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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, recovering, and moving forward. Kristen offers age-specific advice for parents of toddlers, school-aged children, and teenagers, highlighting common pitfalls like overprotecting or minimizing emotions. She encourages parents to guide children through challenges rather than eliminating them, helping kids develop emotional flexibility and problem-solving skills. Kristen also promotes her book, Parenting Redefined, available on Amazon.

What you’ll learn:

• Definition and importance of resilience in children
• Distinction between resilience, persistence, and toughness
• The role of parents in fostering resilience through challenges
• Common parenting pitfalls that hinder resilience, such as overprotection
• Strategies for helping toddlers develop resilience
• Techniques for building resilience in school-aged children
• Approaches to support teenagers in developing resilience
• The significance of emotional regulation and validation in parenting
• Encouragement for parents to allow children to face struggles
• Promotion of a book on parenting strategies and child behavior understanding

Order My Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

Podcast 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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
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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 from personal experiences, including her son Mason's restaurant meltdown and daughter Savannah's "I hate you" outburst, Kristen encourages parents to stay calm, seek connection over control, and understand the root causes behind their child's behavior. She reminds parents that imperfection is normal, comparisons are unhelpful, and these challenging phases are temporary.

What you’ll learn:

• Understanding toddler and preschooler behavior
• The nature of temper tantrums and emotional dysregulation
• The importance of maintaining calmness during challenging moments
• Strategies for effective parenting and emotional connection
• The role of patience in managing difficult behaviors
• The impact of personal feelings on parenting responses
• Recognizing that misbehavior is not a reflection of parenting quality
• The significance of understanding a child's unique temperament
• The temporary nature of challenging phases in childhood
• The deeper emotional rewards of parenthood despite difficulties

Order My Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

Podcast 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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

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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 deprivation, emotional struggles, relationship shifts, and breastfeeding difficulties. She encourages mothers to embrace their “mom badges,” seek help without shame, and practice self-compassion. Kristen’s goal is to prepare and support mothers with realistic expectations, reminding them that it’s normal to struggle and that they are enough just as they are.

What you’ll learn:

• Realities of motherhood during pregnancy and the infant stage
• Physical challenges of pregnancy, including nausea and fatigue
• Postpartum body changes and the concept of "mom badges"
• Sleep deprivation and its emotional toll on mothers
• Emotional shifts after childbirth, including postpartum blues and depression
• Changes in relationships with partners after having children
• Challenges and experiences related to breastfeeding
• Normalizing feelings of frustration with certain aspects of parenting
• Importance of self-compassion and realistic expectations for mothers
• Encouragement for open communication and seeking help when needed

Order My Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

Podcast 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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
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https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

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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, or holding a child back, considering academic, social, and emotional factors across school stages. Kristen emphasizes there’s no universal answer—each decision should be based on the child’s unique needs, with ongoing family support and reassessment. She encourages parents to focus on emotional health and development, not just academic placement, and to prioritize their child’s well-being above all.

What you’ll learn:

• Concerns about children's grade level in relation to age, emotional development, and academic abilities.
• Options for grade placement: skipping a grade, redshirting, or remaining in the current grade.
• Benefits and drawbacks of skipping a grade in elementary, middle, and high school.
• Emotional maturity and social development considerations in grade placement decisions.
• The impact of redshirting on emotional regulation, confidence, and academic performance.
• Challenges and potential stigma associated with holding a child back a grade.
• The complexities of middle school transitions and their effects on social dynamics.
• Long-term implications of high school grade placement on college and career readiness.
• Importance of family support and emotional coaching in educational decisions.
• Questions for parents to consider when making grade placement decisions.

Order My Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

Podcast 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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

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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 and mom of two, guides parents on how to talk to their children about sex, reproduction, consent, and body safety. She breaks down age-appropriate strategies from toddlerhood through the teen years, emphasizing open, ongoing conversations using correct anatomical terms. Kristen addresses challenges like body curiosity, pornography, and the limits of school sex education, encouraging parents to build trust and empower their children with accurate, values-based information to foster autonomy, respect, and emotional intelligence.

What you’ll learn:

• Importance of age-appropriate conversations about sex and reproduction
• Developmental stages of children: toddlers, preschoolers, early school-age, tweens, and teens
• Use of correct anatomical terms to promote body autonomy and reduce shame
• Body safety education and the concept of consent
• Addressing body curiosity and inappropriate touching in young children
• Discussing puberty and physical changes with children before they experience them
• Navigating conversations about pornography and its unrealistic portrayals
• Educating tweens about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and safe practices
• Importance of ongoing discussions about consent and emotional readiness for teens
• Building a trusting parent-child relationship to facilitate open communication about difficult topics

Order My Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

Podcast 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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

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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. Kristen explains these behaviors are normal signs of a developing nervous system, not defiance or poor parenting. She offers practical advice on responding with calmness and empathy, encourages understanding behavior as communication, and emphasizes that these phases are temporary. Kristen empowers parents to shift from stopping behaviors to understanding their child’s needs, fostering confidence and connection during early childhood.

What you’ll learn:

• Common developmental behaviors in toddlers and preschoolers that cause concern
• Understanding temper tantrums as normal expressions of a developing nervous system
• The significance of head banging and its typical non-harmful nature
• Addressing breath holding spells and their usual benign characteristics
• Communication through hitting and biting as expressions of unmet needs
• Strategies for managing sleep challenges in young children
• Insights into picky eating behaviors and their normalcy in early childhood
• Clarifying misconceptions about ADHD in toddlers and preschoolers
• The importance of viewing children's behavior as communication rather than defiance
• Encouraging parents to respond with calmness and empathy to challenging behaviors

Order My Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

Podcast 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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

Send a text

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, skin rashes, digestive noises, and stool variations, emphasizing that most are not signs of illness. Kristen offers guidance on when to seek medical care, especially for fever or serious symptoms, aiming to reduce parental anxiety and encourage open communication with pediatricians.

What you’ll learn:

• Normal behaviors and common concerns in newborns (birth to 28 days old)
• Reassurance for new parents regarding typical newborn behaviors
• Understanding crying as a sign of unmet needs
• Explanation of nasal congestion and its normalcy in newborns
• Description of periodic breathing and its developmental context
• Information on eye drainage and blocked tear ducts
• Overview of thrush (oral yeast infection) and its treatment
• Discussion of common skin issues in newborns, including rashes and baby acne
• Insights on gas, digestive noises, and varying stool patterns in newborns
• Importance of recognizing fever in newborns as a medical emergency

Check out my Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

Podcast 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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

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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, disrupted routines, and seasonal mood changes, offering practical advice on supporting children’s emotional regulation, maintaining flexible routines, and prioritizing parents’ well-being. Kristen emphasizes empathy, realistic expectations, and self-compassion, encouraging parents to focus on connection and survival rather than perfection during the tough winter months. She reassures listeners that showing up with kindness is more than enough.

What you’ll learn:

• Challenges families face during winter, particularly in cold and dark regions.
• Physical, mental, and emotional difficulties associated with winter for children and parents.
• Increased illnesses and disrupted routines during the winter season.
• Strategies for supporting children's emotional regulation and maintaining flexible routines.
• Importance of empathy, connection, and realistic expectations for parents.
• Differentiation between winter blues and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
• Recommendations for health maintenance, including sleep, nutrition, and vitamin D.
• The significance of movement and physical activity for emotional well-being.
• Strategies for fostering family connection and combating isolation during winter.
• Encouragement for parents to practice self-compassion and acknowledge the challenges of winter parenting.

Check out My Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

Podcast 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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en