A Parent's Guide to Child Development

In this episode, Marsha Familaro Enright discusses a science-based study on how Montessori classrooms foster growth and the philosophy behind them, including the impact from early childhood through young adulthood. She highlights how Montessori's focus on sensitive periods, intrinsic motivation, mixed-age classrooms, and real-world learning promotes resilience, confidence, and independence rat...

In this episode, we dive into a real-life ADHD diagnosis success story. Our podcast guest, Dominique Padurano, discusses the importance of early symptom identification and the challenges in the classroom and family dynamics. Padurano uses a real-life example to emphasize how proper diagnosis, treatment, and support can help children unlock their full potential and build confidence for the future....

In this episode, Emily Roper explains why primitive reflexes play a crucial role in early childhood development, their correlation with brain and body coordination skills from feeding to breathing, and how they lay the foundation for motor skills such as crawling and walking, as well as for sensory processing, such as reading or learning, which are important for future growth milestones in toddler...

In this episode, Sholeh Shahinfar explains two concepts in children's language processing, analytic and gestalt language processing, and why they matter for language and speech development. She also explains how simple daily routines, natural conversations, and narration help children build vocabulary and communication skills. Time Stamps 00:28 What is the difference between Gestalt and analyt...

In this episode, Lois Kam Heymann discusses the signs of auditory processing disorder in toddlers. Heyman highlights the drawbacks of giving children screens instead of engaging in real conversations with them, outlines key developmental milestones and other warning signs parents should watch for during infancy and toddlerhood, and emphasizes the importance of play in language and speech developme...

In this episode, Emily Roper discusses key primitive reflexes like Moro, spinal Galant, ATNR, STNR, and palmar grasp. These essential systems, beyond newborn reflexes, influence motor development, coordination, vision, feeding, and stress regulation. She highlights milestones such as crawling and crossing the midline, crucial for brain communication, visual tracking, balance, and skills like readi...

In this episode, Lynn Ingram McFarland discusses how postpartum affects men, including symptoms such as emotional isolation, irritability, mental disengagement, mood swings, and substance use, all of which can be signs of postpartum depression in fathers. McFarland emphasizes the importance of supporting both parents, how families can recognize when someone may need help, and why parents should co...

In this episode, Susan Barrett Finnazo emphasized the importance of doulas and the challenges faced during labor and recovery, as well as the maternal health crisis in the U.S., including treatment gaps for women of color and postpartum care deficits. Time Stamps: 00:05 Why Doula support is important 00:11 Why women of color have a high maternal mortality rate? 00:31 Harsh reality about the matern...

In this episode, Lois Kam Heymann explains how auditory processing develops and how it affects language, learning and brain development in kids. Heymann discusses early signs of auditory processing disorder (APD), how it differs from hearing loss and ADHD, and the milestones parents should watch for in early childhood. The episode also covers how parents can help their kids with auditory processin...

In this episode, Dr. Celina Moore explains that the first two years of a toddler’s life are critical for brain development. Passive screen time can hinder the development of observation, parallel, and interactive play, as well as speech, behavioral, and social development. Experts say excessive screen time in early childhood can have lasting effects and explain how parents can foster balanced tech...

In this episode, Luba Patlakh Kaplun discussed how parents often overlook mouth breathing and mistake it for allergies, frequent colds, or genetics. Kaplun emphasized the importance of proper breathing and outlined warning signs that parents should take seriously, including persistent congestion, shortness of breath, gasping for air, and being unable to complete a sentence. The episode also explai...

In this episode, Lynn Ingram McFarland discusses perinatal mood & anxiety disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression, anxiety, & PTSD. Drawing on personal experience & expert insight, she explains why many parents remain silent, debunks myths about postpartum depression, explains how stigma & myths prevent help-seeking, & emphasizes the importance of screening for all c...

In this episode, Gabrielle Rose offers simple steps to help new moms prepare in advance when family support is not nearby. Rose emphasizes the importance of hiring a cleaning lady to keep things manageable, reduce mental pressure around cleaning, and allow focus on meal planning and prioritizing nutrition during recovery. Rose also discusses how to build support in nontraditional ways, such as thr...

In this episode, Dr. Dominique Padurano explores how digital distractions are reshaping children’s cognitive skills and attention spans as well as their impacts aren’t just affecting kids with ADHD; they’re affecting all children. The episode also highlights the dangers of overloading children’s brains with too much information. Padurano also suggests that delaying screen time and smartphone use h...

In this episode, Tabitha Poole discussed whether rewards work for potty training, explaining why candy, toys, and fun activities can be effective, and also noted that parents should avoid developing a habit of using a reward system, as it might not lead to long-term success. Poole highlighted that each child responds differently. Some children, especially anxious ones, may not like the reward syst...

Parent burnout is real, and sometimes building regulatory practices can feel impossible. In this episode, Vanessa Fox discusses how parents can take the first step without adding more stress. Fox emphasizes the importance of a support system, the power of simple sensory and movement-based strategies, the danger of over-researching, and how small, doable actions can help you begin again. If you’re...

In this episode, Ashley Karlin highlights how skin-to-skin contact between a mother and child, as well as proper breastfeeding positioning, is important for supporting a new mother with a preemie who is having a hard time latching on to their newborn. She also emphasized that understanding your baby’s cues can help develop the instinct to latch, making feeding less stressful and more connected. Ti...

In this episode, Sara Muršić explores the concept of risky play and explains why it is important. Muršić highlights the physical and mental benefits that enhance problem-solving skills and help children build confidence, as well as how kids develop resilience by facing and overcoming fear. She also discusses research on risk play, which demonstrates why allowing safe risks is crucial for healthy d...

In this episode, Susan Barrett Finnazo discusses how childbirth education is often misunderstood as just learning breathing techniques and packing a hospital bag, but it goes much deeper than that. Barrett also explains what birth education includes and why it plays an important role in helping parents feel calm, confident and prepared. Childbirth education teaches parents to understand what’s hap...

In this episode, Dr. Dominique Pedrano discusses how the first 3 years influence teens’ struggles with digital dependence, affecting focus, motivation, organization, reading, and math. She emphasizes the importance of focus, literacy, and numeracy for growth, highlighting digital distractions, executive function, and academic stress through stories and expert insights. Practical strategies include...

In this episode, Sholeh Shahinfer emphasizes why honoring a child’s authentic voice matters and recognizing all forms of their communication, even when they don’t seem typical. She discusses how kids with autism communicate and how ignoring echolalia and scripting in the past was problematic. She also shares a real-life example of a child experiencing overwhelming moments. Instead of ignoring or c...

In this episode, Luba Patlakh Kaplun talks about when parents should seek help from a myotherapist. The best age to start is after 3 years old, as children begin to remember and need regular reminders to build muscle memory, which develops after age 3. This enables them to use what they learn more effectively and strengthen their muscle memory. While early experiences with skills are still importa...

In this episode, we explore misconceptions about childbirth education, the appropriate timing for family education, and why childbirth classes are essential for expecting parents. Guest Susan Barrett Finnazo emphasizes the importance of classes to understand labor duration, interventions, and to set realistic expectations. Benefits include managing anxiety, discussing risks and options with caregi...

In this episode, Diana Zales explains why nap durations can vary and what parents should observe when their baby wakes. She discusses the difference between fussing and crying and suggests actions for each situation. Sometimes babies simply fuss and may fall back asleep if given a few minutes. She also covers different types of naps, such as contact naps and stroller naps, and explains why having...

In this episode, Andrea Gingras breaks down what strength-based speech therapy is and what it focuses on. According to her explanation, pay attention to the alternative ways that your child may be trying to communicate through eye contact, gestures, and behaviors, such as handing you a toy. Then be a “detective” to decipher what they are trying to communicate to you.” She emphasized the importance...