Your Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica Hochman

Send us Fan Mail Ep 140 with Dr. Dawn Huebner, a clinical psychologist and author of mental health books for children (including the best selling "What to do when you worry too much") discusses her newest mini book series: Mini Books About Mighty Fears. This series addresses specific fears that commonly affect children.  In this conversation we discuss 2 of her mini books “Facing Mighty...

Send us Fan Mail Summary This weeks podcast is with national treasure, Lenore Skenazy, who discusses the culture of fear and overprotective parenting.     She shares her personal experiences and the backlash she faced for allowing her 9-year-old son ride the subway alone in NYC. The media jumped all over it, some even called her "America's worst mom", and this experience eventually...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Elisa Song is a holistic pediatrician and discusses her new book, 'Healthy Kids, Happy Kids,' and the importance of understanding the gut-brain connection and the role of the gut microbiome in overall health. This conversation explores the gut-brain connection and the importance of supporting a healthy gut microbiome for optimal neurotransmitter leve...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 137 with Dr. Iris Wang, an assistant professor at Mayo Clinic and adult gastroenterologist continues her conversation to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of  irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  We review treatment options, including laxatives, antidepressants, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and even hypnotherapy (Dr Wang is one of the few physicians who is also trained in I...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 136 with Dr. Iris Wang, an assistant professor at Mayo Clinic and a general gastroenterologist and we are going to discuss her new children's book that teaches kids how to how to go to the bathroom.  Many adults deal with constipation that stemmed from childhood, and Dr Wang explains how we can prevent constipation in early childhood, without use of medication.  We di...

Send us Fan Mail Are you ready to feel inspired?!? Episode 135 of Ask Dr Jessica with founder of Mother's to Mother's Dr Mitch Besser.  Dr. Mitch Besser discusses his journey from being an OBGYN in the United States to creating the Mothers to Mothers (m2m) program in South Africa, which aims to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV .  In this episode Dr Besser explains how m2m pers...

Send us Fan Mail Part 2 of Ask Dr Jessica with Mike Rucker--the conversation continues about incorporating fun into parenting.  Many of us parents are often so busy making a living, that it can feel we are not spending enough quality time with our children.  Dr Mike Rucker explains the importance of valuing time over money --and the benefits of focusing on quality experiences rather than material...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 133 of Ask Dr Jessica with Mike Rucker, PhD, author of "The Fun Habit" .  The conversation explores the concept of finding joy and pleasure in everyday life,  rather than solely pursuing happiness as an end goal.  He explains why we need to prioritize scheduling time for fun activities and creating core memories.   Takeaways Finding joy and pleasure in everyday l...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Elisa Song discusses integrative medicine and its role in treating allergies.  Dr. Song emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of allergies and using a combination of conventional medicine with alternative approaches to achieve optimal results. She also provides practical tips for managing allergy symptoms, such as using nasal saline sprays an...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 131 of Ask Dr Jessica with Dr. Jill Campbell, a licensed clinical psychologist, shares her passion for teaching mindfulness to parents. Mindful parenting involves being present, non-judgmental, and empathic in the service of self-understanding and wisdom. By practicing mindfulness, parents can regulate their emotions and respond to their children in a more conscious and co...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Peter Gray, a neuroscientist and psychologist, discusses the importance of independence, freedom, and play in children's development. He challenges the cultural delusion of overprotection and highlights the low risks children face in the world today. Dr. Gray emphasizes the benefits of challenging and risky activities for children's growth and resilience. He argues t...

Send us Fan Mail Ask Dr Jessica episode 128 with Kelsey Mora, a dual certified child life specialist and therapist, discusses her work in supporting children and families facing illness and grief. She shares insights on how to talk to children about cancer diagnoses, emphasizing the importance of using clear and honest language. Kelsey also introduces her book, 'The Dot Method,' which pr...

Send us Fan Mail Do you struggle with sleep and your kids? Do you feel like you and your children would benefit from more rest? Katie Pitts, founder of Sleepwise Consulting, shares her journey into sleep consulting and her philosophy on sleep training.  Katie reviews common issues that arise with children's sleep, and she  provides valuable insights and tips. She also dispels common misconcep...

Send us Fan Mail Jennifer Tabbush shares her insights and advice on the college application process to help guide students find the best "fit" for their educational needs.  Jennifer founded Headed For College to help families in need of expert educational consulting, college and graduate school counseling, and academic planning.  In this podcast episode, Jennifer discusses many of the qu...

Send us Fan Mail Drs. Lonnie and Paul Zeltzer are are pioneers in the field of pediatric pain treatment.  We discuss many different ways to treat pain--including alternative, non-pharmacological approaches to pain management, including sleep hygiene, breathing techniques, hypnotherapy, placebo and mindfulness. They also  explain when medications such as opioids may help helpful.  Additionally the...

Send us Fan Mail Ask Dr Jessica is joined by Dr. Steve Hodges, a pediatric urologist, discusses the connection between constipation and urinary issues in children. He explains that constipation is often the root cause of bladder and bowel problems, including urinary tract infections and bedwetting.   This conversation explores the topic of constipation in children and its relationship to accidents...

Send us Fan Mail Ask Dr Jessica episode 124 with Christina McGhee, an expert in divorce and co-parenting. We discuss various aspects of divorce and its impact on children, as well as strategies for effective co-parenting.  Christina also provides advice on avoiding common mistakes, seeking support, and keeping children out of the middle of conflicts. She offers resources and guidance for parents g...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Jessica interviews Diane Boden, host of the Minimalist Mom podcast.   Diane talks about the challenges of living with less in a world focused on consumerism and the importance of being intentional with possessions. Diane provides practical tips for decluttering books and toys, and overall the conversation highlights the benefits of minimalism and Diane Boden...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Dolly Klock, a family medicine physician and founder of Adolessons, discusses the importance of open conversations about sex and puberty with children and adolescents. Dr. Klock provides guidance on starting conversations at different ages and addresses the challenges of talking to shy or reluctant children. She also highlights the prevalence of pornography exposure among chil...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 121 of Ask Dr Jessica with Jodi Pawluski, a neuroscientist and psychologist, discusses how we can support mothers throughout pregnancy and in the postpartum period.  She explains the concept of the 'mommy brain', and how the brain adapts to the demands of motherhood. Jodi emphasizes the importance of understanding the normal range of emotions during pregnancy and...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Sheila Carroll, a board-certified pediatrician and certified life coach, discusses her transition from clinical medicine to helping parents and families navigate childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. She emphasizes the importance of understanding emotional eating and finding natural pleasures as alternatives to unhealthy food choices. Dr. Carroll also provides prac...

Send us Fan Mail Ask Dr Jessica epiosde 119. In this conversation, Disney animator, motivational speaker and "Life of Awesome" podcast host, Saul Blinkoff shares his insights on raising children and helping them pursue their dreams. He emphasizes the importance of discovering one's unique purpose and stepping out of the comfort zone to achieve personal growth. Saul also highlights t...

Send us Fan Mail Happy New Year! To bring in the new year, this weeks Ask Dr Jessica talks to Dr. Charlene Lichtash, a board-certified internal medicine resident who specializes in obesity medicine and metabolic health, discusses strategies for raising children with a healthy relationship with food.  Dr. Lichtash advises parents to teach their children to differentiate between whole and processed...

Send us Fan Mail Jody Thomas, a clinical health psychologist and CEO of the Meg Foundation for pain, discusses strategies  to reduce fear and anxiety around needles in children.  Many children are affected by anxiety around vaccinations, and the Meg Foundation offers support to families to help.  She provides practical advice for parents to prepare their children for vaccinations, including creati...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Ask Dr Jessica, Deborah MacNamara discusses her new book 'Nourished' Connection Food and Caring for our Kids.  She explores the challenges of picky eating and the evolutionary perspective on food preferences. She provides practical tips for parents of picky eaters and highlights the significance of creating a positive mealtime environment. MacNamara al...