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

Does your child have anxiety—or are they just a little worried? Anxiety is a normal part of growing up, but sometimes it can interfere with daily life. Psychiatrist Julia Krankl, MD returns to share simple, effective tools parents can use to treat anxious thoughts at home. From progressive muscle relaxation to better sleep routines, learn to help your child feel calmer, more confident, and in cont...

Practical tips to help your family get the most out of summer camp and family vacations—without the stress! Whether you're sending your child to overnight camp or hitting the road together, you'll learn how to plan ahead and make it fun for everyone. Dr. Wendy talks about the benefits of camp and travel for kids’ growth, independence, and confidence. Summer is the perfect time to make memories and...

What if the best tools for managing your child’s anxiety, sadness, or stress weren’t found at the pharmacy—but in your daily routine? Dr. Julia Krankl, a psychiatrist and author of The 21st Minute, shares the powerful and often overlooked role of lifestyle in treating mental health issues in children and teens. We explore why meditation works (yes, even for squirmy kids!), how to sneak mindfulness...

It’s not just you—seasonal allergies really are getting worse. In this episode, Dr. Wendy explains why allergy season is lasting longer, why more kids are affected, and what simple steps you can take at home to bring relief. Plus, the surprising ways allergies can affect your child.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from t...

Think it’s all about diet and exercise? Think again. Explore the surprising lifestyle factors that play a powerful role in childhood obesity and healthy weight—like sleep and even friendship. Guest pediatrician Dr. Natalie Digate Muth shares what science says about how things like social connection and sleep routines affect your child’s metabolism and long-term health. Learn how small, simple chan...

Weight loss drugs are all over the news—and your social media feeds! But are they safe for teens? And when are they actually used? Pediatrician and registered dietitian Dr. Natalie Digate Muth explains how doctors are combining lifestyle changes with new medications to help adolescents manage their weight and avoid long-term health problems.    Learn more from Dr. Natalie Digate Muth   Send your q...

Worried something might be wrong—but not sure what to do? Learn to recognize the signs of abuse in kids. If you ever feel uneasy about a situation, you don’t need proof to take action—just a gut feeling is enough. Learn how to report suspected abuse, when to speak up, and how your concern could make all the difference in keeping a child safe.    Resources: Childhelp: 1-800-4-A-CHILD - 1-800-422-44...

How early should you start teaching your child about their body? Child abuse pediatrician Dr. Shalon Nienow, MD explains what’s normal when it comes to young children’s sexual behaviors—and how to respond when things feel awkward or surprising.  Hear tips for talking to kids about private parts, and what to do when they start exploring. We share simple ways to explain the concept of consent to tod...

With measles cases rising across the U.S., parents have new questions. In this re-release of last year’s episode discover why measles cases are making headlines.  Learn how to recognize early symptoms of measles, how it spreads, and whether your child should get the MMR vaccine ahead of schedule. You'll hear a real story from a patient who had measles and expert advice about how to protect your fa...

Few things make parents cringe like lice—except maybe pinworms. Dr. Wendy explains how kids catch lice, the most effective treatments, and whether you really need to deep-clean your entire house. She answers a listener’s question about whether it’s safe to bring a baby to high altitude during travel or on an airplane. From itchy scalps to squirmy questions, this episode is packed with practical ti...

Are you worried that your kids have too much freedom with their iPhone, tablet, or video games? It’s not too late to set new screen time rules for your family! Parenting coach Tyler Durman is back to share his expert advice on managing screen time, social media, and gaming. In this episode, you’ll learn how to help your kids handle the responsibility that comes with technology, create healthy boun...

Do your kids roll their eyes, ignore you, or act disrespectful? Don’t worry—it’s never too late to reset your relationship! In this episode, parenting expert Tyler Durman shares simple, effective strategies for handling tough moments with your kids. Discover how to respond when they push your buttons or shut down, and learn why saying “I’m sorry” can be a game-changer. Tyler shares what to say to...

Do you want to connect with your kids? Parenting expert Tyler Durman has spent years working with teens, uncovering what they actually need from parents—and it’s not constant friendship or unlimited freedom. In this episode, we dive into the secrets of raising confident, respectful teens. Learn how to set boundaries, foster trust, and create a strong, lasting relationship with your child.    Tyler...

We're bringing back our most downloaded—and most debated—episode ever! You might think the most controversial parenting topic would be fevers, vaccines, or screen time… but nope! It’s Intuitive Eating. Get ready to revisit the conversation that had everyone talking!    Do you want to make mealtimes better for you and your kids? Are you tired of food battles? Discover “Intuitive eating” which isn't...

Are vaccines safe? Can shots overwhelm a baby’s immune system? And what about creating your own immunization schedule? If you’ve asked these questions, you’re not alone—many parents feel hesitant about vaccines.  Vaccine hesitancy is fueled by myths, misinformation, and fear—not science. The truth is that vaccines are some of the most tested medical products in history. In this episode, we break d...

Are vapes and nicotine pouches like Zyn safer than cigarettes? The tobacco industry has spent decades perfecting addiction, and now they’re targeting a new generation with sleek vape pens and smokeless nicotine. Dr. Wendy reveals how nicotine rewires young brains, increasing addiction risk and leading to lifelong problems. Learn the science behind nicotine addiction, the hidden dangers of vaping a...

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...

If your child isn’t sleeping well, you’re not alone! The good news? There are plenty of resources to help—from books and websites to online courses and certified sleep consultants. In this bonus episode, we’ll guide you through the best options so you can find the right sleep solution for your family.     Resources:  Consult a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant: The Good Night Nurse  Find a solu...

If your baby isn’t sleeping, you aren’t either! Even when kids do sleep, many parents still struggle with their own rest. What if understanding how sleep cycles work could help everyone in the family get better sleep? In this episode, Brittany Hefetz, NP —also known as the Good Night Nurse—shares tips for teaching babies to fall asleep, stay asleep longer, and even helps adults improve their rest....

How do you explain IVF and surrogacy to your child when you’re not sure yourself? In this episode, we’ll break it down in a simple, caring way to help your child understand the amazing ways families are created. We’ll also explore the ethical questions surrounding these technologies and how to answer your child’s big questions with honesty and warmth.      Send your questions to hello@pediatrician...

In Part 2 of our 100th episode special, we’re sharing 50 more expert-approved parenting tips to make family life easier, happier, and more connected. From strengthening family bonds and boosting creativity to managing screen time and social skills, these practical hacks will help you navigate parenting. Whether you’re raising toddlers, tweens, or teens, these tips will help you create a happy, bal...

Celebrate the 100th episode with a list of tried-and-true parenting tips we've collected from you! From clever organization hacks to navigating daily life, handling discipline with ease, and ensuring safety, this episode is filled with practical advice every parent will love.  As promised....COMMAND HOOKS!    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.c...

Why won’t that cough go away? Dr. Wendy dives into the science of coughing—what causes it, how long it’s normal to last, and when it’s time to see a doctor. She shares practical tips to soothe and treat a stubborn cough. And what about the flu? Do you really need the flu vaccine? Discover why influenza is such a tricky virus. how pandemics start, and how the flu vaccine works.    Send your questio...

Where are the most dangerous places in your house? Learn how to safety proof your home and avoid trips to the ER with tips from emergency medicine physician Darria Long Gillespie, MD.     Find Dr. Darria at NoPanicParenting.com    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I e...

Eating isn’t just about nutrition—it’s also a social skill. As parents, it’s your job to help kids feel confident about eating in social settings. How can you tell if your child has an unhealthy relationship with food? Adolescent Medicine specialist Dr. Maya Kumar shares how to spot the signs and guide your child toward normal, balanced eating habits. She breaks down the risks of fad diets, the im...