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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
29 episodes
How Can Parents Ensure Summer Safety for Their Children?
In this episode of "MomDoc Talk," Kristen, a pediatrician and mother of two, discusses crucial summer safety tips for children of all ages. She covers sunscreen use, water safety, heat risks, bug spray, safe sleeping environments, driving safet...
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Episode 27
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17:20
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How Can Parents Navigate the Challenges of Raising a Child with a Chronic Medical Condition?
In this episode of "MomDoc Talk," Kristen Cook, a pediatrician and parenting expert, explores the challenges of raising children with chronic medical conditions. Sharing her personal experience with her daughter Savannah, who has cyclic vomitin...
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Episode 28
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15:29
Lying: The Surprising Truth About Your Child's Little White Lies
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen discusses the topic of lying in children with pediatrician and parenting expert Dr. Kristen Cook. Dr. Cook explains why children lie, how parents can respond without damaging trust, and strategies to r...
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Episode 26
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20:14
What Every Parent Needs to Know About Children’s Mental Health
In this episode of "Mom Doc Talk," Kristen discusses mental health disorders in children, focusing on anxiety, major depressive disorder, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). She emphasizes the prevalence of these issues, the impo...
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Episode 25
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19:00
Is Breastfeeding Really as Easy as Everyone Says?
In this episode of "Mom Doc Talk," Dr. Kristen Cook, a pediatrician and mother, explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding breastfeeding. She addresses the unrealistic expectation that breastfeeding is easy, shares experiences of mo...
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Episode 24
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20:02
Embracing the Chaos: Why Imperfect Parenting is the New Perfect
In this podcast episode, Dr. Cook addresses the myth of perfect parenting, emphasizing that mistakes are inevitable and part of the learning process. They share personal experiences, including a story about a feeding mishap with their infant, t...
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Episode 23
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20:42
Are You Struggling with Maternal Mental Health After Childbirth?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, host Kristen Cook, a pediatrician and parenting expert, delves into maternal mental health, particularly postpartum depression and anxiety. Kristen provides a historical overview, highlighting the stigma and chal...
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Episode 22
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19:32
Are You Tired of Feeling Guilty About Parenting Choices?
In this episode of "MomDoc Talk," Kristen Cook, a pediatrician and parenting expert, addresses common feelings of guilt that mothers experience. She discusses five specific guilt trips: not breastfeeding or stopping early, using a pacifier afte...
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Episode 21
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17:02
How Can Parents Raise Environmentally Conscious Children This Earth Day?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen discusses Earth Day with a focus on its history, significance, and how parents can raise environmentally conscious children. She highlights the origins of Earth Day in 1970, initiated by Senator Gaylord N...
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Episode 20
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14:06
What Should Parents Know About Autism Spectrum Disorder?
In this episode of "Mom Doc Talk," host Kristen Cook, a general pediatrician, focuses on Autism Awareness Month. Kristen discusses autism spectrum disorder (ASD), covering its definition, history, early warning signs, diagnostic process, and tr...
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Episode 19
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16:58
How Can Parents Foster Emotional Intelligence in Their Children?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen Cook explores the vital role of emotional intelligence in parenting. She underscores the importance of understanding and expressing emotions, both for adults and children. Kristen shares insights on valid...
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Episode 18
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15:36
Spring Break Survival Guide: Keeping Your Family Safe and Sane
In this episode of "Mom Doc Talk," Kristen Cook offers essential guidance for families preparing for spring break. She emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, discussing safety tips for both family trips and teens traveling independently. ...
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Episode 17
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14:08
Are Vaccines Really Safe and Effective for My Child?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, hosted by Kristen Cook, a pediatrician addresses common myths about vaccines, providing scientifically accurate information. The speaker emphasizes the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases, the rigorous ...
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Episode 16
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21:25
How Can Parents Tackle Sleep Struggles with Their Children?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, host Kristen Cook, a pediatrician with over a decade of experience and a parent herself, delves into the critical role of sleep in parenting. Kristen discusses the common struggles parents face with their childre...
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Episode 15
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18:42
How Can Effective Praise Transform Your Parenting Approach?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen discusses the critical role of effective praise in parenting. She emphasizes how specific, immediate, genuine, realistic, and effort-focused praise can motivate children, reinforce positive behaviors, and...
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Episode 14
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15:22
Building Emotional Intelligence: How to Turn Tantrums into Learning Opportunities
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen discusses temper tantrums with a parent and pediatrician. The speaker shares a personal story about their son Mason's significant tantrum during a family vacation, which sparked their interest in child de...
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Episode 13
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15:37
How Does Attachment Shape Our Children's Development?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen delves into the concept of attachment in early childhood development. She shares personal anecdotes about her daughter to illustrate how infants and toddlers exhibit attachment behaviors towards their pri...
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Episode 12
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15:35
How Can Parents Help Children Navigate the Complexities of Valentine's Day?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen delves into the nuances of navigating Valentine's Day with children. The discussion covers the holiday's history, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, kindness, and addressing the emotional aspects fo...
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Episode 11
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16:21
How Can We Embrace Our Bodies After Motherhood?
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, hosted by Kristen Cook, Kristen delves into the complexities of body image, particularly for women. The discussion highlights the impact of societal standards on self-perception and the historical shifts in beaut...
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Episode 10
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18:09
Kids and Trauma: Why It’s Not Just a Phase (But It Might Feel Like One!)
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, host Kristen Cook delves into the complexities of helping children navigate trauma and difficult situations. The discussion highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing trauma in children, recognizin...
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Episode 9
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22:24
Discipline vs. Punishment: Understanding the Key Differences for Effective Parenting
In this episode of "Mom Doc Talk," pediatrician Dr. Kristen Cook discusses effective parenting strategies, focusing on the difference between discipline and punishment. She emphasizes the importance of modeling behavior, providing consistent di...
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Episode 8
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16:02
What Happens When Your Child Has a Seizure? A Mother's Story of Fear and Resilience
In this episode of MomDoc Talk, hosted by Kristen Cook, a mother and healthcare professional recounts a traumatic experience involving her daughter, Savannah, who suffered a febrile seizure on March 18, 2017. The speaker shares the emotional tu...
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Episode 7
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14:24
Are Your Child's Play Skills Developmentally Appropriate?
In this podcast episode, pediatrician Kristen addresses parents' concerns about their children's social interactions and developmental play stages. The episode educates parents on the stages of play identified by psychologist Mildred Parton, fr...
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Episode 6
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16:43
Are You Parenting the Child You Have or the Child You Want?
In this podcast episode, Dr. Kristen Cook, a pediatrician and parent, discusses the concept of "parenting the child you have." She emphasizes understanding children's unique perspectives, interests, and emotional needs. Dr. Cook shares practica...
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Episode 5
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17:45
Embracing the Chaos: Why Imperfect Parenting is the New Perfect
In this podcast episode,Dr. Kristen Cook addresses the myth of perfect parenting, emphasizing that mistakes are inevitable and part of the learning process. They share personal experiences, including a story about a feeding mishap with their in...
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Episode 4
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16:05