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

Want to make mealtime healthier and yummier? You know that avocado oil, fish, and kale are packed with nutrients—but getting kids to actually eat them? That’s the tricky part! In this encore episode, Chef Kelly Senyei reveals her favorite secret ingredient—one that’s affordable, boosts protein and calcium, and works in everything from pancakes to bolognese.     Mentioned in episode:  Serenity Kids...

Why does your calm, reasonable self disappear when your child refuses to put on their shoes? Therapist Todd Sarner answers Dr. Wendy’s questions about why kids seem to know exactly how to push our buttons—and why it’s not about defiance at all. Discover why common discipline tactics don’t work, and what to do instead. Learn how to reset after a blow-up, and get back on the same page with your part...

What happens when kids don’t get sex ed in school? They don’t just “figure it out”—they pick up myths, rumors, and advice on social media. What they learn matters for their safety and relationships.  How can parents help guide an appropriate education?   Use trusted resources like:   National Sex Education Standards  Advocates for Youth - Rights Respect, Responsibilities Curriculum  Planned Parent...

Smart toys can talk and even remember what kids say—but what’s that doing inside a child’s developing brain? Artificial intelligence may be shaping children’s language, emotions, and relationships. With guest expert Dana Suskind, MD, a leading researcher on early brain development, learn how real human interaction wires a child’s mind—and what might be lost when those conversations happen with a m...

What’s scarier than ghosts and goblins? The medical mysteries that hide in plain sight. In this year’s Halloween special, hear three true stories that sound like ghost tales but come straight from the pediatric ward.  Each story unfolds like a mystery, with clues, red herrings, and real-life science behind the scares.  Listen if you dare… and see if you can solve the cases before Dr. Wendy reveals...

Do you ever feel like you’re tiptoeing around your child—careful with every word, changing plans, and doing whatever it takes to avoid a meltdown? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Wendy Hunter explores whether “walking on eggshells” really helps anxious kids—or if it accidentally makes anxiety stronger. With insight from pediatrician Dr. Natasha Burgert, author of Managing Childhood Anxiety...

Think well visits are only for vaccines? Dr. Wendy asks why checkups still matter—even when no shots are due. From spotting hidden conditions like early puberty or high blood pressure, to giving kids a safe place to talk, well visits are about prevention, connection, and catching problems before they become emergencies. Have you schedule your annual visit?    Send your questions to hello@pediatric...

Feeding your kids shouldn’t feel like a minefield—but let’s be honest, it kind of does. In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Wendy Hunter talks with registered dietitian and mom Sarah Schlichter about some of the most controversial topics in kids’ nutrition. From hiding veggies in food (should you?) to whether chocolate milk belongs in your kid’s lunchbox, they break down what matters, what doesn’t,...

Should kids stick to one sport year-round, or does early specialization put them at risk? Dr. Wendy investigates the truth behind youth sports specialization—exploring injury risks, burnout, long-term performance, and equity. With insights from Nirav Pandya, MD learn why variety and play may be the healthiest path for kids.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message...

Is screen time really rotting our kids’ brains—or is the real danger something we don’t even see? Dr. Wendy takes you inside the mystery of what constant scrolling and gaming are doing to children’s sleep, moods, and relationships. She uncovers the surprising truth: the number of hours isn’t the enemy. The real key is hidden in three simple pillars—sleep, movement, and connection—that can reset yo...

When a child suddenly can’t breathe, feels dizzy, or has chest pain, parents fear the worst. Could it be asthma? A heart problem? Dr. Wendy Hunter explores the mystery of childhood panic attacks with pediatrician and Natasha Burgert, MD, author of Managing Childhood Anxiety for Dummies. Together, they uncover what’s actually happening in the brain and body, why kids can’t just “snap out of it,” an...

Is it the C-section? The formula? The antibiotics? Parents often wonder if they’ve messed up their baby’s gut health. In this episode, Dr. Wendy talks with Stephanie Culler PhD, co-founder of Persephone Biosciences, about groundbreaking research on the infant microbiome. You’ll learn why most American babies are missing Bifidobacterium infantis—the bacteria that digest special sugars in breast mil...

Why do brothers and sisters who love each other one minute turn into sworn enemies the next? Dr. Wendy unpacks the mystery of sibling rivalry—why kids fight, what’s really going on beneath the bickering, and the surprising moments when stepping in actually makes things worse. Learn the hidden dynamics that fuel rivalry and the key strategies parents can use to shift kids from competition to connec...

When a friend loses a child, many of us are left wondering what to say—or how to help. In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Wendy talks with Hans Kullberg, a father who lost his 10-month-old daughter, Aviva, and learned to navigate life after loss. Hans shares what grieving parents wish others understood, how friends and family can show up in meaningful ways, and how his experience has reshaped the...

Food allergies now affect 1 in 13 children in the U.S., turning mealtime into a daily source of anxiety for families. But groundbreaking research — including the LEAP study — shows that introducing allergenic foods like peanuts early and often can prevent most peanut allergies before they start.  Catherine Jaxon, co-founder of Mission Mighty Me and mom to a child with a nut allergy shares the stor...

Is your kid suddenly clingy at drop-off? Refusing to sleep before 10 p.m.? Bringing home a full, untouched water bottle every day?  You’re not alone — and it’s not just your kid.  In this back-to-school Q&A episode, pediatrician Dr. Wendy Hunter answers the real questions parents are asking right now. From separation anxiety to sleep resets, immune-boosting tips, social struggles, and hydration ba...

Feeling overwhelmed by parenting advice from Google, Instagram, and everyone you know? You’re not alone! Learn how to cut through the noise and find answers you can actually trust about your child’s health.  Dr. Wendy talks about the viral parenting hacks that fill your feed (are they genius or just hype?), the scary headlines that make you second-guess yourself, and why not all advice—online or o...

Family meals are supposed to be good for kids—but what if getting everyone to the table feels like the most stressful part of your day? Join Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN, host of the Managing Mealtime Madness podcast to hear realistic, judgment-free advice for busy parents: how to plan meals around your schedule, make dinnertime less chaotic, and more fun.     Check out my favorite Kids Cooking/Baki...

Is your child still wetting the bed? You’re not alone—and there is help. In this episode, pediatric urologist Dr. Andrew Kirsch from Georgia Urology joins me to explain why bedwetting happens, when it’s normal, and when it might be a sign of something more. We talk about what causes bedwetting, and why common treatments don’t always work. Dr. Kirsch also shares his brand-new approach to treating b...

What happens when you give parents and kids a safe space to ask their most embarrassing health questions? Dr. Wendy shares what she learned from a live Q&A with 50 mothers and teen girls. From questions about vaginal discharge, and body image, to shaving, acne, and saying “no,” you’ll hear the real concerns our kids have—and how parents can respond. This episode is full of advice to help make the...

Is your toddler screaming at bedtime? Is your teen suddenly moody or defiant? Before you blame "bad behavior," take a breath. Dr. Wendy Hunter shares four real stories—from an 11-month-old to a 14-year-old—to show why acting out is often a cry for help, not disrespect. Learn how emotional dysregulation can look like defiance and discover calm, practical ways to respond. You'll walk away feeling mo...

Teaching kids to take charge of their health starts earlier than you think. Dr. Wendy shares how to help kids build health independence—starting with simple things like talking to the doctor, knowing their own symptoms, and understanding their family medical history. You'll also hear the powerful story of Thad Hamilton, whose experience with a genetic cancer shows why it matters for kids to learn...

Fireworks can be magical—or totally overwhelming. Why do some kids love the Fourth of July while others dread it? Learn tips for helping kids who are sensitive to loud noises, or anxious around crowds. Get ideas for fun, low-stress alternatives to traditional fireworks. Create a Fourth of July that’s festive, safe, and kid-friendly for everyone in the family!    Send your questions to hello@pediat...

Is your child’s weight something to be concerned about—or just a normal part of growing up? Pediatrician and registered dietitian Natalie Muth, MD joins me to talk about how doctors decide when a child’s weight needs attention. We explain why a shift in BMI percentile—not just a number on the scale—can grab our attention, and how puberty, sleep, and lifestyle all play a role. Plus, we share practi...

Explore the role of medication in treating anxiety and depression in kids and teens. When can it help—and how do you decide? Psychiatrist Julia Krankl, MD, returns to share guidance for parents on when to consider medication and what to expect if your child starts an SSRI or other treatment. If you’re feeling unsure or even nervous, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and insights on finding...