Your Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica Hochman

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In today’s episode, I’m joined by speech-language pathologist and mom of three Melissa Minney, founder of Raising Little Talkers® and the Little Talkers® course for parents of babies and toddlers. Melissa has helped tens of thousands of families feel more confident supporting their child’s speech and language at home. 

In this episode, we talk about:

• The most common speech concerns parents have
• How common late talking actually is – and how many kids catch up on their own
• What typical speech and language milestones look like (with realistic ranges, not scary rigid cutoffs)
• What really counts as a “word” (animal sounds, “uh-oh,” “wawa” for water, etc.)
• Simple ways to encourage language at home: narrating, following your child’s lead, using sign, music, and books
• Why screens displace real-life interaction 
• Myth-busting:
  • “Boys just talk later.”
  • “Two languages will confuse my child.”
  • “The older sibling talks for them, that’s why they’re delayed.”
  • “They’re just being stubborn and refusing to use their words.”
• If you’re worried about your child’s speech, or just want to be proactive, this episode is meant to reassure you, give you concrete benchmarks, and remind you that needing support doesn’t mean anything is “wrong” with your child. Your child is normal – and there is so much you can do at home to help them communicate and feel understood. 

Connect with Melissa / Raising Little Talkers®:

• Website & blog: raisinglittletalkers.com
  raisinglittletalkers.com
• Free class: “Help your toddler say more words” – learn the 5-step Little Talkers® method
  👉 learn.raisinglittletalkers.com/workshop
  learn.raisinglittletalkers.com
• Little Talkers® self-paced online course for parents of babies and toddlers (about 2 hours, broken into short, practical videos)
  raisinglittletalkers.com+1
• Instagram: @raisinglittletalkers

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica

Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA 

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us Fan Mail

Episode 210 of Your Child is Normal is a conversation discussing everything you've ever wondered about UTIs! 

It’s common for kids to occasionally feel discomfort when they pee — but how do you know when it’s something that needs more attention, like a urinary tract infection?

In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with pediatric urologist Dr. Andrew Kirsch, author of The Ultimate Bedwetting Survival Guide, about everything parents should know about UTIs in children — from the most common symptoms to when to see a doctor.

They discuss:

• How UTIs present differently in babies vs. older kids
• Why constipation is one of the biggest risk factors
• When testing and antibiotics are necessary
• What really works for prevention — hydration, bathroom habits, and (maybe!) cranberry extract
• Common myths, like whether bubble baths cause infections

If your child has ever had burning with urination, frequent accidents, or unexplained fevers, this episode will help you feel more confident about what to do next.

Dr. Kirsch  completed both a residency in general surgery and urology at the Columbia University and he completed his fellowship in pediatric urology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.He has written extensively with an emphasis on vesicoureteral reflux diagnosis and management, publishing nearly 300 journal articles and book chapters. Currently, Dr. Kirsch is a professor and chief of pediatric urology at Emory University School of Medicine and a partner at Georgia Urology.   Dr. Kirsch has been named in Atlanta Magazine’s Best Doctors and The Best Doctors in America list, representing the top 5% of doctors in America.

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica

Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA 

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us Fan Mail

Today on Your Child Is Normal, I’m thrilled to re-air one of our most important conversations with Lenore Skenazy — author of Free‑Range Kids and president of the nonprofit Let Grow, which is leading a national movement to restore childhood independence.

Lenore explains why when we trust kids to do more on their own, they grow stronger, more confident, and less anxious. She upends the “hover-parenting” norm and invites us to rethink what real childhood looks like.

In this episode you’ll hear:

•How childhood became over-scheduled, over-monitored, and under-trusted.

•Why giving kids more freedom isn’t neglect—it’s empowerment.

•Practical steps you can take this week to let your child take the reins (just a little).

•Lenore’s latest work including her brand-new TED Talk, “Why You Should Spend Less Time With Your Kids.” (Watch it here ➜ https://www.ted.com/talks/lenore_skenazy_why_you_should_spend_less_time_with_your_kids?language=en)  

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica

Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA 

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman welcomes back Dr. Nina Shapiro, pediatric ENT and author of Take a Deep Breath: Clear the Air for the Health of Your Child.

If your child always sounds congested, snores at night, or breathes through their mouth, this episode is for you. Dr. Shapiro explains the most common causes of chronic nasal stuffiness in kids — from back-to-back colds to allergies — and what parents can realistically do to help.

You’ll learn:

• Why constant congestion is so common in young kids
• How to safely use nasal saline, steroid sprays, and antihistamines
• When to think about allergies, adenoids, or sinus infections
• What “tired and wired” means, and how sleep and behavior connect
• Why mouth breathing happens — and when it’s okay vs. when to act

Dr. Shapiro also shares her favorite over-the-counter nasal spray for kids, her take on milk and mucus, and practical tricks for teaching kids to blow their noses.

🎧 If you missed Part 1, go back to hear Dr. Shapiro discuss baby breathing, safe sleep, and how to help infants breathe easier.

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica

Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA 

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with Dr. Nina Shapiro, pediatric ENT and author of Take a Deep Breath: Clear the Air for the Health of Your Child, now out in its updated edition.

Together, they dive into one of the most common worries for parents: their baby’s breathing. Dr. Shapiro explains why newborns are “obligate nasal breathers,” what normal baby breathing actually sounds like, and when parents should (and shouldn’t) worry. You’ll also learn practical, evidence-based tips on:

• The safest and most effective way to use nasal saline
• When (and when not) to use suction devices
• How safe-sleep practices like “A B C — Alone, on their Back, in a Crib” protect babies from SIDS
• Simple tools like the "A B C D E" checklist for spotting breathing trouble

This conversation will help parents feel calmer, more confident, and better equipped to care for their baby’s breathing.

👉 Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, when Dr. Shapiro returns to discuss breathing issues in older kids — including chronic stuffy noses, snoring, and when to see a specialist.

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica

Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA 

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us Fan Mail

In Episode 206 of 'Your Child is Normal,' the host welcomes back Devon, a toddler expert, to discuss her journey since the last time she appeared three years ago. During this time, Devon became a mother and wrote a comprehensive book titled 'Transforming Toddlerhood.' She shares her evolved perspectives on toddler behavior and parenting, emphasizing the significance of empathy, the benefits of natural consequences, and practical advice for dealing with common toddler challenges like tantrums, transitions, and defiance. Devon also elaborates on her book, which serves as a practical guide for parents with actionable advice, focusing on various aspects of toddler development. Additionally, the conversation highlights the importance of community support, outdoor activities for children, and self-compassion for parents. The episode concludes with information on where to find Devon’s new book and her extensive online community at transformingtoddlerhood.com. Devon’s book 'Transforming Toddlerhood' is available on Amazon and other major book retailers.

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica

Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA 

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us Fan Mail

ADHD is one of the most common concerns parents bring up—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. What does ADHD really mean? How is it diagnosed? And what actually helps kids who struggle with focus, organization, or impulsivity?

In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with ADHD specialist Shirley Hershko, who brings both professional expertise and personal experience as a parent of children with ADHD. Together, they explore:

• What ADHD looks like in the brain (and why dopamine plays such a big role)
• Why girls are often missed or misdiagnosed
• How to think about diagnosis when symptoms feel “subjective”
• Medication vs. non-medication options—what parents should know
• Practical behavioral tools and environmental supports for kids
• How to reframe ADHD as not just a challenge, but also a source of creativity, empathy, and resilience

Resources & Apps Mentioned in This Episode:

• Google Calendar
   – for scheduling and time management
• Trello
   – for visual task management and organization
• MyHomework
   – homework planning app to keep assignments on track

Book & Website:

• ADHD Is Our Superpower: The Amazing Talents and Skills Behind the Symptoms by Dr. Shirley Hershko 
  
  
• Learn more at drshirleyhershko.com

Whether you’re just starting to wonder if your child may have ADHD or you’re already navigating daily life with it, this conversation is full of insight and reassurance.

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica

Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA 

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us Fan Mail

Dr. Navidi is a GI psychologist and on this episode, he discusses the connection between GI disorders and psychology in children. Dr. Navidi explains that many GI issues in children, often fall under disorders of gut-brain interaction. He emphasizes the effectiveness of treatments like clinical hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) over traditional dietary changes like the FODMAP diet. Dr. Navidi  also discusses the potential side effects of restrictive diets and the potential benefit  of positive expectancy and mindfulness techniques in managing GI disorders. The episode offers a potential effective treatment for children experiencing chronic stomach pain.  

Dr Ali Navidi is a licensed clinical psychologist and the co-founder of GI Psychology, a clinic dedicated to helping children and adults with . His expertise lies in disorders of gut-brain interaction, where he works with children experiencing functional abdominal pain, IBS, constipation, and other GI-related concerns, helping families find safe and effective alternatives to restrictive diets.

You can learn more about his work at www.gipsychology.com

02:42 Common GI Disorders in Children

08:16 The Role of Diet in GI Disorders

12:54 The Brain-Gut Axis Explained

15:42 Hypnotherapy and Psychological Tools

22:46 Integrating Hypnosis and CBT

25:47 Meditation and Breathing Techniques

36:55 Normalizing Tummy Complaints in Children

40:30 Accessing GI Psychology Services

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica

Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA 

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us Fan Mail

In this podcast episode, a pediatric gastroenterologist, Pediatric GI expert Dr. Victoria Martin joins me to demystify milk intolerance in babies—what FPIAP and cow’s milk protein intolerance really mean, why these diagnoses are tricky, and how families can find practical, evidence-based solutions.shares her expertise on milk intolerances in infants. 

Dr. Martin emphasizes the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers, addressing misconceptions about milk allergies, and the potential benefits of early allergen exposure. Additionally, Dr. Martin and the host discuss the role of lactose intolerance, and nutritional considerations for infants. 

Dr. Victoria (Tori) Martin is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Co-Director of the Pediatric Gastroenterology Section of the Food Allergy Center at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, and Associate Program Director of the MGHfC Pediatric GI Fellowship. Her research focuses on early-life GI health, food antigens, and the infant microbiome.

Key takeaways

• “Lactose intolerance” is not a typical infant diagnosis; infant concerns are usually protein related.
• Microscopic stool blood alone has limits—treat the baby, not just the test.
• For breastfed infants with visible blood and discomfort, consider short, targeted milk-protein elimination, then a re-challenge in ~1 month to confirm diagnosis and avoid unnecessary long-term restriction.
• Hypoallergenic formulas are an option; prioritize growth, feeding comfort, and family well-being.
• Early, safe introduction of other allergens (e.g., peanut, egg) should still proceed on schedule unless otherwise directed by your clinician.

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica

Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA 

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Send us Fan Mail

Feeding kids well is foundational to health—but real-life meals can feel hard. Pediatrician Dr. Reshma Shah, co-author of Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families, joins Jessica to share simple, evidence-based ways to make family meals more nourishing and less stressful. We cover how to “add in” plants without power struggles, realistic swaps kids accept, why fiber is the real gap for most children, what actually keeps kids full (protein + fat + fiber), and a no-drama take on supplements (B12 for vegan kids, vitamin D for many, calcium via fortified milks, DHA/EPA considerations, and using iodized salt). Plus: how to stop feeding anxiety at the table and play the long game with picky eaters.

Dr. Reshma Shah is a pediatrician, parent coach, and co-author of Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families (with Brenda Davis, RD. To stay in contact with her, and for her free plant-based starter guide, recipes, please check out her website: reshmashahmd.com (free plant-based starter guide, recipes, and parent resources).
 

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica

Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA 

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.