The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom
Dr. Mona Amin
354 episodes
5 days ago
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.
Each episode dives into real-life parenting challenges, featuring conversations with specialists in pediatrics, child psychology, nutrition, and parental well-being. From potty training and sleep training to tackling tantrums, picky eating, discipline, screen time, postpartum recovery, and developmental milestones, Dr. Mona provides practical, science-backed advice that actually works.
Tune in on Mondays and Wednesdays for actionable insights, mindset shifts, and expert interviews that empower you to raise healthy, resilient, and happy kids—while thriving as a parent yourself!
All content for The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom is the property of Dr. Mona Amin and is served directly from their servers
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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.
Each episode dives into real-life parenting challenges, featuring conversations with specialists in pediatrics, child psychology, nutrition, and parental well-being. From potty training and sleep training to tackling tantrums, picky eating, discipline, screen time, postpartum recovery, and developmental milestones, Dr. Mona provides practical, science-backed advice that actually works.
Tune in on Mondays and Wednesdays for actionable insights, mindset shifts, and expert interviews that empower you to raise healthy, resilient, and happy kids—while thriving as a parent yourself!
Pregnancy comes with a lot of rules, warnings, and fear based posts online. But how much of that advice is actually rooted in science, and how much is leftover noise that keeps parents stressed for no reason?
In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Jessica Knurick, a nutrition researcher and registered dietitian who has spent years breaking down food myths in the pregnancy and postpartum space. Together we walk through the biggest areas of confusion, why so much misinformation spreads so fast, and how to make calmer, more confident choices during pregnancy.
We talk about:
The most common food rules that get blown out of proportion
Why certain foods get labeled as “dangerous” without context
What the real risk of listeria looks like, and how to lower it
Sushi, soft cheese, runny eggs, deli meat, and why the blanket rules don’t tell the full story
How to think about risk in pregnancy without spiraling
The truth about the glucose test and why the alternatives online fall short
What high mercury fish means and why fish is still an important part of pregnancy nutrition
Where fear based content online pulls parents in and how to protect your headspace
To connect with Dr. Jessica Knurick follow her on Instagram @drjessicaknurick and check out all her resources at https://www.jessicaknurick.com/
My Experience with Gestational Diabetes: https://youtu.be/QCtGft6p7c0
00:00 Why fear around food and the glucose test is rising
01:25 Why Dr. Jessica Knurick’s work matters in pregnancy nutrition
03:44 How misinformation spreads during pregnancy
06:13 The gray area behind food rules and risk
08:36 Soft cheese, deli meat, and runny eggs: what’s actually risky
11:06 The truth about listeria and real foodborne illness risks
14:12 Sushi, fish, mercury, and what research actually shows
17:04 How to approach food safety without spiraling
20:29 Real life examples of weighing pros and cons in pregnancy
23:34 What the glucose test really measures
25:53 Why screening happens at 24–28 weeks
27:52 Common myths about the glucose drink
30:30 Alternatives like jelly beans, pancakes, and OJ: why they don’t work
33:54 When at home monitoring is appropriate
42:17 A helpful tip for managing symptoms after the test
43:24 Final message on protecting your mental space in pregnancy
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 Follow Up episode, I’m opening up about something I’ve counseled countless parents through yet still had to face myself: the emotional weight of percentiles. After my daughter Vera was born, a mix of postpartum complications, exclusive pumping, and constant worry about her petite size pulled me into a spiral I didn’t see coming.
This episode walks through that experience with honesty and compassion. I share what feeding looked like in those early weeks, how comparison added pressure, how anxiety shaped her feeding behavior, and the turning points that helped me step back into a steadier perspective.
Most importantly, we revisit what matters far more than the number on a chart: the big-picture signs of a thriving baby. If you’ve ever left a checkup feeling shaky or second-guessing yourself, this conversation is for you.
In this episode, we talk about:
What percentile anxiety actually sounds and feels like for parents
How postpartum complications and exclusive pumping layered into worry
The comparison trap and why it hits so hard in early parenthood
How anxiety can accidentally shape feeding behavior (and how to reset)
The real indicators of healthy growth beyond the chart
When to seek support for both your baby and your own mental health
Why you are not failing your child, even when the numbers feel scary
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 really mean to raise securely attached kids? I first came across Eli Harwood’s book Raising Securely Attached Kids on a solo trip, and it completely re-energized how I think about connection and parenting. Her words reminded me that so much of raising emotionally healthy kids starts with how we show up, not how perfect we are. It is now one of my most favorite parenting books out there.
On today’s episode, Eli and I talk about the real meaning of secure attachment, how it shows up in everyday moments, and why so many of us misunderstand it. She shares her own story of growing up with a cycle-breaking mom, how that shaped her work, and the lessons she now passes on to parents everywhere.
We discuss:
✔️ What secure attachment actually means in daily life
✔️ The four main attachment styles and how they develop
✔️ How to tell if your child feels emotionally safe with you
✔️ Why repair after conflict is one of the most powerful parenting tools
✔️ How to build lasting connection through small, consistent moments
To connect with Eli Harwood follow her on Instagram @theattachmentnerd, check out all her resources at https://attachmentnerd.com/ and purchase her books here: https://attachmentnerd.com/books
Upcoming mother daughter journal “Uniquely Us”
https://attachmentnerd.com/books/uniquely-us
Upcoming encyclopedia style book called “How to Deal With Your ____ so Your Kids Don’t Have To” created to help parents develop healthy emotional patterns!
https://attachmentnerd.com/books/how-to-deal-with-your-so-your-kids-dont-have-to
EMDR Podcast Episode: https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/trauma-therapy-why-you-may-need-emdr/
0:00 What Secure Attachment Really Is
1:00 Why One Safe Caregiver Changes Everything
1:58 How Dr. Mona Found Eli Harwood
3:12 Eli’s Story and Becoming Attachment Nerd
7:58 How Attachment Theory Shapes Family Patterns
10:12 Why Connection and Communication Matter
12:18 What Secure Attachment Looks Like Day to Day
19:39 The Four Attachment Styles Explained
30:13 How To Tell If Your Child Feels Emotionally Safe
32:35 Real-Life Parenting Mistakes and Repair
37:59 Four Daily Habits That Build Secure Attachment
42:56 Listening, Feedback, and Emotional Language
43:55 Repairing After Messy Moments
50:24 Final Takeaways and Where To Learn More
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Raising kids who feel proud of who they are, not just what they do, is one of the biggest gifts we can give them. In this Follow-Up episode, I revisit my conversation with Dr. Becky Kennedy, recorded back when I was a new mom trying to understand how to raise a confident child. Now, with Ryaan heading into six, these lessons hit even deeper.
We talk about what real confidence looks like for kids, why outcome-based praise can backfire, and how to help our children find pride from the inside out. Dr. Becky breaks down how to shift the focus from grades, goals, and achievements to the qualities that matter most: effort, curiosity, and the internal spark that keeps them trying.
You’ll hear:
Why kids who shine early aren’t always the ones with the strongest sense of self
How over-relying on praise tied to performance can lead to pressure or perfectionism
Simple swaps you can use today to build true confidence
The power of noticing the process, not the product
How to shift your questions so your child learns that good feelings start from within, not from outside approval
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
More and more women are getting diagnosed with ADHD later in life, often after becoming parents, and it’s not because ADHD is “trending.” It’s because we’ve missed it for decades.
In this conversation, I talk with psychiatrist and author Dr. Sasha Hamdani about why ADHD in girls and women often goes unnoticed, how hormones and motherhood reveal hidden symptoms, and why self-understanding can be so freeing. We discuss stigma, emotional regulation, anxiety, and how parenting can bring clarity to our own neurodiversity.
If you’ve ever wondered why things got harder after kids, or why your child’s diagnosis suddenly made your own life make more sense, this episode will feel like a deep exhale.
We discuss:
Why ADHD in girls and women often gets overlooked
How hormonal shifts during puberty, postpartum, and perimenopause can unmask ADHD
The difference between anxiety-driven distraction and true ADHD
How parenting adds new executive function challenges that make symptoms more visible
The role of emotional regulation in ADHD—and why it’s missing from the diagnostic criteria
How a late diagnosis can change the way you see yourself and parent your kids
To connect with Dr. Sasha Hamdani follow her on Instagram @thepsychdoctormd and
check out all her resources at https://www.drhamdanimd.com/.
00:00 - Intro
01:55 - Meet Dr. Sasha Hamdani: psychiatrist, ADHD specialist, and creator
04:00 - Rediscovering ADHD during medical school
06:00 - From burnout to advocacy: how social media changed her work
06:45 - Getting diagnosed as an adult woman and the emotions that followed
10:30 - How ADHD was misunderstood in the 90s—and still is for many girls
12:00 - Why diagnoses often appear after motherhood and hormonal shifts
16:30 - Parenting stress, executive function overload, and ADHD symptoms
18:20 - How girls are taught to mask and why that delays diagnosis
22:00 - ADHD, anxiety, and the “chicken or egg” challenge
27:00 - How self-understanding reshapes parenting and connection
35:15 - Why “superpower” isn’t the right framing—but awareness is powerful
41:20 - The missing piece: emotional regulation in ADHD and Sasha’s upcoming book
47:16 - Dr. Mona’s reflections on self-awareness, parenting, and compassion
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sleep training might be one of the most debated topics in parenting but it doesn’t have to be so polarizing. In this Follow-Up episode, I revisit my most downloaded episode, “We’re Losing Sleep Over Our Kids’ Sleep,” to talk honestly about what sleep training really means, the methods that exist, and how to decide what’s right for your family.
You’ll learn:
✔️ What “sleep training” actually means (hint: it’s not one-size-fits-all)
✔️ The differences between the cry-it-out, Ferber, and gradual methods
✔️ Why crying doesn’t mean cruelty—and how boundaries are loving
✔️ How to spot when a method isn’t working for your baby
✔️ Why our generation’s obsession with baby sleep may be adding more stress than it solves
Want more? Listen to the original full 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
We’re raising girls in a world where filters are the norm, “what I eat in a day” videos flood their feeds, and puberty hits earlier than ever. It’s no wonder body image struggles start young.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Melisa Holmes to talk about how parents can help their daughters build confidence in their changing bodies without shame, fear, or comparison. We’ll cover how to talk about puberty in age-appropriate ways, what to do when kids start noticing body differences, and how to handle tricky moments like when your child says, “I feel fat.”
You’ll also learn:
Why body image starts long before puberty
What not to say (and what helps instead)
How your own body talk shapes how your child feels about theirs
How social media is shaping kids’ self-worth—and what parents can do about it
To connect with Dr. Melisa Holmes check out all her resources at https://girlology.com/. Follow her on Instagram at @dr.melisa.holmes and @girlology.
For 20% off an annual subscription (after a free 7 day trial) go HERE and use this code: PedsDocTalk to activate your discount.
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
00:00 – The First Signs of Body Image Struggles
02:03 – Welcome, Dr. Melisa Holmes
03:06 – Breaking the Silence Between Generations
04:01 – Media, AI, and the Shifting Ideal
04:48 – Why It Starts So Young
07:02 – Boys, Girls, and Body Pressure
08:33 – Growing Up in a Filtered World
09:34 – Teaching Media Literacy and Self-Protection
12:07 – Modeling Confidence from the Start
15:23 – How Parents Pass Down Body Shame
20:22 – Reclaiming Joy in Food and Movement
22:49 – Puberty Talks Without the Awkwardness
26:51 – Raising Compassionate Boys Too
30:33 – Supporting Emotional Changes in Puberty
33:33 – What Every Girl Should Know About Her Body
36:22 – Parents, Schools, and the Role of Education
38:40 – Final Takeaway
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
No one prepares you for how much your relationship changes after having a baby. The exhaustion, hormones, mental load, and body changes all take a toll on desire and closeness, and it’s rarely talked about honestly.
In this Follow Up episode, Dr. Mona talks with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish about what really happens to intimacy after baby. They unpack why desire often dips postpartum, how to reconnect emotionally and physically, and why great sex isn’t about frequency. It’s about connection, communication, and redefining what intimacy looks like now.
This episode is for any parent who’s ever thought something’s changed between us and I don’t know how to fix it. You’re not broken, you’re human, and this conversation will help you find your way back to each other.
Why desire often drops after childbirth and how to understand it without shame
How hormones, sleep, and stress affect intimacy
The difference between spontaneous and responsive desire
How to start rebuilding emotional connection in 10 minutes a day
The role of small rituals like check-ins, laughter, and simple touch in rekindling closeness
Why there’s no normal amount of sex, only what feels right for you and your partner
Ways to talk openly about what you both want and need
Dr. Tracy's new book, "You, Your Husband, and His Mother" comes out November 4th. Order your copy here.
Want more? Check out the full 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 a chiropractor decides to go to medical school? In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Richard Schoonmaker, a former chiropractor turned osteopathic medical student, to talk about why he made the switch, what he learned about evidence-based care, and how chiropractic and medicine can actually work together when done responsibly.
What We Discuss:
Why Dr. Schoonmaker left chiropractic to pursue medicine
The difference between chiropractic and osteopathic training
How to spot red flags in online chiropractic content
The truth about chiropractic care for babies and kids
What evidence-based, collaborative care could look like
How modern medicine can build trust by listening better
To connect with Richard Schoonmaker follow him on Instagram at @richs_oms2 and TikTok at @rich_oms2.
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
00:00 – Intro
02:00 – Meet Dr. Richard Schoonmaker
03:00 – From Chiropractic to Medicine
07:15 – What He Took From Chiropractic Into Medicine
08:15 – Evidence-Based Chiropractic vs. Online Myths
10:00 – Why Some Chiropractors Go Viral (and Off the Rails)
16:00 – How Chiropractors Are Trained (and Where Gaps Exist)
21:20 – The Lack of Oversight in Pediatric Chiropractic Care
24:00 – The Supportive (Not Substitutive) Role of Chiropractic
28:30 – Common Reasons Parents Seek Chiropractic Care for Kids
33:10 – What the Research Actually Supports
36:30 – Understanding OMM in Osteopathic Medicine
40:00 – Why Context Matters: Symptom Relief vs. Causation
43:00 – The True Meaning of Holistic Care
45:00 – Calling Out Misinformation Responsibly
48:00 – The Real Reason Patients Seek Alternative Care
49:40 – Building a Better Relationship Between Chiropractors and Physicians
51:45 – How Parents Can Find a Safe, Evidence-Based Chiropractor
54:50 – Final Thoughts and Where to Find Richard
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’ve all heard the phrase breast is best. But is it really that simple? In this episode, I sit down with an expert to talk honestly about what the research actually says about breastfeeding and where the science gets murky.
We break down what’s fact, what’s myth, and why so much of the “breast is best” messaging comes from data that’s more correlation than causation. From IQ to obesity to immune health, we unpack what studies really measure (and what they don’t).
I also share my own story as a pediatrician who planned to breastfeed but ended up formula-feeding my son after a difficult birth and ICU stay. That experience shaped how I talk to parents today because feeding your baby should never come with shame.
We discuss:
Why most breastfeeding research isn’t based on randomized trials
How socioeconomic factors shape the data we see on long-term “benefits”
The difference between short-term and long-term outcomes
What sibling studies tell us about IQ, weight, and immunity
Why guilt over feeding choices can actually take away from connection
The importance of supporting all feeding journeys—breast, bottle, or both
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
If you’ve ever wondered why traditional discipline like timeouts, threats, punishments feel off or doesn’t actually work, this episode will change the way you see toddler behavior.
I’m joined by Devon Kuntzman, toddler expert and founder of Transforming Toddlerhood, to talk about how we can move from managing our kids’ behavior to teaching through it. We unpack why toddlers act out, how to handle power struggles without punishment, and how parents can stay calm (and human) in those messy moments. Devon shares her framework for effective discipline, the difference between natural and arbitrary consequences, and the long game of raising emotionally intelligent kids.
We discuss:
Why toddlerhood isn’t “terrible”—it’s transformational and what’s really happening in the toddler brain
Why punishment feels effective short-term but harms long-term growth
The 3 parts of effective discipline: connection, limits, and teaching skills
How to pause before reacting when you’re triggered and the power of noticing positive behavior
How to reframe “bad” behavior as communication
The one question that can change how you discipline
To connect with Devon Kuntzman check out all her resources at https://www.transformingtoddlerhood.com/. Follow her on Instagram at @transformingtoddlerhood. And purchase her brand new book “Transforming Toddlerhood” available now: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/TTBook
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
00:00 – The mindset shift: Teach, don’t punish
01:10 – Welcome & introduction to Devon Kuntzman
02:30 – Why toddlerhood isn’t terrible—it’s teachable
05:00 – Understanding your toddler’s brain and behavior
07:40 – Behavior as communication: decoding what kids are telling us
09:00 – From control to connection: the real purpose of discipline
10:45 – The recipe for effective discipline (connection, limits, teaching)
13:20 – Natural vs. logical vs. arbitrary consequences
17:00 – Why quick fixes don’t work and the long game of discipline does
25:30 – How to pause, stay grounded, and model emotional regulation
29:15 – Dr. Mona’s “bubble hack” and real-life calm-down strategies
31:30 – Positive reinforcement: noticing the behavior you want to see
35:00 – The ultimate reframe: what skill does my child need to learn?
37:00 – You’re human, your child’s human—progress over perfection
38:00 – Closing reflections and where to find Devon’s book
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 a pediatrician, I know how stressful it can feel when you’re filling out those developmental questionnaires at your child’s checkup. You check a few “no” boxes, and suddenly you’re spiraling! What does this mean? Should I be worried?
In this episode, I sit down with an autism specialist to talk through what some of those screening questions actually mean and how they’re meant to be interpreted. We look at common items from the M-CHAT like pointing, pretend play, and responding to their name and unpack why these aren’t simple yes-or-no milestones.
We talk about what’s typical, what might be worth keeping an eye on, and how to bring up your concerns in a productive way with your child’s doctor. Most importantly, we discuss why one missed skill doesn’t equal a diagnosis, and how to focus on the whole picture of your child’s development.
We discuss:
Why the M-CHAT can sometimes create more confusion than clarity
What “joint attention” looks like in real life (and why it matters)
Why pretend play is about creativity, not just copying
What finger posturing means—and why it’s often a self-soothing behavior
When to worry about your child not responding to their name
How delayed babbling fits into speech and language development
How to ask your child’s clinician the right follow-up questions when you’re worried
Want more? Listen to the original, full 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, I sit down with two incredible guests to unpack one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) press conferences in recent months. I’m joined by Dr. Tanya Altmann, pediatrician and founder of Calabasas Pediatrics Wellness Center, and Dr. Anshu Batra, developmental-behavioral pediatrician and autism specialist, to separate fact from fear when it comes to Tylenol, leucovorin, and autism.
We talk about what the latest research actually shows, what parents should know, and why conversations about autism deserve more nuance and empathy than political headlines.
We discuss:
What current research tells us about autism’s causes, including the strong role of genetics and the complex mix of environmental and developmental factors.
Why studies on Tylenol and autism don’t prove causation, and how correlation has been misunderstood in headlines and online discussions.
How leucovorin (folinic acid) may support some children with autism, why it’s not a cure, and what doctors are actually seeing in practice.
The connection between micronutrients, gut health, and neurodevelopment, plus real barriers families face in getting lab work and supplements covered.
What early screen exposure can do to developing brains, and why less screen time and more real-world interaction matter for young children.
Where research and funding need to go next, from identifying subtypes of autism to improving access to early intervention and therapeutic schools.
To connect with Dr. Tanya Altmann check out all her resources at Drtanya.com. Follow her on Instagram at @drtanyaaltmann.
00:00 Introduction
02:05 Meet the Guests
04:09 The Tylenol Controversy
06:41 What We Know About Autism Causes
09:02 Advances in Autism Research
14:15 The Role of Genetics and Environment
18:15 What Is Leucovorin
22:25 What Parents Are Seeing
27:10 Who Might Benefit
29:20 Micronutrients, Gut Health, and Screen Time
38:28 What Research Still Needs to Happen
45:54 Reactions to the White House Press Conference
52:41 Final Takeaways for Parents and Clinicians
55:29 Outro and Reflection
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
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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
The American school system was built to measure performance but at what cost? In this Follow Up episode, Dr. Mona sits down with Lauren Smith, a former educator and nationally certified school psychologist, to unpack how our current approach to education fuels anxiety, burnout, and perfectionism in kids.
They dive into the ripple effects of over-testing, constant competition, and the push to perform that begins as early as kindergarten. From standardized tests to college rankings, the conversation explores how a culture obsessed with metrics is stealing creativity, rest, and joy from learning — and what real change could look like.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why kids are more anxious than ever about school and grades
How over-testing and Common Core shape classroom pressure
The downstream effects of perfectionism on teens and college students
How teacher burnout connects to testing culture
What other countries are doing differently — and better
Why “slowing down” might be the most radical educational reform
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
Sensory processing isn’t always easy to spot, but it affects how kids experience the world in a big way. From clothing struggles to party meltdowns, what looks like “behavior” can often be a child’s nervous system asking for help. That’s why I sat down with occupational therapist Laura Petix, who specializes in sensory processing and works with families online to support kids with unique sensory needs.
We talk about what sensory processing really means, sensory processing differences, how parents can recognize differences, and why shifting from “disorder” to “differences” matters for kids’ self-esteem and support. Laura shares her own parenting experiences as a neurodivergent mom raising a neurodivergent child, and we break down myths that leave parents feeling judged or confused.
We cover:
What sensory processing is and how it shapes daily life for kids
The difference between typical toddler behavior and sensory differences
Red flags that suggest a child might need more support
The “sensory cup” analogy for understanding overstimulation and meltdowns
Why discipline doesn’t fix sensory needs, and what actually helps
Practical ways parents can validate, regulate, and advocate for their kids
To connect with Laura Petix check out all her resources at https://theotbutterfly.com/. Follow her on Instagram at @theotbutterfly.
00:00 Intro & Dr. Mona’s Story
03:15 Meet The OT Butterfly (Laura Petix)
06:45 What Sensory Processing Really Means
10:40 Typical vs. Sensory-Driven Behavior
16:00 From Disorder to Difference
20:00 Early Signs in Babies and Toddlers
23:40 Parent Stories & The Sensory Cup Analogy
31:00 Supporting Kids (and Yourself)
34:00 Myths and Misunderstandings
41:00 When to Seek Help & Encouragement for Parents
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
When my son had a stroke and seizures as a newborn, every moment felt uncertain. Once things stabilized, that deep anxiety finally eased until the first time he got sick again. I remember walking into his room and feeling that old fear rush back.
If you’ve ever felt your heart race when your child spikes a fever or starts coughing, you’re not alone. Even if your child’s never been seriously ill, that drop in your stomach is real. Health anxiety is something many parents carry, especially after the pandemic reminded us how fragile health can feel.
In this episode, I share what helped me work through that anxiety—both as a pediatrician and as a mom who’s lived it. I talk about the mindset shifts that changed everything:
Accepting that I can’t control every outcome for my child
Trusting that I’m doing my best with the resources I have
Remembering that back-to-back viruses mean my child’s immune system is learning
Focusing on what’s in my control, not the scary “what-ifs”
Finding hope, even when it’s hard
Listen to the original, full 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
Politics and public health haven’t always been so divided, but in today’s world, even science and vaccines have become political battlegrounds. That’s why I sat down with Congressman Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of Congress and a voice for Gen Z leadership, to talk about where we go from here.
We dig into what it means to lead in such a polarized time, the dangers of politicizing health, and how younger generations can push for change. Congressman Frost opens up about his perspective on the vaccine mandate debate in Florida, the role of misinformation, and why community and courage matter more than ever.
We cover:
How public health became politicized—and why that’s so dangerous
The impact of Covid-19 on trust in science and communication missteps we can learn from
The real stakes of rolling back vaccine mandates in states like Florida
Why Gen Z’s voice and skepticism can be a strength in leadership
How grassroots advocacy, calls, and community action can still influence policy
Congressman Frost’s perspective on staying hopeful and grounded in the fight for public health and democracy
To connect with Congressman Maxwell Frost check out all his resources at https://frost.house.gov/. Follow him on Instagram at @repmaxwellfrost
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
00:00 – Health care at risk: Frost’s opening
00:33 – Dr. Mona on vaccine rollbacks and misinformation
02:08 – Meet Rep. Maxwell Frost: Gen Z in Congress
04:32 – How public health became politicized
07:25 – Mistrust, disinformation, and Covid’s lasting impact
11:36 – The pediatrician’s perspective on burnout and broken systems
18:32 – Communication failures during the pandemic
21:23 – Vaccine mandates in Florida and political agendas
28:09 – What real advocacy looks like: calls, town halls, showing up
34:07 – Gen Z leadership, corruption, and the fight for change
43:08 – Division, anger, and re-centering community
50:26 – Radical optimism 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!
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
Friendships after motherhood can feel complicated. Before kids, hanging out with friends might have been as easy as grabbing brunch or planning a last-minute outing. But now? Time, energy, and support look very different.
In this Follow Up episode, Dr. Mona revisits her conversation with relational health educator Danielle Bayard Jackson, author of Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women’s Relationships. Together, they break down why building and maintaining friendships as a mom feels harder—and how to approach it with more grace and intention.
You’ll hear about:
The three biggest reasons friendships fade after kids: lack of time, lack of practice, and lack of support
Why connection (even small, everyday moments) matters just as much as long-standing friendships
How to reframe expectations around old friendships that have shifted
Practical steps to nurture the friendships you want, from “autopilot” routines to finding weak ties that still bring value
The importance of reciprocity and how to express your needs without guilt
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
Car seat safety is one of those topics that feels overwhelming…so many straps, rules, and confusing instructions and yet it’s one of the most important things we do as parents.
In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and child passenger safety technician, Michelle Pratt from Safe in the Seat, to talk about the most common car seat mistakes parents make and how to fix them. We both share our own missteps (yes, even as a pediatrician and as a safety expert!) and the lessons that changed how we buckle our kids in.
We cover:
Why “winging it” with installation is risky, and how to practice before you leave the hospital
Chest clip placement, shoulder strap positioning, and the “one-inch rule” every parent should know
Rear-facing myths, what age to turn forward, and why “rear until 2” isn’t the full story
The truth about aftermarket products (like those head straps) and why they can be dangerousHow to empower kids to notice and speak up about their own car seat safety
To connect with Michelle Pratt check out all her resources at https://www.safeintheseat.com/. Follow her on Instagram at @safeintheseat.
Car Seat Finder Tool: https://www.safeintheseat.com/find-your-best-car-seat
Safe to Switch: https://courses.safeintheseat.com/offers/uufJeUvJ/checkout
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
00:00 – Why Car Seat Safety Feels Overwhelming
01:00 – Dr. Mona Introduces Michelle Pratt and Their Connection
04:40 – Car Lines, Backpacks, and Real-Life Safety Struggles
08:20 – Michelle’s Origin Story and Why She Started Safe in the Seat
12:00 – The Hospital Discharge Mistake Almost Every Parent Makes
17:45 – Chest Clip Placement Explained
23:00 – Teaching Kids to Be Their Own Safety Advocates
26:00 – Survivor Bias and Distracted Driving Today
27:00 – The One-Inch Rules Parents Don’t Know
33:20 – Shoulder Strap Placement: Rear vs Forward Facing
37:00 – Why Reading the Manual Actually Matters
41:15 – Rear-Facing Until Four: The Physics and Development Behind It
46:30 – Real-Life Exceptions: Motion Sickness, Car Fit, and Caregiver Needs
59:00 – Resources from Safe in the Seat
1:00:15 – Final Thoughts and How to Share This 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 styles are everywhere on social media—gentle, attachment, positive, even FAFO (that’s “f around and find out”) parenting. But what does the research actually say about these labels? And is there really one “right” way to raise kids?
In this follow-up episode, Dr. Mona revisits her conversation with clinical psychologist and Parenting Translator, Dr. Cara Goodwin. Together, they unpack what science tells us about parenting styles, where trendy terms fall short, and why connection plus boundaries is what really matters.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
Why “gentle parenting” isn’t well-defined in research
The three parenting styles psychologists actually study—and which one predicts the best outcomes
Why mixing and matching strategies is often the healthiest approach
The problem with rigidly sticking to one style (especially with spirited or neurodivergent kids)
Tools like timeouts, rewards, and praise—why research shows they can be helpful, not harmful
What behaviors are never okay, no matter your style (think spanking, threats, or shaming)
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
The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom
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.
Each episode dives into real-life parenting challenges, featuring conversations with specialists in pediatrics, child psychology, nutrition, and parental well-being. From potty training and sleep training to tackling tantrums, picky eating, discipline, screen time, postpartum recovery, and developmental milestones, Dr. Mona provides practical, science-backed advice that actually works.
Tune in on Mondays and Wednesdays for actionable insights, mindset shifts, and expert interviews that empower you to raise healthy, resilient, and happy kids—while thriving as a parent yourself!
