MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

Mar 05 2025 15 ep. 14 mins 2

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD Podcast artwork

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.

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How Can Effective Praise Transform Your Parenting Approach?

Mar 05 2025 14 mins

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 reduce unwanted actions. Kristen warns against the negative effects of empty or excessive praise, which can harm self-esteem and create ent

Building Emotional Intelligence: How to Turn Tantrums into Learning Opportunities

Feb 26 2025 15 mins

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 development. They explain that tantrums are natural responses to overwhelming emotions and provide strategies for managing them, such as ensur

How Does Attachment Shape Our Children's Development?

Feb 18 2025 15 mins

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 primary caregivers. Kristen emphasizes that attachment is a biologically driven process essential for a child's survival and development, not a

How Can Parents Help Children Navigate the Complexities of Valentine's Day?

Feb 11 2025 15 mins

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 for kids and teenagers. Kristen offers practical advice for parents on supporting their children through various stages of relationships, from

How Can We Embrace Our Bodies After Motherhood?

Feb 05 2025 17 mins

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 beauty ideals. Emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, Kristen encourages mothers to embrace the physical changes from pregnancy, referrin

Kids and Trauma: Why It’s Not Just a Phase (But It Might Feel Like One!)

Jan 29 2025 21 mins

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, recognizing that different age groups process traumatic events uniquely. Emphasis is placed on the critical role of parents in providing emotional sup

Discipline vs. Punishment: Understanding the Key Differences for Effective Parenting

Jan 22 2025 15 mins

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 discipline, and clear communication. Dr. Cook explains that discipline aims to teach and support children, contrasting with punishment, which

What Happens When Your Child Has a Seizure? A Mother's Story of Fear and Resilience

Jan 15 2025 13 mins

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 turmoil and challenges of managing a medical emergency as both a parent and a pediatrician. She emphasizes the importance of being prepared fo

Are Your Child's Play Skills Developmentally Appropriate?

Jan 08 2025 16 mins

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 develop

Are You Parenting the Child You Have or the Child You Want?

Jan 01 2025 17 mins

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 practical strategies for avoiding triggers for misbehavior and highlights the importance of modeling desired behaviors. She advocates for a balanced