The Pediatrician Next Door &#8211; Simple Advice on Parenting and Family Health

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When is Puberty Too Early? (Ep. 173) Sep 30, 2026

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Acne in elementary school? Puberty may be starting earlier than it did a generation ago but some of the changes parents associate with puberty aren't signs that true puberty has begun.

Dr. Wendy explains the two different hormonal processes behind puberty, the first signs of true puberty in girls and boys, and why your child's growth chart may tell your pediatrician more than pubic hair or body odor.

Learn what's behind the trend toward earlier puberty, and what happens when puberty starts too soon.

Plus: How can doctors pause puberty - and what happens when they do?

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GreatSchools school search
NCES school finder
U.S. Department of Education school-choice resources

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Is Your Child in the Right School? (Ep. 172) Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

Would your child be happier and more successful if they changed schools?

In this episode, I share the four things I think matter most when deciding whether a school is a good fit and three questions to ask before making a change:

What exactly isn't working?

Have you tried to fix the problem where your child is now?

Is your child simply struggling or are they deteriorating?

There are more choices than ever: traditional public and private schools, charter schools, homeschooling, online programs, microschools, learning pods and more. But having more options can make it even harder to know what’s actually right for your child.

The highest-ranked school isn't necessarily the best school for your child. The goal is to find an environment where your child can belong, learn, build relationships, handle challenges and thrive.

Guest: Joshua Goodman, Phd

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Digital Dangers: Tips from a Tech Insider - from ADHD, Anxiety and More Podcast (Ep. 171) Sep 02, 2026

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How safe is your child when they’re online - and do you really know what they’re seeing?

This week, I’m sharing an episode from my colleague Elise Fallucco, MD, child and adolescent psychiatrist and host of ADHD, Anxiety and More: Child Mental Health for Pediatrics. She talks with a tech-industry insider about the online risks parents may not realize their children are encountering.

Learn how to balance the benefits of technology with risks like cyberbullying, violent content, and grooming; how to create a practical family tech contract; and why keeping screens out of the bedroom may be the single most important rule for online safety.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. For Part 2 - including parental controls, hidden app risks, and alternatives to smartphones – listen to episode Keeping Kids Safer Online with Tech-Insider Ashley of ADHD, Anxiety and More: Child Mental Health for Pediatrics.

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Truth vs. Hype: The Science Behind Trendy Treatments for Kids (Ep. 170) Aug 19, 2026

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Have you ever wondered if that trendy treatment everyone is talking about is legitimate?

From leucovorin for autism and antihistamines for ADHD to magnesium, melatonin, red light therapy, and essential oils, some popular treatments have surprising science behind them - while others may be mostly hype.

Dr. Wendy Hunter looks at the evidence and shares four simple questions parents can use to evaluate the next health claim that shows up in their social media feed.

My favorite natural treatment: IBGard Peppermint Capsules for gut health (and IBS).

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Why Healthy Kids Go to Therapy Too (Ep. 169) Aug 05, 2026

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Does your child have meltdowns, worries, or difficult days? Sometimes that's a normal part of growing up. Sometimes it's a sign they need extra support.

Child psychologist Jerry Weichman, Ph.D. helps parents navigate the confusing world of children's mental health. Learn how to choose a therapist, when a neuropsychological evaluation is helpful, and how to know if medication should be part of treatment.

You'll also learn simple, practical ways parents can help their children build resilience and thrive. For more listen to the Raising Families Podcast.

Find a therapist at psychologytoday.com

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Why Do We Get Rashes? Lessons from Diaper Rash (Ep. 168) Jul 22, 2026

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Why do kids get so many rashes? One of the best ways to understand skin is by starting with one of the most common childhood problems: diaper rash!

Discover how the science of skin can help keep your whole family's skin healthy. The simple principles of healthy skin apply to babies, kids, teens, and adults alike.

Learn how the skin barrier protects us, the surprising ways we accidentally damage it, and what different rashes reveal about the immune system.

Whether you're caring for a newborn with diaper rash or trying to solve your older child's latest mystery rash, this episode will change the way you think about skin.

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Why Your Child Won’t Go to Sleep (Ep. 167) Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Is bedtime the hardest part of your day? If every night feels like a negotiation, your child may have what pediatricians call Behavioral Insomnia of Childhood - one of the most common sleep problems that most parents have never heard of.

In this episode, Dr. Wendy explains why some children can't fall asleep without a parent in the room, while others seem determined to delay bedtime at all costs. You'll learn the simple science behind why consistency works, why bedtime often gets worse before it gets better, and practical strategies you can start using tonight to help everyone get more sleep.

Best online Sleep Advice at babysleep.com

Buy this Bedtime Chart

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Why Fathers Matter: The Remarkable Ways Dads Shape Their Children Jun 24, 2026

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Does your son sneeze just like his dad? Fathers matter in ways we never imagined!

Discover the fascinating science of fatherhood, from the latest research on epigenetics showing that dads may pass along more than just DNA, to decades of developmental psychology demonstrating how fathers shape their children's confidence, curiosity, emotional health, and resilience.

Whether you're a father, a mother, a grandparent, this episode will leave you with a new appreciation for the extraordinary role fathers play both before a child is born and throughout their entire life.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.

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How Healthy Is Your Bedroom? Crib Mattresses, Bedding & Hidden Chemicals Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Are toxic chemicals surrounding your baby while they sleep? Babies and kids spend thousands of hours breathing inches from their mattress, bedding, carpet, and furniture, yet most of us rarely think about what those products are made of.

Mattress expert Arin Schultz explains the science behind chemicals in mattresses and nursery products, what “off-gassing” means, and why certifications can be confusing. We talk about breathability, mold, organic bedding, furniture materials, and the question more families are starting to ask: how healthy is our home?

Learn more at Naturepedic and read the Mattress and Bedding 101 blog.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.

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*As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.

More from The Pediatrician Next Door:

TikTok: @drwendyhunter

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