The Child Repair Guide with Dr. Steve Silvestro

Can Kids Get the COVID Vaccine & Flu Shot at the Same Time? Oct 21, 2021

Plenty of parents jumped for joy on October 7th when Pfizer asked the FDA to grant Emergency Use Authorization to give its COVID-19 vaccine to kids aged 5–11.

While the official EUA approval hasn't yet been announced, the timing of when kids can potentially get the vaccine has led many parent to wonder whether the COVID vaccine can be given with the flu shot, or if some sort of spacing is needed.

In this episode, I break down a recent study that gives us the answer!

Important links:

SHARE this episode as an article and a podcast: drstevesilvestro.com/136
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REGISTER for my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course at drstevesilvestro.com/courses
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How To Get Kids To Sleep On Time—At Any Age! Jun 22, 2021

People seem to think that sleep problems are only for babies. The moment you bring your newborn home, people start asking "How much sleep are you getting?"—and the question is more annoying than the lack of sleep!

No one asks you that once you have a toddler or your kid's in school—and yet kids at these ages are often just as difficult to get to bed when they're supposed to.

Enter: My 6 tips for getting kids to bed on time.

This is an episode I've been asked to record for years, and I'm glad to be getting it out to you now—because we all need the sleep!

You can share the article & audio version of this episode by sharing this link: www.drstevesilvestro.com/135

A few items mentioned in this episode (purchasing through these links helps support The Child Repair Guide):

The Philadelphia Chickens album
The Original Tot Clock
My somewhat famous & well-loved Cloud Story

Your COVID Vaccine PB&J Questions Answered! Apr 20, 2021

As part of the huge response to the last episode (thank you!) in which I broke down the new CDC guidelines on how vaccinated and unvaccinated people can mix, I received dozens of emails and Instgram messages from people asking questions about how the PB&J Method applies to their family's particular situation.

Many of those questions had common themes—and I bet those themes are questions you might have, as well.

In this episode, I present the latest data to answer those questions & help you navigate this new world where some people (adults!) are vaccinated and others (kids!) are not.

You can SHARE the article version of this episode here:

https://www.drstevesilvestro.com/134

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https://zendocsteve.creator-spring.com/

What happens when parents are vaccinated and kids are not? Mar 29, 2021

Now that the COVID vaccine rollout is well under way around the world—and the light at the end of the tunnel is within grasp!—we're still left with one wrinkle:

How to handle gathering with family & friends when some people have gotten the vaccine and some haven't?

This is especially important for families, as kids aren't likely to be able to get the vaccine until this fall or even this winter.

I break down the CDC's guidelines, PLUS give you a super-simple way you can figure out what's safest for every possible situation: The Peanut Butter & Jelly Method.

Hear me out on this—it'll make total sense!

You can share this episode as both a podcast and and article by sharing this link: www.drstevesilvestro.com/133

***And for listeners of the podcast, a special coupon to take 20% off my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course! Use the coupon code PODCAST and sign up at www.drstevesilvestro.com/courses

Listener Favorite - The One Mistake Every Parent Makes (Including Me!) Mar 01, 2021

I can't believe it, but The Child Repair Guide is celebrating a HUGE milestone!

And to celebrate, I've dug deep into the archives to share a topic that I know impacts almost every family. I've said before that my job as a pediatrician & host of this podcast is to not just make all the parenting missteps myself, but to research the solutions & share what I find with you.

Well, this one is a prime example!

If this episode strikes a chord with you, take a screenshot of your podcast player as you listen, post it to your Instagram story & tag me @zendocsteve!

You can share this episode by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/132

Hey, I designed a t-shirt! Get your 'Love Is Bigger' t-shirt right here!

Do Schools Spread COVID? Here's What We Currently Know Feb 10, 2021

With many areas approaching the dates and metrics they've set for reopening school—or back at school already—the question of schools' role in COVID spread has weighed heavily on many parents' minds.

Well, it turns out that 50% of kids in the U.S. have been at school in-person, in one form or another, since the fall—and the data is in.

I take a look at what we currently know, trying to tackle what has become an emotional topic for many, and shed some light on what we know works—and exactly what doesn't.

You can share this episode as both a podcast AND an article by sharing this link: drstevesilvestro.com/131

Find me on Instagram @zendocsteve

and on YouTube at youtube.com/drstevesilvestro

How Parents Can Better Manage Stress & Recover from Trauma - with Dr. Elizabeth Stanley Jan 18, 2021

It goes without saying that the ability to manage stress and recover from trauma would certainly come in handy these days.

For parents, these skills of mental resilience are important even in “normal times,” as our kids learn how to handle challenges and stress by watching what we do in front of them. And yet the very act of being a parent—dealing with tantrums, poor sleep, questions about behavior and big decisions to make—is stressful in and of itself.

How can parents learn to manage stress in a healthy way that’s also good for their kids?

My guest in this episode has an answer. Elizabeth Stanley, PhD is Associate Professor of Security Studies at Georgetown University, a military veteran, author, and the creator of Mindfulness-Based Mind Fitness Training.

And in her most recent book, Widen the Window: Training Your Brain and Body to Thrive During Stress and Recover from Trauma, Dr. Stanley outlines a powerful approach to help you cope with stress, become less driven by compulsions and emotions, recover from trauma, and enhance your resilience so you can live a truly whole life once more. This is so useful for all of us as parents—especially right now—and arming our kids with these skills would be like giving them superpowers.

You can learn more about Dr. Stanley & her Mindfulness-based Mind Fitness Training—and see if you can take it for free—by visiting www.drstevesilvestro.com/130

What Should Your Family's 2021 Priorities Be? Dec 29, 2020

We are finally here—the end of 2020 & the start of 2021!

But the truth is, we can’t walk into 2021 hoping to reset the clock back to what life was like in 2019. This year changed us—and we need to let its lessons sink in and choose how we want to use them to direct us as we move forward.

This episode explores how you can honestly assess what was good and bad, positive and painful for your family this year—and how to sort out new priorities for your family in the year ahead.

TAKE $25 OFF the Mindfulness for Parents Online Course with the code NEWYEAR—sign up at drstevesilvestro.com/courses and start your year off on the best foot possible!

If this episode resonates with you, SHARE it by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/129

Everything Parents Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine Dec 16, 2020

This is a super-special & super-exciting episode!

At long last, vaccines against COVID-19 are being rolled out and administered. Parents have been asking me a host of questions, and I'm answering as many as I can right here.

This episode goes over everything we currently know about how this vaccine's new approach works, its effectiveness and safety, plus the little we know about it for kids and pregnant or breastfeeding moms.

Take a screenshot of your podcast player, post it to Instagram, and tag me @zendocsteve!

You can share this episode by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/128

Start the new year with the right mindset - Register for my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course here!

Raising Cross-Cultural Kids: Identity & Resilience - with Dr. Anisha Abraham Nov 30, 2020

Perhaps the greatest challenge we all face as we grow up is finding our identity—figuring out who we are and who we want to become.

It’s no easy task—some of us adults (maybe even most of us?) are still trying to figure this out. But the challenge is even greater for cross-cultural kids & teens. Whether they’ve lived in several cultural environments, have parents whose cultures are different from that of where they live, or have multiple cultural backgrounds in their families—cross-cultural kids & teens have a wealth of ingredients mixed in together to create the recipe of who they are.

Their challenge is to figure out what that recipe becomes—and it’s the challenge of their parents to sort out how and how much to help them along the way.

My guest today is Dr. Anisha Abraham. As a physician, educator, and parent, Anisha helps teens to discover their strengths, focus on their wellbeing, and successfully navigate a changing world. In this conversation, we talk about tips from her new book, Raising Global Teens: Parenting in the 21st Century.

Get Dr. Abraham's book, Raising Global Teens: Parenting in the 21st Century right here.

Share this episode by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/127

How Should Your Family Handle the COVID Holidays? Nov 10, 2020

This holiday season, everyone is asking the same questions:

“Can we find a way to get together with family? What if we all get tested first? Do we risk it?”

COVID is destined to throw a massive wrench in what is often a time of gathering together.

In this episode, I break down the risks + lay out some points to consider if you aim to make your family events safer.

Think of this episode as the “sex ed” of COVID holidays—I’d rather you didn’t do it at all, but since you might anyway, here’s how to potentially lower your risk!

You can find the shareable article version of this episode at www.drstevesilvestro.com/126

**This episode is sponsored by happyly. Happyly was created to help every parent feel like a super parent, with inspiration for activities and curated adventures near home or on the go. Take the pressure out of planning family adventures & download the free happyly app today.

Parenting Manners During COVID & Beyond - with Sarah Davis & Evie Granville Oct 26, 2020

It goes without saying that COVID has turned everything we know on its head.

This is equally true for almost all things parenting. Things we used to take for granted—like scheduling a playdate in a park or seeing family—now take on extra layers of awkwardness and caution. Is the other family on the same page precaution-wise as you? How to handle the requests from Grandma to come visit when you know Grandma thinks differently about what is & isn't safe?

Sarah Davis & Evie Granville are here with tips for handling all the awkward & uncomfortable situations of our brand new world. Their new book, Modern Manners for Moms & Dads: Practical Parenting Solutions for Sticky Social Situations, is packed with useful insights into modern parenting etiquette—and in this super-entertaining episode, they apply their approach to answer the questions we've all been asking.

Find all the shownotes for this episode here.

And get a copy of Evie & Sarah's book here.

**This episode is sponsored by happyly. Happyly was created to help every parent feel like a super parent, with inspiration for activities and curated adventures near home or on the go. Take the pressure out of planning family adventures & download the free happyly app today.

Sugarproof Your Kids - with Dr. Michael Goran & Dr. Emily Ventura Oct 12, 2020

Hey, we’re all trying to do our best when feeding our kids healthy food.

And what might be your best effort right now may not be your best effort at some other time, or the same as someone else’s best effort—and that’s okay.

But what isn’t fair is when the cards are stacked against you—when things that have been marketed to us as “food” are really causing harm to us and to our kids.

The biggest, most prolific culprit? Sugar. It’s everywhere—but it’s not just in the places you’d expect. In the last several decades, sugar has silently found its way into so many foods we eat, many of which would surprise you. In fact, I recently shared a video on Instagram highlighting a fruit and chia cup that had 14 grams of sugar ADDED to the natural sugar already in the fruit. Nowadays, sugar is added to yogurt, tomato sauce, even the bread you use to make your kids’ sandwiches.

And this invasion of sugar into everything we eat isn’t without consequence. We see its effects in everything from the obesity epidemic to kids’ mood, behavior, and brain function. We’re even seeing problems like fatty liver disease pop up in children.

But there is hope.

In their new book, Sugarproof: The Hidden Dangers of Sugar That Are Putting Your Child’s Health at Risk and What You Can Do, Dr. Michael Goran and Dr. Emily Ventura paint not only the intimidating sugar-laden landscape of modern American diets, but also simple steps you can put into action with your family right now.

In this enlightening conversation, Drs. Goran and Ventura show you how to “Sugarproof” your kids.

**This episode is sponsored by happyly. Happyly was created to help every parent feel like a super parent, with inspiration for activities and curated adventures near home or on the go. Take the pressure out of planning family adventures & download the free happyly app today.

**Get your own "Happy Little Trees" Broccoli t-shirt here -- available in adult, kids, and baby sizes!

Developing Healthy Eating Habits at Any Age - with @kids.eat.in.color's Jennifer Anderson Sep 28, 2020

When a pediatric dietician has over 1 Million followers on Instagram, you know she's got amazing tips.

Jennifer Anderson is the brilliant mind behind @kids.eat.in.color, the wildly successful Instagram through which she helps families around the world develop healthy eating habits in their kids without battles.

And as you'll see in this interview, she's the real deal. We cover everything from picky eating and "one-bite rules," to kids who won’t sit still for a meal, snacking tips and concerns, how to get them to eat a variety, and how to talk about nutrition in a way that doesn’t develop problems later.

This episode is packed with useful tips & insights, and I'm so excited to share it with you!

**This episode is sponsored by happyly. Happyly was created to help every parent feel like a super parent, with inspiration for activities and curated adventures near home or on the go. Take the pressure out of planning family adventures & download the free happyly app today.

**Get your own "Happy Little Trees" Broccoli t-shirt here -- available in adult, kids, and baby sizes!

These Are the COVID Stats to Use to "Open Up" Your Family Sep 14, 2020

We’re about nine months into this pandemic—do you feel like you have a handle on how to tell if it’s getting better or worse? Do you have a sense of how to know when it’s OK for your family to “open up“ and start doing some things you’ve been holding back on?

If your answer either of those questions is “no,” you’re not alone. Absolutely. Not. Alone.

A huge part of the problem for the average person trying to tease out useful information is that it’s challenging to figure out exactly what information is indeed useful. There are a dozen different types of statistics discussed in the news or online dashboards, let alone different ways to measure them and different ways the numbers are spun depending on who’s doing the talking.

So in this episode, I’m here to simplify this for you.

If you find this episode helpful, take a screenshot of your podcast player as you listen, post it to your Instagram Story, and TAG ME @zendocsteve.

You can find the shareable article version of this episode at drstevesilvestro.com/122

How to Help Kids Develop Social Skills at Home - with Monica Silvestro Aug 31, 2020

One of the biggest questions I’ve been asked lately is how to help young kids develop social skills—whether it’s because their preschools are currently closed, or their parents just want to make sure their kids thrive.

It's a valid concern—but also one that you can learn to address right at home.

I sat down with the wonderful Monica Silvestro—yup, the Monica Silvestro of 10-Minute Preschool fame & my favorite person of all-time—to discuss all her best tips for how parents can help their kids learn necessary social skills at home.

See, Monica is an early childhood educator—and a well-loved one at that. She began her career in health communication, developing curricula for kids and teens to best learn about health and nutrition. She then segued into working directly on nutrition counseling, before combining many of her skills to transition into early childhood education.

Monica shares some excellent tips that every parent can use at home—no matter the age of your kids.

Follow Monica on Instagram @justanotherpreschoolteacher

Find me on Instagram @zendocsteve

Watch 10-Minute Preschool here.

Take my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course at your own pace here.

Online Learning Is Inevitable This Fall - Here's Why & What You Need To Do To Prepare Aug 17, 2020

There's been a great debate these past few months about whether and how to send kids back to school.

But something's been missing from the conversation—the fact that most kids will experience online learning at some point this fall/winter no matter what, whether for a semester, a month, or just a few weeks.

In this episode, I lay out why that's the case—PLUS tips from online learning expert Zoie Hoffman to help you make online learning most effective for your kids.

Thanks as always for your support!

SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel here.

WATCH my 2-minute video on "How To Get Kids To Stop Touching Their Masks" here.

GRAB my "Love Is Bigger" T-shirt here.

Find more about Zoie Hoffman here.

Be Well & Have Fun!

Don’t Wish The Days Away—Yes, Even These Ones Aug 03, 2020

If you’ve felt like these past few months have both dragged on and flown past at the same time, you’re not alone.

We’re all waiting with bated breath...

“I can’t wait until this is over.”

But what does it do to us—as individuals? as a society?—when we “can’t wait” for a whole year to go by?

What happens to life in the meantime?

This episode tackles this question & presents a philosophy I've been trying to live by—and have been trying to instill in my kids—these last several months.

__

Share this episode with the link: drstevesilvestro.com/119

Check out my 'Love Is Bigger' t-shirt here

Sign sup for the Mindfulness for Parents Online Course here and use the code 99OFF for $99 off the regular price.

Working from Home with Kids Around (and Surviving!) - with Dr. Andrea Bonior Jul 20, 2020

We all have multiple roles to play—but none of us expected to have to play them all at the same time, all day long.

These last several months, many parents have had to fill the roles of parent, educator, and teleworker with few, if any, clear boundaries between them.

The result? The nagging feeling that you're failing at every single one of those jobs.

If this sounds like you, you're not alone—and as Dr. Andrea Bonior discusses in this insightful & fun interview, you're not doomed to feel this way forever. In fact, there are clear, simple steps you can take to feel more confident as you juggle all of these responsibilities at once.

Dr. Andrea Bonior is a best-selling author, speaker, professor, and licensed clinical psychologist. She's the winner of a 2020 national Excellence in Teaching Award from the Society for the Teaching of Psychology, and author of three books—including her latest, Detox Your Thoughts: Quit Negative Self-Talk for Good and Discover The Life You’ve Always Wanted.

This is Dr. Bonior's second appearance on The Child Repair Guide and I walk away with a plan to put into action every time I talk to her.

If you've struggled to feel successful at all the roles you play these last few months (and haven't we all!), you need to hear this conversation.

You can share this episode on social media by sharing the link www.drstevesilvestro.com/118

Limited Time: Take $99 off my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course by using the coupon code 99OFF - register at drstevesilvestro.com/courses

Is Daycare Safe During COVID-19? Jul 07, 2020

The most common answer pediatricians have been asked by parents of young kids is: "Is it safe to send my child to daycare right now?"

The best, most honest answer we currently have?

Probably. Maybe. We think.

In this episode, I outline everything we currently know so you can make the best decision for your family.

*You can share this episode by sharing the link: drstevesilvestro.com/117

*Find all '10-Miute Preschool' videos PLUS my video explaining PPE to kids at youtube.com/drstevesilvestro

*And the coupon to get the $149 Mindfulness for Parents Online Course for only $20 expires July 31st. Use the code TWENTY20 and sign up here: drstevesilvestro.com/courses

The Tool That's Keeping My Family Positive Jun 18, 2020

We're halfway into 2020 & it's clear that we could all use a glimmer of hope right now.

This is a tool that I've mentioned before, but that has taken on even more importance for my family right now.

My hope is that it can help yours, too.

You can find the article version of this episode at drstevesilvestro.com/115

I've also extended the discount for my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course through July -- take the $149 course for only $20 by using the code 'TWENTY20'. Learn more here.

We Get To Carry Each Other Jun 12, 2020

Like much of the country, I’ve been thinking a lot about inequality and bigotry of late, trying to put so many feelings into coherent thoughts.

And as I do, the memory of one impactful experience from when I was 19 keeps coming back to me...

You can find the article version of this episode at drstevesilvestro.com/116

The moral arc of the universe bends toward justice—but we have to be the ones who bend it.

Decoding Boys - with Dr. Cara Natterson May 14, 2020

The task of parenting a modern day boy is daunting.

It's as if teenage boys and those who raise them are in an Indiana Jones movie, dodging blades and poisonous darts flying past them at every turn. And the snake-filled pit, of course, is the constant barrage of headlines showing masculinity gone wrong.

So how do we crack the code of raising boys—and do so right at a time when they typically start growing quiet?

That’s the focus of Decoding Boys: The New Science Behind the Subtle Art of Raising Sons—the newest book from Cara Natterson, MD. You might remember Dr. Natterson from our episode together on “How to Talk to Kids about Puberty” (and if you haven’t listened to that, you should—it’s a fan-favorite!). Dr. Natterson is a superstar pediatrician who wears many hats, but its her work as caretaker of the modern iteration of The Care and Keeping of You and her book Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys—that makes her the go-to expert on helping families ride the ups and downs of puberty.

In our conversation, she lays out the secrets you can use to crack the code of raising sons.

Helping Kids Cope in Difficult Times - with Robin Brannan May 01, 2020

"Fear and what you do with it are two separate things."

I love this quote from Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, especially right now.

What we and our kids do with big emotions can have more of an impact on our lives than feeling the emotions themselves.

In this episode, Robin Brannan, founder of Better Together Family Therapy, shares tips to help kids cope in difficult times.

You just might find that many of these tips helpful for yourself, too!

And on another note:

If you or someone you know has a preschooler, be sure to check out 10-Minute Preschool, a new video series featuring the one and only Monica Silvestro! Monica takes the magic of her preschool classroom and brings it to your preschooler in fun, educational videos that are 10 minutes or less.

Check them all out here, with more to come:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK2JtHmTfH5lXyUH6S8z8TY2WSnp9TdY0

Update from the Front Lines of COVID-19 - with ER Physician Michael Daignault Apr 18, 2020

When I last spoke with Dr. Michael Daignault 6 weeks ago, the COVID-19 storm was approaching.

Now that we're in the thick of it, he and I catch up to discuss what it's been like on the front lines in the Emergency Department.

We also dispel some rumors you may have heard about treatment & prevention, discuss what's necessary to "open the country," and silver linings in this new normal.

Find video of our conversation at youtube.com/drstevesilvestro

You can help! Go to www.covid-meals.org and learn how to sponsor meals delivered from your local restaurants to your community hospital.

Home Teaching & Helping Kids Thrive During COVID-19 - with Dr. Anisha Abraham Mar 30, 2020

We're in a new normal—and with no clear end in sight.

And as frustrating or anxiety-provoking as it may be, there is one indisputable fact about our current situation: We and our children will grow as people because of it.

So how do we ensure that growth and development are the best they can be? How do we help our kids thrive during COVID-19?

Having lived in Hong Kong and currently living in the Netherlands, Dr. Anisha Abraham has seen friends and coworkers manage parenting in a pandemic for months now—and she shares the lessons they've learned in our conversation on The Child Repair Guide Podcast.

Dr. Anisha Abraham is a pediatrician and teen health specialist based in Amsterdam, Netherlands and on faculty at both the University of Amsterdam and Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. She works with teens, parents, and educators globally, using her 25 years of experience as a clinician, researcher, speaker, and health educator. Her book Raising Global Teens: Parenting in the 21st Century will be released this autumn in local bookstores and on Amazon.

Listen as we discuss everything from home learning to how to help kids thrive in the midst of social distancing and pandemic.

Tips for Kids' & Teens' Mental Health During Coronavirus Mar 23, 2020

So I’m the pediatrician who wrote that viral article discouraging playdates during the coronavirus pandemic.

And while I’m glad the message got out—over 2 million people read that article—it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write.

Why?

Because even though I know that such extreme social distancing is absolutely necessary to slow the spread of this sneaky virus, I also know that isolating ourselves from each other can have a massive toll on mental health.

And I’ve seen that toll already. As I write this now, schools in my area have been closed for only a week, and yet my pediatric office has been flooded with calls from parents worried that their kids are becoming depressed.

The risk for anxiety and depression amongst our kids and teens—and amongst ourselves—is real, and that risk will be compounded as the need for physical distancing inevitably stretches to several weeks more.

So these are my recommendations for parents to help bolster the mental health of their kids and teens in the midst of this pandemic. You may find them helpful for yourself, as well.

SPECIAL - Coronavirus and Your Family: What Parents Need to Know - with Dr. Michael Daignault Mar 04, 2020

There's a flood of information about the COVID-19 coronavirus out there, and it can be challenging to tease out what it really means for you and your kids.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Michael Daignault—an emergency medicine physician with a global health background who's been on top of providing info & guidance on coronavirus these last several weeks—and we break down everything parents need to know about the coronavirus outbreak.

We cover:

What coronavirus is & why COVID-19 is such a big deal
What's making this spread more than SARS & MERS
Symptoms of coronavirus in your family
What makes COVID-19 so deadly
The current situation with children and coronavirus
Recommendations to keep your family healthy
The right way to wash hands
Thoughts on your family's travel plans -- keep or cancel?
Likely, best-, and worse-case scenarios of the coronavirus outbreak
How should you prepare for coronavirus?
Surgical masks vs. N95 masks -- whether they work & who should wear them
Will disinfectants work against COVID-19?
Current progress on treatments & vaccines for coronavirus

SHARE this episode by sharing the link www.drstevesilvestro.com/109

WATCH video of our conversation at www.youtube.com/drstevesilvestro

FOLLOW Dr. Michael Daignault on Instagram at @drdaignault

FOLLOW me on Instagram at @zendocsteve

Saving Your Child from Ostrich Attacks & Finding the Humor in Parenting - with James Breakwell Feb 19, 2020

Comedian Ray Romano once noted that "having children is like living in a frat house — nobody sleeps, everything's broken, and there’s a lot of throwing up."

As just about everyone listening to this right now knows, being a parent is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Sure, it’s also the most wonderful, joyous, meaningful thing you’ll ever do—but it’s no cakewalk.

That’s why it really is so important to be able to look at the craziness of raising kids—yes, including the vomit everywhere—and somehow find the humor in it all.

That’s the superpower of my guest today, James Breakwell. James is a professional comedy writer and self-described “amateur parent” of four girls, aged 8 and under. His parenting humor twitter account @XplodingUnicorn boasts over 1 million followers. Because of the way the social media world works, you may or may not recognize that account name, but I guarantee you’ve seen his writings if you’re on social media.

James’s online writing, most commonly taking the form of conversations between himself and one of his kids, deftly brings to life the innocence and absurdity of living in a house with tiny people whose understanding of the world is tenuous at best. But he does it in a way that I really appreciate and that makes him stand out from so many other parenting humorists—by respecting and marveling at his kids along the way.

He is the author of three books, including Only Dead on the Inside: A Parent’s Guide to Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse, Bare Minimum Parenting: The Ultimate Guide to Not Quite Ruining Your Child, and his newest book—How to Save Your Child from Ostrich Attacks, Accidental Time Travel, and Anything Else that Might Happen on an Average Tuesday.

This was a conversation that I really think you’re going to enjoy. If you do, and you want to share this episode by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/108 , neither James nor I will be offended!

Inspiring Kids to Change the World - with Katie Bowers, Managing Director of The Harry Potter Alliance.mp3 Jan 13, 2020

I’d say that anyone who’s paid attention to the news in the last few years, has been on social media—or has just conversed with other human beings—has probably gotten the sense now and then that the world seems on edge.

Still, many of us parents can get so inspired by our own kids that we get the sense that they’re going to change the world—or at least their own corner of it.

And a lot of kids might feel like they want to do exactly that.

But how to start? How to take the desire to do good and turn it into something real, something that can truly help people?

That’s the aim of my guest in this episode and the amazing organization she manages. I got to geek out a bit in this conversation because Katie Bowers is the managing director of the Harry Potter Alliance. No, it’s not some sort of group where people talk about how awesome Harry Potter is. No, the HPA takes the passion that fans of Harry Potter and other books and movies have, and helps them turn that passion into action.

As Katie says in our conversation:

“When people truly become passionate about a book or a character, it’s because they see themselves in that hero.”

And the HPA has turned fans’ passion into amazing results. With hundreds of thousands of members spanning 35 countries and six continents, the HPA has helped kids and adults create meaningful change around the world.

They’re pretty freaking awesome if you ask me!

In our conversation, we talk about:

The work of the HPA and how they “turn fans into heroes”
Why Harry Potter and other fictional characters inspire fans to make social change
How to decide what to do if you know you want to do something, but don’t know what or how
The power of “unironic enthusiasm”—the best way to foster your child’s eagerness to help
How to help your kids develop leadership qualities needed to bring about change
Why it’s okay to be Neville Longbottom instead of Harry or Hermione
Specific projects for preschoolers vs. elementary school aged kids vs. high schoolers
Tips for when your child’s project fails
The importance of building a good team around you
How to help kids handle the risks of the spotlight when they stand up for what they believe
Why kids might have a better opportunity to build bridges with those with opposing viewpoints than adults
How to teach kids to handle tough conversations with friends and loved ones with opposing views
And the value of “time, patience, love, and a willingness to keep at it.”

Guys, I got fired up by this conversation—it’s a great launchpad for you and your kids to make the world a better place.

If you get inspired by this episode, please take a screenshot of your podcast app as you listen, post it to your Instagram Story, and tag me @zendocsteve. You can also share this episode on Facebook and elsewhere by sharing the link www.drstevesilvestro.com/106

Parenting Resolutions for the New Year and Beyond Jan 02, 2020

Remember that "always wear sunscreen" song from the late-90s?

Well, here's my version—updated now that we're all parents. After taking care of thousands of kids for over a decade, plus raising two of my own for over twelve years, I’ve come to recognize the value of things that aren’t taught in books.

Here is some of my personal advice for a year of love, growth, and happiness for you and your family.

Enjoy!

What 'Frozen 2' Taught Me As A Parent Dec 16, 2019

I didn't walk into 'Frozen 2' expecting to be moved as deeply as I was. But an unexpected and brave choice struck a chord with me and, I hope, will have a positive impact on me & my family in the future.

This episode is also available as an article at www.drstevesilvestro.com/frozen

How to Make Homework Time Less of a Struggle - with Zoie Hoffman Dec 02, 2019

When your kids were little, chances are that you’d occasionally face a “witching hour”—usually somewhere between 5 and 7 PM—when everyone was cranky and emotions ran high.

Now your kids are older and what happens smack in the middle of that timeframe? Homework!

Whether kids have specific challenges with learning or are doing just fine in school, it seems that tears and battles over homework are über-prevalent today. I hear it from friends and patients, and have absolutely experienced it in my own home.

Sometimes it’s the volume of work. Other times, it’s hard and your kid swears that you’re helping them wrong (that’s always a fun one…). And sometimes it’s that your child just doesn’t feel like doing it right now—though you know it needs to get done.

Enter: Zoie Hoffman.

Zoie is the founder and lead tutor at Hoffman Tutoring Group, an online tutoring company that serves students in K-8thgrade. Zoie’s passion for personalized learning stems from her own experience struggling with academics in elementary and middle school. She dedicates her time to ensuring students get the education and mindset building they need to meet their academic goals through individualized tutoring sessions with amazing and qualified online tutors.

Zoie knows how to make homework less of a struggle for everyone—and she shares her tips in this episode.

Are kids having a harder time with homework today than in years past?
How to help kids organize their approach to assignments
Importance of taking breaks—and how long kids can be expected to focus based on their age
How to plan for long-term assignments & projects
Why you need to teach your kids how to get organized instead of expecting them to just know
The best time for your kids to do their homework
What to do if your family is too busy to keep up with homework routines
Tips for kids with ADHD & other learning challenges
How involved should parents be with their kids’ work?
Thoughts on the role of homework in today’s education
How reading logs can backfire & what to do instead
How to handle it when your child says you’re teaching it wrong
How to help your child through self-doubt
…and much more!’

This might be one of the most useful episodes to date! If there’s a moment that stands out to you as you listen, take a screenshot of your podcast player at that moment, post it on Instagram and tag me @zendocsteve.

To share this episode out with a friend who you think could use help making homework time less of a battle, share the link drstevesilvestro.com/homework.

Redefining Preparation for Childbirth & Beyond - with cofounder of Arrow Birth, Tara Campbell Lussier Nov 11, 2019

"People are not just birthing babies—they’re birthing themselves as parents.” - Tara Campbell Lussier, cofounder of Arrow Birth

Getting ready to have a baby is no small feat.

We've somehow turned this millennia-old rite of the human experience into work. There are books to read. Conversations to be had. Things to buy. Your body and nutrition to prep. Seemingly huge decisions to make.

This beautiful, natural experience can suddenly seem so overwhelming—which is why you want someone who is warm and wise by your side.

My guest in this episode is that person.

As you’ll hear when we first start talking, I first met Tara Campbell Lussier when my wife and I were looking for a Doula before our daughter was born. Tara, Monica, and I quickly hit it off and we’re so glad that we did. Tara was present for the births of both of my kids and she holds a special place in the heart of our family.

But after spending nearly 12 years running a vibrant solo doula practice in northern Virginia, Tara is now the cofounder of Arrow Birth—an online platform that is revolutionizing birth education around the world. I was honored and very happy to have been a part played a part in Arrow's Discover Birth Education Course, and it’s been a thrill to see Tara and the rest of her a wonderful team getting media coverage and winning accolades for the amazing work they’re doing.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

What a doula can offer
Why I wanted to step out of my doctor role for the birth of my children
Arrow’s platform bringing all the best experts from all facets of pregnancy, birth, and beyond—and what Tara learned by spending so much time speaking with them
A few lessons Tara has learned starting a business as a busy mom
The most important ways a mom can prepare herself for childbirth
How to prep for post-delivery
The biggest unmet needs in postpartum care
What we should be saying to & asking of moms in the postpartum period—both to best support them and to better recognize postpartum anxiety & depression
What moms actually need from visitors once they’re home with the baby
How Tara & Arrow are supporting moms and babies around the world
…and much more!

Tag me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn, and let me know what you think about my conversation with Tara Campbell Lussier!

Important Resources for You to Use: Book Mentioned In This Episode:

The Postpartum Husband: Practical Solutions for Living with Postpartum Depression - by Karen Kleiman, MSW

How to Lose Your Should, Tame Your Inner Critic, and Enjoy Parenting - with Dr. Alison Escalante Oct 28, 2019

We all have “To Do” lists—sometimes several of them at once.

But do you have a parenting To Do List? And of those list of things to do—whether they’re short-term or long-term—how many of them are things that NEED to get done, versus things you WANT to see happen, versus things you feel like you SHOULD be doing?

See, there’s a big difference—and my guest today will argue that all those “shoulds,” all those pressures we guiltily put on ourselves but are neither real needs nor wants, those “shoulds” just might be

Alison Escalante, MD believes our culture of anxiety is stealing parents' joy and telling them they can never do enough or get it right. She is a Pediatrician, TEDx Speaker, Writer and the Creator of the 3S method to help parents raise their kids skillfully AND enjoy doing it.

Dr. Escalante has degrees from Princeton in the history of ideas and Rutgers in medicine, and did her pediatric training at Duke and University of Chicago.

I found our conversation in Episode 101 of The Child Repair Guide to be quite a compelling argument for reassessing the personal and family goals we all set—and I bet you’ll find something in it compelling, too.

In our conversation, we talk about:

How the United States is tied for #1 in the world when it comes to anxiety—and why anxiety is so natural for parents to feel
Dr. Escalante describes the parenting “Should Storm”—and how our “shoulds” impact our kids and keep us from enjoying them as much as we could
The problem with “catastophizing”—how the small parenting choices you make AREN’T actually going to mess your kids up for life
How studies show that getting it wrong 70% of the time is actually good for your kids
Taming your inner critic
3 steps to ending the “Should Storm”—with real-life examples
Why so many parents feel the weight of Imposter Syndrome
How to prevent your kids from developing Imposter Syndrome, and grow up confident and resilient instead
We cover research showing that kids at high-achieving schools are as at-risk for mental and behavioral health problems as kids who suffer from poverty and abuse
And how the parenting experts don’t always get things right with their own families all the time (ahem!)

While you’re listening, if there’s a moment that really stands out to you, take a screenshot of your podcast player and post it to your Instagram Story and tag me in it—@zendocsteve—and I’ll share it out, too!

100th Episode - Lessons Learned for Raising Happy, Healthy, Confident Kids & Big Adventures Ahead! Oct 14, 2019

I can't believe it—100 episodes!

To celebrate this big milestone for The Child Repair Guide, I've dug deep into the archives to pluck out some of the absolute best insights from the pantheon of experts I've had the opportunity to speak with over the last 3 1/2 years.

You'll hear from:

Amy Morin, author of 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don't Do
Psychiatrist Dr. Lindsay Clendaniel
Patch Adams
Susan Kaiser Greenland, author of The Mindful Child
Marianne Perez de Fransius, cofounder of Bébé Voyage
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, @theguthealthmd
Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run

Each shares their 3 best tips for raising happy, healthy, confident kids, and each answer is unique & powerful.

Thanks so much for all of the support through this 100-episode journey. Here's to 100 more!

The Pressures of Being a "Perfect Mom" & Information Overwhelm - with Dr. Margaret Quinlan Sep 30, 2019

Has this ever happened to you?

You’re in the grocery store checkout line, pregnant, and a random stranger decides it’s okay to touch your belly.

Or

You encounter someone who has absolutely no medical training at all, but who is a self-proclaimed expert in something they passionately argue is crucial to the health of your family, even though doctors think it’s backward.

Or

No matter what choice you make in caring for yourself or your family, there is always someone in your life who gives you the side eye or makes a comment that leaves you feeling like you’re doing it wrong.

Well, you’re not alone.

And not only are you not alone right now—you’re experiencing challenges that mothers have faced for 100 years or more.

That’s the subject of You’re Doing It Wrong: Mothering, Media, and Medical Expertise, co-authored by Bethany Johnson and my guest in this episode, Dr. Margaret Quinlan.

And in our conversation, we covered a range of topics from her book, touching on issues that affect every mom out there, including:

Why the pressure of living up to “good mom” standards is so universal
How the source of parenting information has changed over the past 100 years
The subtle ways we put pressure on women even before they get pregnant
How the words we use to describe issues that arise in pregnancy & delivery can place unnecessary feelings of blame on mothers
How pregnancy is a “performance” in today’s society
The fact that so much advice and care has long been directed toward white, cis, middle and upper class women throughout history—and how that impacts people who don’t fit those labels
The rise of “lay experts,” and how anyone who is confident can present themselves as a self-described expert
How to navigate the abundance of lay experts on social media and online
What doctors should be doing to better help parents get good information and care

Take a listen, then post a screenshot of your podcast player to your Instagram Story & tag me @zendocsteve!

Why There's No Such Thing As Mindful Parenting | Speaking in Washington, DC Sept 2019 Sep 16, 2019

Decided to share one of my speaking engagements with you because -- I hope -- there are some pearls in here that you might find helpful.

Last week, I was invited to speak at Dentons in Washington, DC, to talk about "mindfulness for parents" with their Parent Professional Network.

You'll hear:

A powerful story from my pediatric training that shows how mindfulness can help us connect with ourselves in life-changing ways
How to bring mindfulness into your family even without formal meditation
Why putting our kids first and ourselves last ISN'T always in our kids' best interest
Why pediatricians & parents struggle with little old ladies!
HOW mindfulness works -- the most important part of the conversation that never gets discussed
A full guided imagery exercise
Why there's no such thing as "mindful parenting"

You can watch the video of this whole episode on my YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/drstevesilvestro

As always, I appreciate your feedback -- likes, comments & shares!

23 Things Your Preschool Teacher Wants You To Know - with Monica Silvestro Sep 03, 2019

I have a SUPER special guest this week—my amazing wife, Monica Silvestro!

Monica has built a life around education, health, and personal development—first working in the public health world on programs centered around youth education, then in the field of nutrition, and more recently in early childhood education.

Working with 3-year-olds for the last 6 years, Monica has come to recognize many of the obstacles that can keep young kids from having the most successful preschool experience possible—and she shares those insights with you here in this episode.

If you have a preschooler—or if you know someone who does—this is a must-hear episode!

How to Teach Kids to Combat Bullying - with Daniel Amaguana Aug 12, 2019

This is an episode I hope every parent hears.

Bullying has been a hot topic in the last several years, and for good reason. Up to half of all kids report being bullied by the end of high school. One in three kids admits to bullying someone else(!), and up to 70% of kids report witnessing bullying episodes take place.

All of which can have serious lifelong impacts on kids & teens.

Who better to tackle this than a 5th-degree black belt with a heart of gold?

Daniel Amaguana is becoming known as a premier expert in teaching kids &b teens how to use their voices to stand up for themselves.

He's making a critical impact in the world of anti-bullying advocacy, and you can learn his best tips here.

This is an episode you'll want to keep coming back to because there are pearls of wisdom right up through to the end!

As you listen, I'd love it if you could take a screenshot of your podcast player, share it to your Instagram Story, and tag me @zendocsteve.

You can also share this episode with parents & teachers who want to learn more about the best ways to combat bullying by sharing the link www.drstevesilvestro.com/bullying

So Your Kid Wants A YouTube Channel Jul 29, 2019

This is a quick and important point that all parents of today’s kids need to hear and pass on to their children.

If your kids have said they want a YouTube channel, you’re not alone—a new survey reports that three times more kids want to be a YouTube star than an astronaut (good news: almost as many kids want to be a teacher).

I’m actually okay with this desire—if it’s for the right reasons.

To make sure that’s the case, this is the conversation you need to have with your kids:

And because our kids are all of the YouTube generation, you can show them a video of this episode—so they can see it for themselves—on MY YouTube channel, youtube.com/drstevesilvestro

And let me know what you think—leave a comment on the YouTube video or send me a DM on Instagram @zendocsteve

The Power of Apologizing to Your Kids Jul 01, 2019

I messed up. I made my daughter cry. It wasn't pretty, and I felt awful afterward.

But I've learned in my 11 1/2 years of parenting that owning your mistakes and apologizing to your kids is POWERFUL.

In fact, the 3 BIG lessons I discuss in this episode can be used by you and your kids to make each other and your relationships stronger.

If this episode resonates with you, take a screenshot as you listen, post to your Instagram Story, and tag me @zendocsteve!

Find the article version of this episode here: https://www.drstevesilvestro.com/power-of-apologizing-to-your-kids

Potty Training Tips: Overcome the 6 Most Common Obstacles Jun 10, 2019

Whether you’re on the verge of starting to potty train, in the middle of it, or having no success at all, this is the episode for you.

This is a completely revamped update to my 2016 episode, making this the most comprehensive conversation about potty training anywhere.

Learn how to introduce potty training in a fun way, plus overcome your child's lack of interest, refusal, constipation, fear, accidents, and bedwetting.

Please share this episode if it helps you!

The Participation Trophy Problem Isn't What You Think. Here's What Is. May 30, 2019

I don't know about you, but my kids' dressers are jam-packed with trophies, medals, and ribbons.

And all but two or three are for participation.

Every season, the participation trophy stirs up debate. But the debate usually misses the point.

Here's how to use the trophy to help your kid develop growth mindset & grit.

Kids and Technology: Top Expert Tips for Parents - with Marc Groman & Dr. David Reitman May 13, 2019

Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, this is an episode you need to hear.

I sit down with Marc Groman, former Obama White House tech and privacy advisor, and Dr. David Reitman, adolescent medicine expert -- who together host the podcast Their Own Devices -- to cover everything from screen time and development, behavior, sexting, cyberbullying, kids' online privacy, and more.

Everything you need to know to help your kids manage their digital lives in a healthy, safe way.

The full transcript of this episode is available at https://www.drstevesilvestro.com/90

The Measles Outbreak: What Parents Really Need to Know Apr 27, 2019

As you've likely heard, there's a measles outbreak.

But if it's only infected a few hundred people, why all the fuss? Is this something you actually need to be concerned about?

This episode was inspired by a conversation with a parent who asked me those very questions.

Take a few minutes to listen, as I break down everything you need to know about why we care about measles outbreaks—plus what you need to know to keep your family healthy.

And spread the word—share this episode as both a podcast & an article via the link drstevesilvestro.com/measles

Listener Mailbag: What If Your Child Isn't Hungry in the Morning for Breakfast? Apr 15, 2019

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day," right?

But what if your child isn't hungry before school? Is that a problem? What's going on & what should you do?

In the first "Listener Mailbag" episode of The Child Repair Guide, I answer a listener's question about this very topic.

If you'd like to submit a question for me to answer on the podcast, follow me on Instagram @zendocsteve and send me a DM, or leave a voicemail at the number mentioned in this episode!

Solving Discipline Problems - with the author of '1-2-3 Magic,' Dr. Thomas Phelan Apr 01, 2019

Kids don't come with an instruction manual (just a "Child Repair Guide!"), and the parenting section in bookstores can be overwhelming. And yet, there are a handful of books that have stood the test of time. 1-2-3 Magic is one of them, having sold nearly 2 million copies over close to 30 years.

My guest today is the author of this perennially bestselling discipline guide, Dr. Thomas Phelan. Dr. Phelan has worked with children, adults and families for over 35 years. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Illinois Psychological Association. Dr. Phelan is the author of numerous books, DVDs and audios, the most popular being 1-2-3 Magic: 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting, which is now in its 6th edition and has sold nearly 2 million copies. He maintains an active schedule of international lectures and his articles appear in many regional and national publications.

And in our conversation, Dr. Phelan outlines the 3 simple steps you can use to radically change discipline challenges in your home.

A Psychologist's Tips for Helping Kids with Pain - with Dr. Lindsay Clendaniel Feb 11, 2019

I hurt when my kids hurt.

It's heartbreaking as a parent to watch your child be in pain.

And if your child has chronic pain, it can take such a toll on your family that you'd do everything possible to help your child feel better

This episode is going to give you everything you need to understand--and help--your child with pain.

My guest is Lindsay Clendaniel, PhD, a pediatric psychologist and director of Thinking Tree Psychology. Dr. Clendaniel specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents and young adults with anxiety and health-related adjustment issues. Among other topics, Dr. Clendaniel has particular expertise in pain management, having presented at national conferences on the topic and helped hundreds of families learn to manage chronic pain so that kids and teens can live their best possible lives.

If your child has dealt with pain--especially chronic pain--you need to hear this conversation.

The Activity Your Family Needs to Start This year: The Jar of Awesome Jan 28, 2019

We'd all love to raise kids who are positive and who can appreciate the good in their lives.

In this episode, I describe a simple, fun activity that can help your family do exactly that.

This activity has brought so much warmth, joy, and gratitude into my family over the past year, I'm thrilled to share the idea with you.

You can share this episode as both a podcast an article by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/83

Also, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter at drstevesilvestro.com to stay on top of exciting announcements that will be coming soon!

Helping Kids & Teens Find Direction - with Career Coach Jason Levin Jan 02, 2019

As parents, we can plant the seeds, but our kids have to do the growing themselves.

That's a great-sounding quote, but it's not always easy for us parents to swallow.

Why? Because we want our kids to succeed, we want the best for them.

As a result, it can be so hard to find that balance between a nudge in the right direction and letting them take their own steps, versus leading them hand-in-hand down the path with the idea of protecting them so that they don’t fail…..which, as anyone who’s followed me long enough knows, is a sure way lead to failure in the end.

So whether you have young kids or a teen who’s off to college, the question becomes this:How do we help our kids and teens find direction, to find themselves and their own path, without inserting OURselves in the way? How do we nudge our kids in a way that helps them become who they want to be?

To get the answer, I turned to career and outplacement coach Jason Levin...and the result is an episode that might help both kids & parents find our own paths

Updated Re-Air: Fevers in Children - How to Treat & When to Worry Dec 17, 2018

This is a unique episode because this is the very first time that I’ve ever re-broadcast a previously aired episode—and I’m doing it for a good reason.

Fevers tend to stress us all out, making it important for every parent to know when to worry, when not to, how to fix them, what thermometers to get, why fevers get higher at night, and more.

In addition to this episode—one of the very first of the podcast—I've now created an article version of this information—updated & with even more useful info added. Check it out at drstevesilvestro.com/fever

Helping Your Kids Win at Holiday Behavior Dec 03, 2018

The holiday season is often hyped up to kids as “the most wonderful time of year,” a time that they simply must enjoy.

After all, it’s packed with parties, pumpkin pie, candy canes, sleepovers with cousins—and, depending on your family’s traditions, the promise of presents.

But sweet treats, packed holiday schedules, and tons of excitement can result in overtired, sugar-crashed, cranky kids more destined for the naughty list than the nice.

This short episode features simple tips you can use to help ensure you and your kids can enjoy a smooth, happy holiday season!

6 Tips for Staying Zen While Traveling with Kids Nov 12, 2018

I'm sure you've probably already noticed—traveling with kids is a lot different from traveling pre-kids!

Whether you're traveling next week for a holiday, headed off to beach, or jetting around the world on an adventure, taking the kids along brings both wonderful joy & new stress.

You might remember that back in Episode 08, I interviewed Marianne Perez de Fransius, cofounder of Bébé Voyage, for her great practical tips and secrets for getting the most out of traveling as a family.

I'm proud to announce that I've joined the team at Bébé Voyage, both as a Medical Advisor and "Zen Expert," to help families keep healthy & happy in their travels.

To help you beat—and prevent—stress on your next trip, here are my 6 Tips for Staying Zen While Traveling with Kids.

Big trip planned?

Bébé Voyage Travel Guides provide you with everything you need to travel with your baby, infant or toddler. Their travel guides feature:

the best things to see and do with young kids,
family-friendly accommodations,
what to do if your child gets sick,
where to stock up on diapers, formula, etc.,
how to find a babysitter,
key words and phrases,
and much more.

Use promo code ZENDOC for 10% off your travel guide purchase on the Bébé Voyage website: www.bebevoyage.com

They currently have guides for:

London
Paris
Chicago
Tokyo
and Sydney
with more coming soon!

Once again, that's promo code ZENDOC for 10% off your travel guide purchase on the Bébé Voyage website: www.bebevoyage.com

Teaching Kids Empathy & Compassion Oct 15, 2018

Some time ago, a friend and I were having a discussion on Instagram about some of the terrible headlines in recent years. We were questioning how the world got to where we are today, and what we could do to raise kids who would grow up to make things better.

Our conclusion? We need to teach our children empathy--the ability to see the world through someone else's eyes.

The road to making the world a better place for our kids begins by encouraging them to develop these skills.

In this episode, I show you the easiest way to do it.

Share this episode as a podcast or an article by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/empathy

*****

This episode is sponsored by Wonder Crate, a monthly subscription box for kids ages 7-11 that encourages them to expand what they think is possible for themselves and the impact they can have in the world. Head to www.wondercratekids.com and use the code CHILD to get 20% off your subscription.

Talking to Kids about Puberty - with Author of "The Care and Keeping of You," Dr. Cara Natterson Oct 01, 2018

This episode is a MUST-LISTEN for every parent!

“The Talk.”

There are a few big “The Talks” that come up in parenting, and one of the biggest is talking to kids about puberty.

Whether topics like puberty are subjects for dinner table conversation in your family or something that causes awkward hesitation for everyone involved, there are things that you need to know.

My superstar guest—Dr. Cara Natterson—is a pediatrician, consultant, and the author of the New York Times bestselling The Care and Keeping of You book series for girls, and her new book, Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys—making her the go-to expert for talking to kids about growing up and taking care of their bodies.

Learn more about Dr. Natterson, her books, and more at www.drstevesilvestro.com/puberty

This episode is sponsored by Wonder Crate, a monthly subscription box for kids ages 7-11 that encourages them to expand what they think is possible for themselves and the impact they can have in the world. Head to www.wondercratekids.com and use the code CHILD to get 20% off your subscription.

Teaching Internet Safety to Kids & Teens Sep 18, 2018

Your kids and teens are online—and you need to keep them safe & know that they’re making the right choices.

If they can follow the advice in this episode, then you can be assured they will be.

This episode features audio from the first of a new series of videos I’ll be releasing.

I’d be SO grateful if you could share the video on Facebook here to help spread this message! ALSO, subscribe to my YouTube channel here so that you don’t miss any of my new videos as they’re released!

Post-Pregnancy Fitness - with Elite Athlete and CoFounder of SISSFiT, Lauren Collins Sep 03, 2018

One of my strongest beliefs is this: You have to learn to take care of yourself in order to better care for your kids.

Of course, that often seems more easily said than done.

Once the baby comes, life is forever changed. Free time seems to disappear. You're tired all the time. And your body is...different.

Pregnancy changes your body in ways that can be both beautiful and challenging.

Our culture places so much emphasis on "losing the baby weight" -- but what if there could more than that? What if you could be stronger -- both physically AND mentally -- after your baby than you were before?

My guest in this episode knows how to get you there.

Lauren Collinsis a phenomenal athlete. After an injury sidelined her Olympic bid in track and field, Lauren channeled her athletic prowess into a career in sports modeling. With her sister, Kelly, she cofounded SISSFiT -- a fitness brand that inspires and empowers women around the world to take their fitness into their own hands.

And along the way, Lauren became a mom -- experiencing first-hand the challenges that new moms face, and carving out her own amazing path forward.

Lauren Collins will get you inspired and strong -- and shares her top tips for moms in this interview.

This Story Inspired Me To Be A Better Parent Aug 27, 2018

As a pediatrician and host of a parenting & kids’ health podcast, I come across a lot of parenting stories. Some are cute. Some are funny. Many, especially those I encountered personally when I used to work in a hospital, can be heartbreaking.

But few stories have ever stopped me in my tracks, leaving me both stunned and inspired, promising myself to strive to be better tomorrow.

Until this one.

I have a feeling that this story will inspire you to make tomorrow better.

Please SHARE this episode & article by sharing the link drstevesilvestro.com/72

PLUS, sign up for my Mindfulness for Parents Online Course, where you can learn everything you need to help you make tomorrow better for your family by learning to care for yourself so you can better care for your kids. Use the code PODCAST for 20% off - register at drstevesilvestro.com/courses

Sports Nutrition for Kids & Teens - with Dr. Jacqueline Winkelmann Aug 13, 2018

No matter what time of year it is, it’s almost always a sports season for your child. Whether they’re playing multiple sports throughout the year, or one sport all year long, many of today’s kids are full-time athletes.

And when you consider that our kids are also constantly growing, changing, and learning, it’s clear that we parents need to make sure that we give them the fuel they need for success.

My guest today is on a mission to do exactly that.

This episode is a MUST-LISTEN for parents and coaches of young athletes!

Get more info at www.drstevesilvestro.com/71

Anxiety in Children - A Therapist's Tips for Parents, with Laurie Chaikind McNulty Jul 30, 2018

It can be both hard & heartbreaking to see your child suffer from anxiety -- especially if you don't know how to help.

In this episode, Laurie Chaikind McNulty gives you EVERYTHING you need to know to help your child, including:

Why kids are dealing with so much anxiety today
The root of children's anxiety
How to tell the difference between age-appropriate behavior & anxiety-related behavior
How to know when your child might need therapy, medication, or a new team
Ways that anxiety can present itself in your child--besides "fear"
Practical tools you can use at home to help your child with anxiety
Separation Anxiety
Social Anxiety
Phobias
Fear of vomiting
How to prevent your anxious child from ramping up -- and how to help them wind back down
Tips for parents to keep their cool when their child is feeling anxious
...and a whole lot more!

Find specific tools, videos, and other resources you can use right now at www.drstevesilvestro.com/70

Night Terrors in Children - How to Stop Them Jul 16, 2018

Night terrors certainly live up to their name. They're scary to watch and break parents' hearts.

But how do you tell the difference between night terrors and a bad dream?

More importantly, how do you make them stop?

This episode is going to show you how to recognize a night terror, how to tell a difference between night terrors and nightmares, why they happen, and how to end them so that you and your child can sleep peacefully once more.

*

This episode is brought to you by Big Life Journal, an amazing young company that creates products for parents & educators to help kids develop a Growth Mindset. Visit www.biglifejournal.com and use code ZENDOCSTEVE to get 10% off our purchase.

Secrets of Resilient Kids - with Dr. Rebecca Resnik Jul 02, 2018

Why is resilience such a big deal right now?

I ask myself this question because as much as I want to share this epsiode & its insights with you, I genuinely want to know myself.

On The Child Repair Guide, I've covered growth mindset with Alexandra Eidens; I've talked to Amy Morin about mental strength. But why is resilience-- this idea of bouncing back, picking yourself back up after you've failed so you can try again -- why is this a topic that it seems all of us parents want to instill in our children?

Maybe it's because our generation of parents, we've been through war, political strife. We've been through recession. We've seen bubbles burst. We know that there is no gold watch when you retire -- if you retire -- and that everybody needs a side gig.

Perhaps we know that no matter how many classes and sports and talents we sign our kids up to learn, the skill that's going to help them the most in life is to learn how tobounce back.

My guest in this episode is award-winning child psychologist Dr. Rebecca Resnik. In addition to taking care of children and their parents, Dr. Resnik is an accomplished author, a renowned speaker, and extraordinarily active in the world of child psychology. Her goal is to help those whose lives she touches "feeling more hopeful, less stressed, and with a plan in hand for overcoming challenges."

In short, she teaches people how to bounce back.

This is a great episode chock-full of tips to help you teach your kids to be more resilient.

This episode is brought to you by Big Life Journal. Big Life Journal is a parent favorite -- with over 10,000 5-star reviews! -- helping kids create a growth mindset through the original Big Life Journal, and now downloadable activity kits, posters, and more. Head to biglifejournal.com, use the code ZENDOCSTEVE for 10% off your purchase and help your kids become the amazing people they want to be!

Raising Boys to Become Good Men - with Andrea Stough and Rick Houston Jun 19, 2018

"I can't believe the news today." If you've found yourself saying that in the past few years, chances are you're responding to an act committed by a man.

Sexual assault, gun violence, political atrocities -- all are the result of masculinity gone wrong.

And while it's easy to say, "My boy would never...," how can you be sure?

In this stellar conversation, experts Andrea Stough and Rick Houston show you how to raise boys to become GOOD MEN.

Tips for When Your Kids Are Bored (and Why Boredom Can Be Good!) Jun 04, 2018

"I'm bored" is high on the list of kid phrases that irritate parents.

That's why it's so easy for us to quickly offer a half dozen suggestions in response.

But it turns out that letting our kids be bored is actually good for them. As in REALLY good.

In this episode, I show you why -- PLUS offer *you* a dozen suggestions to help you let your kids be bored the "right" way so that they can use the experience to foster creativity, leadership, and personal growth.

You'll never hear "I'm bored" the same way again!

**This episode is sponsored by Big Life Journal, a company that strives to help children develop a growth mindset. Pick up their new Growth Mindset Activity Kit (something to keep your kids from being bored!) at www.biglifejournal.com and use the code ZENDOCSTEVE for 10% off your purchase.

How to Talk So Kids Get Stuff Done! May 21, 2018

One of the hardest things in parenting is getting kids to realize that there are things you have to do simply because they must get done––whether or not you actually want to do them.

Sometimes it’s a little thing: “Would you please just get your shoes on so we can leave the house??” Other tasks––like tackling Mount Laundry or starting that big assignment that’s due next week—are a bit bigger.

In this episode, learn a simple, 2-question technique you can use to activate your child's own intrinsic motivation to GET STUFF DONE!

This episode is sponsored by Big Life Journal. Help your children develop the mindset they need to live their dreams. Visit www.biglifejournal.com and use code ZENDOCSTEVE for 10% off your purchase.

Youth Baseball Injuries - with New York Yankees Team Physician, Dr Christopher Ahmad, and Major League Soccer Medical Coordinator, John Gallucci Jr. May 07, 2018

Youth baseball injuries are dramatically rising. In this episode, New York Yankees Head Team Physician, Dr. Christopher Ahmad, and Major League Soccer Medical Coordinator, John Gallucci Jr., stop by The Child Repair Guide to help you keep your young player healthy and performing at their best!

In This Episode, We Talk About:

Why there's been an increase in the number & severity of youth baseball injuries
Thoughts on sport specialization vs. playing multiple sports
Pitching injuries
Questions about pitch counts and when to teach kids curveballs
How to create an environment in which your player can feel comfortable about knowing when to stop when hurt
Common non-pitching-related injuries
Basic ways to prevent injury
How to know when your player can start resistance training
Thoughts on the new USA Bats standards and their relationship to safety
and a whole lot more...

Get a copy of Ahmad & Gallucci's new book, Play Ball: Don't Let Injury Sideline You This Season, at www.drstevesilvestro.com/baseball

Your Breastfeeding Questions Answered - Part Two Apr 16, 2018

A while back, I asked followers of my Facebook page about their challenges and questions about breastfeeding.

The response was so overwhelming that we had to split the questions into two episodes! After covering dozens of questions in Part One, Dr. Gabriela Maradiaga Panayotti and I cover so much more here in Part Two today!

We cover:

Nipple shields-- when to use them & how to know when to stop
Whether foods in a mom's diet can cause gassinessin a baby
Signs that a food in your diet is causing a medical problem in your baby
Mastitis-- why it happens & how to treat it
What to do if you think you have excess lipasein your milk
Nursing beyond a year -- whether there's any benefit, what challenges you might face, and more
Pros and cons of nursing while pregnant
Tandem nursing
Tips for weaning a toddler
and a whole lot more...

Tag me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn, and let me know what you think about my conversation with Dr. Panayotti!

Improve Your Child's Memory (and Yours!) - with Memory Expert Brad Zupp Apr 02, 2018

How can you help your child learn when you can't remember why you just walked into the kitchen?

It's a cruel coincidence, isn't it? As parents, we're tasked with trying to help teach our kids how to learn -- right when we're at an age when our own memories show the first signs that they're not quite what they used to be.

My guest in this episode has the secrets to helping you and your kids unlock the power of the memory -- with amazing results.

Brad Zupp is a man of many talents. After years of performing with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Brad developed successful careers as both a realtor and financial planner. But his real love developed along the way, as what began as an interesting experiment to improve his own memory turned into a passion and, ultimately, participation in the World Memory Championships.

A sample of Brad's astonishing memory feats includes:

Memorizing a deck of playing cards in 85 seconds
Memorizing 117 names in 15 minutes
Memorizing 1,250 digits in 30 minutes

In our conversation below, Brad shares the secret memory habits he uses -- so that you and your kids can use them, too!

Modern Manners for Moms & Dads - with Evie Granville & Sarah Davis Mar 19, 2018

When I settled on the name of the podcast, it was a play on the fact that kids don't come with an instruction manual -- hence, "The Child Repair Guide."

But what if there was an instruction manual?

My guests today are experts in helping parents navigate the complexity and comedy of raising kids. Evie Granville and Sarah Davis are moms, educators, and best friends whose podcast, Best Friend Banter, covers all the things that two best friends would talk about. Their focus is to guide parents through all the questions about parenting etiquette and manners that arise every day. What do you do when your child makes a mess in public? Does your child have to write thank you cards for birthday presents? What to say when your toddler says something embarrassing to a stranger? Through their podcast, blog, and upcoming book, Sarah and Evie are your go-to resource for all these questions and more.

This episode was a blast to record, and I guarantee that you'll both love listening and learn some wise insight into how best to raise your family!

My Guest Appearance Talking about Mindfulness for Parents on the 'Best Friend Banter' Podcast with Evie + Sarah Mar 05, 2018

Every now and then, I get to play the role of guest on someone else's podcast!

Evie Granville and Sarah Davis host "Best Friend Banter," an engaging, funny, and heartfelt podcast covering just about everything that two best friend moms might talk about together.

Their show really is both entertaining and educational -- especially since they've begun to focus on "modern manners for moms and dads." In fact, I'll be sharing with you my interview with them next week, in which we talk about all kinds of parenting etiquette and kid manners situations -- many of which I guarantee you'v experienced yourself!

But the topic at hand today is "Mindfulness for Parents." And, since this is one of my areas of expertise, Sarah and Evie were curious to pick my brain on what mindfulness is, how parents can fit it in their already-busy schedules, and why they should.

This conversation was a blast to record & I think you'll get a lot out of it!

Scoliosis in Kids: A Primer for Parents - with Dr. Mia Ortega Feb 26, 2018

Scoliosis is something that most parents have heard of--but would you know how to look for it in your child? Or what problems might arise if it goes undiscovered?

Dr. Mia Ortega stops by The Child Repair Guide this week to talk about all of this and more in this great, practical conversation about scoliosis in kids.

Enjoy!

Dealing with Pregnancy Loss - with Dr. Julie Bindeman Feb 12, 2018

When it comes to parenting, sometimes it seems like people have something to say about everything.

Potty training. Sleep. What your kids are or aren't eating. Screen time. Activities.

The list goes on and on...

And yet, sometimes the things that are the hardest for us to go through end up not being talked about enough.

Or -- worse still -- not at all.

Pregnancy loss is one of those topics.

As the founder and co-director of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington, psychologist Julie Bindeman, Psy-D, helps parents learn how to manage the multifaceted, emotional experience of losing a pregnancy. And as a mom and a woman who has experienced this herself, she brings the powerful insight of someone who has walked in her clients' shoes.

This is a conversation that I hope will be helpful to many, many people, as pregnancy loss is an experience that is much more common than most of us realize -- and it's something that no one should have to manage alone.

Growth Mindset & Grit: Setting Your Child Up For Success - with the Co-Creator of the 'Big Life Journal,' Alexandra Eidens Jan 29, 2018

This is an episode that I've been so excited to finally share with you.

Why?

Because the topic of this episode is the KEY to showing your child how to find success in life (and, if we're honest, it's the key to you finding it, too!).

And it doesn't really matter what your definition of "success" is--whether it's a career, happiness, personal satisfaction.

The necessary ingredient in the journey toward success is the right mindset--a Growth Mindset, to be specific.

Yes, I fully recognize that it can sound hokey to talk about "mindset" as the solution to any problem. But I'll tell you what--I've decided that helping my own children develop a growth mindset is one of my most important tasks as their parent.

There really isn't any statement stronger than that to show you how important this topic is.

Gut Health, Probiotics, Good Bacteria & Your Kids - with 'The Gut Health MD,' Dr. Will Bulsiewicz Jan 15, 2018

You might have noticed -- talking about gut health and good bacteria is all the rage right now.

Everywhere you look, you see it: probiotics, probiotics, kombucha, fermented foods, and more...

And it's for good reason.

We are covered in and contain billions and billions of bacteria. And while we're still only scratching the surface of understanding what they do, it seems that they have a major influence on everything from development and even behavior, to the diseases we get and how we fight them.

In essence, our body's normal bacteria play a big part in helping us be us.

To help shed some light on all of these nuances, I spoke with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, who is perhaps best known as 'The Gut Health MD.'

Increasing Your Family's Happiness & Eliminating Frustrations Jan 01, 2018

Whether you're making New Year Resolutions or it's the middle of July and you feel that something needs to change, it's always the right time to start making things better for you and your family.

But what to do first?

This simple exercise can help you and your kids figure out what to tackle--whether it's eliminating the negative or focusing on the good--so that you and your family can live the amazing life you want!

This episode comes with a printable worksheet available at www.drstevesilvestro.com/8020

Your End-of-Year Mindset as a Parent Dec 27, 2017

How you end one year impacts how you start the next. And as a parent, your mindset affects more than just you. In this short episode, I point out the one mindset-killer that so many of us do on social media this time of year. Take a moment to listen so you don't fall into this trap, too!

Kids Lying: What to Do - with Alyson Schafer Dec 18, 2017

How do you handle it when your child lies?

This is such a tough question that every parent faces. And it leads to even more questions...Do you punish the lie? Let it slide? Coax the truth out of your child? How do you prevent this from becoming a habit?

Is there a better way to respond than what you're currently doing?

Parenting expert Alyson Schafer returns in this outstanding episode, giving you practical tips for what to do when your child lies.

Facebook: Dr. Steve Silvestro & The Child Repair Guide

Twitter/Instagram: @zendocsteve

YouTube: youtube.com/drstevesilvestro

Teaching Kids About Private Part Safety Dec 04, 2017

This is an extremely important discussion to have with your kids, especially with sexual assault and harassment perpetually in the news.

The trouble is, you might not be saying the right thing to keep your child safest.

In this audio clip from an upcoming video release, I tell you why we might be going about this conversation the wrong way, and I let you know exactly what you should say to your kids.

Now that video content is being incorporated into The Child Repair Guide, make sure you follow me on Facebook and subscribe to my YouTube channel to catch all the videos as they come!

What You're Thankful For Nov 22, 2017

This is a special episode with listener submissions to remind us all what we're doing this for.

I hope that this episode makes you smile--and, more importantly, inspires you to take a moment to reflect on what you're thankful for.

Tag me on Instagram @zendocsteve and let me know what you love about your family!

This episode first appeared at www.drstevesilvestro.com/podcasts

Things Mentally Strong Parents DON'T Do - with Amy Morin Nov 20, 2017

You may or may not recognize Amy Morin’s name, but I guarantee that you’ve read her work.

Her mega-viral article on 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do has been viewed and shared millions of times and has likely rolled across your Facebook feed several times in the past couple of years.

The universal truths and power of that article led to Amy’s first bestselling book, a TED talk, and more — and now she’s brought her unique wisdom to the world of parenting with her new book, 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do: Raising Self-Assured Children and Training Their Brains for a Life of Happiness, Meaning, and Success.

This is one of my all-time favorite interviews, and I guarantee that you’ll walk away from this one with several new insights into how to best raise your family.

This episode first appeared at www.drstevesilvestro.com/50

How to Talk to Kids about Race - with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum Nov 06, 2017

This is an outstanding episode that every parent needs to hear!

I got the chance to talk with one of the nation's leading experts on race, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, about how to discuss the topic of race with kids. Dr. Tatum is an author of three critically-acclaimed books on race, including Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together In The Cafeteria: And Other Conversations About Race.She's also the former president of Spelman College and has been fostering conversations about race for her entire career.

We dive into so much in this conversation, including why it's so hard for parents to talk about race with kids; how our early experiences with race shape our judgements; how to use every day moments as teaching points; how to talk to kids about social injustice; and so much more.

This is one you've GOT to hear! Let me know on Facebook what you think!

Your Breastfeeding Questions Answered, Part One - with Dr. Gabriela Maradiaga Panayotti Oct 23, 2017

We advertise breastfeeding as if it's easy, with moms and babies figuring it out as naturally as breathing air. We lie.

Sure, it does come very easily to some moms. And even those who have challenges early on can often get to a point where breastfeeding is natural and simple.

But for most women, nursing a baby presents a host of questions and challenges -- some when you're first starting out, and others popping up as time goes on.

In fact, this is a special episode because I crowdsourced questions from followers of my Facebook page, and you responded in force -- with tons of questions and stories of your nursing triumphs and challenges.

My guest in this episode is the outstanding Dr. Gabriela Maradiaga Panayotti. She is the medical director of the Duke Children's Healthy Lifestyle Clinic, a former medical director of the Duke Regional Newborn Nursery, and helps lead the Breastfeeding Task Force for Duke Children's Primary Care.

You submitted so many questions, we're going to have a Part Two to this episode soon. In this Part One, we cover tons of breastfeeding topics, including:

What you can do before the baby comes to get a head start on successful nursing
What to expect in the first few weeks of nursing a baby
Signs of a good latch & how to get it
Pain -- what's normal and what's not
Emotional changes while nursing
Tongue ties
How to tell if your baby is getting enough
Supply issues -- both undersupply and oversupply
What to do when your baby starts sleeping through the night
How to build up your supply if it starts to decrease
Medications & nursing
Transitioning back to work
Weaning
...and a whole lot more!

Tag me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or LinkedIn, and let me know what you think about my conversation with Dr. Gabriela Maradiaga Panayotti -- and send in any questions you want to see in Part Two!

Helping Your Child Adjust to Daylight Saving Time Oct 09, 2017

Back before you had kids, the idea of changing the clocks and getting an extra hour of sleep sounded great. But now that there are little people involved, arbitrarily changing your family's schedule sounds like a nightmare.

Use these simple tips to help your child adjust to Daylight Saving Time--whether it's the Spring or the Fall--and ensure that everyone gets the sleep they need!

What Your Kid's Dentist Wishes You Knew Sep 25, 2017

In this episode, I interview pediatric dentist Dr. Heather Solander and get the scoop on everything to do with keeping your kids' teeth healthy.

She answers questions about:

When to start brushing
Tips for getting a reluctant toddler to let you brush
How old your child should be before she brushes her own teeth
The issue of fluoride toxicity in kids
The safety of X-rays
How to choose a dentist
What to do if you think your dentist is too quick to do procedures
The different types of sedation dentists use for procedures and how they might affect your kids
and a whole lot more!

SHARE this episode and learn more at www.drstevesilvestro.com/dentist

And, as always, subscribe & please leave a review!

Tantrums at the Start of the Schoolyear Sep 04, 2017

First few weeks of school, kids come home and they're a mess.

Are you experiencing this?

Well, you're not alone.

In this episode, I talk about what's going on, why this is a common occurrence, and what you can do about it.

Introducing Your Child to the New Baby Aug 15, 2017

When you’re expecting another baby, the initial excitement can soon give way to a wave of worrying thoughts:

“I hope I can love this new baby as much as I love my first.”

“Will I end up loving my first any less?”

And, of course: “We’re good now—are we screwing things up by bringing someone else into the mix?”

As a result, there’s a lot of emotional weight riding on the first meeting between your older child and the new baby, as well as on those early weeks at home.

Following these tips can prepare your child for the new baby and help to make the introduction of the new sibling go as smoothly as possible.

This post was first published at www.drstevesilvestro.com/44, and is sponsored by Audible -- get your free audiobook and 30-day free membership at www.drstevesilvestro.com/audible

Getting Kids to Talk Nicely to Each Other (and You!) Aug 01, 2017

We often tell kids to "think before you speak." But what does that really mean? What should they think?

In this episode, we cover 3 simple questions you can teach your kids to think before they speak -- hopefully putting a dent in any sibling bickering at home, while also teaching your kids an important interpersonal skill to have as they grow.

This episode was first published at www.drstevesilvestro.com/43, and is brought to you by Audible. Get your free 30 day trial of Audible PLUS a free audiobook you can keep by clicking here: drstevesilvestro.com/audible

The Splinter Removal Guide - Tweezers or...a Banana? Jul 10, 2017

Taking out a splinter -- easy for some, intimidating for others, and rarely a fun experience for kids.

This episode gives you the low-down on the best way to remove splinters from your kids, plus some more...unconventional...methods you can try if your kids simply won't let you get close with a pair of tweezers.

Plus, learn when a splinter--yes, a splinter--might need to be evaluated by a doctor.

*This episode is brought to you by my favorite tool for surviving long car trips with the kids--Audible. Listening to audiobooks on car rides with the kids is a great way to hold out on giving the iPad or the phone, plus it's a great way to bond as a family. Get a free 30-day trial, PLUS a free audiobook that you can keep forever, by visiting www.drstevesilvestro.com/audible

This episode first appeared at www.drstevesilvestro.com/42

One Easy Step to Kind Kids Jun 26, 2017

We can all agree that raising kids who value being kind to others is important -- both for our families and for the world around us.

But how to do it?

In this episode, I share a simple, yet fun, technique you can use to raise kind kids. We've seen the impact of this tool in my own family since we started using it a few years ago, and I'm sure you'll find it helpful, too.

You can share this episode as both a podcast and an article to read by sharing the link www.drstevesilvestro.com/41

SUBSCRIBE on iTunes and LEAVE A REVIEW!

Be well & have fun!

How to Tell Kids About a Loved One's Illness Jun 12, 2017

This is a special edition of The Child Repair Guide featuring a guest-host, Dr. Amanda Thompson. Dr. Thompson is a pediatric psychologist and Medical Director of Patient Support Services in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s National Health System in Washington, DC. My interview with Dr. Thompson on How to Talk to Kids About Death, Grief, and Loss is a powerful episode and a listener-favorite. In this episode, she guides you through another challenging experience of parenting: telling your kids about a loved one’s serious illness.

You can find the full text of this episode at www.drstevesilvestro.com/40

If you find this or any other episode of The Child Repair Guide helpful, please share with your friends and leave a review on your podcast app!

Parent Self-Care 101 - with Nancy Harazduk May 08, 2017

"Parent self-care." Perhaps even taking care of yourself first. It just sounds wrong, doesn't it?

Yet it might be one of the most important things you can do for your kids.

See, we're all built with a "save the kids!" mentality, as if we're jumping off the Titanic and there's room in the lifeboat for just one more. It's a natural inclination that's great for the survival of the species -- put the next generation first so that the human race can keep on.

Luckily, most of us don't spend our days jumping off the Titanic or out of burning buildings. And yet we live each day as if we are, stuck in the mindset of constantly sacrificing ourselves for our kids.

We think it's for their benefit -- but what if it's not? What if it's actually harming them?

I don't know about you, but I know that when I'm tired, stressed, or on edge, I can inadvertently be a little short with my kids and my wife. I might not pay attention as well as I should. I might eagerly look forward to later on when I can finally rest.

Doesn't sound like amazing parenting, does it?

More importantly still, this high-strung state would be a pretty terrible example for our kids. After all, you cannot teach what you have not learned. We want our kids to grow up healthy, happy, and balanced. How can we expect that to happen if their primary role models are constantly tired and stressed?

This is why I created the Mindfulness for Parents Online Course -- to give you tools you need to recharge, refocus, and rebalance your life -- both as a parent and an individual, so you can raise your kids the absolute best you can. Learn more about this incredible course by clicking here.

To help illustrate the importance of parental self-care & how some of the tools in this course work, I'm sharing my conversation with the wonderful Nancy Harazduk.

Nancy is the director of the Mind-Body Medicine Program at Georgetown University School of Medicine. She has taught self-care skills to hundreds of medical students -- including me. She's also trained faculty and staff at Georgetown's med school and law school, residents and faculty at Stanford, members of the Middle East Cancer Consortium, and many more.

She's an expert at helping people find balance in their lives, and she's here today to talk about why it's so important for you to find it in yours.

Sign up for the Mindfulness for Parents Online Course here.

Getting to the Root of Your Child's Problems Apr 17, 2017

I know that when your child is struggling with something, it can be hard to figure out exactly what's going on. Or maybe you know exactly what the issue is, but you want to help your child figure it out, too. Well, since it's my job to try and tease out what's going on with kids, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. This week's episode shares one of those tips -- and you'll be surprised by its origins!

How to Prevent SIDS - Safe Sleep with Amber Kroeker Apr 03, 2017

It's the fear that runs through every new parent's mind at night: "Is my baby breathing?"

The fear of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and infant suffocation is among the first giant worries that plague moms and dads in the early months of parenting.

And it's not without reason -- nearly 3,700 infants in the United States die each year from sudden unexplained infant death, including SIDS.

Clearly, there's more to know than just "back to sleep."

Knowing the risks involved in day-to-day activities that we take for granted -- things like wearing your baby in a wrap, or even letting her nap in a carseat -- is key to learning how to reduce those risks.

Amber Kroeker is here today to help us wade through the uncertainties of SIDS and infant suffocation so that you can rest easily knowing that your baby is sleeping safely. Amber is the Child Injury Prevention Coordinator at Randall Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon, and is a leading voice in the infant safety community. She's also the driving force behind the Smitten Sleep System, an award-winning, next-generation bassinet box designed to reduce infant sleep death.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The most common causes & risk factors for SIDS and infant suffocation
The age at which infants are most at risk for SIDS
Why babies' anatomy puts them at the highest risk for suffocation during sleep
How sleeping in the carseat can risk SIDS and infant suffocation
Tips for wraps & baby-wearing -- how to do it safely
When you can introduce stuffed animals, blankets, etc., into your baby's sleep area
What type of sleep devices can help create a safe sleep area
And much, much more!

This is information that every new parent needs to hear!

Be sure to SHARE this page & this episode with anyone you know who has a little one on the way or at home!

Important Resources & More

Pip & Grow - for information about the Smitten bassinet box, plus Amber's contact information and social media
The Arm's Reach Cosleeper - one of the most popular cosleepers
Safe Kids Worldwide - the global organization dedicated to protecting kids from unintentional injuries

Music

Akashic Records – Motivation
Canvai - Sunset

This episode first appeared at www.drstevesilvestro.com

How to Get Your Child to Take Medicine Mar 20, 2017

“Help me help you.”

This line from the movie Jerry Maguire perfectly sums up the frustration we all feel when we’re trying to give our kids medicine, doesn’t it?

I know that you’re sick and feel terrible…I get it…but this is the stuff that will make you feel better, so please take it!

As a pediatrician and a dad, I know this frustration well. Not only do I occasionally have this challenge with my own kids, I also get dozens of phonecalls from parents having the same battles with theirs. I know that the pain is real—for everyone involved!

So in this episode, I’ve brought together all the very best tips and tricks for getting your kids to take medicine, including many that you won’t find elsewhere. We start with tips specifically for how to take liquid medication, how to take eyedrops and eye ointment, and how to take pills. I’ll also cover my favorite way to teach your child how to swallow pills, plus some general tips that will be useful no matter what type of medicine you’re giving.

You can read the full text of this episode at www.drstevesilvestro.com/35

This episode first appeared at www.drstevesilvestro.com

Baby Sleep Guide, Part 2: Sleep Training 101 Feb 27, 2017

This second part of the Baby Sleep Guide series covers everything you need to know about sleep training, including:

How to know when your baby's ready
An overview of the most popular approaches
How to get your baby to not be hungry in the middle of the night
Information about crying
3 final key takeaway points

A text version of this episode is available at www.drstevesilvestro.com/sleeptraining101

SHARE this link with your friends and anyone you know who might be struggling to get their baby to sleep!

This episode first appeared on www.drstevesilvestro.com.

Music

Akashic Records – Motivation
Aarre & Kedam – Joyride

Baby Sleep Guide, Part 1: Setting Expectations & Good Sleep Habits from Day One Feb 20, 2017

I’m going to be honest: this is an article that I’ve been dreading writing.

Why? As a pediatrician, I should be thrilled by the chance to help parents and their children sleep better. But I also know that sleep poses an almost universal problem, a struggle for millions of babies and parents, very few of whom find satisfying answers in the dozens of baby sleep books that are out there.

So, you know, no pressure or anything!

One problem is that good sleep can often seem like something that’s totally out of your hands. One of my mentors, a wise pediatrician named Dr. David Nelson, once told me “so much of sleep has to do with the temperament of the baby.” Feisty kids tend to be feisty sleepers, mellow kids are mellow sleepers, and most babies are somewhere in between.

But does that mean that it’s just the luck of the draw—that if you’re up all night long with a rough sleeper, there’s nothing you can do but simply accept your fate?

Luckily, there is plenty that you can do as a parent to either prep your baby early on for good sleep habits, or to help guide your baby to a comfortable place if sleeping has already become an issue.

You can find the text version of this podcast episode at www.drstevesilvestro.com/sleep

Moving from Conflict to Cooperation - with Alyson Schafer Jan 30, 2017

We're in the middle of a revolution in parenting.

It's clear to see that in the last twenty-plus years, parenting styles have radically changed. Gone is the view that children "should be seen and not heard," and in its place is a more kid-centric approach designed--we hope--to help our kids grow up more confident and balanced, and to allow parents to more fully enjoy the experience of raising kids.

But as with any change, there are some growing pains.

As we've moved away from a generally authoritarian approach to parenting, we've blurred some of the long-held lines in the parent-child relationship. "When am I your parent, and when am I your friend? Should I always be the parent and not the friend? How does a friend convince you to eat your dinner?" And with these lines blurred, we've introduced potential for daily conflict--both with our kids and within ourselves.

Alyson Schafer is a pro at teaching parents how to manage these conflicts and even avoid them altogether. She is Canada's leading parenting expert, and her list of accomplishments makes it easy to see why: She's the author of three books, hosted her own parenting TV show for six seasons, has appeared in dozens of online and print media, and has given presentations around the world--including TEDxKids in Brussels.

In this interview, Alyson dives into the conflicts that come up in modern parenting, giving you key tips to deal with and prevent those issues--and raise cooperative, happy kids in the process!

In This Episode, You Will Learn About:

Raising cooperative kids versus simply obedient kids
How to stimulate intrinsic motivation and mutual respect instead of always using external rewards to motivate your child
Kids’ 4 goals when misbehaving
Why we should look at misbehavior as a mistaken approach
How certain types of praise might actually hurt your child’s chances for true success
How to deal with back talk and bad attitudes
Why family meetings are so important—and how to structure them to be successful
And so much more!

"Mistakes are opportunities to learn, not failures and deficiencies." "Any time [kids] can increase their sense of control, their lack of control in other areas becomes more manageable." -- Alyson Schafer

Be sure to SHARE this page & this episode with anyone who needs to find the right balance as they raise their kids in this new era of parenting!

Tag me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or LinkedIn, and let me know what you think about my conversation with Alyson.

Important Resources

Alyson Schafer's website for more of her best resources
Book: Honey, I Wrecked The Kids: When Yelling, Screaming, Threats, Bribes, Time-outs, Sticker Charts and Removing Privileges All Don't Work - by Alyson Schafer
Book: Breaking the Good Mom Myth: Every Mom's Modern Guide to Getting Past Perfection, Regaining Sanity, and Raising Great Kids - by Alyson Schafer
Book: Ain't Misbehavin': Tactics for Tantrums, Meltdowns, Bedtime Blues and Other Perfectly Normal Kid Behaviors - by Alyson Schafer
Alyson's articles on Huffington Post Canada
AnxietyBC.com -- Great resource for anyone with anxiety, filled with helpful articles, apps, and other resources

Music

Akashic Records – Motivation
Extan - Sunshine

Positive Strategies for ADHD - with Michelle Buzgon Jan 16, 2017

ADHD has been one of the most challenging topics over the past twenty years, and is something that many, many families experience.

And while we could have long conversations about the state of ADHD in the United States—about increasing rates and whether they are due to better recognition and understanding, influence of the availability of multiple medications and treatments, changes in social expectations around the behavior of kids both at home and especially at school, or some combination of all of these things.

But without even diving into any of that, here is the reality: parents and kids all around the country are dealing with the impact of ADHD and are often struggling as they learn how to manage it.

That's what intrigues me about the work of Michelle Buzgon. Michelle is an ADHD coach with over 10 years of experience partnering with adults, kids, teens, and parents. Through individual coaching and through workshops using Cindy Goldrich’s popular, Calm & Connected program, Michelle provides something that is often the missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to treating kids with ADHD—and that’s help kids and their parents figure out lifelong strategies that tap into their strengths and help them find the focus and motivation to succeed.

So in this episode, we dive into all of this and more—with of the questions that I asked coming from parents like you who wrote to me on Facebook about their biggest ADHD challenges.

In This Interview, You Will Learn:

What’s going on with ADHD and why it isn’t about inattention, but rather a problem of attention regulation
How using rewards and negative consequences can sometimes create more problems
How to use the right type of consequences and when to set boundaries
How to break the “cycle of defiance”
How saying the same words in a different way can get a drastically better response from your child
Tools to motivate your child
How making the bed is a great example for teaching your child planning and executive function skills
Tips for teachers, tips for when medication wears off in the afternoon, tips for making schooltime more successful
And much, much more!

If you know a family that is struggling as they learn to manage ADHD, share this interview with them and others on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, and help get this information out to everyone who needs it!

Important Resources

Michelle Buzgon can be found at www.positivefocuscoach.com
ADDitude Magazine - four issues a year filled with tips for raising kids with ADHD
Book: Raising Boys with ADHD: Secrets for Parenting Healthy, Happy Sons - Mary Anne Richey and James W. Forgan - tips and stories that are useful for both boys and girls
Book: Mindful Games - by Susan Kaiser Greenland - Susan is one of my favorite experts; here, she describes dozens of activities that can be used to enhance focus and awareness
Fidget: Set of 3 Tangle Jr. Fidget - colorful and comes with two back-ups!
Fidget: Boinks Fidgets (Package of 6)
Fidget: Stress Cube

Music

Akashic Records – Motivation
Canvai - Sunset

This post first appeared at drstevesilvestro.com/podcasts

Ask These 5 Questions to Bond with Your Kids Jan 03, 2017

If you grew up watching family sitcoms at any point from the ‘60s through the ‘90s, then you probably expected that parenting would be filled with grand “teachable moments.”

At the end of every episode—whether it was The Brady Bunch, Growing Pains, Family Ties, or Full House—cheesy music would play, the parent would sit on the edge of the bed with a kid who’d made a hilariously big mistake, they’d have a touching moment in which the parent imparts some life-changing wisdom, and then the scene would end with a hug followed by a joke.

It turns out that real-life parenting isn’t quite like that.

In fact, many of the biggest opportunities for teachable moments with our kids are unexpected or even go by unnoticed. If only someone could cue the cheesy music and clue us in on what to do!

Well, there is something you can do to create an opportunity to connect with your children each and every day.

I call these “The Dinner Questions.” They are a way to avoid asking the question that every child on the planet finds boring: “How was school?” and getting the unhelpful answer of “fine” or “I don’t know.”

What’s special about these questions is that they do more than just entice your kids to talk about their day. They let you in on how your kids think. They help your kids learn to appreciate their experiences and the people in their lives. And they help to shape a positive mindset about the future.

In short, they create built-in “teachable moments.”

Take a listen to this short episode to hear the questions and see how.

This episode first appeared at www.drstevesilvestro.com

Music