Do your toddler’s kicks or hits have you questioning if it’s more than just the "terrible two's"? One of the most common questions is “When should I worry about my toddler's aggressive behavior?” And if that's your question, we've got you covered today because I've invited two trusted developmental and behavioral pediatricians to join us. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH:  •The single most common reason behind a lot of what we call "toddler aggression" (and it has nothing to do with your toddler wanting to hurt others!) •One vital thing parents can do to prevent an ..read more

How can I help my baby or toddler learn to talk? As parents, we play a pivotal role in shaping our little one's linguistic journey, laying the foundation for their future communication abilities. Join us today as we explore five invaluable tips to effectively engage with your baby or toddler, boosting their language skills and enhancing their cognitive development. By implementing these strategies, you'll discover how simple interactions can become powerful tools for fostering your child's linguistic and cognitive growth. Stay tuned for a special bonus: insights into how these practices can ..read more

In the second part of our series on managing the challenges of the clingy toddler phase, we'll discuss practical solutions to ease both parent and child through this demanding stage. Drawing from a listener's heartfelt question about the struggles of managing a clingy toddler, we explore the concern of leaving them with a babysitter for the first time. Expect expert advice on how to handle anxiety and its potential impact on a toddler's development and mental health when introducing new caregivers. You'll learn about five effective approaches tailored to nurturing independence in toddlers. J ..read more

In this episode, we delve into a common concern shared by many parents: toddler clinginess.  Our listener's question reflects the daily struggle of balancing parental responsibilities with the needs of a clingy toddler. From crying during restroom breaks to sleeping beside them at night, the challenges can be overwhelming. The impending need to leave the toddler with a babysitter raises concerns about potential anxiety triggers and impacts on their mental health and development. Join us as we explore whether such clinginess is within normal toddler behavior or if it signals something mo ..read more

Should we share our faith with our children in the first place?  In today's episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we'll explore how the essence of faith permeates the everyday moments of parenthood. From bedtime stories that instill values to nature walks filled with gratitude, and even through the trials of epic tantrums, parents are already sharing their faith in subtle yet profound ways.  Tune in as I share with you 5 strategies that you can do to share your faith with your kids. Discover the beauty of incorporating faith into the fabric of parenting and the impact it can ..read more

In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we welcome Dr. Amy Kwok, CEO of Penguin Smart, to delve into the transformative power of parent-led interventions in fostering child communication skills. Dr. Amy, with her extensive background in medicine and public health, sheds light on how simple yet intentional practices within everyday routines can significantly impact a child's language development. Drawing from research and practical experience, we explore parents' pivotal role in shaping their children's communication abilities, emphasizing the importance of frequency and involveme ..read more

Welcome to this week's episode of the Discerning Parenting podcast, where we delve into the crucial topic of why kids need to move and explore practical ways to incorporate more movement into their daily lives. As parents, it's a common concern to ensure our children are staying active and healthy, yet many of us face challenges in finding opportunities for them to move, whether it's due to limited space or busy schedules. Today, we're joined by a special guest who brings both personal and professional insights to the discussion. Dr. Rachel Pope, a doctor of physical therapy, a dedicated moth ..read more

In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, you are in for an insightful discussion on understanding and supporting emotionally intense children. With us is a seasoned mom and expert in social work, Anouk Briere-Godbout, who herself is raising three emotionally intense kids. The episode promises a wealth of practical wisdom and firsthand experience. Anouk's journey as both a parent and a professional spans over 15 years, providing her with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world expertise. As a mom who intimately understands the challenges of nurturing emotionally inte ..read more

Many parents worry when their three-year-olds aren't yet reading or writing, fearing they might be falling behind. Today's podcast episode will address these concerns by exploring early literacy milestones and expectations. Candy Chan, an Oxford Brain Story Certified educator, a Certified Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, and a Certified Health and Wellness Coach are joining today's conversation. With her wealth of knowledge, Candy sheds light on the intricacies of early childhood literacy, offering valuable insights and practical advice for parents navigating this crucial developmental stag ..read more

Have you ever come across a Facebook Ad promising to eliminate yelling in just 21 days, accompanied by a child's drawing depicting a mom as a monster?  The pressure on parents to meet unrealistic standards is relentless, and it's time to confront the potentially harmful effects of unethical marketing on our mental health and parenting journey. Our special guest for this crucial conversation is Dr. Michelle Mazur, a messaging strategist, word wizard, and author with a PhD in communication. As the host of the Rebel Uprising podcast and co-host of "Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business ..read more