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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.
MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD
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, from unoccupied play to cooperative play. Kristen reassures parents that various play styles are normal and essential for psychosocial development. By understanding these stages, parents can set realistic expectations and support their children's social and emotional growth. The episode emphasizes that play is crucial for developing skills such as creativity, empathy, and problem-solving, and that children will naturally progress through these stages over time.
- Concerns of parents regarding children's social interactions and developmental milestones.
- Explanation of different stages of play as identified by psychologist Mildred Parton.
- Evolution of children's play from observation to solitary and interactive forms.
- Importance of setting developmentally appropriate expectations for children's social behavior.
- Case study of a 19-month-old girl illustrating common parental concerns and developmental norms.
- Role of play in psychosocial development and essential skill acquisition.
- Overview of the six stages of play: unoccupied, solitary, observer, parallel, associative, and cooperative play.
- Normalcy of limited peer interaction in young children and its developmental appropriateness.
- Encouragement of positive social interactions through praise for cooperative behavior.
- Significance of pretend play in promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development.
The information 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 issues. All 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.
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