Don’t Scroll, Stay Safe: Summer Water Safety Tips Every Parent Needs
If you’ve ever assumed that being near your child at the pool meant they were safe, this episode might just change the way you see water forever.
I’m joined by Lindsay Mondick, Director of Aquatic Safety for the YMCA of the USA and a lifelong advocate for drowning prevention. We talk about what drowning really looks like (spoiler: it’s not like the movies), why so many tragic incidents happen with adults present, and how something as simple as putting your phone down can be the difference between life and death.
She joins me to discuss: • Why drowning is quick, silent, and often missed even with supervision nearby • The “Phones Down, Eyes Up” campaign and what every caregiver needs to know • How to build layers of water safety from swim lessons to life jackets to water watchers
Whether you’re a pool regular, weekend beachgoer, or backyard splash pad fan—this conversation is a must-listen for every parent this summer.
To connect with the YMCA follow them on Instagram @ymca; TikTok @ymcaofficiall; Facebook @TheY and YouTube @ymca. Learn more at Phonesdowneyesup.org
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
00:00 – 01:18 Why This Conversation Matters
01:19 – 02:37 Meet Lindsay: A Lifelong Water Safety Advocate
02:38 – 04:35 The Pandemic’s Impact on Drowning Risk
04:36 – 06:14 Why Proximity Isn’t Enough
06:15 – 08:32 Active Supervision: What It Looks Like
08:33 – 10:16 Are Lifeguards Enough?
10:17 – 12:14 Strong Swimmers Still Need Supervision
12:15 – 13:41 The Hidden Dangers of Lakes and Open Water
13:42 – 15:53 What Drowning Really Looks Like
15:54 – 19:55 The Power of Prevention and Real-Life Stories
19:56 – 22:31 Swim Lessons: How Early Is Too Early?
22:32 – 27:14 Teaching Adults to Swim (And Why It Matters)
27:15 – 30:07 Bridging the Gap in Underserved Communities
30:08 – 32:04 One Simple Habit That Can Save a Life
32:05 – 36:15 Minimizing Distraction Without Guilt
36:16 – 39:10 Final Thoughts + Taking Action
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
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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
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The Follow-Up: The Science Behind Why Your Child Copies You
You’ve probably seen it—your toddler pretending to cook after watching you in the kitchen, or mimicking your sighs after a long day. It’s not just cute—it’s neuroscience. In this powerful follow-up episode, Dr. Mona sits down with educator Chris Lake to unpack mirror neurons, the brain’s fascinating mechanism for learning through observation.
Together, they explore how these neurons shape everything from crawling and speech to empathy and emotional regulation—and how everyday moments of modeling can support your child’s development more than any app ever could.
Whether you’re wondering how screen time affects speech, why your toddler copies your every move, or how to introduce new toys and skills more effectively, this conversation offers both science and simple strategies for parents to put into practice.
What You’ll Learn:
The surprising research behind mirror neurons and observational learning
Why our kids learn best through watching (not just being told)
How mouth-gazing helps with speech development—and why screens fall short
Why modeling behaviors like sharing and play matters more than we think
The link between demonstration, confidence, and child mastery
The truth about screen time’s impact on social and language skills
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
If you’ve ever felt dismissed, overwhelmed, or unsure about your baby’s feeding challenges, this conversation is a validating, eye-opening listen.
I’m joined by Mallory Roberts, a licensed speech-language pathologist, infant feeding specialist, and craniosacral therapist. We dive into the misunderstood world of infant reflux including what’s really going on beneath the surface, why “they’ll outgrow it” isn’t always the full story, and how a holistic, body-based approach can change everything about how a baby feeds, feels, and thrives.
She joins me to discuss:
Why reflux is often misunderstood and why medication shouldn’t always be the first step
How feeding position, parental stress, and early body tension play a major role in symptoms
What craniosacral therapy is, and how gentle, connection-based care can transform feeding struggles
To connect with Mallory Roberts follow her on Instagram @thefeedingmom.method, check out all her resources at https://www.thefeedingmom.com/
00:00 – Intro
02:06 – What Is Craniosacral Therapy?
03:01 – Meet Mallory Roberts
07:45 – What’s Missing in Traditional Reflux Care
10:08 – Feeding Position Matters
12:14 – A Holistic Reflux Plan
17:47 – Red Flags for Reflux
23:10 – What Happens in a Craniosacral Session
28:00 – The Parent’s Energy Matters
33:13 – Where She Places Her Hands (and Why)
37:11 – How to Find a Therapist (or Learn Yourself)
41:23 – Final Encouragement for Parents
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Follow-Up: What Makes ISR Lessons So Different?
What’s the real difference between ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) and traditional swim lessons and is one really safer?
In this episode, I sit down with a certified ISR instructor to break down what ISR actually is, how it works, and why it’s not the “throw-your-baby-in-the-pool” method people assume it is. With drowning being the leading cause of accidental death in kids ages 1–4, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent near water.
We cover:
The history and science behind ISR
How ISR teaches self-rescue and survival skills
How it compares to traditional swim classes (including one-on-one lessons)
Why lessons are just 10 minutes a day and why that works
Common misconceptions: trauma, tears, and floating myths
What to look for in a swim instructor
When babies and toddlers can safely start ISR
Whether you’re a pool owner, beach-goer, or just a parent exploring water safety, this episode will help you make informed decisions and feel more confident in protecting your child around water.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Why "They'll Eat if They're Hungry" Doesn't Always Work for Picky Eaters
“They’ll eat if they’re hungry.” This CAN be true for many kids when it comes to feeding and picky eating, but for some kids it’s not great advise. I welcome Dr. Taylor Arnold, a PhD, registered dietician, and founder Growing Intuitive Eaters and she is on a mission to foster a healthy relationship with food and teach adults how to talk to kids about food in a positive way.
She joins me to discuss:
Why this advice can lack a lot of nuance
When to know or be concerned your child may have an underlying issue regarding feeding solids
Why online guidance around feeding sometimes lacks necessary nuance
To connect with Dr. Taylor Arnold follow her on Instagram @growing.intuitive.eaters, check out all her resources at https://msha.ke/growingintuitiveeaters
00:00 – Intro
01:29 – Meet Dr. Taylor Arnold
03:45 – Let’s Break It Down: Why That Phrase Fails Some Kids
06:09 – Medical and Sensory Red Flags to Watch For
08:11 – So What Should Parents Do Instead?
10:56 – Red Flags That Signal It’s Time to Act
13:32 – A Pediatrician and Parent’s Perspective on Feeling Brushed Off
15:05 – Feeding, Sleep, and Behavior: The Pediatric Trifecta
15:58 – A Final Feeding Pet Peeve: School Nutrition Assignments
20:03 – Final Takeaway: If You’re Not Being Heard, Get Louder
21:54 – Where to Find Dr. Taylor Arnold’s Free Resources
22:55 – Dr. Mona’s Closing Reflections
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
About 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 50 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!
Listen to The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom, Passion Struck with John R. Miles and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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