjenniferlincoln, visit her site drjenniferlincoln.com and buy her new book: The Birth Book https://go.shopmy.us/p-76800588 (paid link)


              00:00 - Introduction to the Episode and Guest

              02:42 - The "Labor of Love": Publishing a Book

              05:35 - The Role of Social Media in Medical Education

              07:00 - Why Focus on Labor and Postpartum?

              10:40 - True Informed Consent in the Delivery Room

              14:53 - The Impact of Feeling Heard vs. Dismissed

              20:04 - Birth "Preferences" vs. Birth "Plans"

              24:08 - Navigating Hidden Hospital Policies

              30:41 - The Reality of Out-of-Network Medical Bills

              33:00 - Three Crucial Postpartum Realities

              39:42 - How to Advocate for Yourself in a Medical Setting

              44:25 - Discussing Stillbirth and Delivery Fears

              46:47 - Finding Joy and Setting Boundaries

              48:56 - Episode Outro and Final Reflections



              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!

              Shop Dr. Mona’s favorite products: https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk (paid link)

              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

              56 min
            • The Follow-Up: Routines for Kids

              In this "Follow-Up" episode of the PedsDocTalk Podcast, Dr. Mona catches up with pediatric occupational therapist Jessica Irwin (Rooted in Routine) to discuss how simple daily rhythms create predictability, lower stress, and reduce decision fatigue for both parents and kids. They break down why routines focus on the order of steps rather than rigid clock-watching, how to build healthy habits early on, and the simple non-negotiable areas that anchor a child's day.

              Episode Highlights:

              • Routine vs. Schedule: A routine is about following the same steps in the same order, offering flexibility without the stress of strict clock-watching.

              • Lower Stress & Tantrums: Predictability calms a child’s stress response, which improves mood, enhances sleep, and helps curb challenging behaviors.

              • Empowered Parenting: Consistent daily flows eliminate constant decision fatigue, giving parents more confidence in their parenting approach.

              • Early Circadian Rhythms: Starting on day one, exposing infants to morning sunlight and keeping nights dark helps lay the foundation for daytime/nighttime routines.

              • The 5 Routine Non-Negotiables: Building simple rhythms around sleep, mealtimes, playtime, and outdoor time creates a solid, supportive daily structure.

              • Evolving Bedtime Habits: Bedtimes naturally transition from quick newborn feeds to structured infant/toddler sequences (like baths, massages, and songs) that clearly signal sleep.


              • Want more? Listen to the full, original 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!

                Shop Dr. Mona’s favorite products: https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk (paid link)

                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.


                Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/cibxtsn1 #CashAppPod

                Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement, for the Sutton debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-sutton and for the Bancorp debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-bancorp. Savings and Offers provided by Cash App, a Block Inc. brand. Offers may not be affiliated with third party merchants.

                Parents and legal guardians can open a managed account for kids 6-12.

                Cash App will pass through a portion of the interest paid on your savings balance held in an account for the benefit of Cash App customers at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. To earn interest on your Cash App savings balance, you need to have sponsor approval. Exceptions may apply. Savings yield rate is subject to change. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

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

                13 min
              • Childcare Costs More Than Mortgage or Rent. This Is the Crisis.

                Have you ever felt the crushing weight of looking at your monthly bank statement and realizing your childcare bill costs more than your housing? It is a staggering reality facing modern families, but why is a system so crucial to our society treated like a personal luxury instead of essential infrastructure?

                In this episode, I sit down with working mom and leading childcare advocate Paige Connell to pull back the curtain on the skyrocketing costs and systemic failures of American childcare. Paige shares her viral journey of transparency, explains how the math of the current system forces women out of the workforce, and dismantles the oversimplified myths about simply relying on family or grandparents for help.

                • The Viral Truth: Why breaking the taboo of discussing exact childcare costs resonated with millions of families online.

                • The Sneaky Reality of Public School: Why childcare stress doesn’t end at kindergarten and the hidden shock of summer camps and school breaks.

                • The Real Economic Hit to Women: How temporary gaps in a career to handle childcare shortages cause permanent, long-term damage to women's salaries and retirement.

                • Dismantling the Grandparent Narrative: Why relying on aging or working family members is a short-sighted and often dismissive answer to a policy problem.

                • Childcare as Infrastructure: Why an economy built on capitalism is failing itself by pulling productive parents out of the workforce.

                • How to Be "Squeaky": Tangible ways parents can advocate for changes within their corporate workplaces and local town levels.

                • A Magic Wand Reform: Paige’s three essential national shifts regarding paid leave, subsidized care, and workplace flexibility to completely transform family life.

                • Connect with Paige Connell on Instagram @sheisapaigeturner and visit her site www.sheisapaigeturner.com/

                  00:00 – Introduction & The Reality of Childcare Costs

                  02:18 – Page's Journey: Going Viral & Advocating for Change

                  03:48 – The Hidden Expenses: Beyond Preschool to Public School Years

                  05:07 – The Broad Financial & Emotional Impact on Families

                  07:54 – The Mental Load & Work Flexibility Challenges

                  09:23 – Dr. Mona Shares Her Personal Childcare Expense Story

                  11:15 – Disproportionate Effects on Women & Career Trajectories

                  13:58 – Why Alternative Care (Like Grandparents) Isn't Always the Answer

                  17:15 – Systemic Issues: Why America Lacks Childcare Infrastructure

                  19:24 – Logistical Nightmares: School Calendars vs. Work Hours

                  21:56 – Actionable Advice & Reassurance for Struggling Parents

                  24:34 – 3 Key Changes Needed to Fix the Childcare Crisis

                  27:14 – Closing Thoughts & How to Connect

                  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!

                  Shop Dr. Mona’s favorite products: https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk (paid link)

                  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

                  55 min
                • The Follow-Up: Baby Led Weaning

                  In this "Follow-Up" mini-episode, Dr. Mona revisits the topic of starting solids and baby-led weaning with guest Jenna Helwig—Food Director at Real Simple magazine and author of Baby-Led Feeding (paid link). Together, they bust common feeding myths, share simple meal prep hacks, and discuss how to take the guilt and pressure out of feeding your baby.

                  Whether you're team puree, team baby-led weaning, or doing a bit of both, this episode is a reminder that responsive feeding and a stress-free environment matter far more than rigid rules.


                  • Purees and finger foods can coexist: Combining purees with baby-led weaning is safe and does not make a baby more likely to choke.

                  • Responsive feeding matters most: Regardless of the feeding method, the priority is respecting your baby's pace and cues when they show they are full or need a break.

                  • Baby-led weaning isn't a guarantee against picky eating: Picky eaters can develop using any feeding style, so focus on creating a pressure-free environment instead.

                  • You don't need to cook new meals daily: Simplify mealtime by serving simple, single-ingredient foods like eggs and avocado, or by offering leftovers.

                  • Cook one meal for the whole family: Save time and stress by adjusting the texture or salt content of your own meal for the baby rather than short-order cooking.

                  • Prep vegetables early in the week: Washing and chopping vegetables ahead of time makes it effortless to add healthy options to busy weeknight dinners.

                  • Prioritize meal planning over heavy meal prepping: Planning just four dinners a week removes the mental fatigue of deciding what to cook every evening.

                  • Drop the mealtime guilt: Releasing rigid expectations and lowering stress allows both you and your baby to actually enjoy mealtimes together.

                  • Want more? Listen to the full, original 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!

                    Shop Dr. Mona’s favorite products: https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk (paid link)

                    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

                    15 min
                  • Punishment-Free Parenting and Teaching Kids to Handle Big Feelings

                    Have you ever felt the urge to yell or hand out a punishment during a chaotic grocery store meltdown? It is a moment meant to stop the behavior fast, but what if it is actually turning off the exact part of your child’s brain that learns lessons?

                    In this episode, I sit down with parenting author Jon Fogel to dismantle the massive misconceptions around discipline and childhood tantrums. Jon shares how traditional punishments backfire on our kids' nervous systems, and explains why our child’s biggest meltdowns are actually a cry for connection and emotional tools rather than a sign of a bad kid.

                    In this episode we cover:

                    • Why traditional punishments work against a child's brain and block them from learning lessons

                    • The power of getting curious instead of furious when your child has a major behavioral blowout

                    • Simple neuroscience brain hacks, like the color game, to bring a dysregulated child back online

                    • Why society holds toddlers to adult standards while adults throw tantrums with road rage

                    • The history of terrible parenting advice from the 1930s that is still impacting our families today

                    • How to take a beat and do no harm when your own triggers flare up in public

                    • Why doing the hard work to build emotional trust now makes the teenage years a total breeze

                    • Connect with Jon Fogel on Instagram @wholeparent, visit his site myparentlab.com and buy his two books Punishment-Free Parenting: https://go.shopmy.us/p-71062269 and Set My Feelings Free: https://go.shopmy.us/p-71062356 (paid links)

                      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!

                      Shop Dr. Mona’s favorite products: https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk (paid link)

                      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

                      1 hr 10 min
                    • The Follow-Up: Understanding Early Intervention

                      In this episode, Dr. Mona and special education lawyer Amanda Selogie dive into the critical role of early intervention in childhood development. They break down the realities families face today, including navigating insurance, dealing with staff shortages, and facing lengthy evaluation waitlists. They emphasize how accessing developmental support early lays the foundation for inclusive education. This ensures children of all abilities have an equal opportunity to thrive alongside their peers when entering the school system.


                      We discuss:

                      • Defining Early Intervention: Amanda Selogie explains how services support babies and preschoolers with developmental delays or specific diagnoses before they enter the school system.

                      • Cost and Coverage: The guests discuss how initial developmental evaluations are typically free through state agencies, while ongoing therapy services can sometimes carry out-of-pocket costs or insurance copays.

                      • Systemic Roadblocks: The conversation addresses how pandemic-related burnout has caused severe provider shortages and extensive waitlists, particularly affecting families in rural areas.

                      • Kindergarten Readiness: Dr. Mona and Amanda highlight how early support prevents children from falling behind behaviorally and being prematurely excluded from general education classrooms.

                      • Inclusive Education: The episode concludes by showcasing how fully integrated classrooms foster empathy and lifelong acceptance among all children.


                      • Want more? Listen to the full, original 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!

                        Shop Dr. Mona’s favorite products: https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk (paid link)

                        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

                        15 min

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

                      From the publisher's feed

                      The PedsDocTalk Podcast is your go-to parenting resource, hosted by Dr. Mona Amin, a trusted pediatrician, parenting expert, and mom of two. As a top 30 Parenting Podcast in the U.S., this show delivers expert-backed guidance on child development, health, illness, behavior, feeding, and sleep—giving parents the confidence to navigate every stage from baby to teen.

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

                      Ranked by our users in the last 21 days

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

                      Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled by JLML Press

                      Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled

                      3,632 Listeners

                      What Fresh Hell: Parenting, Relationships, and Making Life Better, with Two Funny Moms by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson

                      What Fresh Hell: Parenting, Relationships, and Making Life Better, with Two Funny Moms

                      1,017 Listeners

                      Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP) by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko

                      Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

                      481 Listeners

                      The Motherly Podcast by Motherly

                      The Motherly Podcast

                      580 Listeners

                      Dear Dr. Tracy by Cloud10

                      Dear Dr. Tracy

                      175 Listeners

                      Raising Good Humans by Aliza Pressman

                      Raising Good Humans

                      1,904 Listeners

                      Mommy Labor Nurse by Liesel Teen

                      Mommy Labor Nurse

                      1,297 Listeners

                      HERself by Abby and Amy

                      HERself

                      1,733 Listeners

                      Be Well by Kelly Leveque by Kelly Leveque

                      Be Well by Kelly Leveque

                      1,407 Listeners

                      The Mom Room by Renee Reina & Podcast Nation

                      The Mom Room

                      576 Listeners

                      Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Good Inside

                      Good Inside with Dr. Becky

                      4,536 Listeners

                      Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn by Dr. Cathryn

                      Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

                      156 Listeners

                      After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings by Dear Media and Big Little Feelings

                      After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings

                      5,527 Listeners

                      Learning To Mom ® Motherhood Podcast for First Time Moms, New Moms and Expecting Mothers by Laila | The best mom podcast for first time moms! If you're looking for a natural pregnancy podcast, postpartum podcast, baby's first year podcast, birth podcast, podcast about birth, podcast about pregnancy, motherhood podcast, new mom podcast, ent

                      Learning To Mom ® Motherhood Podcast for First Time Moms, New Moms and Expecting Mothers

                      206 Listeners

                      Robot Unicorn by Nurtured First

                      Robot Unicorn

                      333 Listeners