Your Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica Hochman

Jessica Hochman, MD, Board Certified Pediatrician
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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. 1D AGO

    Ep 236: Navigating Food Allergies and Early Introduction with allergist Dr Akansha Ganju

    Send us Fan Mail Food 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 discuss the latest science around food allergies, eczema, early allergen introduction, and oral immunotherapy (OIT). They discuss: Why early allergen introduction mattersThe connection between eczema and food allergiesWhat mild vs severe allergic reactions look likeWhy many first food reactions in babies are usually mildCommon misconceptions about food allergy testingHow OIT works and which children may benefitThe role of Xolair in food allergy treatmentWhy food allergy treatment is changing rapidlyThis episode is packed with practical advice, reassurance, and evidence-based guidance for families navigating food allergies. To learn more about Dr. Ganju and Latitude Food Allergy Care, visit: Latitude Food Allergy Care Instagram: Latitude Food Allergy Care Instagram 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 channel: Ask Dr Jessica If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20 -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 conditi...

    42 min

  2. MAY 18

    Ep 235: Parenting Through Anxiety: Practical Advice from Lynn Lyons (Replay)

    Send us Fan Mail In 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 children build resilience and confidenceLynn explains the difference between normal worry and anxiety disorders, and offers concrete language and tools families can use at home right away. To learn more from Lynn Lyons (highly encouraged!), visit lynnlyons.com and check out her podcast Flusterclux. 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 channel: Ask Dr Jessica If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20 -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 conditi...

    45 min

  3. MAY 11

    Ep 234: Can we teach our children to be resilient and develop a high self-esteem? with Dr Joan Rosenberg

    Send us Fan Mail What 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 speaker, and expert on emotional resilience and confidence. In our conversation, we discuss how parents can help children build resilience, develop authentic self-esteem, and learn how to cope with life’s inevitable disappointments. Dr. Rosenberg explains why learning to “sit with” unpleasant feelings is one of the most important emotional skills we can teach children—and why avoiding difficult emotions can actually increase anxiety over time. We also talk about:  How children develop emotional strength  Why discomfort is a normal and necessary part of growth  Helping kids tolerate disappointment and frustration  Building confidence without overprotecting children  The connection between resilience and emotional health  Practical ways parents can support children through hard moments Dr. Rosenberg is a California-licensed psychologist, consultant, master clinician, and media host known for her work on confidence, resilience, emotional mastery, and mental health. She is the author of the bestselling book 90 Seconds to a Life You Love, which explores how understanding and managing difficult emotions can lead to greater authenticity, resilience, and lasting confidence. This conversation is filled with thoughtful, practical advice for parents—and it felt especially worth revisiting. I’m so happy to share this episode again with both new listeners and longtime followers of the podcast. Thank you for listening to Your Child Is Normal. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. 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 channel: Ask Dr Jessica If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20 -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 conditi...

    54 min

  4. MAY 4

    Ep 233: Why Routines Matter (Without Being Rigid) — with Jessica Irwin, (Rooted in Routine)

    Send us Fan Mail Parents 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 help kids feel safer, calmer, and less anxious  The 5 key anchor points every family can focus on (and why it doesn’t have to be perfect)  How to balance structure and connection—especially during busy evenings  Practical strategies for smoother mornings, after-school transitions, and bedtime  Why sleep is one of the most important foundations for child health  Common mistakes parents make (and how to avoid them)  A refreshing take on “gentle parenting,” boundaries, and who’s really in charge We also dive into potty training, screen time, and how tiny “30-second routines” can strengthen connection in your family. This episode is full of realistic, doable advice—and a reminder that you’re probably doing better than you think. Find Jessica Irwin on Instagram: @rootedinroutine. Find her potty training content: @pottybyrooted  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 channel: Ask Dr Jessica If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20 -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 conditi...

    36 min

  5. APR 27

    Ep 232: Motor Milestones Without Panic: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Get Help w/ Daniella Brown

    Send us Fan Mail When 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  Common reasons children are referred (torticollis, delays, gait issues)  What’s truly “normal” when it comes to milestones  When to watch and wait vs. when to intervene  Tummy time—how much actually matters  The impact of containers, walkers, and baby gear  Red flags parents shouldn’t ignore  Common myths about crawling, W-sitting, and more This episode is both reassuring and practical—helping parents understand what matters, what doesn’t, and how to support their child’s development without unnecessary stress. 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 channel: Ask Dr Jessica If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20 -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 conditi...

    43 min

  6. APR 20

    Ep 231: Pumping 101: How to Make It Easier (and Less Overwhelming), with Tamari Jacob, One With The Pump

    Send us Fan Mail In 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 as it often seems. Tamari shares practical, realistic advice to help make pumping more manageable—and even empowering. This conversation also covers:  When to start pumping (and when you don’t need to)  How to maintain milk supply  Pumping at work and in real life  Choosing the right pump  Common mistakes that make pumping harder than it needs to be  The emotional side of feeding decisions—and letting go of guiltConnect with Tamari:  Tamari offers resources, courses, and practical guidance to help make pumping easier and less stressful for moms.  Website: www.onewiththepump.com Instagram: @onewiththepump 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 channel: Ask Dr Jessica If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20 -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 conditi...

    48 min

  7. APR 13

    Ep 230: Sleep, Babies, and Sanity: What Parents Need to Know, with Chrissy Lawler, The Peaceful Sleeper

    Send us Fan Mail Sleep 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 for understanding baby sleep—from the early newborn months to teaching independent sleep skills—without rigid rules or one-size-fits-all approaches. Together, they discuss:  What’s normal for newborn sleep (and what’s not)  How to build a healthy sleep foundation in the first months  The difference between “sleep training” and “sleep learning”  How to think about crying—and when to step in  The “10-minute method” and how to adapt it to your child  Co-sleeping: when it works, and how to transition away from it  Why parental sleep matters just as much as baby sleep About Chrissy:  Chrissy is a licensed marriage and family therapist, mom of four, and the founder of The Peaceful Sleeper. She is the author of The Peaceful Sleeper: An Intuitive Approach to Baby Sleep, where she helps parents navigate sleep in a flexible, individualized way that supports both children and families.  Instagram: @thepeacefulsleeper  Website: thepeacefulsleeper.com 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 channel: Ask Dr Jessica If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20 -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 conditi...

    48 min

  8. APR 6

    Ep 229: The Benefits—and Risks—of Labels in Kids, with Pediatrician William Wilkoff MD

    Send us Fan Mail Why 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 “Rumpelstiltskin effect”—the relief that comes from simply naming a condition. But as he explains, that relief can come with trade-offs. Together, they discuss:  Why diagnoses can reduce anxiety for families  The risks of overdiagnosis—and getting it wrong  How labels can shape a child’s identity  The rise in ADHD and autism diagnoses  Why modern parenting feels more anxious than ever  And why something as simple as sleep may be one of the most powerful tools we have This is a thoughtful, nuanced conversation about how to support kids—without letting a diagnosis define them. Dr. William Wilkoff is a pediatrician who practiced for decades in Maine, caring for children in a rural and suburban community since the 1970s. Over the course of his career, Dr. Wilkoff is also the author of several parenting books, including How to Say No to Your Toddler, The Maternity Leave Breastfeeding Plan, and a guide on managing picky eating, all aimed at helping families navigate everyday challenges with more confidence. He has also spent more than 30 years writing a monthly column for pediatric publications, sharing practical, thoughtful insights on child health and parenting.  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 channel: Ask Dr Jessica If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form. -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20 -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 conditi...

    33 min
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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. 

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