Ask Dr. Wendy

Can you actually prevent your child from getting sick at school? Yes. And also…no. Kids are going to get sick, especially younger children. But there are things you can do to reduce their chances of bringing home every cold and stomach bug that ci…

Kids are going to get sick, especially when they spend their days surrounded by other kids. But some strategies can reduce how often kids get sick. I’ll look at popular “immune boosters” like vitamin C, zinc, elderberry, and echinacea and explain which are worth considering - and which aren’t. Here’s the Echinacea product that might work: Echinoforce Junior And I love this Nasal Spray: Xlear Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here. Find products

Acne in elementary school? Puberty may be starting earlier than it did a generation ago but some of the changes parents associate with puberty aren't signs that true puberty has begun. Dr. Wendy explains the two different hormonal processes behind puberty, the first signs of true puberty in girls and boys, and why your child's growth chart may tell your pediatrician more than pubic hair or body odor. Learn what's behind the trend toward earlier puberty, and what happens when puberty starts too

Does your 7-year-old need deodorant or have acne? They can't be starting puberty already! Maybe. But here’s something that surprises many parents..... Pubic Hair Isn’t Always Puberty There are two different hormonal processes involved in the chan…

Would your child be happier and more successful if they changed schools? In this episode, I share the four things I think matter most when deciding whether a school is a good fit and three questions to ask before making a change: What exactly isn't working? Have you tried to fix the problem where your child is now? Is your child simply struggling or are they deteriorating? There are more choices than ever: traditional public and private schools, charter schools, homeschooling, online progra

How safe is your child when they’re online - and do you really know what they’re seeing? This week, I’m sharing an episode from my colleague Elise Fallucco, MD, child and adolescent psychiatrist and host of ADHD, Anxiety and More: Child Mental Health for Pediatrics. She talks with a tech-industry insider about the online risks parents may not realize their children are encountering. Learn how to balance the benefits of technology with risks like cyberbullying, violent content, and grooming; ho

Every child has meltdowns, worries, bad moods, and difficult days. Kids sometimes hate school or fight with their parents. So how do you know when your child is being a normal, annoying kid and when they might actually benefit from therapy? A good …

Have you ever wondered if that trendy treatment everyone is talking about is legitimate? From leucovorin for autism and antihistamines for ADHD to magnesium, melatonin, red light therapy, and essential oils, some popular treatments have surprising science behind them - while others may be mostly hype. Dr. Wendy Hunter looks at the evidence and shares four simple questions parents can use to evaluate the next health claim that shows up in their social media feed. My favorite natural treatment: