MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

Kristen Cook, MD

Welcome to MomDoc Talk, where real-life parenting meets medical expertise! Hosted by Dr. Kristen Cook, a seasoned pediatrician and mom, this podcast is your go-to resource for evidence-based insights on child development, health, and raising well-rounded, compassionate kids. As both a mother and a pediatrician with over a decade of experience, Dr. Cook understands the challenges parents face today and knows what truly works. Each episode dives into relatable parenting stories, expert advice, and science-backed tips, blending warmth, wisdom, and practicality to support you in guiding your child’s growth in today’s ever-evolving world. Join Dr. Cook and her guests as they tackle everything from behavior management to health basics, all while keeping the focus on raising good humans. DisclaimerThe information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    The Mental Load of Parenting: Kristen’s Permission to Let Go and Lighten Your Burden

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen explores why parenting feels so overwhelming despite the abundance of available advice. She acknowledges the invisible mental load parents carry, including the fear of "messing up" their kids. Rather than adding to parents' to-do lists, Kristen offers permission to do less by outlining six things parents can stop doing, including striving for perfect consistency, over-explaining decisions, comparing children, trying to fix every emotion, believing more effort equals better parenting, and feeling obligated to do everything. Kristen reminds parents that connection, presence, and self-compassion matter far more than perfection. What you’ll learn: Common feelings of overwhelm among parents despite abundant parenting advice.The mental load and fears associated with parenting in the modern world.Critique of simplistic and unrealistic parenting advice.The importance of connection, presence, and self-compassion over perfection.Six specific actions parents can stop doing to improve their parenting.The impact of social media on parental self-perception and comparison.The distinction between parenting a child and parenting the fear of failing them.The challenges of balancing parenting with work and personal responsibilities.The significance of acknowledging and validating children's emotions.Encouragement to redefine parenting success and focus on what truly matters.Order My Book: Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive Podcast Disclaimer The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts! Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/ Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/ https://twitter.com/momdoctalk https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

    17 min
  2. 30 APR

    What Does Mother’s Day Really Mean to Moms?

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Kristen explores the true meaning of Mother's Day, tracing its origins with Anna Jarvis and how commercialization distorted its purpose. Drawing from personal experiences — including pregnancy loss, bonding struggles, and parenting challenges — Kristen encourages moms to redefine the holiday around connection, appreciation, and presence rather than perfection. She offers age-appropriate celebration ideas for children and emphasizes the importance of communicating needs clearly to partners. Kristen also champions maternal self-care and encourages mothers to honestly celebrate their own achievements. She concludes by reminding listeners that their parenting work matters every single day. What you’ll learn: History and origins of Mother's Day in the United States, including Anna Jarvis's role.The commercialization of Mother's Day and its impact on the holiday's meaning.Personal experiences of motherhood, including pregnancy loss and parenting challenges.The importance of authentic appreciation and connection on Mother's Day.Practical advice for children of different ages on how to celebrate their mothers.The significance of maternal self-care and overcoming guilt associated with it.Encouragement for mothers to celebrate themselves and acknowledge their contributions.The need for clear communication of expectations and desires for Mother's Day celebrations.Redefining Mother's Day as a day of connection, appreciation, and presence rather than perfection.The ongoing impact of motherhood on personal growth and emotional development in children.Order My Book: Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive Podcast Disclaimer The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts! Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/ Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/ https://twitter.com/momdoctalk https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

    20 min
  3. 23 APR

    Why Don’t Kids Listen Even When We Repeat Ourselves?

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen explores why children struggle to listen and why parents often resort to repeating themselves. She explains that listening is a learned skill influenced by developmental stages, not defiance. Kristen offers age-specific strategies: getting physically close to toddlers and using simple commands, setting clear expectations and consistent consequences for school-age children, and shifting from control to influence with teenagers. She emphasizes connection, natural consequences, and realistic expectations. Kristen reassures parents that their child isn't broken and that small changes in approach can lead to less frustration and more peace at home. What you’ll learn: Common parenting challenge of children not listeningListening as a learned skill rather than an inherent traitDevelopmental reasons for listening difficulties in toddlers, school-age children, and teenagersPractical strategies for improving listening skills by age groupImportance of connection, consistency, and natural consequences in parentingAdjusting parental expectations based on children's developmental stagesThe impact of attention issues and distractions on children's listening abilitiesEffective communication techniques for different age groupsThe role of autonomy and independence in teenage behaviorEncouragement for parents to focus on progress and maintain strong relationships with their childrenOrder My Book: Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive Podcast Disclaimer The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts! Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/ Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/ https://twitter.com/momdoctalk https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

    16 min
  4. 16 APR

    What Does Resilience Really Mean for Your Child’s Growth?

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen explores the concept of resilience in children, clarifying that it differs from persistence and toughness. She emphasizes that resilience isn't about avoiding struggle but about experiencing difficulty, recovering, and moving forward. Kristen offers age-specific advice for parents of toddlers, school-aged children, and teenagers, highlighting common pitfalls like overprotecting or minimizing emotions. She encourages parents to guide children through challenges rather than eliminating them, helping kids develop emotional flexibility and problem-solving skills. Kristen also promotes her book, Parenting Redefined, available on Amazon. What you’ll learn: Definition and importance of resilience in childrenDistinction between resilience, persistence, and toughnessThe role of parents in fostering resilience through challengesCommon parenting pitfalls that hinder resilience, such as overprotectionStrategies for helping toddlers develop resilienceTechniques for building resilience in school-aged childrenApproaches to support teenagers in developing resilienceThe significance of emotional regulation and validation in parentingEncouragement for parents to allow children to face strugglesPromotion of a book on parenting strategies and child behavior understandingOrder My Book: Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive Podcast Disclaimer The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts! Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/ Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/ https://twitter.com/momdoctalk https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

    17 min
  5. 9 APR

    Why Do Toddlers Throw Tantrums and How Can Parents Truly Understand Them?

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen explores the challenging world of toddlers and preschoolers, explaining that tantrums and difficult behaviors stem from overwhelmed, still-developing brains rather than defiance or manipulation. Drawing from personal experiences, including her son Mason's restaurant meltdown and daughter Savannah's "I hate you" outburst, Kristen encourages parents to stay calm, seek connection over control, and understand the root causes behind their child's behavior. She reminds parents that imperfection is normal, comparisons are unhelpful, and these challenging phases are temporary. What you’ll learn: Understanding toddler and preschooler behaviorThe nature of temper tantrums and emotional dysregulationThe importance of maintaining calmness during challenging momentsStrategies for effective parenting and emotional connectionThe role of patience in managing difficult behaviorsThe impact of personal feelings on parenting responsesRecognizing that misbehavior is not a reflection of parenting qualityThe significance of understanding a child's unique temperamentThe temporary nature of challenging phases in childhoodThe deeper emotional rewards of parenthood despite difficultiesOrder My Book: Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive Podcast Disclaimer The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts! Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/ Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/ https://twitter.com/momdoctalk https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

    17 min
  6. 2 APR

    Motherhood: Embracing the Beautiful Chaos | The Truths of Becoming a Mom

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of MomDoc Talk, host Kristen Cook offers an honest look at the challenges of motherhood during pregnancy and infancy. Kristen shares her personal and professional insights on topics like postpartum body changes, sleep deprivation, emotional struggles, relationship shifts, and breastfeeding difficulties. She encourages mothers to embrace their “mom badges,” seek help without shame, and practice self-compassion. Kristen’s goal is to prepare and support mothers with realistic expectations, reminding them that it’s normal to struggle and that they are enough just as they are. What you’ll learn: Realities of motherhood during pregnancy and the infant stagePhysical challenges of pregnancy, including nausea and fatiguePostpartum body changes and the concept of "mom badges"Sleep deprivation and its emotional toll on mothersEmotional shifts after childbirth, including postpartum blues and depressionChanges in relationships with partners after having childrenChallenges and experiences related to breastfeedingNormalizing feelings of frustration with certain aspects of parentingImportance of self-compassion and realistic expectations for mothersEncouragement for open communication and seeking help when neededOrder My Book: Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive Podcast Disclaimer The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts! Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/ Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/ https://twitter.com/momdoctalk https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

    16 min
  7. 26 MAR

    Is Your Child in the Right Grade? Understanding Academic and Emotional Readiness

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen addresses parents’ concerns about whether their child is in the right grade for their age, emotional development, and academic abilities. She explores the pros and cons of skipping a grade, redshirting, or holding a child back, considering academic, social, and emotional factors across school stages. Kristen emphasizes there’s no universal answer—each decision should be based on the child’s unique needs, with ongoing family support and reassessment. She encourages parents to focus on emotional health and development, not just academic placement, and to prioritize their child’s well-being above all. What you’ll learn: Concerns about children's grade level in relation to age, emotional development, and academic abilities.Options for grade placement: skipping a grade, redshirting, or remaining in the current grade.Benefits and drawbacks of skipping a grade in elementary, middle, and high school.Emotional maturity and social development considerations in grade placement decisions.The impact of redshirting on emotional regulation, confidence, and academic performance.Challenges and potential stigma associated with holding a child back a grade.The complexities of middle school transitions and their effects on social dynamics.Long-term implications of high school grade placement on college and career readiness.Importance of family support and emotional coaching in educational decisions.Questions for parents to consider when making grade placement decisions.Order My Book: Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive Podcast Disclaimer The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts! Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/ Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/ https://twitter.com/momdoctalk https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

    18 min
  8. 19 MAR

    How Can Parents Effectively Talk to Their Children About Sex and Body Safety?

    Send us Fan Mail Today’s conversation dives into topics that can feel a little uncomfortable even for adults. If you usually listen with your kids, please listen to this episode first on your own. In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and mom of two, guides parents on how to talk to their children about sex, reproduction, consent, and body safety. She breaks down age-appropriate strategies from toddlerhood through the teen years, emphasizing open, ongoing conversations using correct anatomical terms. Kristen addresses challenges like body curiosity, pornography, and the limits of school sex education, encouraging parents to build trust and empower their children with accurate, values-based information to foster autonomy, respect, and emotional intelligence. What you’ll learn: Importance of age-appropriate conversations about sex and reproductionDevelopmental stages of children: toddlers, preschoolers, early school-age, tweens, and teensUse of correct anatomical terms to promote body autonomy and reduce shameBody safety education and the concept of consentAddressing body curiosity and inappropriate touching in young childrenDiscussing puberty and physical changes with children before they experience themNavigating conversations about pornography and its unrealistic portrayalsEducating tweens about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and safe practicesImportance of ongoing discussions about consent and emotional readiness for teensBuilding a trusting parent-child relationship to facilitate open communication about difficult topicsOrder My Book: Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive Podcast Disclaimer The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts! Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/ Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/ https://twitter.com/momdoctalk https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

    19 min

About

Welcome to MomDoc Talk, where real-life parenting meets medical expertise! Hosted by Dr. Kristen Cook, a seasoned pediatrician and mom, this podcast is your go-to resource for evidence-based insights on child development, health, and raising well-rounded, compassionate kids. As both a mother and a pediatrician with over a decade of experience, Dr. Cook understands the challenges parents face today and knows what truly works. Each episode dives into relatable parenting stories, expert advice, and science-backed tips, blending warmth, wisdom, and practicality to support you in guiding your child’s growth in today’s ever-evolving world. Join Dr. Cook and her guests as they tackle everything from behavior management to health basics, all while keeping the focus on raising good humans. DisclaimerThe information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.