Your Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica Hochman
Your Child Is Normal is a podcast hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman, a board-certified pediatrician and mother of three. It aims to educate and reassure parents about childhood behaviors, health concerns, and development. The show covers a wide range of topics from medical issues to emotional and social challenges, providing expert insights and practical advice. The goal is to help parents feel informed and confident, reducing worry and fostering better connections with their children.
Episodes
Ep 238: Your Child Doesn't Need to Read Early: What Really Matters for Literacy, with Ruth Rothfeld-Hochman SLP (my Mother-in-Law)
Send us Fan MailMany parents worry about reading: Is my child reading early enough? What if my child doesn't like books?In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica sits down with a very special guest—her mother-in-law, a speech-language pathologist and reading specialist with decades of experience helping children develop language, literacy, and learning skills.Together they discuss
Ep 237: What teens and tweens actually need for healthy skin? Dr Angela Casey, Dermatologist explains.
Send us Fan MailSkincare has become a major part of teen and tween culture. From Sephora shopping trips to elaborate nighttime routines, many kids are using more skincare products than ever before. But what do young people actually need for healthy skin?In this episode, Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with dermatologist Dr. Angela Casey about the rise of skincare among children and teens and how parents
Ep 236: Navigating Food Allergies and Early Introduction with allergist Dr Akansha Ganju
Send us Fan MailFood allergies can feel incredibly overwhelming for parents — especially during infancy when introducing new foods for the first time. What does a true allergic reaction actually look like? And what should families know about new treatment options for food allergies?In this episode, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with allergist Dr. Akansha Ganju of Latitude Food Allergy Care to disc
Ep 235: Parenting Through Anxiety: Practical Advice from Lynn Lyons (Replay)
Send us Fan MailIn this replay of episodes 31 and 32 of Your Child Is Normal, anxiety expert and psychotherapist Lynn Lyons shares practical, reassuring advice for parents raising anxious kids.The conversation covers:how anxiety shows up in childrenwhy reassurance can sometimes worsen anxietyhow avoidance strengthens fearways parents unintentionally accommodate anxietypractical strategies to help
Ep 234: Can we teach our children to be resilient and develop a high self-esteem? with Dr Joan Rosenberg
Send us Fan MailWhat helps children become resilient? How do we raise kids with genuine confidence and self-esteem—while also helping them navigate disappointment, frustration, and uncomfortable emotions?In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, I am replaying one of my favorite past conversations—originally released as Episode 51—with Dr. Joan Rosenberg, bestselling author, psychologist, TEDx spea
Ep 233: Why Routines Matter (Without Being Rigid) — with Jessica Irwin, (Rooted in Routine)
Send us Fan MailParents hear it all the time: kids need routine. But what does that actually mean—and how do you make it work in real life without becoming overly rigid?In this episode, we are joined by pediatric occupational therapist Jessica Irwin, founder of Rooted in Routine, to talk about how simple, flexible routines can make a big difference for kids—and parents.We discuss: Why routines hel
Ep 232: Motor Milestones Without Panic: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Get Help w/ Daniella Brown
Send us Fan MailWhen it comes to babies and movement, parents often ask: Is my child developing normally? Should I be worried? And when is it time to get help?In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman is joined by Daniella Brown, a pediatric physical therapist and founder of Proactive Pediatric Physical Therapy.They cover: What pediatric physical therapy actually looks like Com
Ep 231: Pumping 101: How to Make It Easier (and Less Overwhelming), with Tamari Jacob, One With The Pump
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with pumping expert Tamari to break down everything parents need to know about pumping—from when to start, how often to pump, and how to make it actually work in real life.They talk honestly about the challenges of breastfeeding and pumping, the pressure many moms feel, and why it doesn’t have to be as stressful
Ep 230: Sleep, Babies, and Sanity: What Parents Need to Know, with Chrissy Lawler, The Peaceful Sleeper
Send us Fan MailSleep is one of the most common—and stressful—concerns for parents, especially in the first year of life.In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with therapist, sleep expert, and mom of four Chrissy (The Peaceful Sleeper) to talk about how to approach sleep in a way that actually works for real families. Chrissy shares a practical, intuitive framework
Ep 229: The Benefits—and Risks—of Labels in Kids, with Pediatrician William Wilkoff MD
Send us Fan MailWhy do parents feel so relieved when their child gets a diagnosis?And when can that same label do more harm than good?In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman speaks with pediatrician Dr. William Wilkoff, who has spent decades caring for children in Maine and writing for both parents and physicians. Dr. Wilkoff introduces a powerful idea he calls the “Rumpelsti
Ep 228: Are We Over-Pathologizing Normal Boy Behavior? with Dr Michael Milobsky
Send us Fan MailIn part two of my conversation with Dr. Michael Milobsky, we talk about boys — and why so much normal boy behavior is increasingly being labeled as a problem. We discuss redshirting, kindergarten expectations, ADHD concerns, school environments that may not fit many boys well, and how to tell the difference between a child who is truly struggling and one who is simply developing no
Ep 226: Raising Kids Without the Pressure: Feeding, Milestones, and Language Development with Jordan Koveleski Gorman
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Jessica Hochman speaks with Jordan Koveleski Gorman, pediatric speech pathologist, feeding specialist, and founder of Eat Play Say, a platform that helps millions of parents support their children’s development through practical, realistic strategies.Jordan shares why feeding has become such a stressful topic for parents — and how we can shift away from compari
Ep 227: Parenting Without Panic: Why Your Kids Will Be Fine, with Dr Michael Milobsky
Send us Fan MailWhy do so many parents feel overwhelmed right now? In this conversation, I talk with pediatrician Dr. Michael Milobsky about why modern parenting feels so anxiety-provoking — from social media and information overload to the pressure to optimize every part of childhood. We discuss what kids actually need from us, why temperament matters more than parenting hacks, and how parents ca
Ep 225: Wisdom from a Pediatrician with 40 Years of Experience, with Dr. Stan Block
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with Dr. Stan Block, a pediatrician who spent more than four decades caring for children and is the author of Pediatrics Around the Block.Drawing on years of experience in clinical practice and pediatric research, Dr. Block shares practical wisdom about the questions parents ask every day. They discuss why vaccines
Ep 224: Kids Need Independence: The Science of Play & Risk — Dr. Peter Gray
Send us Fan MailIn this two-part conversation, pediatrician Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with psychologist and play researcher Dr. Peter Gray about what kids actually need to grow into healthy, capable, well-adjusted adults.In this episode, we talk about:• Why play is not just fun — it’s biologically necessary • What children lose when play disappears • How over-structuring childhood may be backfirin
Ep 223: Why School Is Stressing Kids Out (and What Parents Can Do) — Dr. Peter Gray
Send us Fan MailIn this two-part conversation, pediatrician Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with psychologist and play researcher Dr. Peter Gray about what kids actually need to grow into healthy, capable, well-adjusted adults — and why modern childhood is drifting in the opposite direction.In Part 1 we talk about why modern school has become such a major source of stress for kids — and what parents can
Ep 222: Understanding Motor Milestones & Development, insights from Allison Mell, Pediatric PT
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Child Is Normal, I’m joined by pediatric physical therapist Allison Mell, founder of Tots on Target. We talk about baby motor development in a way that’s both reassuring and practical — including what milestones typically look like, what matters more than the exact age, and how parents can support development at home without overthinking it (or overbuying ).
Ep 221: Navigating Childhood Tics and Tourette Syndrome: Expert Insights with Dr. Greenberg
Send us Fan MailNavigating Childhood Tics and Tourette Syndrome: Expert Insights with Dr. GreenbergIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Greenberg, director of the pediatric psychiatry OCD and Tic disorders program in Boston, to discuss the complexities of childhood tics and Tourette Syndrome. Dr. Greenberg shares her extensive expertise and personal experiences to help parents understand what ti
Ep 220: Understanding Pediatric Migraines with Dr. Amy Gelfand
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Amy Gelfand, a child neurologist specializing in pediatric headaches, discusses the complexities and treatment of migraines in children. Gelfand explains the genetic nature of migraines and their commonality among kids, noting triggers like menstrual cycles and changes in sleep patterns. She elaborates on distinguishing features of migraines and provides insigh
Ep 219: Technology is here to stay, so how do we teach our kids to make better choices? with Aniko Hill, cofounder of DopaMind
Send us Fan MailIn a podcast discussion, Aniko Hill, shares her insights into limiting technology use for children. Aniko co-founded DopaMind, a nonprofit aimed at educating kids and parents about the effects of modern technology on mental well-being. Through schools and parent resources, DopaMind provides accessible, nonjudgmental education on making better tech choices. It's really incredi
Ep 218: Family Meals Made Easy, Tips from Aliza Sokolow, author of Children's Book: This is What I Eat
Send us Fan MailThis week on Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with chef and food educator Aliza Sokolow, author of the children’s book This Is What I Eat, to make healthy eating feel simpler, more joyful, and actually realistic for busy families.Aliza shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she went from architecture to food media, to working with Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolutio
Ep 217: Reducing Screens & Ending Homework Battles: The Parenting Playbook (Part 2) — with Mike McLeod
Send us Fan MailThis is Part 2 of Dr. Jessica Hochman’s conversation with Mike McLeod, founder of Grow Now ADHD — and it’s packed with practical strategies.We talk about why internet-connected screens can be especially dysregulating for kids with ADHD, how to recognize when screen use is crossing into addiction, and what “authoritative parenting” looks like when you’re setting limits that kids wil
Ep 216: ADHD & Executive Function: What Matters More Than Grades (Part 1) — with Mike McLeod
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with Mike McLeod about ADHD, executive function, and why grades are not the best predictor of long-term success.Mike explains why ADHD is less about “attention” and more about missing internal skills — including self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, and self-evaluation — and how those skills show up at h
Ep 215: When Period Pain Isn’t Normal: Endometriosis in Teens with Dr. Iris Kerin Orbuch
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with endometriosis specialist Dr. Iris Kerin Orbuch, author of Beating Endo: How to Reclaim Your Life from Endometriosis and a key medical voice in the films Endo What? and Below the Belt.Dr. Orbuch explains what endometriosis is, why it’s so common yet underdiagnosed, and how it often first shows up in teens—no
Ep 214: Raising Intuitive Eaters, with Kim Shapira, Dietician and Author
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with dietitian and author Kim Shapira whose book This Is What You’re Really Hungry For helps people rebuild a peaceful relationship with food.Kim shares how her own childhood health struggles and experiences with patients led her away from traditional dieting and toward an approach centered on trust, body awaren
Ep 213: Screen addiction: how can we prevent this with our children? With Dr Nicholas Kardaras
Send us Fan MailIn this flashback episode, we are revisiting my interview with Dr Nicholas Kardaras (episode 100) to discuss screen addiction and children. Dr. Nicholas Kardaras is an Ivy-League educated psychologist, an internationally renowned speaker, and one of the country’s foremost addiction experts. He is the CEO and Chief Clinical Officer of Maui Recovery in Hawaii and Omega Recovery in A
Ep 212: Your Teen is Normal! A conversation with actual kids-- The hosts of the Holistic Kids Show
Send us Fan MailIn episode 211 of Your Child is Normal, Abdullah, Emaad, Zain, and Qasim Ansari (Brothers spaning the ages of 10 to 17) hosts of the Holistic Kids Show podcast, share their journey of creating a podcast focused on health and wellness for teens. They discuss the importance of hydration, the impact of technology and social media, and effective parenting strategies. The conversation e
Ep 211: Is My Child’s Speech Normal? Speech Milestones & When to Worry (and When Not To) with SLP Melissa Minney, Raising Little Talkers
Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode, I’m joined by speech-language pathologist and mom of three Melissa Minney, founder of Raising Little Talkers® and the Little Talkers® course for parents of babies and toddlers. Melissa has helped tens of thousands of families feel more confident supporting their child’s speech and language at home. In this episode, we talk about:The most common speech concerns p
Ep 210: Pediatric UTIs: Myths, Treatment, and Prevention, Insights with Dr. Andrew Kirsch
Send us Fan MailEpisode 210 of Your Child is Normal is a conversation discussing everything you've ever wondered about UTIs! It’s common for kids to occasionally feel discomfort when they pee — but how do you know when it’s something that needs more attention, like a urinary tract infection?In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with pediatric urologist Dr. Andrew Kirsch, aut
Ep 209: Why Giving Kids More Freedom Makes Them Stronger, with Lenore Skenazy
Send us Fan MailToday on Your Child Is Normal, I’m thrilled to re-air one of our most important conversations with Lenore Skenazy — author of Free‑Range Kids and president of the nonprofit Let Grow, which is leading a national movement to restore childhood independence.Lenore explains why when we trust kids to do more on their own, they grow stronger, more confident, and less anxious. She upends t
Ep 208: When Kids Always Sound Stuffy: Chronic Congestion, Snoring, and Mouth Breathing with Dr. Nina Shapiro (Part 2)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman welcomes back Dr. Nina Shapiro, pediatric ENT and author of Take a Deep Breath: Clear the Air for the Health of Your Child.If your child always sounds congested, snores at night, or breathes through their mouth, this episode is for you. Dr. Shapiro explains the most common causes of chronic nasal stuffiness in kids — from
Ep 207: Helping Babies Breathe Easier: with Dr. Nina Shapiro (Part 1)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with Dr. Nina Shapiro, pediatric ENT and author of Take a Deep Breath: Clear the Air for the Health of Your Child, now out in its updated edition.Together, they dive into one of the most common worries for parents: their baby’s breathing. Dr. Shapiro explains why newborns are “obligate nasal breathers,” what nor
Ep 206: Navigating Toddler Behavior: From Tantrums to Understanding with Devon Kuntzman, Transforming Toddlerhood
Send us Fan MailIn Episode 206 of 'Your Child is Normal,' the host welcomes back Devon, a toddler expert, to discuss her journey since the last time she appeared three years ago. During this time, Devon became a mother and wrote a comprehensive book titled 'Transforming Toddlerhood.' She shares her evolved perspectives on toddler behavior and parenting, emphasizing the signific
Ep 205: Making Sense of ADHD: Diagnosis, Treatment Options & Strengths with Shirley Hersko
Send us Fan MailADHD is one of the most common concerns parents bring up—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. What does ADHD really mean? How is it diagnosed? And what actually helps kids who struggle with focus, organization, or impulsivity?In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with ADHD specialist Shirley Hershko, who brings both professional expertise an
Ep 204: Exploring solutions for Gut-Brain disorders in children, a conversation with Dr. Ali Navidi, GI psychologist
Send us Fan MailDr. Navidi is a GI psychologist and on this episode, he discusses the connection between GI disorders and psychology in children. Dr. Navidi explains that many GI issues in children, often fall under disorders of gut-brain interaction. He emphasizes the effectiveness of treatments like clinical hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) over traditional dietary changes like th
Ep 203: Making sense of milk intolerances in infants, with Pediatric gastroenterologist, Dr Victoria Martin, MD, MPH
Send us Fan MailIn this podcast episode, a pediatric gastroenterologist, Pediatric GI expert Dr. Victoria Martin joins me to demystify milk intolerance in babies—what FPIAP and cow’s milk protein intolerance really mean, why these diagnoses are tricky, and how families can find practical, evidence-based solutions.shares her expertise on milk intolerances in infants. Dr. Martin emphasizes the impor
Ep 202: Feeding Kids Without the Pressure: Practical Plant-Forward Tips with Dr. Reshma Shah
Send us Fan MailFeeding kids well is foundational to health—but real-life meals can feel hard. Pediatrician Dr. Reshma Shah, co-author of Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families, joins Jessica to share simple, evidence-based ways to make family meals more nourishing and less stressful. We cover how to “add in” plants without power struggles, realistic swaps kids accept, wh
Ep 201: Youth Sports & Overtraining: Insights from Dr. Bianca Edison
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we welcome Dr. Bianca Edison, a pediatric sports medicine and orthopedic physician, to discuss the critical issues surrounding youth sports. Dr. Edison shares her journey into sports medicine and emphasizes the importance of balancing athletic activities for young athletes. The discussion covers overtraining, the significance of rest and recovery, the impact of bur
Ep 200! Rethinking ADHD: Diagnosis, Treatment, and What Families Should Know - A Conversation with Paul Tough
Send us Fan MailRethinking ADHD: Diagnosis, Treatment, and What Families Should Know - A Conversation with Paul ToughIn this special 200th episode, Paul Tough discusses his recent article on ADHD that has sparked significant debate. Paul explores questions like whether we're over-diagnosing ADHD, the rising diagnosis rates, and the nuances of treatment. Highlighting both the benefits and limi
Ep 199: Preventing Car Accidents, with my Dad, Dr Andrew Matthew
Send us Fan MailCar accidents are the leading cause of death for kids, teens, and young adults — but so many are preventable. In this episode, I sit down with my dad, pediatrician Dr. Andrew Matthew (and the safest driver I know!), to talk about what parents and teens can do to stay safe on the road.Using information from this recent article:Motor Vehicle Crash Prevention, New England Journal of M
Ep 198: Lice Myths Busted: What Every Parent Needs to Know, with Amy Chinian
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Your Child is Normal, Jessica Hochman, MD, talks with Amy Chinian, founder of My Hair Helpers, about the truth behind lice—what they are, how they really spread, and why they have nothing to do with hygiene. Together, they bust common myths (spoiler: you can stop bagging stuffed animals for two weeks), explain the most effective ways to check for lice, and share
Ep 197: Helping Kids Feel Safe Before Anesthesia, with pediatric anesthesiologist Dr Jacqueline Drummond Lewis
Send us Fan MailWhen kids need anesthesia for a medical procedure, it’s normal for both them—and their parents—to feel anxious. In this episode of Your Child is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman speaks with pediatric anesthesiologist Dr. Jacqueline Drummond Lewis (aka Doc JC), author of Adventures with Doc JC: The Unseen Planet. Together they explore what anesthesia actually is, how it works in kids, an
Ep 196: Using Hypnosis with Children — Lynn Lyons on Helping Anxious Kids Tap into Their Imagination
Send us Fan MailThis week on Your Child is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman welcomes back Lynn Lyons—licensed therapist, author, and host of the Flusterclux podcast—for a surprising and eye-opening conversation about clinical hypnosis for kids.You might associate hypnosis with stage tricks or pop culture shenanigans, but as Lynn explains, it's actually a science-backed, deeply therapeutic techniqu
Ep 195: Acupuncture for Kids with Anxiety: A Conversation with Dr. Tara McCannel
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Child is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman is joined by Dr. Tara McCannel—retinal surgeon, ocular oncologist, and co-founder of Seyhart Acupuncture in Santa Monica, California. They discuss how acupuncture can be a powerful, evidence-informed, and low-risk option to support anxiety—especially in children who present with physical symptoms like headaches, stomach a
Ep 194: Breaking Free of childhood Anxiety and OCD: A conversation about SPACE! with Dr Eli Liebowitz
Send us Fan MailAnxiety is the most common mental health challenge kids face—and it doesn’t just affect them, it impacts the whole family. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Eli Lebowitz, the clinical psychologist behind the SPACE program (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), about how parents can help reduce their child’s anxiety—not by changing their kids, but by changing their ow
Ep 193: How to Help Your Child Build Strong Friendships: Tips for Parents with Nina Badzin
Send us Fan MailFriendship is one of the most important parts of childhood—and yet, many kids struggle to make and keep friends, especially in today's tech-heavy world. In this episode, I talk with friendship expert and podcast host Nina Badzin about how parents can support their children's social lives. We cover how to help kids initiate plans, what makes a healthy friendship, why being
Ep 192: Why boredom is a good thing for kids! (Minisode)
Send us Fan MailIn this solo episode of Your Child Is Normal, pediatrician and mom of three Dr. Jessica Hochman explores a summer parenting dilemma almost all families face: what to do when kids say, “I’m bored.”Rather than seeing boredom as a problem to fix, in episode makes the case that it’s actually a gift. Drawing on developmental psychology and research, she explains how boredom helps childr
Ep 191: Summer Q&A Minisode! Hydration, Constipation, Sunscreen Battles & Motion Sickness
Send us Fan MailIn this special "minisode" of Your Child is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman answers four of the most common summer questions she hears from parents:– Is it normal if my kid doesn’t drink much water?– Why does my child get constipated when we travel?– What if my child refuses sunscreen?– How do I prevent motion sickness in the car?The goal is to help parents learn practical ti
Ep 190: Bonding from birth: normalizing early parenting challenges, with neonatologist Dr Joanna Parga-Belinkie MD
Send us Fan MailEpisode 190 with neonatologist, author and podcast host, Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie who talks about her new book, We talk about the challenges of parenting, particularly in the newborn phase. She emphasizes the importance of bonding with babies, the role of community support, and the impact of modern technology on parenting. Dr Joanna offers practical advice for navigating the earl
Ep 189: Catch Them When They’re Good: Behavioral Psychology for Better Parenting with Dr. Larry Waldman
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Child Is Normal, I’m joined by Dr. Larry Waldman, a behavioral psychologist and author of Who's Raising Whom?, to unpack how behavioral psychology can make parenting easier — and more effective. We talk about how small, consistent changes in how we respond to our children can lead to big shifts in their behavior.You’ll learn:Why kids sometimes misbehave
Ep 188: Why Bedwetting Happens—and What Really Helps: A Conversation with Pediatric Urologist Dr. Andrew Kirsch
Send us Fan MailBedwetting is incredibly common—but it’s also often misunderstood, leaving families feeling frustrated, confused, or even ashamed. In this episode, pediatric urologist Dr. Andrew Kirsch joins Dr. Jessica Hochman to demystify nighttime wetting and offer real, evidence-based guidance for parents.They explore:Why bedwetting happens (hint: it’s not your child’s fault)When to worry and
Ep 187: When is the digital world too much for kids? And what can realistically be done about it? With Julie Frumin, MFT
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with therapist and screen-time educator Julie Frumin about the digital world kids are growing up in—and how to push back. They explore the rise in anxiety, sleep deprivation, and attention issues linked to screens, and how we can respond as parents and communities. Julie shares her personal story, professional insig
Ep 186: Between a Shot and a Hard Place: A Conversation with Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Child is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman speaks with integrative pediatrician Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh about his brand-new book, Between a Shot and a Hard Place. They discuss vaccine decision-making in today’s polarized climate, the importance of listening to parents, and how to navigate thoughtful conversations rooted in care and trust.Dr. Hochman also shares her
Ep: 185 Healthy Kids, Real Life: A Pediatrician Mom’s Honest Approach with Dr. Padget Skogman
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with pediatric hospitalist and mom of three, Dr. Padget Skogman, for a refreshingly honest conversation about raising healthy kids in a very imperfect world. They dive into the real-life challenges of nutrition, screen time, and daily routines—offering practical, judgment-free advice for families who want to fee
Ep 184: Flat Feet, Smelly Feet, Ingrown Toenails, Toe-Walking and more--your common feet questions answered! with podiatrist Dr. Michael Zapf
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Zapf, a podiatrist who’s been treating kids’ feet for nearly 40 years. We cover the most common foot concerns I hear from parents—how to tell what’s normal, when to worry, and what you can do to support healthy feet at home. In this episode you'll hear tips on ingrown toenails, shoes, feet hygiene, Severs disease, plantar warts, and m
Ep 183: Feeding Without Fear: A Guide to Starting Solids with Cinthia Scott
Send us Fan MailThis week on Your Child Is Normal, I’m joined by pediatric dietitian Cinthia Scott, co-author of Baby Leads the Way, to talk about starting solids, baby-led weaning, early allergen introduction, picky eating, and how to reduce the pressure we put on ourselves as parents. We cover practical tips like the “smush test,” how to reframe gagging, the myth of “food before one is just for
Ep 182: Communicating with Respect — The RIE Approach with Melani Ladygo
Send us Fan MailIn 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.Mela
Ep 181: Part 2 Childhood Vaccines--common parent questions explained with Dr. Paul Offit
Send us Fan MailIn 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 o
Ep 180: Part 1: Navigating Vaccine Hesitancy with Dr Paul Offit
Send us Fan MailIn 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 understand
Ep 179: How to embrace being a "good enough" mother. With Dr Margo Lowy author of Maternal Ambivalence
Send us Fan MailIn 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 compassiona
Ep 178: The Seven Principles to help Connection with your Child, with Ned Johnson
Send us Fan MailEp 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
Ep 177: Why Support Matters in Pregnancy & Childbirth, with Carson Meyer, Doula & Author of Growing Together
Send us Fan MailIn 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 po
Ep 176: Rethinking Youth Sports: Can we lessen the pressure and make it more fun? with Linda Flanagan Author of Taking Back the Game
Send us Fan MailIn 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
Ep 175: Childhood obesity- when to consider medication and surgery treatment options? with Dr. Alaina Vidmar and Dr. Kamran Samakar
Send us Fan MailIn 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 chang
Ep 174: Herbal Medicine for Kids, the truth about what works? A Conversation with Tasha Rose
Send us Fan MailEpisode 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 FarmHere are links to some published medical studies revie
Ep 173: Beyond Labels: Understanding the Whole Child. Lev Gottlieb, PhD
Send us Fan MailDr. 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. Gottl
Ep 172: Should normal "sucking habits" like breast feeding, pacifiers and thumb sucking be stopped? Dr Lisa Bienstock pediatric dentist
Send us Fan MailToday, Dr Jessica Hochman and Dr. Lisa Bienstock, pediatric dentist, discuss the nuances ] focusing on common concerns parents have regarding their children's "sucking" habits. They explore the importance of understanding non-nutritive sucking habits, for example the implications of breastfeeding, and the role of pacifiers and thumb sucking on children's oral d
Ep 171: How to create helpful boundaries with our teens? with Dr Candice Feinberg
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Candice Feinberg, a clinical psychologist and CEO of ROWI, a mental health center for teens. In this episode we talk about her book "No Parent Left Behind: How to Parents Teens from Love Instead of Fear". We talk about the art of setting boundaries with teens-- emphasizing the need for parents to approach parenting from a place of love rather th
Ep 170: How to prevent childhood obesity? With Dr Art Mollen
Send us Fan MailToday's guest is Dr. Art Mollen, longevity health expert and best selling author, and he gives practical tips to parents to help establish healthy eating habits for children. We discuss the role of parents in modeling healthy behaviors for their children, the necessity of exercise, tips to avoid eating from boredom, and more. Dr Mollen is celebrating his 80th birthday this mo
Ep 169: How to sugar detox with our kids after the holidays?! with Dr Michael Goran
Send us Fan MailEp 169 of Your Child is Normal! (Note the new podcast title!!!) On today's episode Dr. Michael Goran discusses the impact of sugar on children's health, the challenges of reducing sugar intake, and practical strategies for families to manage sugar consumption. Dr Goran’s approach is practical, he doesn’t advocate for no sugar, just less if it. He offers actionable ste
Ep 168: How to best protect our lungs from poor air quality? With Dr Irina Dralyuk, Pediatric Pulmonologist
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, pediatric pulmonologist Dr. Irina Dralyuk discusses the importance of lung health, especially in light of recent fires affecting air quality in Los Angeles. She explains the significance of air quality indices (AQI), and its limitations. She reviews the use of air purifiers and masks, to protect lung health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as chi
Ep 166: How to effectively support and replenish your child's microbiome? With Taylor Soderborg MD PhD, Medical Director at Tiny Health
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Taylor Soderborg MD PhD discusses her journey as a physician scientist and her focus on the microbiome's role in child health. The discussion emphasizes the importance of optimizing microbiomes, their impact on health, and practical advice for parents to support their children's microbiome. Soderborg introduces Tiny Health, a company dedicated to mi
Ep 165: Movement therapy, a practical tool to support our children's emotional, social, and educational needs. With Dr Lori Baudino
Send us Fan MailEp 165: Dr. Lori Baudino, a licensed clinical psychologist and dance movement therapist, discusses how a child's movement and their psychology are integrated. She emphasizes the importance of understanding children's behaviors through their body language and movement, offering practical strategies for parents to support their children's emotional, social and educat
Ep 164: What parents need to know about the Pediatric ICU, with Dr Kyle Willsey
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Kyle Willse, a pediatric intensivist, shares insights on the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The discussion is meant to provide a basic understanding as to how the PICU operates and to help parents be an advocate for their children. A must listen for anybody who has a child or a loved one in the PICU.Kyle Willse, DO, is board certified in Pediatr
Ep 163: Strategies to help parents play & be present with their children! With Dr Tina Payne Bryson!
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr Tina Payne Bryson returns to Ask Dr Jessica to discuss her new book 'The Way of Play' which explains the importance of incorporating play into parenting, building relationships, regulating emotions, and developing essential skills in children. Her latest book shares strategies and tips to help parents play and be present with their kids--- which ultim
Ep 162: Navigating the Complexities of Gender Identity and the potential dangers in transitioning children, with Buck Angel
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Buck Angel shares his experiences as a transgender male, discussing the complexities of gender dysphoria, particularly in children and adolescents. He emphasizes the need for open conversations about transgender issues and the critical role of mental health care in understanding and supporting individuals with gender dysphoria. He emphasizes the potential dan
Ep 161: Melatonin use in children: a cause for concern or a helpful supplement? with Pieter Cohen, MD
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Jessica Hochman MD and Pieter Cohen MD discuss melatonin use in children! Dr Cohen recently authored a study on melatonin use in children, and the study revealed significant discrepancies in the labeling of melatonin supplements. They explore the safety concerns, regulatory issues, and the need for better quality control in the supplement industry.Dr. Pieter Cohen
Ep 160: How can understanding a child's brain help us parent better? With Dan Siegel MD
Send us Fan MailEpisode 160 (a continuation from last weeks episode) with Dr Dan Siegel explores how a child's brain is different from the adult brain, and how by understanding a child's brain, we may parent from a place of empathy. Daniel J. Siegel received his medical degree from Harvard University and completed his postgraduate medical education at UCLA with training in pediatrics an
Ep 159: The Science behind attachment relationships and Child Development! With Dan Siegel, MD
Send us Fan MailThank you to Dr Dan Siegel for joining Ask Dr Jessica! This will be a two part conversation, and in the first part Dan Siegel and Jessica discuss the intricacies of parenting and the neuroscience behind child development. They explore the importance of attachment, as attachment relationships are crucial for a child's emotional health. The discussion highlights the need for pa
Ep 158: How to treat and care for cleft lip and/or palate! With Dr Victor Chien, pediatric craniofacial surgeon
Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, Dr. Victor Chien, a pediatric craniofacial surgeon, discusses his role in treating children with cleft lip and palate. He emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care and the long-term relationships built with patients and their families. Dr. Chien also shares insights into the surgical process, the timing of interventions, all the while reinforcing the
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