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 30 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!

  1. 1D AGO

    The Follow-Up: Sleep Training Evidence

    Sleep training is one of the most emotionally charged parenting topics online, and this conversation pulls it back to what actually matters, evidence. We talk about how social media amplifies fear and confusion, why parents are told to “trust” personalities instead of data, and how looking directly at research helps cut through the noise. While opinions are loud, the body of evidence around behavioral sleep interventions is far less controversial than the internet suggests. We also walk through what the data says about timing, safety, and developmental readiness. From common myths about brain development to the fear of letting a baby cry, this episode centers on nuance. Sleep training is not all-or-nothing, not one rigid method, and not a replacement for parenting. It is a flexible set of tools families can adapt based on temperament, comfort, and goals. What we discussed: Why social media creates confusion around sleep training The importance of trusting research over personalities What the literature says about behavioral sleep interventions Why there is less scientific debate than people think Typical age ranges supported by evidence, around 4 to 6 months Developmental readiness and self-soothing ability The difference between sleep training and night weaning Why babies vary widely in temperament and sleep patterns The myth about prefrontal cortex development Why infants are capable of learning sleep skills Fear-based messaging and misuse of scientific language How parental anxiety gets amplified by misinformation Modifying sleep training methods to match family comfort Graduated extinction, parental presence, and flexible approaches The role of compromise between caregivers The core goal, helping a child fall asleep without active intervention Why sleep training does not replace responsive parenting 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. 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! 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

    13 min
  2. 6D AGO

    Dr. Paul Offit on the State of Vaccines in America and What Parents Need to Understand Now

    This episode is one of the most important conversations I’ve had about vaccines. I sit down with a leading vaccine expert to slow down the noise and talk honestly about where we are right now in America. We discuss how vaccines went from one of the greatest public health successes in history to something many families feel unsure about, and what that shift means for children. This is not about politics or headlines. It’s about what I see as a pediatrician, what clinicians across the country are experiencing, and why protecting kids still has to be the center of the conversation. We talk about fear, misinformation, and the very real consequences of falling vaccination rates. I share personal stories from training and practice that still stay with me, and we unpack how trust eroded, how Covid changed the landscape, and what parents deserve to understand moving forward. My hope is that this episode helps families step back from the chaos and reconnect with the core goal we all share: keeping children safe, healthy, and out of hospitals whenever we can. What we discuss: The current state of vaccines in America Why vaccines are a victim of their own success How misinformation spreads faster than evidence Turning points that eroded public trust in vaccines The impact of Covid on vaccine perception Real clinical consequences of falling vaccination rates Stories of vaccine-preventable illness from practice Why personal choice affects community safety Changes to vaccine recommendations and public messaging What parents should understand about risk vs benefit To connect with Paul Offit follow him on Instagram @pauloffitmd and check out all his resources at https://www.paul-offit.com/  00:00 Opening Message: The Real Risk of Skipping Vaccines 02:12 Meet Dr. Paul Offit 03:30 The Current State of Vaccines in America 05:04 Vaccines Are a Victim of Their Own Success 06:12 Why We Still Need Vaccines for “Rare” Diseases 08:27 Where Modern Vaccine Distrust Began (1982 Turning Point) 10:34 Pandemic Fallout and Vaccine Hesitancy 12:02 Frontline Stories from COVID 15:06 Denial in the Face of Evidence 17:11 How Vaccine Communication Should Change 19:00 Operation Warp Speed and Scientific Breakthrough 21:13 Politics and Public Health History 23:18 Measles Deaths Are Not “The Cost of Doing Business” 25:20 Medical Freedom vs Public Responsibility 28:23 Schedule Changes and Shared Decision Making 32:49 Life Before Rotavirus Vaccine 34:02 RSV Breakthroughs and Modern Progress 38:31 The Emotional Toll of Vaccine Misinformation 40:02 Residency Stories: When Prevention Fails 43:30 A Message to Vaccine-Hesitant Parents 45:35 What Keeps Dr. Offit Fighting 47:04 Final Takeaway: Vaccines Succeeded So We Forgot 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! 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

    52 min
  3. FEB 9

    The Follow-Up: Partner Resentment

    Motherhood can quietly shift the emotional balance in a partnership. In this conversation, we explore why resentment toward a partner is so common after having a baby and why it is not a personal failure, but a researched, predictable relationship stress point. The transition to parenthood often exposes invisible labor, unequal expectations, and emotional strain that many couples were never taught how to name, let alone fix. We also talk about practical starting points for repairing connection. From making invisible labor visible, to changing how conflict is communicated, this episode focuses on teamwork, fairness, and ongoing conversations that prevent resentment from hardening into distance. The goal is not perfection or 50-50 equality, but shared understanding and intentional partnership. What we discussed: Why resentment often grows after becoming parents The emotional and physical load many mothers carry Research showing relationship dissatisfaction in the first year postpartum How partnership dynamics affect postpartum mental health The concept of making invisible labor visible Dividing responsibilities in a way that feels agreed upon, not forced Why equality is not always 50-50, but fairness still matters Separating the partner from the problem Communicating needs without blame or accusation How suppressed resentment turns into bitterness The value of weekly relationship check-ins Addressing partners who resist conversations about workload Explaining impact instead of arguing details How shared labor improves emotional and physical intimacy Why connection is built through everyday support, not grand gestures 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. 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! 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

    12 min
  4. FEB 4

    Parenting Like It’s 1996 in a 2026 World

    In this solo episode, I reflect on how parenting has changed since the 90s, and not always for the better. This episode is not about going backward or rejecting progress. It is about blending what we know now about emotions and development with what used to work well, giving kids space, time, and trust to grow. I explore how constant comparison, nonstop information, overscheduling, and screens have shifted parenting toward fear and control, often leaving parents exhausted and kids overwhelmed. I share why boredom matters, why independence is built in small moments, and how parenting feels lighter when it is guided by values instead of perfection. In this episode, I talk about: Why independence is a skill kids build through small, age-appropriate freedoms Why bullying feels heavier now, and how protecting home as a safe space matters How overscheduling crowds out confidence, creativity, and rest Why boredom is not a problem, but a skill kids need to practice A values-based approach to screens, using them intentionally instead of automatically Why errands, car rides, and everyday moments are real opportunities for growth Why doing less can help both kids and parents feel calmer and more confident 00:00 Parenting Like It’s 1996 01:39 The Park Moment and Independence 02:56 Fear, Comparison, and Information Overload 05:45 Overscheduling and the Loss of Boredom 07:16 Screens Then vs Screens Now 11:15 Why Boredom Builds Confidence 13:00 Kids Belong in the Real World 13:58 What Parenting Has Improved 16:09 The Permission to Do Less 17:12 Letting Go of Perfect Parenting 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! 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

    21 min
  5. FEB 2

    The Follow-Up: Baby Won't Stop Crying

    In this Follow-Up episode, Dr. Mona revisits one of the most stressful early parenting experiences, an inconsolable newborn. She breaks down what colic actually means, why the label is often misunderstood, and how to tell the difference between normal newborn fussiness and signs that need medical attention. The goal is not to dismiss crying, but to give parents a framework so they feel informed instead of brushed off. Dr. Mona walks through what’s happening developmentally in those early weeks, why many babies hit a fussy peak around 6 weeks, and how to run a calm mental checklist at 2 a.m. She also covers red flags that deserve a pediatric visit, from fever to poor feeding to blood in the stool. Most importantly, this episode centers parents. Fussiness is common, phases pass, and support matters. You are not failing if your baby cries and you can’t fix it instantly. You are learning your baby in real time. Key takeaways ✔️ Colic is a real pattern of crying, but it should never replace a thoughtful medical check ✔️ Most newborn fussiness peaks between 2 to 8 weeks and improves with time ✔️ Wet diapers, weight gain, and periods of calm are reassuring signs ✔️ Fever in a baby under 2 months always deserves a call to your pediatrician ✔️ Persistent crying with poor feeding, major spit up, or blood in stool needs evaluation ✔️ Not all crying is hunger, babies also cry from overstimulation and adjustment ✔️ Newborns are not spoiled by being held and comforted ✔️ Parents need pauses too, caring for yourself helps you care for your baby 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! 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

    13 min
  6. JAN 26

    Raising Kids Beyond Grades: How Achievement Culture Is Harming Our Children

    What happens when achievement stops motivating and starts measuring worth? In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Wallace to talk about how achievement culture quietly shapes our kids and us based on her New York Times Best Selling Book Never Enough:When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It. We unpack why so many high-performing kids struggle with anxiety, burnout, and a constant never-enough feeling, even when they look successful on the outside. We also preview her newest book, Mattering, which explores a simple but powerful idea: kids do better when they feel valued for who they are and when they see how they add value to others. That sense of mattering acts as a buffer against pressure, comparison, and setbacks. We also talk about the bigger picture, how economic pressure, school culture, and social media fuel comparison, and why parents are not failing for feeling stuck in this system. In this episode, we discuss: • Why high-achieving kids are at higher risk for anxiety and burnout • How achievement culture shapes long-term self-worth • Clean fuel vs fear-based motivation • Why mattering supports resilience and mental health • How comparison takes hold and how social media adds pressure • How parents can support healthy striving without pressure • Why kids should not worry alone and the role of adult support To connect with Jennifer Wallace follow her on Instagram @Jenniferbrehenywallace, check out all her resources at Jenniferbwallace.com and buy her books “Mattering” https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/preorder and “Never Enough” https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/about-never-enough .  00:00 Why praise alone does not build self worth 00:40 Why this conversation matters for parents today 02:16 The hidden cost of achievement culture 03:37 How achievement came to define childhood 05:05 From teen pressure to adult never enough 07:14 What achievement culture looks like later in life 07:50 Dirty fuel vs clean fuel for motivation 11:13 When self worth becomes tied to success 12:08 What the research shows about high achieving kids 16:33 Why pressure feels worse now 18:18 What resilient kids have in common 39:07 Redefining achievement as mattering 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! 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

    46 min
  7. JAN 26

    The Follow-Up: Potty Training

    Potty training can feel smooth one day and completely off track the next. In this Follow Up episode of the PedsDocTalk podcast, Dr. Mona revisits a favorite potty training conversation while actively potty training her own youngest child and dealing with very real regressions. Dr. Mona is joined by Allison Jandu, founder of The Potty Training Consultant, to break down readiness, timing, and how to choose a method that fits your child and your family. They talk through the average age for potty training, common signs of readiness, and why age alone should not drive the decision. This episode compares gradual approaches and shorter weekend-style methods, explores why some kids resist even when they seem ready, and explains how pressure, timers, and rewards can sometimes backfire. You will also hear practical guidance on floor potties versus toilet seats, using daily routines to support learning, and helping kids feel more in control through play and choice. If potty training feels confusing, frustrating, or messier than expected, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and realistic support. 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. 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! 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

    16 min
  8. JAN 21

    Staying Fired Up in Parenthood, Work, and Life with Shannon Watts

    In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Watts to talk about something so many parents and caregivers quietly wrestle with, how to stay fired up in the middle of responsibility, burnout, and the weight of shoulds. Shannon is the founder of Moms Demand Action and the author of Fired Up, and our conversation goes far beyond advocacy. We talk about identity, purpose, and what happens when women are taught to put obligation ahead of desire for most of their lives. This episode is about what it looks like to reconnect with yourself, not by blowing up your life, but by getting honest about what matters. Topics we cover include: Why so many women are taught to fulfill obligations before desires How guilt, fear, and perfectionism drain motivation The difference between purpose and being purposeful Imposter syndrome and fear of public failure Parenting, fulfillment, and modeling self trust for kids Community as a key part of sustainable change Why wanting more does not mean you are ungrateful To connect with Shannon Watts follow her on Instagram @shannonrwatts, check out all her resources at https://shannonwatts.org/home/ and buy her book “Fired Up” https://www.firedupbook.com/.  00:00 – Choosing Hope Over Cynicism 00:38 – Why This Conversation Matters Right Now 01:31 – Meet Shannon Watts 02:55 – Staying Fired Up Without Burning Out 03:36 – Leaving California and Finding Community 05:55 – Talking Across Differences 07:17 – Why Women Feel Stuck in Obligation 08:35 – The Moment Everything Changed 10:22 – Desire vs Obligation 12:45 – It Is Never Too Late 15:13 – Rethinking Legacy and Guilt 18:06 – What Kids Really Learn From Us 20:12 – Losing Forward and Redefining Failure 23:21 – Handling Blowback and Shame 25:27 – Imposter Syndrome and Being the First 27:59 – Values, Abilities, and Desires 32:18 – Finding Your People 37:22 – Parenting, Purpose, and Modeling Fire 40:48 – The First Step to Living on Fire 42:51 – 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. 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! 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

    47 min
4.9
out of 5
1,497 Ratings

About

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 30 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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