Parenting 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.

This episode is made possible by our sponsor Cure Hydration. Get 20...

What happens when kids don’t get sex ed in school? They don’t just “figure it out”—they pick up myths, rumors, and advice on social media. What they learn matters for their safety and relationships. How can parents help guide an appropriate education?

Use trusted resources like:

National Sex Education Standards

Advocates for Youth - Rights Respect, Responsibilities Curriculum

Planned Parenthood’s Parent Resources

Listen: Ep. 113: The “Private Parts” Episode or Ep. 46: Talking About Sex and ...

Feeling overwhelmed by parenting advice from Google, Instagram, and everyone you know? You’re not alone! Learn how to cut through the noise and find answers you can actually trust about your child’s health.

Dr. Wendy talks about the viral parenting hacks that fill your feed (are they genius or just hype?), the scary headlines that make you second-guess yourself, and why not all advice—online or offline—is created equal. You’ll hear simple tips for spotting sketchy medical content, finding relia...

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 build stronger family bonds!

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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 toddlers, school-aged kids, and tweens. Plus, we’ll guide you to trusted resources that can help you ke...

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 and Zyn, and how to protect your kids from Big Tobacco’s big tricks!

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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.

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*As a...

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, balanced family life.

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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!

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How can you teach your children the joy of giving, the art of receiving with grace, and the deeper meaning behind holiday traditions? Join Dr. Wendy as she shares thoughtful tips to help your family embrace the season’s magic while navigating the lessons and emotions that come with gift-giving.

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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.

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Why did Dr. Wendy start this podcast and what does she secretly wish every parent knew? Find out when the tables are turned as comedy duo *The Dumb Dads* take over the show and put Dr. Wendy in the hot seat. Hosts of The Dumb Dad Podcast, Kevin and Evan, explore the highs and lows of raising kids from both the pediatrician’s office and the living room floor with tips you never knew you needed!

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In this unfiltered episode, Dr. Wendy solves parenting’s biggest challenges with stay-at-home dad and comedian Evan Berger, co-host of The Dumb Dad podcast. From unraveling the mystery of why an 8-year-old has a pierced ear to using a YouTube video to fix a dislocated elbow, no challenge is too big when a pediatrician teams up with a “Dumb Dad.”

This episode was made possible by our sponsor Begin Health. Begin the journey to a happier and healthier future for your little one with Begin Health’s...

Listeners sent in their questions, and I've answered them! In this episode, I share questions from parents and my responses, along with updates on their problem. Send me your questions on Instagram or email.

@the_pediatrician_next_door

Email: hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com

Products Mentioned in the Episode:

Echinoforce Junior - Echinacea chewable by A. Vogel company

A Parent's Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy

Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nu...

Being a parent comes with worries, and even for a pediatrician like Dr. Wendy, some concerns can be tricky. In this episode, she talks about two tough pediatric situations they don't always teach in medical school. First, dental anesthesia can be riskier than many parents realize. Second, she explains that many worries parents have about their child's penis are usually not big issues. Tune in to learn more about dental sedation, micro-penis and more!

Read the American Academy of Pediatrics advi...

Learn how to help your child become independent in managing their health as they grow up. Hear Thad Hamilton's compelling story about why knowing your family's health history is important. Get Dr. Wendy’s checklist of tips for teaching kids as young as 3 to take care of their health.

The Save our Stomachs campaign’s mission is to build an endowment fund supporting sustained Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer syndrome research.

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The place you live shapes who you become. Whether you move from Michigan to Florida or Arizona to Guam, it means getting used to a new home, school, and different kinds of food. When kids move from their original home to a new place, they mix together parts of both cultures to create their own unique "third culture." Psychologist Dr. Charles Warter, Psy.D., shares what he's learned from his studies to help parents understand how to handle moving with children.

“Adverse Outcomes to Early Middle ...

As many as 1 in 5 kids are abused when they are in the care of other adults. And most don’t even know. How can you predator-proof your kids? Empower your children to speak up, question authority and protect themselves when they aren’t with you. This might be the most important episode you hear this year.

The Mama Bear Effect: Rock the Talk - Child Sexual Abuse is Preventable

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Please be advised that this episode contains content that may not be appropriate for all ages.

Are your kids begging to sit in the front seat, stay home alone or have a sleepover? Dr. Wendy shares her experience and knowledge to help you find the right time for little kids to do big kid things…and how to talk to kids about difficult topics.

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Want to avoid midnight runs to the drugstore when your kid is sick? Which medicines and supplies should you pack for your family trip? Listen as Dr. Wendy and pediatrician/bestselling-author Dr. Tanya Altmann, share their insider tips on the essential products to keep in your home medicine cabinet and take on the road.

For more information on Dr. Altmann please visit her website: www.drtanya.com

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What happened to my skin after I became a mom? In Part 2 Dr. Wendy asks dermatologist Dr. Vi Gigler the smart questions you wouldn’t know to ask. In this episode we learn the surprising (and easy!) approach to stretch marks, the best treatments for dark spots and which nutritional supplements work to heal our skin - and which ones don’t.

Be sure to check out Part 1 where Dr. Wendy and Dr. Vi Gigler cover the tricks to getting the most out of sunscreen, retinoids, and botox.

For more informatio...

Pregnancy and raising kids changes our skin. This episode uncovers dermatologist’s secrets for protecting our skin while we take care of our kids. Dr. Wendy asks dermatologist Dr. Vi Gigler the smart questions you don’t know to ask. This episode covers the tricks to getting the most out of sunscreen, retinoids, and botox.

Be sure to tune in next week for Part 2 where Dr. Hunter and Dr. Vi Gigler discuss stretch marks, dark spots and as well as which nutritional supplements work to heal our skin...

Have you ever rushed to the ER or doctor’s office because you worried about your kid’s symptoms only to find nothing was wrong? In this episode of Scary Symptoms Dr. Wendy explains why normal babies can have orange skin, purple lips, green poop or make breast milk!

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