The Parenting Brief

For some parents, pregnancy may come as an unplanned surprise. And not all families find themselves in a position to care for a newborn. However, there are resources available to help expecting parents avoid a crisis situation. Safe Haven laws allow parents to safely surrender their newborn to a designated Safe Haven provider. For people who find themselves in a position where they are not ready o...

Cleaning is the gift that keeps on giving because there’s always something more to do. But when you have a baby or toddler in your home, this chore can seem nearly impossible. Add to the equation mop buckets, cleaning chemicals, and other supplies, and before you know it, you could have a safety hazard in the making. For cleaning hacks and safety tips, host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez visits with Ada...

Cases of syphilis are on the rise in Arizona, particularly among pregnant people and newborn babies. If left untreated, a pregnant person can pass syphilis to their unborn child, which may lead to negative health outcomes. In some cases, syphilis can result in stillbirth or newborn death.  In this episode, learn about the best ways to protect yourself from syphilis, the symptoms, and available tes...

Dad figures play an important role not just in their immediate family, but in their broader community, too. Hear how involved dads can enrich the lives of children, help kids make better decisions, and prepare them for success later in life.  Allan Stockellburg speaks with host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez for the third and final part of a three-episode series on fatherhood. He shares research that ex...

One of the most important relationships when raising a child is the relationship you have with your co-parent. Any partnership can lead to disagreements on the “right” way to do things but it’s important to recognize that children benefit from learning different approaches to life from both their mom and dad. Allan Stockellburg rejoins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez for the second part of a three-e...

There’s a reason they say it takes a village to raise a child. And that village usually looks different for every family. Positive role models can help our little ones explore and learn more about themselves and their world. Today, we talk about the role dads play in that exploration and how they can help kids see the world from a new perspective.  Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez speaks with “Dad Gu...

July is the hottest month of the year, which means a lot of time in the pool! And knowing how to keep your kiddos safe while they swim is the best way to ensure that this summer is packed with fun. Swim lessons, life jackets, and physical barriers around pools are just a few of the steps you can take to make swimming an exciting and safe adventure for children. Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez speaks...

Are you prepared for a wildfire or house fire? With children in the home, parents should know how to prepare so that everyone can evacuate quickly and safely during an emergency. This episode tells you how to plan ahead to keep your little ones safe in the kitchen, and instructions for planning an at-home fire drill.  Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez speaks with former firefighter Adam Rodriguez, the...

The environment where our children live, play, and explore can greatly impact their health. Secondhand smoke in the air they breathe can affect a child’s health and wellbeing. But so can thirdhand smoke (yes, that’s a thing!) that lingers in car seats and clothes. Exposure in any form  can make kids sick.  Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is joined by Philip Carpenter, the Executive Director of Arizo...

Allergy season is here, signaling the return of runny noses, sneezing, and other uncomfortable allergy symptoms. If your child experiences these symptoms, don’t worry! We have tips for you on how to understand, treat, and overcome your child’s stubborn seasonal allergies. Dr. Dave Stukus is pediatrician who specializes in allergies, and he joins this episode to explain the difference between aller...

Did you know the health of your baby starts long before conception? Vitamins play a major role in reducing the risks of birth defects. Even if you don’t plan to become pregnant, multivitamins with folic acid have numerous health benefits that can help you, and potentially a future baby, live a healthy life. Susie Leo MPH, RDN from the Power Me A2Z program at the Arizona Department of Health Servic...

A new year brings new goals! But sticking with those goals, especially for busy parents, can be difficult. Between diaper changes and meal prepping, personal time for mom and dad can slip to the backburner. But it doesn’t have to be that way!  Olivia DeLong, senior health editor at BabyCenter, and a mom herself, joins the podcast with some time management hacks to help you achieve your 2022 goals....

Toys and games aren’t just for fun and entertainment. They can also help your little ones grow and develop, turning playtime into a learning experience! With thousands of toys available online, knowing simply what kinds of toys are developmentally appropriate isn’t always easy.  That’s where this episode can help! Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez talks with pediatric occupational therapist and toy blogger...

The gift-giving season is here! For little ones, receiving a new toy is exciting. But it’s up to us parents to make sure that our children are playing with toys that are safe. That involves reviewing age recommendations, keeping small parts out of reach, and storing “big kid” toys safely away from toddlers and infants.  Emily Samuel of Safe Kids Worldwide joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to wal...

Holiday foods are often a special treat for adults. But for toddlers, especially picky eaters, convincing them to try new meals can turn the dinner table into a battleground. Do you encourage them to taste new foods? Or do you let them eat their fill of dinner rolls instead? To answer these questions, host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez consults with Alan Brown, the Women, Infants, and Children’s Traini...

The weather is finally perfect for playground visits, neighborhood walks, and bike rides. As we are out and about with our kiddos in tow, there’s a lot to know about staying safe outside! From crossing roads while holding your toddler’s hand to walking through a busy parking lot, traffic safety is key. Plus, it’s a great time to teach safety tips to your little ones traveling with you. Nadji Kirby...

We roll up our sleeves on this episode to talk about all things vaccines! From infancy to childhood, your family doctor or pediatrician will recommend a schedule of vaccines to keep your kids healthy and protected from serious illnesses. Plus, vaccines allow them to play with friends and attend daycare and school safely! Retired pediatrician and Board President of The Arizona Partnership for Immun...

Doctor’s appointments aren’t just for sick children. So think again before putting off your kiddo’s routine well child visit!  Pediatrician Dr. Jason Vargas joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to share what doctors look for during these yearly exams (beyond just height and weight), why they’re important for catching health concerns early, and the questions parents should ask during these appointme...

Lost in the store’s car seat aisle? Unsure how to install your baby’s car seat? If you’re shopping for a newborn car seat or looking for the next sized seat for your little one, we’ve got you covered. This episode tells you what to look for when purchasing a car seat, how to install it, and what to know about expiration dates, rear-facing seats, and more. Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is joined by...

Health disparities put Black mothers at a higher risk of stillbirth and other pregnancy complications. Because of this, moms need to know how to advocate for themselves in the doctor’s office. And they need to know how to spot the signs of stillbirth that are critical for their health and that of their unborn baby.  On this episode, we continue our conversation about stillbirth prevention with Ste...

Bringing a new baby into this world is a lot of work. And while you take care of your little one, your own health is just as important. Knowing the warning signs for postpartum health complications can help you take care of your physical and mental health as you enter this new stage of life.  Heidi Christensen, the Maternal Health Innovation Program Manager at the Arizona Department of Health Serv...

It’s back to school time in Arizona! If you have children in preschool or kindergarten, one of the many things you’ll get information about is hearing and vision screenings. The free sensory screenings will help alert you to issues and prepare a healthcare and education plan to help your child succeed.  Ashley Neves, Sensory Screening Program Manager at the Arizona Department of Health Services, j...

Do you know the signs of autism? Early intervention for children with autism is important to a child’s developmental growth and wellbeing. Catching those signs early could help a child get the individualized care needed to develop properly. Christopher Smith, Ph. D. chief science officer at the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to explain the importan...

For pregnant moms, feeling those first kicks, flutters, and movements of your baby can be an exciting pregnancy milestone! Those movements also are key indicators of your baby’s health. Abnormal patterns of movement can signal a health risk, so counting the kicks of your baby can help you understand what’s normal and when to be concerned. Emily Price, executive director of Healthy Birth Day Inc.,...

Tummy time is the best exercise for growing babies. It helps them develop important motor skills and build up muscle strength so they can progress to rolling, crawling, and walking. But exercise isn’t always fun, and an upset baby can make tummy time a difficult activity. On this episode, we offer tips to make tummy time fun for your little one. Rebecca Parlakian, Senior Director of Programs at ZE...