Your Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica Hochman

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Ep 182: Communicating with Respect — The RIE Approach with Melani Ladygo May 04, 2025

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In this episode, I'm joined by Melani Ladygo to explore the RIE approach — a respectful, relationship-based way of communicating with children from infancy onward. Developed by Magda Gerber in the late 1970s, RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) is built on the idea that even the youngest babies deserve to be treated as capable individuals, with mutual respect at the core.

Melani shares how RIE gives parents a practical framework for setting boundaries without being either too harsh or too permissive. We talk about what respectful caregiving actually looks like with infants and toddlers, how to respond to challenging behaviors like hitting, biting, and tantrums, and why staying calm and connected matters so much — even when emotions run high.

If you're looking for a parenting approach that blends empathy, clear boundaries, and authentic connection, this conversation will offer both inspiration and real-world tools you can start using right away.

👉 To learn more about RIE or find a certified RIE associate near you, visit RIE.org.

👉 To find Melani Ladygo check out her website

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.
Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica

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The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

Ep 181: Part 2 Childhood Vaccines--common parent questions explained with Dr. Paul Offit Apr 21, 2025

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In Part 2 of my conversation with vaccine expert Dr. Paul Offit, we take a deep dive into the most frequent vaccine questions families ask pediatricians today. We cover concerns like giving multiple vaccines at once, whether it’s safer to space out shots, why certain vaccines are given at birth, and how to explain the roles of preservatives like aluminum and thimerosal. Dr. Offit offers clear, evidence-based answers while also showing understanding for the emotions and uncertainty many parents feel.

Dr. Paul Offit is a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania, and the co-inventor of the RotaTeq vaccine. He’s served on the FDA Vaccine Advisory Committee and is one of the leading voices in vaccine education. His guidance has helped shape vaccine policy worldwide—and I couldn’t be more thankful he joined me for this conversation.

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Ep 180: Part 1: Navigating Vaccine Hesitancy with Dr Paul Offit Apr 14, 2025

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In this conversation, Dr. Paul Offit and pediatrician Jessica Hochman discuss the importance of vaccinations, the challenges of vaccine hesitancy among parents, and the need for nuanced conversations in public health. They explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public trust, and the science behind vaccination schedules. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding parental concerns while advocating for the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

About Paul A. Offit, MD!

Paul A. Offit, MD, is Director of the Vaccine Education Center and professor of pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He is the Maurice R. Hilleman Professor of Vaccinology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Offit is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of virology and immunology, and was a member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He is a member of the Food and Drug Administration Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, and a founding advisory board member of the Autism Science Foundation and the Foundation for Vaccine Research, a member of the Institute of Medicine and co-editor of the foremost vaccine text, Vaccines.
He is a recipient of many awards including the J. Edmund Bradley Prize for Excellence in Pediatrics from the University of Maryland Medical School, the Young Investigator Award in Vaccine Development from the Infectious Disease Society of America, a Research Career Development Award from the National Institutes of Health, and the Sabin Vaccine Institute Gold Medal.
Dr. Offit has published more than 160 papers in medical and scientific journals in the areas of rotavirus-specific immune responses and vaccine safety. He is also the co-inventor of the rotavirus vaccine, RotaTeq, recommended for universal use in infants by the CDC. For this achievement, Dr. Offit received the Luigi Mastroianni and William Osler Awards from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, the Charles Mérieux Award from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, and he was honored by Bill and Melinda Gates during the launch of their Foundation’s Living Proof Project for global health.
In 2009, Dr. Offit received the President’s Certificate for Outstanding Service from the American Academy of Pediatrics. In 2011, he received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Biologics Industry Organization (BIO), the David E. Rogers Award from the American Association of Medical Colleges, the Odyssey Award from the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest, and he was elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. In 2012, Dr. Offit received the Distinguished Medical Achievement Award from the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and the Drexel Medicine Prize in Translational Medicine from the Drexel University College of Medicine. In 2013, he received the Maxwell Finland award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, the Distinguished Alumnus award from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and the Innovators in Health Award from the Group Health Foundation. In 2014, he was elected to the board of trustees at the College of Physicians in Philadelphia, and in 2015, he was elected to the American Association of Physicians and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences as well as being named as a Fellow for the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and the American Academy for the Advancement of Science. In 2016, Dr. Offit received the Franklin Founder Award by the City of Philadelphia, The Porter Prize from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, and the Jonathan E. Rhoads Medal for Distinguished Service to Medicine from The American Philosophical Society. In 2017, he received the Defensor Scientiae Award and an Honorary Do

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Ep 179: How to embrace being a "good enough" mother. With Dr Margo Lowy author of Maternal Ambivalence Apr 07, 2025

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In this conversation, Dr. Margo Lowy discusses the complexities of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of embracing the messiness and normalizing the feelings that come with it. They explore the role of community support, the significance of maternal ambivalence, and the need for mothers to forgive themselves for not being perfect. The discussion advocates for a more compassionate understanding of the motherhood experience.

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Ep 178: The Seven Principles to help Connection with your Child, with Ned Johnson Mar 31, 2025

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Ep 178: Ned Johnson joins Dr Jessica Hochman on "Your Child is Normal" and they explore the complexities of parenting, emphasizing the importance of connection, understanding, and enjoying the journey with children. Ned shares insights from his new book, "Seven principles for raising self-driven children", highlighting practical strategies for building lasting relationships with their children.

To purchase Ned's new book The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child: A Workbook click here

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Ep 177: Why Support Matters in Pregnancy & Childbirth, with Carson Meyer, Doula & Author of Growing Together Mar 24, 2025

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In this conversation, Jessica Hochman and Carson Meyer discuss role of doulas in supporting families during pregnancy and childbirth. They explore the misconceptions surrounding birth, the importance of education and quality support to help the birthing experience. They emphasize how doulas can help provide emotional and physical support to mothers during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

About Carson:

Carson Meyer is a doula, nutrition consultant, and advocate for holistic maternal care. She graduated from NYU in 2016 with a degree in child development and holistic health. Now based in North Carolina, Carson has spent the past seven years guiding hundreds of parents through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. As a doula, she offers education, resources, and compassionate support—whether her clients choose a home or hospital birth. In 2020, Carson expanded her scope of care by becoming a certified nutrition consultant through the Oh Baby Academy. She brings a focus on emotional well-being, environmental health, and nourishment into her prenatal and postpartum work.

Carson is also the founder of the clean skincare line C & The Moon, and in 2022, she welcomed her daughter Lou into the world with a home birth. Her book, Growing Together, is officially available for purchase —as of March 25, 2025.

To purchase her book, click here!

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Ep 176: Rethinking Youth Sports: Can we lessen the pressure and make it more fun? with Linda Flanagan Author of Taking Back the Game Mar 17, 2025

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In this conversation, Linda H Flanagan and Jessica Hochman explore the complexities of youth sports today, discussing the pressures faced by young athletes, advocating for a more balanced approach to youth athletics. We discuss the importance of exercise, the risks of early specialization, and the mental health implications of competitive sports. The discussion emphasizes the need for free play, the debunking of myths surrounding sports and character building, and the design of an ideal sports curriculum that prioritizes enjoyment and well-being over competition. A really important conversation, especially for parents who have children involved in sports!

About Linda:

Linda is a freelance journalist, researcher, and former cross-country and track coach. A graduate of Lehigh University, Flanagan holds master’s degrees from Oxford University and the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy and was an analyst for the National Security Program at Harvard University. She is a founding board member of the New York City chapter of the Positive Coaching Alliance and a 2020–21 advisory group member for the Aspen Institute’s Reimagining School Sports initiative, and her writing on sports has appeared in The Atlantic, Runner’s World, and on NPR’s education site MindShift, where she is a regular contributor. A mother of three and a lifelong athlete, Flanagan lives in New Jersey.

Linda's website: click here www.lindaflandiganauthor.com

To read her book, Take Back the Game: How Money and Mania are Ruining Kids' Sports--and Why it Matters: click here

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Ep 175: Childhood obesity- when to consider medication and surgery treatment options? with Dr. Alaina Vidmar and Dr. Kamran Samakar Mar 10, 2025

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In this conversation, Dr. Alaina Vidmar and Dr. Kamran Samakar discuss the complexities of pediatric obesity, emphasizing that it is a chronic disease influenced by genetics, biology, and environment. They highlight the importance of understanding the stigma surrounding obesity and the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that include medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes. The conversation also addresses the rising rates of childhood obesity, the challenges of weight loss, and the criteria for seeking help. They advocate for a patient-centered approach that meets families where they are and provides education on nutrition and health. This conversation explores the complexities of pediatric obesity treatment, highlighting the efficacy of GLP-1 medications, and the role of bariatric surgery. Transformative stories from patients illustrate the profound impact of these interventions on children's lives.

For more information please refer to.

https://www.chla.org/blog/experts/care-innovation/childrens-hospital-los-angeles-launches-pediatric-bariatric-surgery

https://www.chla.org/blog/experts/care-innovation/qa-when-bariatric-surgery-right-youth-obesity

https://www.chla.org/center-endocrinology-diabetes-and-metabolism/programs-and-services/healthy-weight-clinic

Instagram: @ChildrensLA

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Ep 174: Herbal Medicine for Kids, the truth about what works? A Conversation with Tasha Rose Mar 03, 2025

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Episode 174 with Herbalist Tasha Rose and talk herbal medicine! We discuss common misconceptions, what herbs may be effective herbs for various ailments, and we also discuss some of the medical literature on natural remedies.

To learn more about Tasha Rose, here is her website:

Tasha's favorite place to buy herbs: Oshala Farm

Here are links to some published medical studies reviewing herbal medicine.

Peppermint and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): "Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24100754/

The study found that small-intestinal-release peppermint oil significantly reduced abdominal pain, discomfort, and IBS severity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31470006/

Lavender and Anxiety:

"Effects of lavender on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis."

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31655395/

Ginger and Digestive Health:

Ginger Benefits" According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, ginger aids digestion by relieving discomfort from bloating and gas.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ginger-benefits

"Effect of Ginger on Inflammatory Diseases"

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9654013/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019938/

Elderberry Extract Reduces Duration of Cold Symptoms

A study found that those who took elderberry experienced relief about four days earlier than those who took a placebo.

Does Elderberry Really Help with Cold and Flu symptoms This article reviews studies on elderberry & found some studies show significant benefits, others find minimal effects, at reducing cold symptoms

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Ep 173: Beyond Labels: Understanding the Whole Child. Lev Gottlieb, PhD Feb 24, 2025

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Dr. Lev Gottlieb, a neuropsychologist discusses his unique approach to neuropsychology and child development, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among caregivers, and a strengths-based approach to treatment. He highlights the need for effective communication between parents and professionals and the challenges of navigating labels and accommodations in education. Dr. Gottlieb advocates for a comprehensive care model that focuses on the whole child rather than just their diagnoses, encouraging parents to trust their instincts and create open channels for communication.

About Dr. Lev Gottlieb: He is a neuropsychologist and UCLA Assistant Clinical Professor. He assesses children, adolescents, and adults, and coordinates their care. Dr. Gottlieb earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of Pennsylvania and Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University School of Medicine. He completed specialty training in Neuropsychology at Children’s Hospital of Chicago, NYU Child Study Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, The Help Group, and UCLA, where he continues to serve on the clinical faculty.

Dr. Gottlieb has extensive experience providing evaluations and treatment to those with neurodevelopmental differences and acquired brain injuries, and has published and presented research on these conditions and their treatment as well as on learning, memory, and talent.

To learn more about Dr Gottlieb's clinic: (https://www.gottliebneuro.com/)

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