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

• How to Parent Strong-Willed Kids Without Power Struggles

  Do you have a strong-willed child? How do you know you have one? Are you approaching their behavior in a positive way? I have recorded a solo episode about strong-willed children and power struggles and I always enjoy it when I can chat with fellow parenting coaches about it.  I welcome back Zack Kasabo who is a certified school counselor and parent coach. He was on the show before talking about how to encourage positive behaviors in kids without enabling them.  We discuss:  Misconceptions about strong-willed children and parenting strong-willed children The power of “mutual submission" The number one rule when addressing strong-willed children  To connect with Zack Kasabo follow him on Instagram @coachkasabo, check out all his resources at https://coachkasabo.info/ 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 – Modeling Cooperation00:22 – Intro: Parenting Strong-Willed Kids00:50 – Meet Zack Kasabo02:28 – What Makes a Child Strong-Willed?05:00 – Reframing Strong-Willed as a Strength06:45 – The Problem with Labels08:18 – Parenting Starts with You09:44 – Breaking Generational Patterns12:11 – Power Struggle Example: Clean Your Room14:10 – Why Lectures Don’t Work17:27 – Teaching Through Experience20:21 – Start Before Grade School22:02 – Don’t Ignore “Normal” Behavior23:05 – Final Tips & Where to Find Zac24:11 – Encouragement for Parents 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

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• The Follow-Up: What Makes a Marriage Work

  In this honest and personal episode, I’m joined by my husband, Gaurav, as we open up about what makes our marriage work—especially through the chaos of parenting, career shifts, and everyday life. We talk about: The power of balancing each other’s strengths and weaknesses How we’ve navigated trauma, including our son's birth and postpartum period Our nightly “State of the Union” check-ins—and why they’ve changed our relationship What we’ve learned about love languages, communication styles, and unmet expectations How we’ve moved from trying to “fix” each other to simply understanding and growing together Marriage isn't always picture-perfect—and that’s exactly why these kinds of conversations matter. Whether you're partnered, married, or navigating love while raising kids, this episode offers a real-world look at building connection, even in the messy moments. 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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• Expert Insights and Real Stories for Parents Navigating This Rare Food Allergy

  If you’ve ever felt alone navigating an FPIES diagnosis—or if you’re wondering what FPIES even is—this episode is for you.  I’m joined by Dr. Taylor Arnold, pediatric dietitian and mom of two children who had FPIES, and Dr. Manisha Relan, board-certified allergist and immunologist. Together, we break down what FPIES actually is, why it’s so often misdiagnosed, how it differs from typical food allergies, and what families can do to manage it confidently. Whether you're a parent seeking answers or a clinician wanting to deepen your understanding, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling more empowered, prepared, and less alone. We discuss:  What FPIES is, how it differs from typical food allergies, and why diagnosis is often delayed. Navigating food introductions, managing reactions, and reducing anxiety around FPIES. Practical tips for daycare, social situations, and long-term support for children with FPIES. To connect with Dr. Taylor Arnold follow her on Instagram @growing.intuitive.eaters, check out all her resources at https://msha.ke/growingintuitiveeaters  To connect with Dr. Manisha Relan follow her on Instagram @pedsallergymd, and check out all her resources at https://www.101beforeone.com/ and her new book: https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Leads-Way-Evidence-Based-Introducing/dp/1610027620 Additional Resources: https://fpiesfoundation.org/ https://www.fpies.org/ https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/what-is-a-food-allergy/food-protein-induced-enterocolitis-syndrome-fpies/ 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 & Why This Matters 02:00 – Meet the Experts 03:05 – What FPIES Is and Isn’t 08:20 – Hallmark Symptoms & Why It’s Missed 10:10 – Personal Story: Misdiagnosis & Learning Curve 15:00 – Diagnosing FPIES 18:30 – What Causes FPIES? 20:00 – What Parents & Pediatricians Should Know 23:30 – Figuring Out Food Triggers 25:00 – Managing Feeding Anxiety After Diagnosis 29:00 – Preventing Nutritional Deficiencies 32:00 – Practical Tips for School, Daycare & Social Events 35:00 – Emotional Support for Parents 38:00 – Outgrowing FPIES & What Comes Next 42:00 – Final Takeaways & Encouragement 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: How Phones and Social Media Impact Kids

  In this insightful follow-up episode, Dr. Mona is joined by Bill Brady—CEO of Troomi Wireless and a father of five—for a powerful conversation about the realities of kids and phones. They discuss the benefits of tech, the very real risks of social media, and how parents can introduce devices with intention. From self-esteem and screen-time addiction to practical steps for safe tech use, this episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the digital age. What We Cover: The pros and cons of giving kids phones Why it’s not about a specific age, but developmental readiness The impact of social media on teen mental health and self-esteem Why kids today are facing an “always on” culture of bullying How to safely ease children into tech (and what that actually looks like) The importance of parental controls, gradual access, and media literacy Dr. Mona’s take on being a content creator—and the mental health toll it can take Want more? Enjoy the full episode at ⁠PedsDocTalk.com⁠ 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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• Raising Kids After Watching Adolescence on Netflix: What Every Parent Needs to Know

  After watching the Netflix series Adolescence, I was left gutted, moved, and full of questions—just like many of you who reached out. “I watched it. I was shocked. I was moved… but now what do I do with these big feelings I’m having and this information?” Whether you’re raising a boy or a girl, this show forces us to reckon with disconnection, violence, and parenting in the digital age. In this conversation, I sit down with Ruth Whippman and Dr. Zabina Bhasin to explore what the show reveals about masculinity, emotional disconnection, and how boys are often left emotionally starved in today’s culture. We talk about parenting, school systems, and online influences—and most importantly, how we can start doing better for our kids. We discuss:  How the Netflix series Adolescence reflects the emotional isolation many boys experience—and why it’s a cultural crisis. How masculinity, parenting, school systems, and online influences shape how boys express (or suppress) their feelings. Practical, compassionate strategies to help parents, educators, and adults raise emotionally safe, connected boys in today’s world. To connect with Ruth Whippman follow her on Instagram @ruthwhippman, check out all her resources at http://www.ruthwhippman.com/, join her Substack: I Blame Society and purchase her book Boy Mom. Ruth Whippman has previously been on the PedsDocTalk Podcast: https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/masculinity-and-politics-exploring-the-connection-between-gender-ideals-and-voting-trends/ https://pedsdoctalk.com/podcast/raising-boys-and-redefining-toxic-masculinity-and-how-it-impacts-friendships-and-emotional-health/  To connect with Dr. Zee follower her on Instagram @drzee_md  and @listen2thekidz_, and check out all her resources at https://www.dr-zee.com/  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 Introducing Guests: Ruth Whippman and Dr. Z – Experts on masculinity, emotional safety, and parenting. 00:02:59 Themes from the Show 00:06:06 Cultural Crisis 00:07:28 Emotional Starvation 00:09:43 Nature vs. Nurture 00:11:51 Raising Emotionally Healthy Boys 00:15:17 Cultural Messaging 00:20:00 Behavioral Conditioning vs. Biology 00:24:11 Friendships, Brotherhood, and Vulnerability 00:30:44 Teaching Emotional Literacy 00:35:40 Hope for the Future 00:42:10 The Need to Be Seen 00:50:11 Action Steps for Parents 00:56:00 Closing 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

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