The Pediatrician Next Door - Simple Advice on Parenting and Family Health

Is bedtime the hardest part of your day? If every night feels like a negotiation, your child may have what pediatricians call Behavioral Insomnia of Childhood - one of the most common sleep problems that most parents have never heard of.  In this episode, Dr. Wendy explains why some children can't fall asleep without a parent in the room, while others seem determined to delay bedtim...

Does your son sneeze just like his dad? Fathers matter in ways we never imagined!  Discover the fascinating science of fatherhood, from the latest research on epigenetics showing that dads may pass along more than just DNA, to decades of developmental psychology demonstrating how fathers shape their children's confidence, curiosity, emotional health, and resilience.  Whether you're a father, a mot...

Are toxic chemicals surrounding your baby while they sleep? Babies and kids spend thousands of hours breathing inches from their mattress, bedding, carpet, and furniture, yet most of us rarely think about what those products are made of.  Mattress expert Arin Schultz explains the science behind chemicals in mattresses and nursery products, what “off-gassing” means, and why certifications can be co...

Why can people with ADHD focus intensely for hours on things that are interesting or emotionally engaging...but not on their homework? The real challenge may be how the brain processes reward.  Learn why researchers are rethinking ADHD, how stimulant medications work, how dopamine shapes motivation and persistence, and practical ways parents can help children.  Resources & References: • The Incred...

Have you felt frustrated trying to get medical care for your child? Long waits for appointments, confusing insurance rules… modern pediatric healthcare can feel overwhelming for families and physicians alike.  Meet Dr. Amanda Furr of Zarminali Pediatrics - she pulls back the curtain on what’s happening inside pediatric healthcare right now. Learn practical tips for navigating the healthcare system...

Have you worried you’re raising a child who feels entitled, anxious, or unprepared with money?   The best way to teach kids about money is through the lens of child development and brain science.   From toddler meltdowns to teen spending, walk through what kids understand at each age and learn simple, practical ways to help them build healthy habits over time.        Send your questions to hello@p...

Are screens changing our kids or just the way they spend their time? What’s happening in the brain when we’re constantly interrupted, and why is focus is getting harder for both kids and adults? Today’s “always-on” world may be crowding out the very experiences that build confidence, creativity, and resilience.  Dr. Wendy shares the 8 simple, practical ways to protect your focus and stay grounded...

Is your social media feed full of gut health advice? From food sensitivity testing to “leaky gut”, there's a lot of misinformation out there! Dr. Wendy busts the biggest gut health myths and shares real, science-backed tips for keeping your microbiome happy. Learn what actually helps (and what doesn’t) when it comes to cleanses, diets, probiotics, fermented foods, and keeping your gut and your kid...

Have you wondered when your child will be ready for school, or worried they’re falling behind?  What does research say about preschool: which kids need it, does development matter, and is there a “right” age to begin? What if your first grader is struggling with reading – will repeating a grade help?  Learn how early reading skills develop, why some children fall behind, what schools are supposed...

How are kids low on iron when we’re surrounded by food? Toddlers and teens are especially at risk - and iron supplements can taste terrible, upset the stomach, and be a daily parenting battle.  Patrick Monsivais, founder of Gensavis Pharmaceuticals, set out to solve this problem after facing it in his own home. We talk about why iron is so hard to formulate, what makes some types easier to tolerat...

Why do babies shake their heads, pull on their ears, or reject a food they loved yesterday? Why do toddlers say “no,” bite, and throw food on the floor?  Laugh until you cry with Dr. Diane Arnaout, a pediatrician and author, as she explores the weird, funny, and sometimes frustrating things kids do that worry parents but are actually normal parts of development.    Order your copy of Hiccups: A Pe...

What if your child reacts to a food—but it doesn’t look like a typical food allergy? Maybe it's FPIES!  Allergy specialist Christopher Parrish, MD. explains Food Protein–Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES). Unlike typical food allergies, FPIES reactions happen hours after eating and can cause severe vomiting without the usual signs like hives or swelling. That's why it’s often missed.  Dr. Parr...

Protein is everywhere — in coffee, cereal, waffles, even potato chips. But are we low on protein? Or are we being sold a solution to a problem we don’t have?  What does protein do in the body, how much do adults and kids need, and how were those numbers created? I’ll break down common myths — including whether plant proteins are “incomplete,” whether more protein builds more muscle, and whether hi...

Why do so many more boys get diagnosed with autism than girls? For decades, autism research focused mostly on boys, and the picture we learned to recognize was built around them. But what if girls have been there all along — just harder to spot?  Myah Gittelson, PsyD reveals how autism can look different in girls. Why are many girls labeled anxious or perfectionistic instead of autistic? We also t...

The food pyramid is back — and it looks different. Protein is front and center. Ultra-processed foods are out. So what does this new pyramid mean for your family?  Dr. Wendy breaks down how the Dietary Guidelines are created and what we can learn from them. We talk about fiber, gut health, and how to choose the right carbs — plus simple food swaps you can make this week.  Listen to this episode on...

Dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, and a racing heart are often brushed off as anxiety or stress. But sometimes there’s a real reason behind these symptoms: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Dr. Wendy talks with pediatric autonomic specialist Dr. Jeff Boris about POTS, an often-missed nervous system condition. We explain what POTS looks like, how it’s diagnosed, why it can show up afte...

What is influenza? Is it really that bad? Yup, doctors take the flu seriously because an overactive immune response can make people really ill from the virus! Does the vaccine help or make you sick? Listen for Dr. Wendy's insider tips about what helps once your child has the flu, what doesn’t, and when it’s time to worry.      Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message...

Does special education make a difference and what’s at risk right now? From IEPs and 504 plans to chronic underfunding and growing legal challenges, millions of students rely on this system—but few understand.  Education researcher Kimber Wilkerson explains how special education has expanded access to schooling over the past 50 years, and why it remains underfunded. We also explore what it would m...

Your child’s stomach hurts every day. You’ve tried diet changes. You’ve done the tests. Everything comes back normal—and the pain is still there!  Discover the new science of Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction; why food gets blamed when it isn’t the cause, and how the nervous system can cause digestive symptoms. Hear about the surprising treatment that helps many kids feel better.  If you’ve ever...

Can a 14-year-old have a “career-ending” injury? Can an ACL tear affect a child for decades? Youth sports culture rarely talks about the long-term cost.  Why are serious sports injuries—especially knee injuries like ACL tears—becoming more common in kids and teens? Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Matt Tao breaks down what’s really driving these injuries: early specialization, overuse, playing through pain,...

Have updates to the vaccine schedule made you pause? In this encore episode, pediatrician Wendy Hunter, MD addresses vaccine hesitancy, answering the same questions she hears every day in the exam room. Why are vaccines given when they are? Are they safe? What happens when families delay or skip them? Listen if you want to feel confident about protecting your kids.      Send your questions to hell...

Are kids really sicker than before? Are screens hurting our kids more than we realize? And did we miss something important about anxiety, vaccines, or environmental exposures in 2025?  Episode 147 looks back at the biggest children’s health headlines of the year—and explains what we got wrong, what the science clarified, and what truly matters going forward.  If you’ve felt overwhelmed by headline...

Is your child nice when you’re not watching? Kids make social choices every day without adults around. Family therapist Dr. Erika Bockneck (host of Raising Souls: A Convo Podcast) explores how kids learn social cues, internalize family values, and balance fitting in with staying true to themselves—so they can make good choices on their own.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodca...

Why does giving feels so good for both kids and parents? Giving isn’t just about presents— generosity changes the brain! Learn how to make the most out of this season and how gift-giving helps kids develop empathy, gratitude, and emotional intelligence.        Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *A...

Is your child’s snoring just a funny nighttime sound—or a sign of something more?  Learn why kids snore, why mouth breathing and restless sleep aren’t just quirks, and how snoring can affect behavior, focus, and even facial growth!  Join Dr. Shereen Lim, dentist and author of Breathe, Sleep, Thrive, who explains how airway and muscle development shape a child’s sleep and health. Uncover the red fl...