Your Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica Hochman

Jessica Hochman, MD, Board Certified Pediatrician
  • 5.0 (228)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Your Child Is Normal, the podcast that educates and reassures parents about childhood behaviors, health concerns, and development.  Hosted by Dr Jessica Hochman, a pediatrician and mom of three, this podcast covers a wide range of topics--from medical issues to emotional and social challenges--helping parents feel informed and confident.  By providing expert insights and practical advice, Your Child Is Normal empowers parents to spend less time worrying and more time connecting with their children. 

  1. 6d ago

    Ep 251: The Gut Microbiome: What Actually Matters for Kids? with Stephanie Culler, PhD

    Send us Fan Mail What exactly is the gut microbiome—and how much does it really matter for our kids? In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with Stephanie Culler, PhD, microbiome scientist and co-founder and CEO of Persephone Biosciences. Stephanie explains how the microbiome develops beginning in infancy, why Bifidobacterium may be particularly important early in life, and how birth, diet, antibiotics, pets, siblings, fiber, and fermented foods can influence the bacteria living in our gut. We also talk about: • What the microbiome actually does • Why researchers are studying the connection between the gut and immune health • What we can learn from Amish, Mennonite, and hunter-gatherer populations • Fiber and fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir • Whether kids really need probiotics • What antibiotics do to the microbiome • The connection between the microbiome, eczema, allergies, and asthma • Why correlation and causation are still important to distinguish • Whether at-home microbiome testing is useful • What microbiome science may look like in the future. Learn more about Stephanie Culler and Persephone Biosciences: My Baby Biome research and Persephone’s science: available through Persephone’s website As always, this conversation is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more. Follow Dr Jessica Hochman: Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out: Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA  The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

  2. Sep 21

    Ep 250: Is This Normal—or Is It OCD? What Parents Need to Know with Dr. Emily Aron

    Send us Fan Mail Is your child's repetitive behavior just a normal childhood phase—or could it be OCD? In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, pediatrician Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with child psychiatrist Dr. Emily Aron about how obsessive-compulsive disorder can show up in children and how parents can recognize when everyday worries, rituals, and routines have crossed the line into something that needs support. We discuss the difference between OCD and anxiety, intrusive “junk thoughts,” compulsions, reassurance-seeking, perfectionism, and why well-intentioned parents can sometimes accidentally reinforce OCD by repeatedly reassuring or accommodating their child. Dr. Aron also explains Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for pediatric OCD, when medication may be considered, and why early treatment can make such a difference. About Dr. Emily Aron Dr. Emily Aron is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who specializes in children's mental health. She is passionate about helping parents better understand their children's emotional and behavioral health and making evidence-based information accessible to families. Dr. Aron writes about children's mental health for Pediatric News and offers parent guides and resources on her website, including information about recognizing and managing OCD. Learn more from Dr. Emily Aron: 🌐 Website: emilyaron.com 📩 Newsletter: Sign up for Dr. Aron's newsletter on her website for regular information about children's mental health and parenting. 📝 Pediatric News: Find Dr. Aron's articles on children's mental health in Pediatric News. 🎙️ Your Child Is Normal — evidence-based pediatric guidance to help parents worry less and connect more. Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more. Follow Dr Jessica Hochman: Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out: Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA  The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

  3. Sep 14

    Ep 249: The Japanese Way of Parenting: What American Parents Can Learn About Manners, Independence & Community, with Lisa Katayama

    Send us Fan Mail The Japanese Way of Parenting: What American Parents Can Learn About Manners, Independence & Community What can American parents learn from the way children are raised in Japan? In this episode, I sit down with Lisa, author of The Japanese Way of Parenting, to explore the cultural differences—and surprising similarities—between Japanese and American parenting. Lisa shares what inspired her to look at her own Japanese upbringing after becoming a mother in the United States, and how she has incorporated elements of Japanese culture into raising her children. We talk about: • Why community comes before the individual in many aspects of Japanese culture • Teaching children manners and consideration for the people around them • Why Japanese children are often given more opportunities for independence • How children can learn to help around the house from a young age and more! One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation is that parenting doesn't have to be all or nothing. We can learn from other cultures, take what resonates with us, and create our own parenting philosophy. What Japanese parenting practice would you like to bring into your home? Subscribe for more conversations about parenting, child development, and the ideas that can help us raise happy, capable, thoughtful kids. Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more. Follow Dr Jessica Hochman: Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out: Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA  The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

  4. Aug 31

    Ep 248: Why Your Teen Can’t Sleep: What Parents Need to Know, with Dr. Rakesh Bhattacharjee, pediatric sleep specialist

    Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with pediatric sleep specialist Dr. Bhattacharjee, who leads the sleep program at Rady Children’s Hospital, about why sleep is so important for children’s physical health, mood, learning, attention, and athletic performance. They discuss why teenagers naturally want to stay up later, how early school schedules work against adolescent biology, and what parents can realistically do to help. Dr. Bhattacharjee shares practical advice about screens, phones in the bedroom, caffeine, weekend sleep schedules, bedtime routines, and figuring out how much sleep your individual child actually needs. They also discuss the connection between sleep deprivation and ADHD-like symptoms, whether sleep helps children grow, melatonin and other sleep aids, when excessive sleepiness deserves medical attention, and why consistency may be one of the most underrated sleep strategies. Learn more about Dr. Bhattacharjee: Dr. Bhattacharjee practices at UC San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego and is an active member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.  Make sure and Follow Your Child Is Normal  podcast for practical, evidence-based conversations designed to help parents learn more and worry less. Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more. Follow Dr Jessica Hochman: Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out: Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA  The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

  5. Aug 24

    Ep 247: Feeding Kids Without Fear: Picky Eating, Nutrition & Practical Meal Tips with Jennifer Anderson

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with Jennifer Anderson, founder of Kids Eat in Color, to discuss her new book, Feed Them Well, releasing September 8, 2026. They talk about how parents can tune out fear-based nutrition messaging—including concerns about ingredients like Red Dye 40—and look past the marketing of “healthy” foods and hyper-palatable “healthy swaps.” They also discuss what really matters when feeding kids, including prioritizing protein and fiber, understanding normal changes in appetite (especially during the toddler years), and helping prevent extreme picky eating through repeated food exposure, coming to meals hungry, and therapeutic food play. Jennifer also explains the nuance around “pressure to eat” and offers an important reminder for parents: you’re probably doing a better job feeding your kids than you think. Jennifer Anderson is a registered dietitian and the founder of Kids Eat in Color, a trusted resource that helps families navigate picky eating and raise healthy, confident eaters without fear or pressure. Through Kids Eat in Color, she offers practical nutrition resources, meal-planning tools, and programs for families looking for support with feeding and picky eating. You can also find her on Instagram at @kids.eat.in.color, where she shares approachable, evidence-based advice for feeding kids. Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more. Follow Dr Jessica Hochman: Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out: Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA  The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

  6. Aug 17

    Ep 246: Healthy Kids Without the Overwhelm: Small Changes That Actually Stick with pediatric health coach Arielle Levi, PhD

    Send us Fan Mail Parents today have access to more health information than ever—but does more information actually make it easier to raise healthy kids? In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with Arielle Levi, pediatric health coach and co-founder of the Pediatric Health Coach Academy, about helping families turn health advice into realistic, sustainable habits. They discuss what pediatric health coaching is, how it differs from the roles of pediatricians, dietitians, and therapists, and why simply telling families what they “should” do often isn't enough. Jessica and Arielle also work through real-life parenting challenges, including picky eating, concerns about weight, relying on takeout, wanting to cook more at home, and helping kids develop healthier habits without creating guilt or perfectionism around food. Most importantly, they discuss stepping back from the endless stream of parenting advice and focusing instead on the bigger picture: raising children who feel healthy, confident, connected, and capable of making choices that work for them. Learn more about Arielle and the Pediatric Health Coach Academy: pediatrichealthcoaching.com Looking for a pediatric health coach? Visit the website for the coach directory or email: info@pediatrichealthcoaching.com Link for NBHWC certification Link for Pediatric Health Coaching Skills Certificate Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more. Follow Dr Jessica Hochman: Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out: Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA  The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

  7. Aug 10

    Ep 245: Why it's Normal for Kids to Fear the Doctor—and How We Can Help, with Kaitlin Wiseman MD

    Send us Fan Mail Why are so many children afraid of going to the doctor—and what can parents do to help? In this episode, Dr. Jessica Hochman is joined by family physician and Playhouse MD co-founder Dr. Kaitlin to discuss why medical visits can feel so overwhelming for children and how parents and healthcare providers can make them less intimidating. They talk about the developmental reasons behind medical anxiety, the powerful role of parental emotions, how honesty builds trust, and practical ways to prepare children for vaccines, blood tests, and doctor's appointments through play, books, and age-appropriate conversations. They also discuss simple techniques like giving children choices, using distraction thoughtfully, and helping kids build confidence rather than trying to eliminate fear altogether. Dr. Kaitlin also shares the inspiration behind PlayhouseMD, a company  creating playful medical products designed to make everyday healthcare experiences easier for children and parents.  Dr. Kaitlin Wiseman is a family physician, mom of two, and co-founder of PlayhouseMD. Together with her sister, Sydney Wiseman, an award-winning toy creator, she's on a mission to make children's healthcare experiences less scary and more playful. Learn more about PlayhouseMD: PlayhouseMD products are available at Target, Amazon, Babylist, TikTok Shop and directly through PlayhouseMD. For Your Child is Normal listeners, use code DRJESSICA15  to receive 15% off of PlayhouseMD products. To redeem, go to their website:!http://playhousemd.com/ (limit 1 per customer). Instagram: @playhousemd Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more. Follow Dr Jessica Hochman: Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out: Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA  The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

  8. Aug 3

    Ep 244: Helping kids with back-to-school anxiety, with Lynn Lyons

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Jessica Hochman welcomes back anxiety expert Lynn Lyons, to discuss how parents can help children navigate back-to-school anxiety. Lynn explains why reassurance isn't always reassuring, why parents often talk too much when children are anxious, and how simple changes in our language can build confidence instead of fear. Together they discuss what to say when a child doesn't want to go to school, when anxiety becomes a reason to seek professional help, and why learning to tolerate uncertainty is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, changing schools, or simply feeling nervous about the first day, this conversation offers practical, reassuring advice you can use immediately. Lynn Lyons is a psychotherapist, author, speaker, and one of the nation's leading experts on childhood anxiety. Be sure to check out her podcasts, Flusterclucks and Quarter-Life: Your 20s Are a Mother, for more practical advice on anxiety, parenting, and resilience. Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more. Follow Dr Jessica Hochman: Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica YouTube: Ask Dr Jessica Shop my favorite products for kids on Amazon here If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out: Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA  The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only.  She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals.  If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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5
out of 5
228 Ratings

About

Welcome to Your Child Is Normal, the podcast that educates and reassures parents about childhood behaviors, health concerns, and development.  Hosted by Dr Jessica Hochman, a pediatrician and mom of three, this podcast covers a wide range of topics--from medical issues to emotional and social challenges--helping parents feel informed and confident.  By providing expert insights and practical advice, Your Child Is Normal empowers parents to spend less time worrying and more time connecting with their children. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Hochman, MD, Board Certified Pediatrician
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    255
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Your Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica Hochman
  • Show Website
    Your Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica Hochman

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