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

Latest Episodes:

Autism: Is Tylenol to Blame? Is Leucovorin the Answer? A conversation with a fellow pediatrician and developmental behavioral pediatrician Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

This week, I sit down with two incredible guests to unpack one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) press conferences in recent months. I’m joined by Dr. Tanya Altmann, pediatrician and founder of Calabasas Pediatrics Wellness Center, and Dr. Anshu Batra, developmental-behavioral pediatrician and autism specialist, to separate fact from fear when it comes to Tylenol, leucovorin, and autism.

We talk about what the latest research actually shows, what parents should know, and why conversations about autism deserve more nuance and empathy than political headlines.

We discuss:

What current research tells us about autism’s causes, including the strong role of genetics and the complex mix of environmental and developmental factors.
Why studies on Tylenol and autism don’t prove causation, and how correlation has been misunderstood in headlines and online discussions.
How leucovorin (folinic acid) may support some children with autism, why it’s not a cure, and what doctors are actually seeing in practice.
The connection between micronutrients, gut health, and neurodevelopment, plus real barriers families face in getting lab work and supplements covered.
What early screen exposure can do to developing brains, and why less screen time and more real-world interaction matter for young children.
Where research and funding need to go next, from identifying subtypes of autism to improving access to early intervention and therapeutic schools.

To connect with Dr. Tanya Altmann check out all her resources at Drtanya.com. Follow her on Instagram at @drtanyaaltmann.

00:00 Introduction 02:05 Meet the Guests 04:09 The Tylenol Controversy 06:41 What We Know About Autism Causes 09:02 Advances in Autism Research 14:15 The Role of Genetics and Environment 18:15 What Is Leucovorin 22:25 What Parents Are Seeing 27:10 Who Might Benefit 29:20 Micronutrients, Gut Health, and Screen Time 38:28 What Research Still Needs to Happen 45:54 Reactions to the White House Press Conference 52:41 Final Takeaways for Parents and Clinicians 55:29 Outro and Reflection

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Follow-Up: Why the School System is Broken Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

The American school system was built to measure performance but at what cost? In this Follow Up episode, Dr. Mona sits down with Lauren Smith, a former educator and nationally certified school psychologist, to unpack how our current approach to education fuels anxiety, burnout, and perfectionism in kids.

They dive into the ripple effects of over-testing, constant competition, and the push to perform that begins as early as kindergarten. From standardized tests to college rankings, the conversation explores how a culture obsessed with metrics is stealing creativity, rest, and joy from learning — and what real change could look like.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why kids are more anxious than ever about school and grades
How over-testing and Common Core shape classroom pressure
The downstream effects of perfectionism on teens and college students
How teacher burnout connects to testing culture
What other countries are doing differently — and better
Why “slowing down” might be the most radical educational reform

Want more? Listen to the full, original episode.

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Sensory Processing Shapes Kids’ Behavior Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Sensory processing isn’t always easy to spot, but it affects how kids experience the world in a big way. From clothing struggles to party meltdowns, what looks like “behavior” can often be a child’s nervous system asking for help. That’s why I sat down with occupational therapist Laura Petix, who specializes in sensory processing and works with families online to support kids with unique sensory needs.

We talk about what sensory processing really means, sensory processing differences, how parents can recognize differences, and why shifting from “disorder” to “differences” matters for kids’ self-esteem and support. Laura shares her own parenting experiences as a neurodivergent mom raising a neurodivergent child, and we break down myths that leave parents feeling judged or confused.

We cover:

What sensory processing is and how it shapes daily life for kids
The difference between typical toddler behavior and sensory differences
Red flags that suggest a child might need more support
The “sensory cup” analogy for understanding overstimulation and meltdowns
Why discipline doesn’t fix sensory needs, and what actually helps
Practical ways parents can validate, regulate, and advocate for their kids

To connect with Laura Petix check out all her resources at https://theotbutterfly.com/. Follow her on Instagram at @theotbutterfly.

00:00 Intro & Dr. Mona’s Story 03:15 Meet The OT Butterfly (Laura Petix) 06:45 What Sensory Processing Really Means 10:40 Typical vs. Sensory-Driven Behavior 16:00 From Disorder to Difference 20:00 Early Signs in Babies and Toddlers 23:40 Parent Stories & The Sensory Cup Analogy 31:00 Supporting Kids (and Yourself) 34:00 Myths and Misunderstandings 41:00 When to Seek Help & Encouragement for Parents

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Follow-Up: Managing Health Anxiety Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

When my son had a stroke and seizures as a newborn, every moment felt uncertain. Once things stabilized, that deep anxiety finally eased until the first time he got sick again. I remember walking into his room and feeling that old fear rush back.

If you’ve ever felt your heart race when your child spikes a fever or starts coughing, you’re not alone. Even if your child’s never been seriously ill, that drop in your stomach is real. Health anxiety is something many parents carry, especially after the pandemic reminded us how fragile health can feel.

In this episode, I share what helped me work through that anxiety—both as a pediatrician and as a mom who’s lived it. I talk about the mindset shifts that changed everything:

Accepting that I can’t control every outcome for my child
Trusting that I’m doing my best with the resources I have
Remembering that back-to-back viruses mean my child’s immune system is learning
Focusing on what’s in my control, not the scary “what-ifs”
Finding hope, even when it’s hard

Listen to the original, full episode.

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Public Health, Politics, and Gen Z Leadership with the Youngest Congressman Maxwell Frost Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Politics and public health haven’t always been so divided, but in today’s world, even science and vaccines have become political battlegrounds. That’s why I sat down with Congressman Maxwell Frost, the youngest member of Congress and a voice for Gen Z leadership, to talk about where we go from here.

We dig into what it means to lead in such a polarized time, the dangers of politicizing health, and how younger generations can push for change. Congressman Frost opens up about his perspective on the vaccine mandate debate in Florida, the role of misinformation, and why community and courage matter more than ever.

We cover:

How public health became politicized—and why that’s so dangerous
The impact of Covid-19 on trust in science and communication missteps we can learn from
The real stakes of rolling back vaccine mandates in states like Florida
Why Gen Z’s voice and skepticism can be a strength in leadership
How grassroots advocacy, calls, and community action can still influence policy
Congressman Frost’s perspective on staying hopeful and grounded in the fight for public health and democracy

To connect with Congressman Maxwell Frost check out all his resources at https://frost.house.gov/. Follow him on Instagram at @repmaxwellfrost

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

00:00 – Health care at risk: Frost’s opening 00:33 – Dr. Mona on vaccine rollbacks and misinformation 02:08 – Meet Rep. Maxwell Frost: Gen Z in Congress 04:32 – How public health became politicized 07:25 – Mistrust, disinformation, and Covid’s lasting impact 11:36 – The pediatrician’s perspective on burnout and broken systems 18:32 – Communication failures during the pandemic 21:23 – Vaccine mandates in Florida and political agendas 28:09 – What real advocacy looks like: calls, town halls, showing up 34:07 – Gen Z leadership, corruption, and the fight for change 43:08 – Division, anger, and re-centering community 50:26 – Radical optimism and final reflections

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Follow-Up: Making Mom Friends is Hard Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

Friendships after motherhood can feel complicated. Before kids, hanging out with friends might have been as easy as grabbing brunch or planning a last-minute outing. But now? Time, energy, and support look very different.

In this Follow Up episode, Dr. Mona revisits her conversation with relational health educator Danielle Bayard Jackson, author of Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women’s Relationships. Together, they break down why building and maintaining friendships as a mom feels harder—and how to approach it with more grace and intention.

Listen to the full episode.

You’ll hear about:

The three biggest reasons friendships fade after kids: lack of time, lack of practice, and lack of support
Why connection (even small, everyday moments) matters just as much as long-standing friendships
How to reframe expectations around old friendships that have shifted
Practical steps to nurture the friendships you want, from “autopilot” routines to finding weak ties that still bring value
The importance of reciprocity and how to express your needs without guilt

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Car Seat Mistakes Most Parents Make (And How to Fix Them) Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Car seat safety is one of those topics that feels overwhelming…so many straps, rules, and confusing instructions and yet it’s one of the most important things we do as parents.

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and child passenger safety technician, Michelle Pratt from Safe in the Seat, to talk about the most common car seat mistakes parents make and how to fix them. We both share our own missteps (yes, even as a pediatrician and as a safety expert!) and the lessons that changed how we buckle our kids in.

We cover:

Why “winging it” with installation is risky, and how to practice before you leave the hospital
Chest clip placement, shoulder strap positioning, and the “one-inch rule” every parent should know
Rear-facing myths, what age to turn forward, and why “rear until 2” isn’t the full story
The truth about aftermarket products (like those head straps) and why they can be dangerousHow to empower kids to notice and speak up about their own car seat safety

To connect with Michelle Pratt check out all her resources at https://www.safeintheseat.com/. Follow her on Instagram at @safeintheseat.

Car Seat Finder Tool: https://www.safeintheseat.com/find-your-best-car-seat

Safe to Switch: https://courses.safeintheseat.com/offers/uufJeUvJ/checkout

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

00:00 – Why Car Seat Safety Feels Overwhelming 01:00 – Dr. Mona Introduces Michelle Pratt and Their Connection 04:40 – Car Lines, Backpacks, and Real-Life Safety Struggles 08:20 – Michelle’s Origin Story and Why She Started Safe in the Seat 12:00 – The Hospital Discharge Mistake Almost Every Parent Makes 17:45 – Chest Clip Placement Explained 23:00 – Teaching Kids to Be Their Own Safety Advocates 26:00 – Survivor Bias and Distracted Driving Today 27:00 – The One-Inch Rules Parents Don’t Know 33:20 – Shoulder Strap Placement: Rear vs Forward Facing 37:00 – Why Reading the Manual Actually Matters 41:15 – Rear-Facing Until Four: The Physics and Development Behind It 46:30 – Real-Life Exceptions: Motion Sickness, Car Fit, and Caregiver Needs 59:00 – Resources from Safe in the Seat 1:00:15 – Final Thoughts and How to Share This Episode

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Follow-Up: Popular Parenting Styles Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Parenting styles are everywhere on social media—gentle, attachment, positive, even FAFO (that’s “f around and find out”) parenting. But what does the research actually say about these labels? And is there really one “right” way to raise kids?

In this follow-up episode, Dr. Mona revisits her conversation with clinical psychologist and Parenting Translator, Dr. Cara Goodwin. Together, they unpack what science tells us about parenting styles, where trendy terms fall short, and why connection plus boundaries is what really matters.

Listen to the full episode.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

Why “gentle parenting” isn’t well-defined in research
The three parenting styles psychologists actually study—and which one predicts the best outcomes
Why mixing and matching strategies is often the healthiest approach
The problem with rigidly sticking to one style (especially with spirited or neurodivergent kids)
Tools like timeouts, rewards, and praise—why research shows they can be helpful, not harmful
What behaviors are never okay, no matter your style (think spanking, threats, or shaming)

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Navigating Defiance, Meltdowns, and Anxiety to Raise Confident, Connected Kids Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

Big kids mean big feelings and sometimes that shows up as defiance, meltdowns, or even anxiety. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really going on beneath the surface and why it’s not just “bad behavior.” We often think school-aged is cruising with emotions but big feelings are common.

I’m joined by returning guest Alyssa Campbell, a child development expert, to provide the right tools for when emotions can feel overwhelming. We’ll talk about how age bias often shapes the way adults respond to older kids’ emotions, why yelling or punishment backfires, and how collaborative emotional processing can help kids feel understood while still respecting boundaries.

You’ll learn:

Why defiance is often a sign of unmet needs, not disrespect
The role of age bias in how we label behavior in older vs. younger kids
How collaborative emotional processing helps kids regulate big emotions
Practical, evidence-based ways to respond to meltdowns, worry, and pushback using her “F.A.C.T.S.” method
How to raise kids who feel both confident and connected

To connect with Alyssa Campbel check out all her resources at https://www.seedandsew.org/about. Follow her on Instagram at @seed.and.sew. Buy her new book “Big Kids, Bigger Feelings”here: https://go.shopmy.us/p-65453678 (paid link)

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

00:00 – The “Easy Years” Myth
01:16 – Why 5–12 Isn’t Smooth Sailing
02:38 – Meet Alyssa Blas Campbell
03:11 – Parents Feel Blindsided
05:28 – Big Kid Development Shifts
07:25 – What Big Meltdowns Look Like
09:12 – Do We Expect Too Much?
11:04 – 9 Senses & Nervous System
15:23 – Different Kids, Different Needs
18:08 – Handling Defiance With Compassion
22:53 – Sibling Differences in Regulation
25:48 – The F.A.C.T.S. Acronym
31:29 – Amusement Park Example
34:53 – Why Age Bias Misleads Us
38:18 – The S.I.P. Method Explained
42:12 – Rethinking Respect & Defiance
44:40 – Parenting Is a Relationship
46:22 – Closing Thoughts & Resources

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Follow-Up: Your Baby in the NICU Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

Having a baby in the NICU is something no parent plans for. Whether your child is born premature, needs extra support after delivery, or faces unexpected medical challenges, the NICU experience can feel overwhelming and full of unknowns.

Listen to the full episode.

You’ll learn:

Why babies are admitted to the NICU (and what that first moment feels like for parents)
What doctors, nurses, and staff monitor day-to-day to support growth and healing
How NICU rounds work and the key questions parents can ask
Why every care plan is individualized—and how parents are essential members of the team
The emotional side of being a NICU parent, from guilt to uncertainty, and how staff help families feel supported

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: ⁠https://shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk⁠ (paid link)

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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