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MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD
Welcome to MomDoc Talk, where real-life parenting meets medical expertise! Hosted by Dr. Kristen Cook, a seasoned pediatrician and mom, this podcast is your go-to resource for evidence-based insights on child development, health, and raising well-rounded, compassionate kids. As both a mother and a pediatrician with over a decade of experience, Dr. Cook understands the challenges parents face today and knows what truly works. Each episode dives into relatable parenting stories, expert advice, and science-backed tips, blending warmth, wisdom, and practicality to support you in guiding your child’s growth in today’s ever-evolving world.
Join Dr. Cook and her guests as they tackle everything from behavior management to health basics, all while keeping the focus on raising good humans.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.
Episodes
85 episodes
Strong-Willed vs. ADHD vs. Autism: What Parents Need to Know
Your child argues, melts down, resists transitions, and seems to feel every emotion intensely. But is it simply a strong-willed personality, or could it be ADHD, autism, anxiety, or another underlying challenge?In this episode of MomDoc ...
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Strong-Willed Children: Why They Argue, Resist, and Thrive
Does your child argue about everything? Question every rule? Push back on even the simplest requests?If so, you may not be parenting a difficult child. You may be parenting a strong-willed child.In this episode of MomDoc Talk, ped...
Tick Bites and Lyme Disease in Kids: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Tick season is here, and if you've ever found a tick on your child, your pet, or even yourself, you've probably wondered: How worried should I be?In this episode of MomDoc Talk, pediatrician and mom Dr. Kristen Cook breaks down everythin...
Father's Day and Parenting: Helping Kids Honor Dad, Grieve Loss, and Navigate Absence
Father's Day can be a joyful celebration, but for many families, it can also bring complicated emotions, grief, disappointment, and difficult questions. In this heartfelt episode of MomDoc Talk, pediatrician and parenting expert Dr. Kristen Coo...
Summer Parenting Without Guilt: Screen Time, Routines, and Strong-Willed Kids
Summer is supposed to feel relaxing, but for many parents, it feels anything but. School routines disappear, screen time increases, kids become dysregulated, and strong-willed children seem to find new ways to test every boundary.In this...
How to Help a Child With Obesity Without Shame or Diet Culture
Childhood obesity affects nearly 1 in 5 children in the United States, yet many parents feel afraid, ashamed, or overwhelmed when discussing weight and health with their children. In this honest and compassionate episode of MomDoc Talk, pediatr...
Teaching Gratitude and Service: Kristen’s Tips for Meaningful Memorial Day Conversations with Kids
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen explores the deeper meaning of Memorial Day beyond barbecues and long weekends. She shares the holiday's history, tracing it back to 1868's Decoration Day, and offers parents practical guidance for discus...
The Best Summer Choices for Your Child: School, Camp, or Enrichment?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen tackles the common parental dilemma of choosing between summer school and summer camp. She examines the needs of three groups: academically struggling children, who may benefit most from summer school's s...
The Mental Load of Parenting: Kristen’s Permission to Let Go and Lighten Your Burden
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen explores why parenting feels so overwhelming despite the abundance of available advice. She acknowledges the invisible mental load parents carry, including the fear of "messing up" their kids. Rather than...
What Does Mother’s Day Really Mean to Moms?
In this episode, Kristen explores the true meaning of Mother's Day, tracing its origins with Anna Jarvis and how commercialization distorted its purpose. Drawing from personal experiences — including pregnancy loss, bonding struggles, and paren...
Why Don’t Kids Listen Even When We Repeat Ourselves?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen explores why children struggle to listen and why parents often resort to repeating themselves. She explains that listening is a learned skill influenced by developmental stages, not defiance. Kristen offe...
What Does Resilience Really Mean for Your Child’s Growth?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen explores the concept of resilience in children, clarifying that it differs from persistence and toughness. She emphasizes that resilience isn't about avoiding struggle but about experiencing difficulty, r...
Why Do Toddlers Throw Tantrums and How Can Parents Truly Understand Them?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen explores the challenging world of toddlers and preschoolers, explaining that tantrums and difficult behaviors stem from overwhelmed, still-developing brains rather than defiance or manipulation. Drawing f...
Motherhood: Embracing the Beautiful Chaos | The Truths of Becoming a Mom
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, host Kristen Cook offers an honest look at the challenges of motherhood during pregnancy and infancy. Kristen shares her personal and professional insights on topics like postpartum body changes, sleep deprivatio...
Is Your Child in the Right Grade? Understanding Academic and Emotional Readiness
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen addresses parents’ concerns about whether their child is in the right grade for their age, emotional development, and academic abilities. She explores the pros and cons of skipping a grade, redshirting, o...
How Can Parents Effectively Talk to Their Children About Sex and Body Safety?
Today’s conversation dives into topics that can feel a little uncomfortable even for adults. If you usually listen with your kids, please listen to this episode first on your own.In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician an...
Mastering the Secrets of Toddler Behavior: What They’re Really Trying to Say
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, host Kristen Cook, a pediatrician and mom, reassures parents of toddlers and preschoolers about challenging behaviors like tantrums, head banging, hitting, biting, sleep struggles, picky eating, and ADHD worries....
Is Your Newborn's Behavior Normal or Cause for Concern?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and mother of two, reassures new parents about common newborn behaviors that often cause worry but are usually normal. She explains issues like crying, nasal congestion, breathing patterns...
How Can Families Survive the Winter Blues Together?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, host Kristen, a pediatrician and mother of two, candidly discusses the real challenges families face during long, cold winters—especially in places like northern Illinois. She addresses increased illness, disrupt...
How Can Parents Guide Their Teens in Career Planning for the Future?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and mother, offers practical advice for parents guiding middle and high schoolers in career planning. She discusses exploring options beyond college, including trade schools, and addresses...
Understanding Childhood Cancer: Symptoms, Treatments, and How to Help Families in Need
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen honors International Childhood Cancer Day by raising awareness and offering hope to families affected by pediatric cancer. She shares personal and professional experiences, discusses the most common child...
Love, Kindness, and Connection: Redefining Valentine’s Day for Families
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and parenting expert, explores Valentine’s Day through the lens of emotional development and family connection. She shares the holiday’s history, discusses the pressures families face, and...
Slow Down to Soar: The Secret to Restorative Parenting
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and mother of two, explores the impact of hustle culture on families. She discusses how constant busyness can harm well-being, and encourages parents to shift from productivity-focused rou...
Keeping It Real: Honest Conversations About Vaping, Marijuana, and Cigarettes
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and mom, guides parents on how to talk with their children about vaping, marijuana, and cigarette use. She explains current trends, medical risks, and the importance of honest, non-judgmen...
Sibling Rivalry: The Messy Training Ground for Life Skills
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and mom of two, explores sibling rivalry. She reassures parents that conflict between siblings is normal and developmentally appropriate, dispels common myths, and explains why rivalry hap...