Send us a text Friendship 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 the “hosting house” matters, and how to guide your child through conflict and growing apart from friends. This...
Jul 14, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 193
Send us a text In 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 children develop creativity, autonomy, and emotional regulation. You’ll hear stories about J.K. Rowling, ...
Jul 07, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 192
Send us a text In 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 tips of normal parent concerns to help you feel more prepared during the summer months. Dr Jessica Hochman ...
Jun 30, 2025•8 min•Season 1Ep. 191
Send us a text Episode 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 early days of parenthood. The discussion highlights that while parenting can be overwhelming, focusing on ...
Jun 23, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 190
Send us a text In 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 just to get attention — and how to turn that around How to use praise and logical consequences that a...
Jun 16, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 189
Send us a text Bedwetting 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 when to wait The truth about bedwetting alarms and medications A promising new non-drug device cal...
Jun 09, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 188
Send us a text In 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 insights, and her work with Healthier Tech and MAMA (Mothers Against Media Addiction). From delaying smar...
Jun 02, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 187
Send us a text In 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 own perspective as a pediatrician who strongly supports vaccines and believes in creating space f...
May 26, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 186
Send us a text In 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 feel better without burning out. Dr. Skogman shares how her experience as a physician and a mother sha...
May 19, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 185
Send us a text In 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 more! Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passiona...
May 12, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 184
Send us a text This 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 fun,” and how to raise adventurous eaters without mealtime battles. Dr Jessica Hochman is a board c...
May 05, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 183
Send us a text In 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. Melani shares how RIE gives parents a practical framework for setting boundaries without being either too har...
May 04, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 182
Send us a text In 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 offers clear, evidence-based answers while also showing understanding for the emotions and uncertaint...
Apr 21, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 181
Send us a text In 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 understanding parental concerns while advocating for the safety and efficacy of vaccines. About Paul A. Offit, ...
Apr 14, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 180
Send us a text In 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 compassionate understanding of the motherhood experience. Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, ...
Apr 07, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 179
Send us a text Ep 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 relationships with their children. To purchase Ned's new book The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child: A Work...
Mar 31, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 178
Send us a text In 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 postpartum. About Carson: Carson Meyer is a doula, nutrition consultant, and advocate for holistic matern...
Mar 24, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 177
Send us a text In 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 for free play, the debunking of myths surrounding sports and character building, and the design of an...
Mar 17, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 176
Send us a text In 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 changes. The conversation also addresses the rising rates of childhood obesity, the challenges of weight l...
Mar 10, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 175
Send us a text Episode 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 Farm Here are links to some published medical studies reviewing herbal medicine. Peppermint and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): "Peppermint oil for the treatment ...
Mar 03, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 174
Send us a text Dr. 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. Gottlieb advocates for a comprehensive care model that focuses on the whole child rather than just their d...
Feb 24, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 173
Send us a text Today, 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 development. Dr. Bienstock emphasizes the importance of allowing children to stop these habits on their own terms and provi...
Feb 17, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 172
Send us a text In 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 than fear. The discussion highlights the significance of in-person connections and the necessity of seeking suppor...
Feb 10, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 171
Send us a text Today'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 month and he is the epitome of health---mentally and physically--so thank you to Dr Mollen for imparting your...
Feb 03, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 170
Send us a text Ep 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 steps for parents to help their children develop healthier eating habits. The discussion also highlights the significa...
Jan 27, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 169
Send us a text In 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 children with pre-existing conditions. She emphasizes the importance of post-exposure care, the role of v...
Jan 19, 2025•43 min•Season 1Ep. 168
Send us a text In 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 microbiome testing, and explains the testing process and personalized recommendations for families. Taylor shares ...
Dec 23, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 166
Send us a text Ep 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 educational needs. To learn more about Dr Baudino check out her website : https://www.drloribaudino.com/ Dr Jessica Hochman ...
Dec 16, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 165
Send us a text In 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 Pediatrics and in Pediatric Critical Care. For the past 5 years, he has worked at Cedars-Sinai hospital as an a...
Dec 09, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 164
Send us a text In 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 ultimately will help strengthen their bond with their children. Dr. Tina Payne Bryson is a licensed mental health pro...
Dec 02, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 163
