Your Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica Hochman
Welcome to Your Child Is Normal, the podcast that educates and reassures parents about childhood behaviors, health concerns, and development. Hosted by Dr Jessica Hochman, a pediatrician and mom of three, this podcast covers a wide range of topics--from medical issues to emotional and social challenges--helping parents feel informed and confident. By providing expert insights and practical advice, Your Child Is Normal empowers parents to spend less time worrying and more time connecting with their children.
Your Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica Hochman
Ep 192: Why boredom is a good thing for kids! (Minisode)
In this solo episode of Your Child Is Normal, pediatrician and mom of three Dr. Jessica Hochman explores a summer parenting dilemma almost all families face: what to do when kids say, “I’m bored.”
Rather than seeing boredom as a problem to fix, in episode makes the case that it’s actually a gift. Drawing on developmental psychology and research, she explains how boredom helps children develop creativity, autonomy, and emotional regulation. You’ll hear stories about J.K. Rowling, Albert Einstein, and Thomas Edison—all of whom had major breakthroughs during moments of stillness—and learn why screens might be getting in the way of your child’s imagination.
Dr Jessica Hochman shares practical tips on how to reset your child’s attention, protect downtime, and welcome boredom into your family’s summer.
If you're feeling pressure to overschedule your child, or if you're hearing a lot of “I'm bored!” this summer, this episode will help you reframe those moments as opportunities for growth.
Credited Studies
- Eastwood et al – The unengaged mind: Defining boredom in terms of attention. Journal: Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2012 https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691612456044
- Mann & Cadman – Does being bored make us more creative? Creativity Research Journal, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2014.901073
- Hunter, Dyer & Eastwood – Feeling Bored, Feeling Blue: Depression, boredom, and the default mode network. Emotion, 2016 https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000146
- Dr. Teresa Belton – Interviews with Creative Professionals
- "Boredom is good for children – and adults", BBC News, 2013
- Book title: Happier People Healthier Planet
Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.
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Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
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The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagno...