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A shrinking baby? A kid sprouting werewolf claws? A child hearing mysterious voices?
These are all real cases!
In this special Halloween encore, we’re digging up one of our most popular episodes - our very first Halloween special!
I’ve got four bizarre cases of kids with symptoms that baffled everyone. Can you solve the mysteries before I reveal the diagnoses?

Still craving more creepy medical mysteries? Check out our other Halloween specials:

Episode 88: [Listen here]

Episode 139: [Listen he...

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...

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...

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:...

Does your child have meltdowns, worries, or difficult days? Sometimes that's a normal part of growing up. Sometimes it's a sign they need extra support.

Child psychologist Jerry Weichman, Ph.D. helps parents navigate the confusing world of children's mental health. Learn how to choose a therapist, when a neuropsychological evaluation is helpful, and how to know if medication should be part of treatment.

You'll also learn simple, practical ways parents can help their children build resilience a...

Why do kids get so many rashes? One of the best ways to understand skin is by starting with one of the most common childhood problems: diaper rash!

Discover how the science of skin can help keep your whole family's skin healthy. The simple principles of healthy skin apply to babies, kids, teens, and adults alike.

Learn how the skin barrier protects us, the surprising ways we accidentally damage it, and what different rashes reveal about the immune system.

Whether you're caring for a newborn w...

Is bedtime the hardest part of your day? If every night feels like a negotiation, your child may have what pediatricians call Behavioral Insomnia of Childhood - one of the most common sleep problems that most parents have never heard of.

In this episode, Dr. Wendy explains why some children can't fall asleep without a parent in the room, while others seem determined to delay bedtime at all costs. You'll learn the simple science behind why consistency works, why bedtime often gets worse before i...

Does your son sneeze just like his dad? Fathers matter in ways we never imagined!

Discover the fascinating science of fatherhood, from the latest research on epigenetics showing that dads may pass along more than just DNA, to decades of developmental psychology demonstrating how fathers shape their children's confidence, curiosity, emotional health, and resilience.

Whether you're a father, a mother, a grandparent, this episode will leave you with a new appreciation for the extraordinary role f...

Are toxic chemicals surrounding your baby while they sleep? Babies and kids spend thousands of hours breathing inches from their mattress, bedding, carpet, and furniture, yet most of us rarely think about what those products are made of.

Mattress expert Arin Schultz explains the science behind chemicals in mattresses and nursery products, what “off-gassing” means, and why certifications can be confusing. We talk about breathability, mold, organic bedding, furniture materials, and the question m...

Why can people with ADHD focus intensely for hours on things that are interesting or emotionally engaging...but not on their homework? The real challenge may be how the brain processes reward.

Learn why researchers are rethinking ADHD, how stimulant medications work, how dopamine shapes motivation and persistence, and practical ways parents can help children.

Resources & References:
• The Incredible Years Parent Program: The Incredible Years
• Large-scale functional MRI study on ADHD medicatio...

Have you felt frustrated trying to get medical care for your child? Long waits for appointments, confusing insurance rules… modern pediatric healthcare can feel overwhelming for families and physicians alike.

Meet Dr. Amanda Furr of Zarminali Pediatrics - she pulls back the curtain on what’s happening inside pediatric healthcare right now. Learn practical tips for navigating the healthcare system more effectively without losing your mind.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcas...

Have you worried you’re raising a child who feels entitled, anxious, or unprepared with money?

The best way to teach kids about money is through the lens of child development and brain science.

From toddler meltdowns to teen spending, walk through what kids understand at each age and learn simple, practical ways to help them build healthy habits over time.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.

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Are screens changing our kids or just the way they spend their time? What’s happening in the brain when we’re constantly interrupted, and why is focus is getting harder for both kids and adults? Today’s “always-on” world may be crowding out the very experiences that build confidence, creativity, and resilience.

Dr. Wendy shares the 8 simple, practical ways to protect your focus and stay grounded in real life.

Learn more about guest Jeff Wozer.

Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoor...

Is your social media feed full of gut health advice? From food sensitivity testing to “leaky gut”, there's a lot of misinformation out there! Dr. Wendy busts the biggest gut health myths and shares real, science-backed tips for keeping your microbiome happy. Learn what actually helps (and what doesn’t) when it comes to cleanses, diets, probiotics, fermented foods, and keeping your gut and your kids’ gut healthy.

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

Have you wondered when your child will be ready for school, or worried they’re falling behind?

What does research say about preschool: which kids need it, does development matter, and is there a “right” age to begin? What if your first grader is struggling with reading – will repeating a grade help?

Learn how early reading skills develop, why some children fall behind, what schools are supposed to provide for support, and what the research says about holding kids back. Here’s a clear framework...

How are kids low on iron when we’re surrounded by food? Toddlers and teens are especially at risk - and iron supplements can taste terrible, upset the stomach, and be a daily parenting battle.

Patrick Monsivais, founder of Gensavis Pharmaceuticals, set out to solve this problem after facing it in his own home. We talk about why iron is so hard to formulate, what makes some types easier to tolerate than others, and how to get kids to take it.

If you’ve struggled with a picky eater, a tired teen...

Why do babies shake their heads, pull on their ears, or reject a food they loved yesterday? Why do toddlers say “no,” bite, and throw food on the floor?

Laugh until you cry with Dr. Diane Arnaout, a pediatrician and author, as she explores the weird, funny, and sometimes frustrating things kids do that worry parents but are actually normal parts of development.

Order your copy of Hiccups: A Pediatrician Mom’s Guide to Surviving Your First Year of Parenthood

Send your questions to hello@pediat...

What if your child reacts to a food—but it doesn’t look like a typical food allergy? Maybe it's FPIES! Allergy specialist Christopher Parrish, MD. explains Food Protein–Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES). Unlike typical food allergies, FPIES reactions happen hours after eating and can cause severe vomiting without the usual signs like hives or swelling. That's why it’s often missed.

Dr. Parrish explains why it can be difficult to diagnose and how families manage it once they know what’s goi...

Protein is everywhere — in coffee, cereal, waffles, even potato chips. But are we low on protein? Or are we being sold a solution to a problem we don’t have?

What does protein do in the body, how much do adults and kids need, and how were those numbers created? I’ll break down common myths — including whether plant proteins are “incomplete,” whether more protein builds more muscle, and whether high-protein foods are healthier.

Here’s the surprising truth: most American families are already get...

Why do so many more boys get diagnosed with autism than girls? For decades, autism research focused mostly on boys, and the picture we learned to recognize was built around them. But what if girls have been there all along — just harder to spot?

Myah Gittelson, PhD reveals how autism can look different in girls. Why are many girls labeled anxious or perfectionistic instead of autistic? We also talk about misdiagnosis and what to do when your school says everything is fine.

If you’ve ever wonde...

The food pyramid is back — and it looks different. Protein is front and center. Ultra-processed foods are out. So what does this new pyramid mean for your family?

Dr. Wendy breaks down how the Dietary Guidelines are created and what we can learn from them. We talk about fiber, gut health, and how to choose the right carbs — plus simple food swaps you can make this week.

Listen to this episode on your way to the grocery store!

Kickstart your family’s health by downloading the 7 Day Family Well...

Dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, and a racing heart are often brushed off as anxiety or stress. But sometimes there’s a real reason behind these symptoms: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Dr. Wendy talks with pediatric autonomic specialist Dr. Jeff Boris about POTS, an often-missed nervous system condition. We explain what POTS looks like, how it’s diagnosed, why it can show up after viral infections like COVID, and treatments that help kids feel better.

Find Jeffrey Boris, MD an...