Discerning Parenting

If you're a parent struggling to get your child to eat a "proper" meal, have you ever been told, "Just make them eat!"? Or, "Just starve them and they'll eat anything!"? In this episode, Dr. Kaye Napalinga, developmental and behavioral pediatrician with special training in feeding issues, empowers us with insights on:  what exactly goes into the feeding proc...

👩‍⚕️ Guest: Dr. Paula Martinez-Mallari, pediatrician and gut health specialist, and mom of four! 🍼 Description: Is your child refusing food, only eating white-colored meals, or taking forever to finish a plate? You're not alone! In this practical and judgment-free episode, pediatrician and mom Dr. Paula explains the different types of picky eaters —and  what parents can do about it. 🗣️ Ques...

Are you starting solids with your baby and feeling overwhelmed by all the advice? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Paula Martinez-Mallari, a pediatric gastroenterologist (gut health and nutrition specialist) and mom of four answers common questions and shares practical advice for parents navigating this exciting milestone. 💬 Topics We Covered: Going beyond the traditional vs baby led weanin...

Are you second-guessing your parenting style—wondering if you're being too strict or too lenient ? Does it feel like whatever you do, there's bound to be someone telling you you're doing it wrong? You're not alone. In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we're diving deep into that fine line we're often trying to navigate as parents - discerning where to...

Many parents feel like they’re constantly playing referee between their kids. Sibling squabbles can be exhausting, and the guilt of not knowing whether to step in or let them work it out can be overwhelming.  In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of sibling rivalry —why it happens, when to intervene, and how to foster a healthy sibling relationship. We’re joined by Dr. Pauline Camposano-Mar...

Is too much screen time affecting our brains? In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast , we sit down with Dr. Paul Filomeno , an addiction and recovery medicine specialist, pediatrician, and founder of Healthy Screens PH , to discuss the concept of digital dementia .  While not a formal medical diagnosis, digital dementia describes the cognitive effects of excessive screen use—such as p...

Are you worried that your child may be addicted to social media? You’re not alone! Social media is designed to keep users hooked, and kids are especially vulnerable.  In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast , we’re joined by Dr. Paul Filomeno , an addiction medicine specialist, pediatrician, and dad. He shares research-backed insights on social media addiction in kids , red flags to wa...

Are you worried about your child’s screen time? How much is too much?  In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we’re joined by addiction medicine specialist and pediatrician Dr. Paul Filomeno, founder of Healthy Screens PH. Dr. Paul brings both his expertise and personal experience as a dad to help us understand when screen time becomes problematic and how to create a healthy media ba...

Struggling with screen time battles? In this episode, Dr. Paul Filomeno, the first pediatrician in the Philippines locally trained in addiction and recovery medicine, shares why screens are so captivating for toddlers and how parents can transition their kids away from screens with fewer meltdowns. We discuss research-backed strategies, practical tips, and the importance of movement and alternativ...

In this episode, Dr. Victoria Ang-Nolasco and Teacher Tasha Mendoza tackle a common concern for parents: What if my child isn’t reading by age three? (Or age four or five?)  They discuss the undue pressure placed on parents, why early reading isn’t always developmentally appropriate, and how to focus on holistic growth instead. Key takeaways: Reading milestones typically develop around ages 5–7. L...

In this episode, Dr. Victoria Ang Nolasco and teacher Tasha Mendoza tackle one of the most common parenting questions: How do I start teaching my child to read?   Discover:  why readiness is the key to stress-free reading how to build a strong foundation with the Rule of Three what to avoid when introducing your child to reading You'll get actionable tips, practical strategies, and research-b...

In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast , Dr. Victoria and Teacher Tasha Mendoza address a common worry for parents: “What if my preschooler doesn’t like reading or writing?” They explore why children resist school tasks, how developmental milestones play a role, and why early academic pressure can harm long-term learning attitudes. Key Topics: Understanding why your preschooler resist...

In this episode of The Discerning Parenting Podcast, Dr. Victoria Ang Nolasco is joined by special guest and co-author, Teacher Tasha Reyes Mendoza, to discuss their new book, Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read Stress-Free. They address the concerns and anxieties that many parents feel about helping their children learn to read in a world that often pushes academic skills at an early age....

Many parents may feel caught between cultures at some point. It may be with previous generations such as parenting conflicts with your own parents or in-laws. Or feeling caught between the "traditional" parenting methods we experienced and the gentle parenting we see on the internet and social media. Often, we don't realize how much cultural differences influence the way we see the...

If you have worries like... "My kids didn't struggle the way I struggled growing up. Won't they be spoiled?" "Will my child have what it takes to handle future challenges?" ...this episode is for you. In this first of two episodes with Dr. James Grubman, we dive into parenting the next generation in family business. Dr. Jim Grubman is an internationally recognized con...

In this episode, we explore a common piece of advice that many of us grew up hearing—a lesson we were told was essential for our success. It’s something we've likely been encouraged to teach our children, too.  But after a recent eye-opening experience, I’m questioning whether this age-old wisdom is still relevant. Could it be that we've been teaching our kids the wrong thing? And if so,...

In this episode, we dive into the everyday pressures that can make us feel overwhelmed, stressed, and stretched too thin. Whether it's a mounting workload, ongoing demands, or a disagreement at work or home, it's easy to let these tensions spill over into our interactions with our children. When frustration builds up, we might find ourselves losing our temper at the smallest misbehavior....

Do you find it challenging to communicate with your child's teacher, especially when it comes to sensitive matters or disagreements? You're not alone! In this episode, we demystify those crucial conversations and equip you with the tools to build a strong, collaborative relationship with your child's school. Tune in to learn how to take the stress out of communicating with your chil...

Is your little one ready to take that big leap into nursery or kindergarten? In this episode, we break down the essential steps to ensure your child is prepared for this exciting new chapter. We understand that this transition can be a significant source of worry and stress for parents—questions like "How do I get my child ready for nursery?" or "What does my child need to be prepar...

In today's episode, we dive into a topic that concerns many parents: helping children navigate social interactions at school. While some kids naturally make friends easily, others may find it more challenging—and that's perfectly okay. Every child, whether outgoing or shy, has the potential to connect with their peers. Making friends is a skill that can be learned and nurtured, not somet...

Here's another listener question episode! We're tackling a topic that many parents are curious about: Independent Play . A listener recently asked, "What exactly is independent play? My toddler doesn't seem to engage in it. Does independent play mean my toddler has to play alone, and that she needs to play in a room all by herself? And if so, for how long?" These are excel...

If you're eager to find easy and effective methods to support your child's brain development, you've come to the right place. Today, we're continuing our enlightening discussion with three more simple yet powerful tips that you can implement immediately. These strategies are designed to seamlessly fit into your daily routine, making a significant impact on your child's cog...

Welcome to another enriching episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast! Today, we're diving into a topic that's close to every parent's heart— boosting your child's brain development. Contrary to what you might think, you don't need elaborate methods or costly tools to give your child's cognitive abilities a significant boost. Over the course of this episode and the...

Welcome to today's episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of childhood learning. Have you ever wondered if some of the most commonly held beliefs about how kids learn might actually be myths? Imagine if shifting your perspective could not only alleviate your stress and guilt but also enhance your child's learning journey. Today, we're...

Welcome to today's episode! We are diving into a topic that often sparks passionate debates, especially on social media: choosing the right educational system for your child. You’ve probably encountered many strong opinions—some advocating for Montessori, others for traditional schooling, and many more in between. This can make the decision feel overwhelming and highly charged. If you haven&a...