The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom
Dr. Mona Amin
The PedsDocTalk Podcast is your go-to parenting resource, hosted by Dr. Mona Amin, a trusted pediatrician, parenting expert, and mom of two. As a top 50 Parenti...
How to Help Kids Process Trauma and Feel Safe After a Disaster
How can parents create an emotionally safe space for their child when their home is no longer secure? Environmental crises like the LA fires have displaced families, leaving parents navigating uncertainty while trying to comfort their children.
Today, I’m joined by fellow pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, who experienced the loss of his own home, to discuss how we can support children in processing trauma and building resilience after life-altering events.
We discuss:
How parents can support children through difficult experiences by acknowledging their emotions, using age-appropriate language, and allowing them to express their fears and grief in a safe environment.
That acknowledging emotions and using age-appropriate language can help children express fears and grief in a safe environment
How to help them regain a sense of control and security after traumatic events
To connect with Dr. Harvey follow him on Instagram @happiest_baby and check out all his resources on https://www.happiestbaby.com and purchase his best-selling book The Happiest Baby on the Block
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.
00:00:00 The Emotional Impact of Natural Disasters on Kids
00:01:05 Understanding the Grief of Losing a Home
00:03:06 Navigating Loss as a Pediatrician, Parent, and Community Member
00:05:46 What Helps (and Hurts) When Supporting Someone After a Disaster
00:09:27 Talking to Kids About Natural Disasters Without Creating Fear
00:12:05 The Power of Emotional Validation in Parenting
00:17:19 Helping Kids Cope with the Aftermath of Trauma
00:22:51 Encouraging Kids to Be Helpers and Build Resilience
00:26:22 Teaching Kids About Environmental Stewardship
00:33:55 Final Thoughts: Creating Connection Through Loss
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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
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44:28
Top Reasons kids end up in the Pediatric ICU and how to manage health anxiety when you're there
No parent ever wants to end up in the Pediatric ICU; but we know it happens and we want you to be informed and know what to expect.
I invited my social media friend and Pediatric Critical Care Doctor, Dr. Anita Patel on the show to chat about the Pediatric ICU and what to expect.
We discuss:
The common reasons children end up in the Pediatric ICU and what to expect
The questions to ask your care team in the ICU
How we manage health anxiety as a pediatric ICU doctor and general pediatrician
To connect with Dr. Anita Patel follow her on Instagram @anitakpatelmd and check out all her resources on https://linktr.ee/anitakpatelmd.
00:00 Introduction & Why This Conversation Matters
02:00 Meet Dr. Anita Patel
04:10 Common Reasons for Pediatric ICU Admissions
10:46 What Happens Inside the PICU?
14:23 Navigating the ICU Experience as a Parent
20:27 Key Questions Parents Should Ask the Care Team
24:46 The Emotional Toll on Parents & Doctors
31:14 Balancing Medical Knowledge with Parenting Anxiety
35:16 Final Thoughts & Words of Encouragement
37:59 Where to Follow Dr. Anita Patel & Closing Remarks
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.
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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
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45:47
Surprising Factors that Impact Your Child's Dental Health
Is dental health genetic, or can I help prevent issues? Can I pass cavity-causing bacteria to my child? When should my child stop using a pacifier or bottle? Does mouth breathing affect dental health?
This week, I welcome Dr. Ashley Lerman, a board-certified pediatric dentist, to answer all these dental questions and more. Throughout our discussion she encourages a balanced, judgement-free approach focusing on progress over perfection.
She joins me to discuss:
The importance of early oral care and developing good habits
How genetic factors and parents’ dental health affects children
Tips on brushing, flossing, prolonged bottle use and limiting sugar.
To connect with Dr. Ashley Lerman follow her on Instagram @pediatric.dentist.mom and check out all her resources on https://yourfirstgrin.com/.
Ask Doctor Mona: Toddler Tooth-brushing Battles
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 Introduction & The Hidden Culprits of Cavities
02:03 Meet Dr. Ashley Lerman: A Passion for Pediatric Dentistry
04:00 The Role of Genetics in Oral Health
06:29 Can Cavities Be Contagious? Parent-Child Transmission
09:36 Diet, Nutrition, and Their Effect on Teeth
10:57 Thumb Sucking, Pacifiers, and Bottle Use
14:45 Mouth Breathing: Myths, Facts, and Health Concerns
22:01 The Importance of Early Dental Hygiene Habits
25:44 Fluoride & Other Key Takeaways for Parents
27:49 Closing Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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33:24
How VapoSteam Can Ease Coughs and Improve Sleep for Kids and Families
Cold and flu season can be especially tough on parents, with sleepless nights, restless children, and the constant challenge of managing symptoms like congestion and cough. A humidifier, paired with soothing steam, can be a game-changer in making those difficult nights more manageable.
This week, I welcome Stacey Ishman, a pediatric otolaryngologist, to discuss the benefits of humidification and Vicks products like VapoSteam and humidifiers for improving sleep, especially during cold and allergy seasons.
She joins me to discuss:
The benefits of using a humidifier during illness
How soothing ingredients like camphor and menthol help create a calming bedtime routine for your family
That your child can breathe easier and sleep better with Vicks
To connect with Vicks on Instagram @vicks_usa and check out their products VapoSteam Core, VapoSteam Lavender, and Cool Relief Humidifier.
00:00:00 Introduction & Importance of Sleep During Colds
00:01:10 The Science Behind Vicks Vapor Steam
00:02:29 Meet Dr. Stacy Ashman: Pediatric Sleep Expert
00:06:40 Why Coughs Get Worse at Night
00:08:11 Is Vapor Steam Safe for All Kids?
00:14:03 How to Incorporate Vapor Steam into a Bedtime Routine
00:18:55 The Role of Humidification in Cold & Allergy Season
00:21:32 Final Thoughts & Takeaways
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 TV.
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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
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21:52
When Sad Stories Hit the News: How Parents Can Talk to Kids Without Fear
Talking to kids about the news requires honesty while maintaining a sense of security. Open conversations help build trust, allowing kids to ask questions and process difficult topics in a supportive environment.
This week, I welcome Rebecca Jarvis, contributing anchor at Good Morning America, to discuss how parents can provide age-appropriate explanations for real-world concerns while ensuring their kids feel safe.
She joins me to discuss:
The importance of honesty, security, and age-appropriate conversations about the news.
How she navigates being present with her kids while managing a demanding career.
How small positive actions can help us find purpose in uncertain times.
To connect with Rebecca Jarvis follow her on Instagram @rebeccajarvis and watch her on Good Morning America on ABC.
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.
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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
About The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom
The PedsDocTalk Podcast is your go-to parenting resource, hosted by Dr. Mona Amin, a trusted pediatrician, parenting expert, and mom of two. As a top 50 Parenting Podcast in the U.S., this show delivers expert-backed guidance on child development, health, illness, behavior, feeding, and sleep—giving parents the confidence to navigate every stage from baby to teen.
Each episode dives into real-life parenting challenges, featuring conversations with specialists in pediatrics, child psychology, nutrition, and parental well-being. From potty training and sleep training to tackling tantrums, picky eating, discipline, screen time, postpartum recovery, and developmental milestones, Dr. Mona provides practical, science-backed advice that actually works.
Tune in on Mondays and Wednesdays for actionable insights, mindset shifts, and expert interviews that empower you to raise healthy, resilient, and happy kids—while thriving as a parent yourself!
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