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

In this solo episode, I reflect on a question that stopped me in my tracks: Why am I not worthy of my own love? Inspired by the passing of James Van Der Beek and a clip that deeply moved me, this conversation opens up a bigger discussion about self-love, self-worth, and how both begin taking shape in childhood. As a pediatrician and mom, I share why helping our children build a strong sense of worth may be one of the most important things we ever do. We talk about how unconditional love, emotional validation, secure attachment, and the way we speak to our kids, and ourselves, all shape the inner voice they carry for life. I also explore how comparison, shame, performance-based praise, and dismissed emotions can quietly chip away at self-worth over time. What I discuss: Why self-love and self-worth begin forming in childhood How unconditional love helps children feel secure and worthy The link between secure attachment and lifelong self-worth Why tying worth to grades, behavior, or achievement can backfire How dismissed emotions can shape a child’s inner voice The harm of comparison, and what to say instead Why kids learn self-love by watching how we treat ourselves Small ways parents can model self-compassion at home How the way we speak to our children becomes the way they speak to themselves 00:00 Intro, The Inner Voice Kids Carry for Life 01:16 The James Van Der Beek Question That Sparked This Episode 04:43 Why Self-Love Shapes a Child’s Whole Life 08:06 How Self-Worth Gets Chipped Away in Childhood 09:58 Unconditional Love and Secure Attachment Build Self-Worth 11:54 Why Kids Should Not Tie Their Worth to Achievement 13:17 Emotional Validation, Comparison, and Protecting a Child’s Sense of Self 15:45 How Kids Learn Self-Love by Watching Us 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

We talk a lot about maternal mental health postpartum. But we do not talk enough about dads. In this episode, my husband joins me for an honest conversation about paternal mental health, birth trauma, pressure, and what it felt like to become a father while navigating medical complications and the early days of the pandemic. We discuss the silent expectations placed on fathers to be “the strong one,” to go back to work quickly, to provide, and to hold everything together — often without anyone asking how they are actually doing. This episode is about normalizing the fact that postpartum mental health affects both parents. We talk about: • Why paternal mental health is often overlooked • The impact of traumatic birth experiences on dads • The pressure to return to work quickly, especially in medicine • Sleep deprivation, financial stress, and identity shifts • How the pandemic intensified anxiety for healthcare workers • Why therapy is not just for crisis, but for maintenance • Reparenting yourself while parenting your children • How prioritizing mental health makes you a more present partner and parent 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! 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

This week on The PedsDocTalk Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Lucky Sekhon, board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, OB-GYN, and author of The Lucky Egg, for a conversation about the fertility basics so many adults were never actually taught. We talk about the fertility knowledge gap, what ovulation really means, how to time intercourse more effectively, and when it may be time to stop waiting and get support. We also get into one of the biggest misconceptions people hear all the time, that every fertility treatment is IVF. Dr. Sekhon breaks down the difference between cycle tracking, medicated IUI, and IVF, and explains what the fertility workup is actually looking at, from ovulation and uterine structure to sperm factors and age-related egg quality. We discuss: • Why so many adults reach the point of trying to conceive without really understanding fertility • Signs in your cycle that may be worth paying attention to earlier • Why the fertile window is smaller than many people realize • Why temperature tracking alone may miss the best timing • What ovulation predictor kits are actually picking up • What lifestyle habits may help support fertility • The difference between prenatal vitamins, folic acid, and fertility supplements • When to see a fertility specialist based on age, cycle regularity, and how long you’ve been trying • How IVF differs from IUI and other treatment options • The emotional reality of infertility and secondary infertility To connect with Dr. Lucky Sekhon follow her on Instagram @lucky.sekhon check out all her resources at https://theluckyegg.com and buy her new book: https://linkly.link/2TYtU 00:00 IVF myths and the truth about IVF babies 00:00:56 Welcome and why this fertility conversation matters 00:04:31 The fertility knowledge gap nobody teaches 00:06:37 Ovulation basics and the small fertile window 00:09:20 Who Dr. Lucky’s book is really for 00:11:34 Why fertility advice online can make people more anxious 00:14:42 How to actually track ovulation 00:17:53 Why temperature tracking can miss the moment 00:19:19 Lifestyle habits that support fertility 00:23:32 Supplements, prenatal vitamins, and what may actually help 00:25:38 Does stress really cause infertility? 00:26:52 When to stop waiting and see a fertility specialist 00:30:15 Dr. Mona’s secondary infertility story 00:32:42 What IVF is, and how it differs from IUI 00:39:35 The emotional reality of IVF and fertility preservation 00:42:22 Why sharing infertility stories helps, and hurts 00:45:43 What happens at the first fertility specialist visit 00:49:55 IVF stigma, false guarantees, and harmful myths 00:56:42 Are IVF babies different? What the data actually says 01:00:11 Final takeaways and where to find Dr. Lucky 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

Bringing home a new baby can feel equal parts joyful and overwhelming. In this Follow Up episode, I revisit a favorite past conversation, I Just Had a Baby, Now What?, and share practical newborn guidance through the lens of both a pediatrician and a mom. We talk about what newborns really need in the early weeks, how to recognize common cues for hunger, sleep, and interaction, and why simple routines like feeding, diaper changes, tummy time, and cuddles matter more than perfection. I also share insights from a recent parent survey in partnership with Angelcare and Diaper Genie about the products and routines families say helped them most in those early months. I discuss: What the fourth trimester means The core needs of a newborn Reading hunger, sleep, and play cues Why babies cry, and it is not always hunger Feeding on demand in the early weeks Simple routines that support connection Easy ways to engage your newborn Why holding your baby does not spoil them How to ease stress in the newborn stage To learn more about Angelcare and Diaper Genie products visit https://diapergenie.com and https://angelcarebaby.com. And don’t forget to follow @angelcare and @diapergenieofficial 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! Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parents carry their past into their parenting, often without realizing it. In this episode, I sit down with relationship therapist and author Eli Harwood to talk about how emotional baggage forms, how it quietly shows up in the way we respond to our kids, and what it actually looks like to break those patterns in real time. We get honest about triggers, shame, defensiveness, and the parts of ourselves we learned to tuck away long before we ever had children. Eli breaks down how emotional inheritance works, why our bodies react before our brains catch up, and how to shift from reactive parenting to connected parenting. This isn’t about perfection or never getting activated. It’s about noticing, pausing, and choosing something different so our kids don’t have to carry what we never had support for. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I passing this on?”, this conversation will help you see the patterns with compassion and give you tools to change the story. What we talk about: Why emotional baggage forms and how it shows up in parenting How your childhood coping strategies become adult triggers The difference between reacting and responding Why kids activate the parts of us we haven’t healed How shame keeps patterns going Practical steps to interrupt the cycle Why slowing down is the most powerful parenting tool How to repair with your child when you slip into old patterns To connect with Eli Harwood follow her on Instagram @attachmentnerd, check out all her resources at https://www.attachmentnerd.com/ and buy her book “How to Deal with Your ___ So Your Kids Don’t Have To: https://www.amazon.com/Deal-Your-____-Kids-Dont/dp/1632175967 00:00 – The Core Idea: Kids Feel What We Don’t Heal 05:23 – From Secure Kids to Secure Parents 09:18 – The Five Gifts of a Secure Parent14:06 – Showing Up Without Making Kids the Burden23:14 – When Your Stuff Spills Out 25:58 – Hidden Baggage: Denial, Over-Apologizing, and Self-Doubt 27:28 – Bias, Blind Spots, and Long-Term Connection 36:40 – Emotional Maturity in Real Life 41:17 – “I Want Mommy”: Rejection and Attachment Preferences 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

Sleep training can feel like a lightning rod topic, especially when it comes to the cry it out method. In this episode, I talk with a mom who used extinction sleep training with both of her sons at different ages. She shares what it actually looked like night by night, why other methods did not work for her family, and how sleep training ultimately changed their home for the better. In this conversation, we cover: • What the extinction method actually looks like • How long crying lasted and what progress looked like • Why Ferber did not work for her baby • The role of timing and developmental readiness • When night feeds may be appropriate to drop • Why sleep quality affects mood, tantrums, and regulation • How to handle judgment around sleep choices 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! 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

Friendship heartbreak hits differently when it’s your child. In this episode, I sit down with child development specialist Dr. Robin Silverman to talk about bullying, boundaries, rejection, and what to say when your child feels left out. We dive into the moments that trigger us as parents, especially when their pain mirrors our own childhood wounds, and how to respond with steadiness instead of panic. If you’ve ever felt your chest tighten when your child says, “They don’t want to play with me,” this conversation is for you. We talk about helping kids define what a good friend actually is, building identity from the inside out, and supporting them through social struggles without bulldozing the situation or blaming them. This episode is about raising confident kids who know they are enough, even when friendships shift. What we discuss: • Why fifth grade and early adolescence can feel like a social turning point • How to help kids define what a true friend looks like • Why proximity friendships don’t always work long term • The power of identity and “I am” statements • How negative self talk creates a confidence feedback loop • What to say when your child says they’re being bullied • What not to do in the heat of the moment • How to respond without escalating the situation • Supporting social skill growth without labeling your child as the problem • The importance of repair when we as parents don’t handle it perfectly • Why parenting always offers a do over To connect with Dr. Robyn Silverman follow her on Instagram @drrobynsilverman, check out all her resources at https://drrobynsilverman.com/ and buy her book “How to Talk To Kids About Anything”: https://parenting.drrobynsilverman.com/book#heading-t_xdY060m2H 00:00 – When Friendship Hurts: The Question Every Parent Faces 01:10 – Meet Dr. Robyn Silverman: Helping Parents Navigate Hard Conversations 02:22 – Why Talking About Friendship and Bullying Matters 03:06 – The Childhood Experience That Inspired Dr. Silverman’s Work 07:08 – Teaching Kids What a Good Friend Actually Is 10:52 – Why Kids Stay in Friendships That Don’t Treat Them Well 12:28 – Helping Kids Find Friendships That Fit Who They Are 15:02 – How Self-Identity Shapes Social Confidence 19:47 – What To Do When Your Child Says They’re Being Bullied 21:13 – The First Words to Say When Your Child Opens Up 25:34 – Rebuilding Self-Worth After Friendship Rejection 27:11 – When Your Child Feels Like No One Wants to Be Their Friend 31:13 – Avoiding the Blame Trap When Kids Struggle Socially 33:37 – Parenting Is the Ultimate Do-Over 36:12 – A Simple Exercise to Help Kids Choose Better Friends 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 guilty for not entertaining your child 24/7, this conversation is going to feel like a deep exhale. In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest modern parenting misconceptions: that good parents are constant playmates. Somewhere along the way, many of us absorbed the idea that we need to be fully engaged, fully available, and fully entertaining at all times. But that shift has come at a cost, both for kids and for parents. We talk about why independent play is not neglect. It is developmental gold. When children play alone or without adult direction, they are practicing creativity, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and flexibility. That kind of play is not second best. It is often the highest level of developmental work they can do. We also explore the other side of the equation. When adults skip meals, chores, work, or rest to constantly entertain their child, stress builds. Resentment builds. Exhaustion builds. That is not healthy for anyone. In this episode, we cover: ✔️ Why you are not required to play all day ✔️ The difference between connection and constant entertainment ✔️ Why some kids struggle more with independent play ✔️ How to break the entertain-me cycle ✔️ A practical step-by-step plan to build this skill ✔️ Why consistency matters more than intensity 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! 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

Infant sleep has become one of the most polarizing topics in modern parenting. In this thoughtful and nuanced conversation, I sit down with sleep consultant and family therapist Chrissy Lawler to unpack co-sleeping, sleep training, safety data, and the emotional charge surrounding these decisions. As a pediatrician, I was trained to follow AAP safe sleep guidelines, but real-world parenting, cultural practices, and honest conversations with families have pushed me to approach this topic with more openness and clarity. We discuss what the data actually shows, where the gaps exist, and why shame and fear-based messaging don’t help families make safer decisions. Whether you co-sleep, sleep train, or are still figuring it out, this episode focuses on evidence, harm reduction, attachment, parental well-being, and finding what works for your unique family system. In this episode, we discuss: Why co-sleeping is so controversial, especially coming from a pediatrician AAP guidelines vs cultural sleep practices around the world The dangers of polarized, shame-based sleep messaging Harm reduction principles for families who choose to co-sleep Risk factors that increase sleep-related infant deaths What the data does and does not tell us about co-sleeping safety The “Safe Sleep Seven” and its limitations Sleep training myths, cortisol concerns, and attachment Why parental sleep and mental health matter just as much as baby sleep The impact of sleep deprivation on relationships and long-term family dynamics How to filter social media noise and make evidence-based decisions Foundational newborn sleep strategies to reduce desperation and unsafe practices The role of resilience, stress tolerance, and “good enough” parenting To connect with Chrissy Lawler follow her on Instagram @the.peaceful.sleeper, check out all her resources at https://www.thepeacefulsleeper.com/ and buy her book “The Peaceful Sleeper: An Intuitive Approach to Baby Sleep”: https://www.thepeacefulsleeper.com/book 00:00 – Intro 01:15 – A Pediatrician’s Experience With Unsafe Sleep 02:07 – Why Parents Secretly Bedshare 02:54 – Introducing Chrissy Lawler and Her Work 05:04 – Why Safe Sleep Messaging Often Misses Real Life 07:03 – The Cultural Differences Around Infant Sleep 11:03 – Why Parents Feel Pressure Around Sleep Training 16:04 – What Actually Makes Co-Sleeping Dangerous 20:01 – Harm Reduction: If Families Choose to Bedshare 28:00 – Sleep Training Myths and Misunderstandings 38:00 – The Emotional Side of Infant Sleep Decisions 39:01 – How Shame Impacts Honest Conversations With Pediatricians 45:01 – Practical Ways to Make Infant Sleep Safer 48:02 – The Bigger Takeaway: Safety, Support, and Informed Choices 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

Few things trigger parents faster than physical behavior. It can feel embarrassing, frustrating, and sometimes even personal. But what if these behaviors are less about “bad behavior” and more about a brain that simply isn’t ready yet? In this episode, we break down why toddlers lean into physical, reactive behaviors when big feelings take over. Their emotional capacity is growing quickly, but their ability to pause, regulate, and explain what they’re feeling is still catching up. So they use what works fast - their bodies. We talk about how to respond in the moment without shaming, lecturing, or asking rhetorical questions toddlers cannot answer. Instead of saying “Why are you biting me?” or “That’s not nice,” we explore how to set firm boundaries while still guiding the skill that is developing. You’ll learn how to: ✔️ Separate the action from the intention ✔️ Redirect behavior without minimizing the need behind it ✔️ Offer appropriate outlets for physical impulses ✔️ Reinforce correct behavior at home, even if incidents are happening at daycare ✔️ Partner with teachers to prevent behaviors before they escalate ✔️ Avoid common mistakes like shaming, over-talking, or making it personal 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! 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

Surrogacy is often talked about in headlines or celebrity news, but rarely explained in a way that helps people truly understand the experience behind it. In this episode, I’m joined by surrogacy consultant Jessie Jaskulsky, founder of Surrogacy Simplified, to talk openly about what the surrogacy process actually looks like, the misconceptions that surround it, and the emotional reality many families face while trying to grow their family. Jessie shares her personal path through pregnancy loss, infertility, and ultimately two surrogacy journeys that helped her welcome her daughters. From navigating the logistics and cost to managing grief, uncertainty, and public judgment, this conversation brings compassion and clarity to a topic that is often misunderstood. In this episode, we discuss: What surrogacy actually means and the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy Common misconceptions about why families pursue surrogacy Why public conversations about surrogacy can be filled with judgment and misinformation The emotional toll of infertility, pregnancy loss, and long fertility journeys How intended parents cope with uncertainty and lack of control during a surrogacy pregnancy What the financial reality of surrogacy can look like and ways families plan for it How to begin exploring surrogacy if it’s something you’re considering The bond between parents and babies born through surrogacy How friends and family can better support someone going through this process To connect with Jessie Jaskulksy follow her on Instagram @surrogacysimplified, check out all her resources at linktr.ee/surrogacysimplified You can also join her free Intended Parent Community: https://tally.so/r/mORv9A 00:00 Surrogacy, Stigma, and the Comments Families Shouldn’t Face 02:00 What Most People Get Wrong About Surrogacy 05:49 Gestational Carrier vs Surrogate Explained Simply 08:07 The Real Reasons Families Turn to Surrogacy 10:16 Why Celebrity Surrogacy Stories Spark So Much Judgment 13:07 Infertility, Anxiety, and the Emotional Side of This Process 15:34 What Surrogacy Really Costs, and Why 22:11 The First Steps for Families Considering Surrogacy 25:22 The Hardest Part, Letting Go of Control 30:06 Bonding, Love, and the Truth About Surrogacy Babies 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

In this special follow-up episode, Dr. Mona shares the full live conversation recorded at Children’s Hospital Colorado in front of more than 100 clinicians. The discussion centers on a reality many pediatricians and parents are facing every day: families are no longer walking into the exam room with just their child, they are also bringing TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, viral clips, and online comment sections with them. In this episode, we discuss: How social media is reshaping the pediatric exam room Why misinformation spreads so effectively among parents Common mistakes clinicians make when responding to hesitant families How validation can lower defensiveness without validating false claims Vaccine conversations, trust-building, and shared decision-making Why pediatricians need to understand the digital world parents live in How AI, telehealth, and online education may shape the future of care Check out the video of this episode on Charting Pediatrics YouTube page. Want more episodes of Charting Pediatrics? 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 does it look like to balance Olympic competition, motherhood, and the unexpected realities of parenting? In this episode, I sit down with Olympic gold medalist Elana Meyers Taylor to talk about raising two children with disabilities, leaning on support, and how motherhood changed the way she thinks about success, identity, and resilience. We also talk about representation in sport, using ASL as a family, and the mental health side of chasing big goals. It is an honest conversation about what it takes to keep showing up as both an elite athlete and a mom. In this episode, we cover: What it felt like to finally win Olympic gold after years of coming close Why the right village matters in motherhood and elite sport Parenting two children with disabilities and using ASL as a family How representation can help other families feel less alone What sport taught her about parenting through uncertainty How motherhood changed her identity, perspective, and relationship to winning The realities of being a Black athlete in winter sports Why access and inclusion in sports still matter What she hopes her children take away from watching her story How she prepares for the post-Olympics emotional crash and protects her mental health To connect with Elana Meyers Taylor follow her on Instagram @elanameyerstaylor, check out all her resources at https://www.elanameyersusa.com. Purchase the shirt Dr. Mona is wearing here. 00:00 Intro: Elana Meyers Taylor on Gold, Motherhood, and Perspective 02:58 The Gold Medal Moment After a Fifth Olympics 07:50 Why Success in Motherhood Takes a Village 10:43 Building the Right Support System as a Mom and Athlete 14:13 Raising Deaf Children, Disability Advocacy, and Representation 18:09 How Sports Prepared Her for Medical Parenting 20:49 How Motherhood Changed Her Identity as an Athlete 24:38 Breaking Barriers in Winter Sports as a Black Olympian 29:17 What She Hopes Her Children Learn from Her Story 31:02 Finding Joy in Ordinary Mom Life After Olympic Gold 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

We’re talking about independent sleep for older babies and kids, why it often gets harder with age, and how to approach it in a way that supports both your child and your family. This is not about shutting the door and ignoring your child. It’s about teaching a skill gradually, consistently, and in a way that fits your child’s temperament. We discuss why earlier can be easier when it comes to removing sleep associations, but also why there is no hard deadline. Independent sleep is not about emotional distance. It is about helping your child fall asleep without needing a specific person, place, or condition that can make life harder later, especially during travel, sleepovers, camp, or when caregivers change. In this episode, we cover: ✔️ Why sleep associations can become more challenging as kids grow ✔️ How language and mobility make older kids more persistent at bedtime ✔️ When to consider anxiety or separation issues before starting sleep changes ✔️ Why location matters, especially transitioning from your bed to theirs ✔️ The “camping out” method and how to gradually reduce your presence ✔️ Why consistency beats intensity every time ✔️ How middle of the night wake-ups often improve after bedtime changes 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! 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

Parenting changes everything, including your relationship. In this episode, I sit down with therapist and author Eli Weinstein to talk honestly about why couples feel so disconnected after kids, what actually fuels resentment, and the small shifts that bring you back to each other. We cover expectations, invisible labor, communication traps, and why the first year with a new baby can shake even the strongest partnership. Eli also walks through practical tools like the five-minute check in, full communication, and his favorite phrase for opening up hard conversations without them turning into fights. This episode is real, relatable, and grounding. If you’ve ever thought, “We love each other, so why does this feel so heavy?”, you’re not alone. Eli shares stories from his own marriage, the couples he supports, and the tiny moments that rebuild connection when life feels chaotic. Whether you’re new parents, in the thick of it, or years past the baby stage, this is a conversation that brings clarity and hope. What we talk about: Why the first year after a baby strains even healthy relationships Expectations vs perception vs reality The invisible load and why it feels so uneven How resentment quietly builds The five-minute daily check in Full communication (and why hints don’t work) Rhombus moments for airing feelings safely Fighting fair and repairing in front of kids Why couples don’t need perfection, just honesty Small gestures that matter more than grand romantic moments To connect with Eli Weinstein follow him on Instagram @thedudetherapist, check out all his resources at linktr.ee/dudetherapist and buy his book “From I Do To We Do”: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book TBD Chapters 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

Travel is often framed as a luxury or a break from real life, but in this conversation we explore how it can be a powerful developmental tool for kids. Beyond sightseeing, travel becomes a classroom for empathy, adaptability, and connection. We talk about how exposure to new cultures, languages, and environments helps children grow socially and emotionally, even when trips don’t go as planned. The goal is not perfect itineraries, but meaningful experiences that stretch comfort zones and strengthen family bonds. We also highlight how many of these lessons can happen with or without international travel. Curiosity about the world, honoring others’ needs, and learning to navigate discomfort are skills families can practice anywhere. Travel simply magnifies those opportunities, giving kids real-time chances to build resilience, perspective, and compassion. What we discussed: Using travel as an opportunity for education and growth Building curiosity about other cultures and people Exposure to diversity through real-life experiences Learning empathy through cultural connection Creating global awareness even from home Turning curiosity into advocacy and compassion Practicing flexibility when plans fall apart Modeling calm problem-solving during stress Kids learning adaptability from unexpected setbacks Honoring individual needs within a group Taking turns and negotiating shared experiences Respecting parents’ and siblings’ preferences Practicing patience and compromise Learning to feel comfortable being different Building empathy for newcomers and outsiders Growing confidence in unfamiliar environments Prioritizing family connection over perfection Choosing time together as a core value Managing resources like time and energy intentionally Strengthening family identity through shared experiences 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! 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 happens when an allergist steps into the online world and starts breaking down headlines in real time? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Zachary Rubin, board certified allergist and immunologist, content creator, and now author of All About Allergies. We talk about why allergy misinformation spreads so easily, why “allergy” is not a catch all term, and how social media has unexpectedly made him a better clinician. We also get honest about the current state of medicine. Burnout. Insurance barriers. The time crunch in clinic. And why rebuilding trust between families and physicians starts with better communication, humility, and human connection. This is a conversation about nuance in a world that craves certainty, and why meeting families where they are matters more than ever. In this episode, we discuss: • Why “sensitization does not equal allergy” and what that actually means • The difference between allergy, intolerance, and sensitivity • Why food sensitivity tests are often misleading • The truth about local honey and seasonal allergies • Shellfish allergy and contrast dye myths • Egg allergy and flu vaccine misconceptions • Why 90 percent of reported penicillin allergies are not true allergies • How timing and rash characteristics matter when evaluating antibiotic reactions • The explosion of biologic medications and the hidden burden of insurance approvals • How social media can improve doctor patient communication • The role of humility and nuance in rebuilding trust • Humanizing doctors and why connection is powerful medicine To connect with Dr. Zachary Rubin follow him on Instagram @rubin_allergy, check out all his resources at linktr.ee/rubin_allergy and buy his book “All About Allergies!”: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790561/all-about-allergies-by-zachary-rubin-md 00:00 Allergy Is Not a Catch-All Term 02:37 Why Dr. Rubin Went Online 09:27 Why This Book Had to Exist 12:59 What Parents Are Most Anxious About Today 15:10 Why Food Allergy Testing Is Often Misused 16:38 Allergy vs. Intolerance vs. Sensitivity 22:01 The Obsession With Blood Work 24:57 The Systems Problem in Medicine 34:08 Rebuilding Trust in Medicine 38:51 How Social Media Made Him a Better Doctor 43:53 Allergy Myths That Need to Go 48:57 The Penicillin Allergy Problem 50:55 Rashes, Timing, and True Drug Reactions 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

Timeouts have become one of the most misunderstood discipline tools in modern parenting conversations. In this episode, we unpack why timeouts are being labeled as harmful online and how that claim does not match decades of research. The real issue is not that timeouts damage attachment, but that many parents were never taught how to use them correctly. When done properly, a timeout is not punishment or shame. It is a structured pause that helps a child and parent calm down so learning can actually happen. We also talk about discipline as a layered system, not a single tactic. Timeouts are only one small part of a bigger parenting framework built on connection, attention, praise, and natural consequences. The conversation highlights nuance, temperament differences, and why no single method works for every child. Instead of vilifying tools, we focus on using them thoughtfully, consistently, and in ways that support regulation and growth. What we discussed: Why timeouts are being criticized in gentle parenting spaces Claims about attachment damage and trauma, and what research actually shows The difference between punitive timeouts and regulatory timeouts Why most parents are never taught how to use timeouts correctly Discipline as teaching, not shaming The discipline pyramid and where timeouts fit The foundation of connection and one-on-one attention Catching positive behavior with praise and rewards Using natural and logical consequences Why timeouts are a last-tier tool, not a first response Temperament differences and individualized discipline Neurodivergent children and why some tools matter more Evidence-based parenting programs that include timeouts Situations where timeouts are appropriate, like safety concerns Situations where timeouts are not helpful, like full meltdown tantrums The importance of calming the nervous system before teaching Avoiding threats, shame, and over-talking during discipline Giving children space when they need separation to regulate Why parenting tools should expand, not shrink 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! 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

As parents, many of us want to raise kind, empathetic kids, but we don’t always feel equipped to talk about race, bias, and identity in everyday life. In honor of Black History Month, this conversation feels especially important. I sit down with culturally responsive therapist Anjali Ferguson to unpack how early children begin noticing differences and how small, ordinary moments shape their understanding of the world. We talk about the discomfort adults feel, the fear of saying the wrong thing, and why silence often teaches more than we realize. This episode is not about blame. It is about giving families tools to move forward with intention. Dr. Ferguson brings both professional expertise and deeply personal experience as a South Asian woman raising biracial South Asian and Black children. Together we explore how culture, trauma, and identity intersect in parenting, and why these conversations are not optional extras, but foundational to raising emotionally healthy kids. Her children’s book, An Ordinary Day, shows how subtle bias can show up in everyday childhood experiences and how families can use those moments to build empathy instead of fear. My hope is that this episode helps parents feel less frozen and more ready to start small, stay curious, and keep showing up. We discussed: • Why kids notice race and differences earlier than most adults expect • How racial bias forms in early childhood • The gap in culturally responsive parenting resources • Growing up between cultures and identity formation • Raising biracial children and protecting cultural identity • Everyday microaggressions and their long-term impact • How racism creates chronic stress in the body • Generational trauma and epigenetic effects • The role of racial socialization in protecting children • Why avoiding conversations about race harms kids • How parents can respond when bias shows up in real time • Teaching empathy through ordinary daily moments • Building diverse environments through books, toys, and media • Supporting kids when they experience exclusion or bias • Why parents don’t have to be perfect to start • Practical ways families can talk about race at any age To connect with Dr. Anjali Ferguson follow her on Instagram @dranjaliferguson, check out all her resources at https://draferguson.com/ and buy her book “An Ordinary Day”: https://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-Day-Dr-Anjali-Ferguson/dp/B0B8BDNXVK Additional Resources: www.parentingculture.org 00:00 The Hidden Impact of Microaggressions 00:56 Why This Conversation Matters During Black History Month 02:57 Representation in Parenting Spaces 06:34 Dr. Anjali’s Personal Story: Culture, Trauma, and Identity 10:42 Racism as Trauma: A Professional Awakening 14:30 Parenting Biracial Black Children 19:32 When Do Kids Notice Race? 24:56 Inside An Ordinary Day and Why It Matters 31:37 Chronic Stress, Racism, and Long-Term Health 37:13 What to Say When Bias Happens 42:51 Why Every Family Must Talk About Race 47:18 You Will Mess Up, And That’s Okay 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

Feeding choices carry an enormous emotional weight for new parents, often shaped more by online narratives and cultural pressure than by balanced evidence. In this conversation, we unpack formula guilt, breastfeeding myths, and how distorted risk messaging fuels shame. We talk about how understanding research in context can help parents move away from fear-based thinking and toward informed, values-based decisions that support both parent and baby. The episode also explores the long-term impact of early feeding shame on maternal confidence. Feeding is often the first major parenting decision, and how a parent navigates it sets the tone for future choices. We focus on strengthening self-trust, rejecting stigma, and recognizing that child outcomes are driven by complex environmental and social factors, not a single feeding method. What we discussed: Why parents feel guilt around formula feeding How online activism shapes feeding narratives Evaluating whether sources of information are trustworthy Misleading statistics and risk exaggeration Relative risk vs absolute risk in infant illness The psychological harm of formula shaming Why stress can worsen milk supply struggles Breastfeeding benefits in realistic context Why breastfed babies still get sick The role of environment and exposure to germs Myths about allergies, IQ, and milestone differences How child development is multifactorial Socioeconomic factors in feeding research Sibling comparison studies and feeding outcomes Why shame damages maternal bonding Strengthening decision confidence early in parenting Owning feeding choices without apology How openness reduces stigma for other parents Modeling self-trust for the parenting journey Letting go of guilt about long-term outcomes Want more? Listen to the full, original episode. Check out Mallory's new book, "Bottle Service": https://www.amazon.com/Bottle-Service-Encouragement-Guilt-Free-Successful/dp/1668088762 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