Mental Health Episodes

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 partner—no sticker charts required.

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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 machine instead of a person.

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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 for Dummies, you’ll learn why avoidance and constant reassurance backfire, which parenting styles he...

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 your family’s digital habits and bring back peace at home. If you’ve ever felt powerless against phone...

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,” and the surprising techniques that work.

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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 the right balance between therapy, lifestyle changes, and meds.

Guest Julia Krankl, MD - Read her ...

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 control.

Read The 21st Minute: Everything you Wished Doctors Explained about Mental Health by Julia Kra...

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 into a busy family schedule, and why movement and gratitude can be just as powerful as medication. ...

Want your kids to be kind and grow up to be happy, caring adults? It starts with empathy! Empathy is something we’re born with but also something we can learn. In this episode, Dr. Wendy shares her top tips on how empathy develops, why it’s important, and easy ways you can help your kids become more compassionate every day.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com

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Dr. Wendy explores the heated debate over smartphone use in schools: should they be banned outright, or can students be trusted with an honor system? How should parents handle social media? Apps like YouTube and Instagram offer both connection and educational tools, but also poses risks like distraction and mental health challenges for teens. Experts weigh in on the pros and cons and what the latest research says about the impact on learning and well-being.

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Anxiety is a big deal for lots of kids and families. But guess what? The sooner you deal with it, the better things can get for the long run. Treatments range from teaching your child calming techniques at home, to therapy, medication and treatment in a treatment center. Child psychiatrist Elise Fallucco, MD and clinical psychologist Charles Warter, PsyD give tips for finding the best treatment for a child with anxiety.

Visit PsychEd4Peds online and listen on Apple Podcasts

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Do you struggle with a challenging child? Sometimes, kids' actions aren't just random behaviors—they're ways of expressing themselves when they can't find the right words or understand their own emotions. Anxiety disorders are the most common behavioral health problem in children and often goes undiagnosed. Treating anxiety early can make a big difference in how well someone copes with it over time. In this podcast episode, child psychiatrist Elise Fallucco, MD, host of the PschEd4Peds podcast, ...

Ever wondered how much control you have over being happy? Scientists say your genes play a big part, but there's plenty you can do to boost your mood. Dr. Wendy shares 7 simple tips parents can use to have a happy family. Discover how spending time with others, having family meals, and choosing certain foods can make you feel happier.

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References

Beezhold, B.L., Johnston, C.S., 2012. Restriction of meat, fish, and poultry in omnivores improves mood: a pilot randomiz...

The holidays are a time of joy…and disappointment. How can you teach children the value of giving gifts and to be gracious about receiving them? Find joy and peace this season from Dr. Wendy’s tips about how to help your children experience the true magic of celebrating holidays.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com
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Dr. Wendy explores the healing power of hypnosis—the mind-body connection that can help children with frustrating symptoms like abdominal pain, headaches, disordered eating, and more. Learn about the healing potential of therapeutic hypnosis with guest Dr. Ran Anbar, MD. Medical hypnosis can enhance aspects of childrens’ lives, including sleep quality and sports performance.

Book: Changing Children’s Lives with Hypnosis by Ran Anbar, MD

Clinic: Center Point Medicine

Society for Clinical and E...

Why are autism rates increasing? How is autism diagnosed? Dr. Wendy explains the cutting-edge investigations from researcher Karen Pierce, PhD who is using eye-tracking software to identify kids on the spectrum and what this means for the future of autism diagnosis and treatment.

For more information on the topics discussed in this episode and our guest Dr. Pierce please visit the website for UCSD Autism Center of Excellence (neurosciences.ucsd.edu) & Karen Pierce, PhD’s UCSD profile (profiles....

New research links childhood trauma as a hidden cause of children’s mental and physical health problems and adult diseases including heart disease, cancer, obesity, drug use and suicide. In this episode Dr. Wendy explains the revolutionary new science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how parents can protect their children from the health effects of “toxic stress” and heal from their own childhood trauma.

Take the ACEs Survey and learn more: numberstory.org

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Apps and games are designed to keep kids online. There’s only so much a parent can do on their own. Dr. Jenny Radesky, author of “Digital Advertising to Children” shares solutions to make the online world safer and healthier for kids.

If you haven’t already listened, be sure to check out the previous episode (Ep. 23: Solving the Screen Time Problem - with Jenny Radesky, MD) where Dr. Radesky and Dr. Hunter discuss letting go of your guilt and shame about screen time.

Send your questions to hel...

Let go of your guilt and shame about screen time. Dr. Wendy explains why it’s time to re-think recommendations about screen time - with Dr. Jenny Radesky, author of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policies on children and media. Together, we can learn with our kids how we can all enjoy media and balance our digital lives.

And be sure to tune in on Friday for a bonus episode with Dr. Radesky. The conversation continues as she discusses how apps and games are designed to keep kids online...

Are you concerned about a child’s mental health but not sure what to do? How can you get help for a behavior issue? Dr. Wendy talks with pediatric behavioral health specialist, Hilary Bowers, MD, about the signs that doctors look for. Learn the surprising ways parents can access support for kids with behavioral issues.

For more information on Dr. Hilary Bowers please visit her page on cpcmg.net.

Show Resources

Kazdin: Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing online course

Triple P: Posi...

What challenges do kids in foster care face when they age out of the system?

Dr Nancy Graff explains how we can advocate to support these kids when they don’t have a “forever family.”

If you haven’t listened yet, be sure to check out “Ep. 16: Building a Healthy Community for All Kids - with Dr. Nancy Graff” where Community Pediatrician Dr. Nancy Graff joins Dr. Wendy to explore the most significant health issues affecting kids and what parents can do to create a community where all kids can th...

Have you wondered if a child you know has autism? Pediatrician Wendy Hunter, MD explains how you can tell the difference between normal weird kid behavior and signs that a child is on the autism spectrum. Find out which other diagnoses can look like autism and what treatments are available. Plus she gives resources for getting an autism evaluation.

Find your state’s Early Intervention program

Programs to treat behavior problems: Triple P (Positive Parenting Programs), Parent-Child Interaction ...