The Pediatrician Next Door - Simple Advice on Parenting and Family Health

Smart toys can talk and even remember what kids say—but what’s that doing inside a child’s developing brain? Artificial intelligence may be shaping children’s language, emotions, and relationships. With guest expert Dana Suskind, MD, a leading researcher on early brain development, learn how real human interaction wires a child’s mind—and what might be lost when those conversations happen with a machine instead of a person.     Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    This episode is made possible by our sponsor Cure Hydration. Get 20% off your first order at ⁠curehydration.com/⁠DRWENDY with code DRWENDY.  More from The Pediatrician Next Door:  Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s scarier than ghosts and goblins? The medical mysteries that hide in plain sight. In this year’s Halloween special, hear three true stories that sound like ghost tales but come straight from the pediatric ward.  Each story unfolds like a mystery, with clues, red herrings, and real-life science behind the scares.  Listen if you dare… and see if you can solve the cases before Dr. Wendy reveals the truth.  This episode is made possible by our sponsor Cure Hydration. Get 20% off your first order at curehydration.com/DRWENDY with code DRWENDY.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel like you’re tiptoeing around your child—careful with every word, changing plans, and doing whatever it takes to avoid a meltdown? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Wendy Hunter explores whether “walking on eggshells” really helps anxious kids—or if it accidentally makes anxiety stronger. With insight from pediatrician Dr. Natasha Burgert, author of Managing Childhood Anxiety for Dummies, you’ll learn why avoidance and constant reassurance backfire, which parenting styles help kids build resilience, and simple strategies to support your child with confidence at home.    Buy the Book! Managing Childhood Anxiety for Dummies by Natasha Burgert, MD, FAAP    This episode is made possible by our sponsor Cure Hydration. Get 20% off your first order at ⁠curehydration.com/⁠DRWENDY with code DRWENDY.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think well visits are only for vaccines? Dr. Wendy asks why checkups still matter—even when no shots are due. From spotting hidden conditions like early puberty or high blood pressure, to giving kids a safe place to talk, well visits are about prevention, connection, and catching problems before they become emergencies. Have you schedule your annual visit?    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeding your kids shouldn’t feel like a minefield—but let’s be honest, it kind of does. In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Wendy Hunter talks with registered dietitian and mom Sarah Schlichter about some of the most controversial topics in kids’ nutrition. From hiding veggies in food (should you?) to whether chocolate milk belongs in your kid’s lunchbox, they break down what matters, what doesn’t, and how to make food less stressful at every age.  You’ll hear tips on:  How often kids really need snacks  What to feed before and after sports  When and how to move your baby from purées to real food  Creative ideas to make meals more fun (spoiler: muffin tins are involved)    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should kids stick to one sport year-round, or does early specialization put them at risk? Dr. Wendy investigates the truth behind youth sports specialization—exploring injury risks, burnout, long-term performance, and equity. With insights from Nirav Pandya, MD learn why variety and play may be the healthiest path for kids.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is screen time really rotting our kids’ brains—or is the real danger something we don’t even see? Dr. Wendy takes you inside the mystery of what constant scrolling and gaming are doing to children’s sleep, moods, and relationships. She uncovers the surprising truth: the number of hours isn’t the enemy. The real key is hidden in three simple pillars—sleep, movement, and connection—that can reset your family’s digital habits and bring back peace at home. If you’ve ever felt powerless against phones, social media, or gaming battles, this episode holds the clue you’ve been missing.    Read the Blog Post with notes from the show.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a child suddenly can’t breathe, feels dizzy, or has chest pain, parents fear the worst. Could it be asthma? A heart problem? Dr. Wendy Hunter explores the mystery of childhood panic attacks with pediatrician and Natasha Burgert, MD, author of Managing Childhood Anxiety for Dummies. Together, they uncover what’s actually happening in the brain and body, why kids can’t just “snap out of it,” and the surprising techniques that work.    Find products mentioned in the show:   Hedgehog Fidget Sensory Bracelet and Rings  Calm Strips Fidget Stickers  Book: Managing Childhood Anxiety for Dummies by Natasha Burgert, MD, FAAP    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it the C-section? The formula? The antibiotics? Parents often wonder if they’ve messed up their baby’s gut health. In this episode, Dr. Wendy talks with Stephanie Culler PhD, co-founder of Persephone Biosciences, about groundbreaking research on the infant microbiome. You’ll learn why most American babies are missing Bifidobacterium infantis—the bacteria that digest special sugars in breast milk and help build the immune system—and how new science is bringing those microbes back through a product called a “synbiotic.”    Purchase Persephone Bloom and Thrive Product now on Peresphone Biosciences website! Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do brothers and sisters who love each other one minute turn into sworn enemies the next? Dr. Wendy unpacks the mystery of sibling rivalry—why kids fight, what’s really going on beneath the bickering, and the surprising moments when stepping in actually makes things worse. Learn the hidden dynamics that fuel rivalry and the key strategies parents can use to shift kids from competition to connection. If you’ve ever felt stuck refereeing endless squabbles, this episode holds the surprising answer that can bring more peace—and even kindness—into your home. Read the Blog Post for tips to stop the fighting!  Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a friend loses a child, many of us are left wondering what to say—or how to help. In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Wendy talks with Hans Kullberg, a father who lost his 10-month-old daughter, Aviva, and learned to navigate life after loss. Hans shares what grieving parents wish others understood, how friends and family can show up in meaningful ways, and how his experience has reshaped the way he parents. This conversation will leave you with a deeper understanding of grief, practical ways to support others, and a renewed appreciation for the everyday moments with your own kids.    Compassionate Friends nationwide support group  The Child Loss Foundation   Read: Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief  by David Kessler    Order Hans Kullberg’s Book:  Baby Aviva Orangatan Diva: A Jungle Quest to Discover Inner Strength    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food allergies now affect 1 in 13 children in the U.S., turning mealtime into a daily source of anxiety for families. But groundbreaking research — including the LEAP study — shows that introducing allergenic foods like peanuts early and often can prevent most peanut allergies before they start.  Catherine Jaxon, co-founder of Mission Mighty Me and mom to a child with a nut allergy shares the story of her daughter’s first allergic reaction, what she learned from leading allergy researcher Dr. Gideon Lack, and how she helped create a safe, easy puff snack to help parents maintain early exposure from infancy through childhood.  You’ll learn:  Why early introduction of peanut and tree nut products can prevent allergies  How to safely start allergenic foods with your baby  Practical tips for keeping these foods in your child’s diet  Mission MightyMe.com Use code DRHUNTER for 15% off one-time purchases or 30% off a subscription purchase through the end of 2025. Nutty Puffs are also available on Amazon, Thrive Market, Target, Sprouts and other select retailers.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your kid suddenly clingy at drop-off? Refusing to sleep before 10 p.m.? Bringing home a full, untouched water bottle every day?  You’re not alone — and it’s not just your kid.  In this back-to-school Q&A episode, pediatrician Dr. Wendy Hunter answers the real questions parents are asking right now. From separation anxiety to sleep resets, immune-boosting tips, social struggles, and hydration battles, Dr. Wendy breaks down what’s normal, what’s helpful, and what to let go of — all with her signature mix of science, humor, and real-life parenting wisdom.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling overwhelmed by parenting advice from Google, Instagram, and everyone you know? You’re not alone! Learn how to cut through the noise and find answers you can actually trust about your child’s health.  Dr. Wendy talks about the viral parenting hacks that fill your feed (are they genius or just hype?), the scary headlines that make you second-guess yourself, and why not all advice—online or offline—is created equal. You’ll hear simple tips for spotting sketchy medical content, finding reliable resources, and getting the most out of your conversations with your pediatrician.        Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast  Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Family meals are supposed to be good for kids—but what if getting everyone to the table feels like the most stressful part of your day? Join Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN, host of the Managing Mealtime Madness podcast to hear realistic, judgment-free advice for busy parents: how to plan meals around your schedule, make dinnertime less chaotic, and more fun.     Check out my favorite Kids Cooking/Baking set – it's a great gift idea!    Listen to Sarah Schlichter’s podcast:  Managing Mealtime Madness and read blog: Bucket List Tummy      Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or message me online here.  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: Pediatrician Next Door Podcast   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your child still wetting the bed? You’re not alone—and there is help. In this episode, pediatric urologist Dr. Andrew Kirsch from Georgia Urology joins me to explain why bedwetting happens, when it’s normal, and when it might be a sign of something more. We talk about what causes bedwetting, and why common treatments don’t always work. Dr. Kirsch also shares his brand-new approach to treating bedwetting.  If your child is over age 5 and still struggling with nighttime accidents, this episode will give you the facts, the hope, and a better plan for moving forward.  Buy the book: The Ultimate Bedwetting Survival Guide  Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you give parents and kids a safe space to ask their most embarrassing health questions? Dr. Wendy shares what she learned from a live Q&A with 50 mothers and teen girls. From questions about vaginal discharge, and body image, to shaving, acne, and saying “no,” you’ll hear the real concerns our kids have—and how parents can respond. This episode is full of advice to help make the hard talks easier.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your toddler screaming at bedtime? Is your teen suddenly moody or defiant? Before you blame "bad behavior," take a breath. Dr. Wendy Hunter shares four real stories—from an 11-month-old to a 14-year-old—to show why acting out is often a cry for help, not disrespect. Learn how emotional dysregulation can look like defiance and discover calm, practical ways to respond. You'll walk away feeling more confident—and more connected to your child. You're not alone, and you're doing better than you think!    Read:  The Explosive Child by Ross Greene  Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka  Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teaching kids to take charge of their health starts earlier than you think. Dr. Wendy shares how to help kids build health independence—starting with simple things like talking to the doctor, knowing their own symptoms, and understanding their family medical history. You'll also hear the powerful story of Thad Hamilton, whose experience with a genetic cancer shows why it matters for kids to learn this early. Plus, get a checklist you can start using with your child as young as age 3 to get them ready for their next doctor visit.    The Save our Stomachs campaign’s mission is to build an endowment fund supporting sustained Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer syndrome research.    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fireworks can be magical—or totally overwhelming. Why do some kids love the Fourth of July while others dread it? Learn tips for helping kids who are sensitive to loud noises, or anxious around crowds. Get ideas for fun, low-stress alternatives to traditional fireworks. Create a Fourth of July that’s festive, safe, and kid-friendly for everyone in the family!    Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com  Find products from the show on the shop page.   *As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.    More from The Pediatrician Next Door:    Website: drwendyhunter.com   Instagram: @the_pediatrician_next_door  Facebook: facebook.com/wendy.l.hunter.75  TikTok: @drwendyhunter  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drwendyhunter    This is a Redd Rock Music Podcast  IG: @reddrockmusic  www.reddrockmusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices