The Parent Doctor Podcast

In this amazing episode, I got to interview my friend Dr. Jennifer Reid. She is the author of a new best-selling book called Guilt Free: reclaiming your life from Unreasonable Expectations. Recently featured in The New York Times, the Goop reading list, and the Next Big Idea Club, Guilt Free has sparked an important conversation about the hidden weight so many of us carry.In this episode, we talk about all the ways that parenthood makes our brains more prone to feel guilt. We also discuss that while there are some pro-social functions of guilt, for the most part, guilt is something that we really need to do our best to manage and minimize. Dr. Reid gives us several very helpful and practical ways to implement guilt reduction in our daily lives. Please grab a copy of this wonderful book here .Follow Dr. Reid  @JenReidMD  on Instagram, and on LinkedIn , and check out, like, and subscribe to her podcast A Mind of Her Own .

At a recent physician entrepreneur retreat, my doctor friends kept asking the same question - how can I raise my kids to not be entitled? To have drive? When they are growing up with so much more than I had. It's a great question, but it's based on a false assumption. That grit can only be born from scarcity. Listen to this episode to hear my take on why raising kids with abundance can actually form adults who are wonderful, generous, motivated builders, if we do it right.

Join me in this episode with Elisabeth Stitt, award-winning parent coach and founder of Joyful Parent Coaching. Elisabeth and I talk about her work with fathers going through divorce, a group of people we agree are underserved and so motivated. Please follow Elisabeth at her website, elisabethstitt.com and her socials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyfulparentingcoaching/Instagram: https://instagram.com/joyfulparentingcoaching/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisabeth-stitt/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elisabethstitt

In this episode, Dr. Marissa Caudill interviews Jeff Hittner of the Ambitious Dads Project to discuss the challenges dads face in parenthood, and how we can best support them. Jeff discusses the challenges he faced in having to accept his infertility on the path to becoming a father, and how that challenge gave him the gift of having to embrace imperfection and failure and vulnerability before he even became a dad. We also discuss the difficulty dads face with self-criticism and shame, and how co-parents can best support fathers to step into their vital and important role in their kids' lives. Sign up for Jeff's Substack at https://ambitiousdads.substack.com/, and listen to his podcast on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/4xCHG30Ms9wcGRJmDqHcW8and on Apple Podcasts at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ambitious-dads/id1815863328

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE!Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call⁠⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. In this episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Eric Endlich, a clinical psychologist, former therapist, and founder of Top College Consultants. Dr. Eric is an educational consultant specializing in helping students with learning differences or emotional challenges apply to and successfully transition into college. With his background in psychology and decades of experience, Dr. Eric also brings a broader lens on mental health and neurodiversity.In our conversation, Dr. Eric shares how the college admissions process has changed dramatically over the years, and why families—especially those raising neurodivergent kids—need to focus less on prestige and more on fit. We talk about the strengths an educational consultant brings to the table, how parents can calm the temperature during this stressful season, and why a student’s mental and physical well-being should always come first.We also explore the unique challenges that arise when students have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, anxiety, or OCD, and how parents can navigate accommodations, disability services, and support programs without fear. Dr. Eric explains the difference between what all colleges must provide by law and the specialized programs that go above and beyond, offering practical tips on what questions to ask during campus visits. You’ll also hear his powerful perspective on readiness—when a student might benefit from summer programs, a structured gap year, or additional executive function support before heading to college.If you’ve ever worried about whether your child will thrive once they leave home—or if you’ve wondered how to balance independence with the safety net of accommodations—this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and concrete tools. Dr. Eric reminds us that there are many paths to success, that the “best” college is the one where your child can flourish, and that parents don’t have to do this alone.Dr. Eric also co-manages a thriving Facebook community of nearly 27,000 parents:Parents of College Bound Students with Learning Disabilities, ADHD and ASDIf you’d like to reach out to Dr. Eric, you can contact him via email at [email protected], or connect with him on social media: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and his Website Thanks for tuning in!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE!Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call⁠⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. In this episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, I’m joined by Rochel  Ferman, a seasoned pediatric sleep coach and founder of Make My Baby Smile. With over 13 years of experience helping families from infancy through adolescence, Rochel brings a deeply compassionate, behaviorally grounded, and practical approach to one of parenting’s biggest challenges: sleep.Together, we unpack everything from how and when to begin sleep training, to what to do when your toddler refuses bedtime, and why co-sleeping often becomes a point of tension between partners. Rochel explains why sleep is a behavior—not just a biological function—and how parents can support their child in developing lifelong skills for independent sleep. We also discuss the importance of consistency, how illness or travel can derail progress, and why both parents (and all caregivers) need to be on the same page.Beyond early childhood, we explore how sleep changes throughout development, from nap schedules in preschoolers to the circadian shifts of adolescence. We touch on teen sleep hygiene, screen time, caffeine, clutter, and why the real solution to sleep problems usually isn’t melatonin or Benadryl—but a shift in habits, routines, and mindset.If you’ve ever struggled with your child’s sleep—or your own—this episode is packed with evidence-based tips and loving reminders that sleep is not selfish, it’s foundational. You’ll leave with clarity, compassion, and real-world strategies to help your whole family rest well.If you’d like to reach out to Rochel, you can contact her via email, or you can visit her website.Thanks for tuning in!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE!Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call⁠⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. In this episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Justin H. Dove, a licensed educational psychologist and the school psychologist at my kids’ school here in Los Angeles, The Mirman School. Justin is not only a deeply compassionate clinician and advocate, but also someone whose work is rooted in social justice, neurodiversity-affirming practices, and equitable access to education. In our conversation, Justin shares insights from his 15 years of experience in public, charter, and independent schools across the country, and breaks down what actually happens when parents raise concerns about their child’s learning, attention, or emotional wellbeing. We demystify what school psychologists do, how IEP (Individualized Education Program) and SST (Student Support Team) processes work, and why it’s so important to assume positive intent when partnering with educators.We also explore the challenges families face navigating between public and private school systems—especially when kids are twice-exceptional (gifted + neurodivergent). Justin explains how parents can request an evaluation (even if their child is in private school), what accommodations are considered “reasonable,” and how to handle delays or resistance without immediately going into fight mode. You'll also hear his powerful take on the difference between a diagnosis and a label—and how we can talk to our kids about ADHD, autism, or learning differences in affirming, empowering ways.If you’ve ever felt confused about how to get help for your child at school, or you’re unsure whether speaking up might limit their opportunities, this episode will give you clarity, courage, and tools to advocate without fear. Justin reminds us that special education isn’t a place—it’s a menu of services—and that every child deserves to learn in a way that honors who they are.You can access Justin’s Special Education Evaluation Request Templates here: a General version for families outside of California and a California-specific version.If you’d like to reach out to Justin, you can contact him via email at [email protected], or connect with him on social media:LinkedIn and his Website. Thanks for tuning in!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE!Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call⁠⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. In this episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Jesse Roselin, a forward-thinking educator and the founder of Pacific Preparatory, a fully accredited K–12 online school that delivers personalized, one-on-one learning to students across the globe.Jesse and I have been friends for over a year, and I’ve had the joy of being part of his Reimagined community—where bold ideas about education and parenting thrive. In today’s conversation, Jesse shares how his eclectic educational journey—from Waldorf schools to Oxford University—inspired him to rethink what school could be. We explore the shortcomings of the traditional one-size-fits-all model and why it’s time for a more human-centered approach to learning.We talk about how Pacific Prep combines high-touch, emotionally attuned mentorship with academic customization to meet students exactly where they are—whether they’re gifted, anxious, recovering from trauma, or simply ready for something different. Jesse also opens up about the emotional side of education: how confidence, identity, and relationships with teachers can be the key drivers of academic success.You’ll hear practical examples of how interest-based, flexible learning can reignite motivation in struggling kids—and why parents don’t need to panic if their child’s path looks different from the norm. Jesse reminds us that success is rarely linear, and with the right support, kids can move from surviving to thriving.If you’ve ever questioned whether the traditional school system is really serving your child—or you’re simply curious about the future of education—this conversation will challenge and inspire you.If you’d like to reach out to Jesse, you can contact her via email at [email protected], or connect with her on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn and her Website. Thanks for tuning in!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE!Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call⁠⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. In this episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome my friend Suzanne Read, a grief mentor, widow, and retreat host, to talk about love, loss, and the incredible journey of rebuilding a life after loss.Suzanne lost her husband of 19 years to leukemia, a heartbreaking experience that forced her to navigate widowhood at a young age. She shares the raw realities of caregiving, the emotional toll of watching a loved one fight for their life, and how she managed to move forward after his passing. We also discuss the surprising ways grief reshapes friendships, identity, and the way we see our future.Three years after her husband’s passing, Suzanne found love again—with a man who had three children and a grandchild. She opens up about stepping into a motherhood role, despite never having children of her own, and how this unexpected chapter brought new purpose and joy into her life.Now, she helps others on their grief journey through her organization Beyond the Widow. Suzanne hosts retreats on her breathtaking property in Australia, providing a safe space for healing and self-discovery. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the beauty of embracing life’s unexpected turns.If you’ve ever experienced loss, supported someone through grief, or wondered how to find light after darkness, this episode will resonate deeply. If you’d like to reach out to Dr. Suzanne, you can contact her via email at [email protected], or connect with her on social media: Instagram, LinkedIn and her Website. Thanks for tuning in!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE!Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call⁠⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Mona Sodhi, an obesity medicine specialist in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Sodhi is at the forefront of obesity medicine, helping patients move beyond outdated diet-and-exercise narratives to embrace a more holistic approach to health.Together, we explore a topic many parents worry about: how to foster a healthy relationship with food in our kids. Dr. Sodhi explains how childhood experiences, emotions, and even the way we talk about food shape lifelong habits. She highlights the importance of modeling positive self-talk and shifting the focus away from weight and dieting, instead emphasizing strength, energy, and mindful eating.We also discuss the impact of sleep, stress, and movement—often overlooked but crucial to overall health. Dr. Sodhi shares simple, practical ways parents can support their children in developing lifelong healthy habits.Of course, we talk about GLP-1 medications—their benefits, potential risks, and how they fit into a well-rounded approach to well-being. While these medications can be helpful, they’re not a quick fix.If you’ve ever struggled with how to talk to your kids about food in a way that promotes balance and confidence, this episode is a must.If you’d like to reach out to Dr. Mona, you can contact her via email at [email protected], or connect with her on social media: Instagram, LinkedIn and her Website. Thanks for tuning in!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. In this episode, I’m sharing one of the most personal stories of my life—a story about my father, his struggles, and how they’ve shaped the person and parent I am today. My father’s journey was filled with challenges, from a traumatic childhood and undiagnosed dyslexia to battles with alcoholism that deeply affected our family. For years, our relationship was strained and unresolved. But in December 2023, during a Tony Robbins event, I experienced a profound spiritual awakening through a Ho’oponopono blessing—a practice of forgiveness and love. What happened next was nothing short of life-changing: the discovery that my father passed away on the same day I sent those words of forgiveness into the universe. In that moment, I felt the interconnectedness of our lives in a way I had never understood before. This experience strengthened my commitment to helping parents reflect on their own stories and break the cycles of trauma that often ripple through generations. I believe it’s never too late to heal, forgive, and create deeper, more connected relationships with our children. I hope this story inspires you as much as it has transformed me. Thanks for tuning in!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce my dear friend, Dr. Jennyfer Uzor, the founder and CEO of Allegra Family Pediatrics in Coconut Creek, Florida. Jennyfer’s journey is so inspiring—she left corporate medicine to build a pediatric practice that truly reflects her passion for healing. Her clinic is warm, beautiful, and accessible, designed to bring back the kind of care that families deserve. Together, we explore a topic that every parent of tweens and teens needs to understand: mental health screenings during pediatric visits. As pediatricians and child psychiatrists, Jennyfer and I know how critical it is to identify mental health concerns early. We talk about the tools used (like the PHQ-9) to screen for depression and how these screenings are conducted with sensitivity and care. Jennyfer shares her thoughtful approach to helping kids and families navigate tough situations, including what happens if a child screens positive for suicidal thoughts. I also offer my perspective on how larger healthcare systems sometimes fall short, leading to experiences that can feel impersonal or overwhelming. Together, we unpack how parents can ask the right questions to ensure their child’s care is handled thoughtfully. This episode is about empowering you to advocate for your child’s mental health, knowing that screening is a powerful tool for early intervention. Click HERE! to see copies of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS). If you’d like to reach out to Dr. Jennyfer, you can contact her via email at [email protected], or connect with her on social media: Instagram and her Website Thanks for tuning in!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.  In this episode, I sit down with Alex Chan, an entrepreneur, biohacker, and proud girl dad to a 10-year-old daughter conceived through IVF. Alex shares his journey from a 20-year corporate career to co-founding Alstro Ventures, a real estate investment firm, and the Human Wellness Center, which focuses on stem cell therapy and optimizing longevity. We dive into Alex and his wife Jenny’s four-year struggle with infertility, the emotional challenges of IVF, and how that experience transformed his approach to parenting. Alex reflects on the importance of being intentional as a father, teaching confidence, fostering creativity, and prioritizing quality time. Alex also shares how biohacking and health optimization have reshaped his life, giving him the energy to keep up with his daughter and focus on building generational wealth while balancing his career and family. Whether you’re navigating fertility challenges, looking to connect more deeply with your kids, or curious about building wealth and health, Alex’s journey will leave you inspired. If you’d like to reach out to Alex, you can contact him via email at [email protected], or connect with him on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsalexchan  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsalexchan/ https://www.instagram.com/humanwellnesscenters/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsalexchan/ Website: https://alstroventures.com/ & https://humanwellnesscenters.com/ Thanks for tuning in!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Theresa Rose Bajt, PhD a clinical psychologist and mom of two from Missouri, to talk about the ups and downs of parenting through life’s unexpected challenges. Dr. Bajt’s story is truly inspiring—she became a widow nine years ago and continued to parent with incredible strength, successfully launching her two sons into adulthood. We dive into her fascinating research on Career Salience and First-Time Moms, where she explored how first-time mothers decide whether to stay in the workforce. Her findings reveal how emotional harmony often outweighs financial factors in these choices, offering valuable insights into family dynamics. Dr. Bajt and I also discuss the biggest shifts in parenting since the 1990s, particularly the influence of technology and social media. She shares practical tips for fostering connection, such as creating device-free spaces and modeling intentional behaviors. We touch on timeless lessons from Harry Harlow’s famous monkey experiments, emphasizing the need for both physical care and emotional security in parenting. Dr. Bajt also offers strategies for teaching kids resilience, building social skills, and prioritizing your own well-being as a parent. If you’re looking for actionable advice and encouragement to navigate parenting with strength and grace, this episode is for you.  If you’d like to reach out to Jamie, you can contact her via email at [email protected], or connect with her on social media: LinkedIn and her Website.  Thanks for tuning in!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.  In this episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, I’m joined by registered dietitian Jessica Siegel, MPH, RD, to discuss the transformative power of family meals and how to incorporate the Mediterranean diet into your family’s lifestyle. Together, we explore the incredible health, social, and emotional benefits of shared meals—from improved nutrition and mental health to better relationships and communication. Jessica offers practical tips for picky eaters, emphasizing the importance of patience, exposure, and modeling healthy habits. Did you know it can take up to 10 tries for kids to accept a new food? We talk about how to encourage exploration without pressure or frustration. The Mediterranean diet serves as a flexible and sustainable framework for healthy eating, featuring plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil. Jessica shares easy strategies to incorporate these foods into your routine, from homemade salad dressings to simple meatless meals, and highlights the joy of involving kids in meal prep. We also discuss how family meals create lasting connections, foster a positive relationship with food, and set the stage for lifelong healthy habits. Whether you’re navigating a busy schedule or looking for ways to make mealtime more meaningful, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Tune in for a fresh perspective on parenting, feeding, and fostering connection—one meal at a time! If you'd like to reach out to Jessica, you can contact her at [email protected], or connect with her on social media: Instagram, and her Website Thanks for tuning in!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you’d like to work more closely with me in a small group coaching setting, please consider joining the Empowered Parent Inner Circle. The next cohort will be starting December, 2024, you can get on the waitlist here.  In this episode, we dive into the essential questions parents should consider when selecting a therapist or psychiatrist for their child. Jamie Given LMFT, owner of Given Guidance Family Counseling in La Crescenta, CA, and I discuss how parents can best screen a therapy provider to find one who will connect with their child, especially those who may be initially resistant to therapy. We also explore questions like: How does the therapist build rapport with children? and What can parents expect in those first sessions? Additionally, we tackle the often-overlooked topic of how parents should be involved in their child's therapeutic journey. Jamie shares her practice's approach of starting with a parent session and keeping lines of communication open throughout, while also respecting confidentiality. We discuss when and how family involvement enhances therapy, as well as the complexities of confidentiality, especially when issues like substance use or trauma arise. Jamie LMFT, also offers insights on how to manage insurance and reimbursement for therapy, as well as the importance of being proactive when seeking mental health support for your child. We talk about therapy intensity—whether once a week or more frequent sessions yield better results—and how to support a child in truly benefiting from their sessions. Whether you're already navigating therapy for your child or considering it for the first time, this episode is full of practical advice to help you find the best fit for your family. Tune in for a rich, informative conversation about making therapy a positive, empowering experience for your child and family. And for new parents, check out Jamie's program for navigating new parenthood at PreparingRelationships.com If you’d like to reach out to Jamie, you can contact her via email at [email protected], or connect with her on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and her Website Thanks for tuning in!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call here.  In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Irena Smith—an accomplished author, mom of three, former Stanford lecturer, admissions officer, and private college admissions coach. I recently had Irena join my October book club to discuss Never Enough by Jennifer Breheny Wallace, which dives into toxic achievement culture, especially in “super zip” communities like Palo Alto, where high expectations and ambition can sometimes harm our kids. Irena and I explore the college admissions process and how it’s become even more competitive in 2024. Reflecting on her experience at Stanford, where the acceptance rate has dropped from 12.5% to around 3% over the past 20 years, we discuss the pressures families face and why so many feel that getting into an elite school is crucial. Irena shares insights from her memoir, The Golden Ticket: a life in college admissions essays, highlighting the impact of these pressures on teens who often feel crushed by expectations. For a deeper dive into the world of college admissions, be sure to check out Irena's book on Amazon: The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admissions Essays. Together, we explore how parents can help kids build a strong sense of self-worth early on, so they can face life’s challenges with resilience and a true sense of identity beyond grades or college acceptance. We also dive into the ways parental anxiety can shape kids’ ambitions and well-being, often unintentionally. Irena and I offer guidance on how to support children in embracing their natural strengths, pursuing their passions, and finding fulfillment. True success isn’t about getting into a particular school—it’s about helping our kids lead balanced, meaningful lives. Join us for this enlightening conversation as we challenge conventional narratives around achievement and explore a healthier, more sustainable approach to raising resilient, self-assured kids.For more insights from Irena, be sure to follow her on Instagram at @irena.smith and check out her Substack for more valuable content at collegecurmudgeon.substack.com.

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call ⁠here⁠.  In this episode, I’m excited to introduce my new friend, Kerry Hew. Kerry is a father of three boys, and we met at a recent Speakers Institute event. He’s here to share his intentional approach to parenting, focusing on raising his sons to be confident communicators and preparing them for adulthood. Kerry talks about a unique exercise he created with his boys to help build their communication skills. He had them record short, two-minute videos each day, working on public speaking and storytelling. Through consistent practice, they not only became more confident, but they also opened up about their daily lives, leading to deeper conversations that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. This simple practice evolved into a 30-day course called "Raise the Rizz," which Kerry designed to help parents and kids strengthen their bond while developing important communication skills. Originally aimed at dads and sons, it’s now adapted for any parent-child combination. The course includes fun, practical exercises that build charisma and storytelling abilities in a low-pressure, engaging way. Kerry and I also discuss the importance of communication in today’s digital world, where kids often spend more time on their phones than in face-to-face interactions. He shares how this exercise transformed his relationship with his sons, and how any parent can do something similar at home to build stronger connections. If you’re looking for ways to help your child grow into a confident communicator while strengthening your relationship, this episode is full of practical advice and inspiration from Kerry’s experience. You can connect with Kerry on his social media platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryhew/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.hew/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerry.hew/ X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/kerryhew/ And check out his website for more resources: https://www.raisetherizz.com. I can’t wait for you to hear it!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call here.    In this bonus episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, we tackle a critical topic: preparing ourselves and our children for their first smartphones. Drawing insights from my October 2024 webinar, we explore how smartphones, introduced almost two decades ago, have revolutionized our world and created unique challenges for parenting.   From the mental health impacts of social media to the importance of setting clear boundaries around screen time, this episode is packed with practical advice for empowering kids to use technology as a tool rather than being controlled by it. I also share strategies for having tough conversations about online safety, privacy, and the risks associated with apps, games, and social media.   Additionally, learn about my Empowered Parent Inner Circle (EPIC) program, a transformative six-week small-group coaching experience designed for parents of kids ages 5 and up. In this close-knit experience, you’ll be working side by side with other committed parents to define your family’s values, build stronger connections with your kids, and navigate modern parenting challenges with confidence. It’s an amazingly supportive community and we have a lot of fun!   Tune in to discover how to guide your kids through the smartphone journey with intention, compassion, and clarity. Let’s help our children thrive in a digital world while strengthening family bonds.   Interested in learning more about the EPIC program? Our next cohort starts December 4, 2024. Head over to epic.theparentdoctor.com for more details. If you’re catching up with this after that date, please get on the waitlist to be notified of the next open enrollment. 

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call ⁠here⁠.  In this episode of The Parent Doctor, I sit down with Rudy Smith, an educator with over 30 years of experience, to dive into his personal journey through divorce, career transitions, and fatherhood. Rudy opens up about the emotional challenges of going through a divorce after 25 years of marriage while raising three children, including a 13-year-old daughter. He shares how he navigated that painful time and how co-parenting has evolved for him and his ex-wife. Rudy also talks about the impact his high-pressure career had on his family and the pivotal moment when he decided to step away from his long-standing career in education to pursue a new path as a health entrepreneur. We explore how listening to his inner voice helped him make that life-altering decision, even though it was scary, and how it ultimately led him to a more present and fulfilling relationship with his children. Throughout our conversation, Rudy reflects on the spiritual practices that have guided him through these transitions and how they’ve allowed him to find peace and resilience in the face of adversity. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to ourselves, especially when it comes to balancing career and family life. This episode touches on themes of authenticity, spirituality, and the deep impact our emotional well-being has on our children. I’m inspired by Rudy’s journey, and I think you’ll find his story both relatable and uplifting. Join us for an honest conversation about parenting, personal growth, and the courage it takes to create a life in alignment with who we really are. If you'd like to reach out to Rudy, you can contact him at [email protected] or visit his website at http://blissfive.com.

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call ⁠here⁠.  In this episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, I sit down with Nitin Agarwal, a life transformation coach and single dad to a 10-year-old daughter. Nitin shares his powerful journey, from growing up in India and facing intense academic competition, to moving frequently as a child, which helped him build resilience and adaptability. Nitin talks openly about his experiences as a single father, the challenges he’s faced, and the joy of raising his daughter on his own. He shares how they’ve created a strong bond through daily routines like cooking together and keeping communication open. Nitin also highlights the importance of maintaining a positive mindset when navigating life’s hurdles, especially as a parent. As a coach, Nitin explains how letting go of limiting beliefs can lead to personal growth and transformation. He offers practical advice on how anyone can shift their mindset to achieve the life they want, and his insights are especially valuable for single parents looking to create a supportive and nurturing environment for their children. Whether you're a parent, a single parent, or simply looking for inspiration, Nitin’s story will remind you that with the right mindset, you can overcome any challenge. If you’d like to reach out to Nitin, you can email him at [email protected] or connect with him on Facebook. Thanks for listening, and be sure to tune in next time!

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call ⁠here⁠.  In this video, I give tips to make the most of the "Golden years" - ages 5-12 - with our kids. Get ready to step into a powerhouse community of parents who get it—who are right there with you, facing the same highs, lows, and heart-thumping moments of parenting! 🌟 These webinars? They’re just the sneak peek! The EPIC coaching program goes so much deeper, helping you unlock the true potential of both you and your child. Imagine spending two transformative months with expert guidance, powerful tools, and personalized support! You’ll join forces with other committed parents and, together, become the family role model and leader you’ve always wanted to be. 🎉 In EPIC, you’ll have exclusive access to: ***1:1 and small group coaching where we tackle real-life challenges ***Lifetime access to my 8-week parenting course, packed with strategies you can revisit anytime (take a look at the Week 8 workbook below to see what’s waiting for you!) ***Direct access to me for 6 months in the private EPIC parents Whatsapp group ***Free access to Office Hours recordings for 6 months Cost is $2497, but bring a friend and you both get $500 off with coupon code "FRIEND". The next cohort launches right after Thanksgiving, and spots will go fast! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this empowering community. If this sounds good to you, go to https://www.theparentdoctor.com/epicwaitlist to join the waitlist and secure your spot! If you'd like to schedule a call with me to learn how I can help you, please go to booking.theparentdoctor.com/30. Thanks! 💕 Dr. Marissa

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call ⁠here⁠.  In this episode of The Parent Doctor podcast, I’m excited to welcome my friend Rachel, a serial entrepreneur and mother, to share her incredible journey of personal growth and parenting. Rachel has a unique story, having raised children at two very different stages of her life—first in her 20s and now again with her 7-year-old son. She offers deep insights into the challenges she faced as a young mom, navigating an unplanned pregnancy, divorce, and rediscovering herself along the way. Rachel opens up about how she balanced college, a career, and motherhood after becoming pregnant at 20, and how that shaped her journey as a mother. She reflects on the importance of taking accountability for her actions and healing from her own childhood trauma, which led to a transformative shift in her relationship with her two adult daughters. By embracing vulnerability and personal responsibility, Rachel was able to rebuild a stronger, more fulfilling connection with her kids. We also talk about our shared experience attending a public speaking intensive through the Speakers Institute. We both signed up for the event on a whim, but it ended up being a profound experience of growth for both of us, teaching us how to connect emotionally with others and tell our stories in an impactful way. Rachel also shares her passion for self-improvement, which is evident in her career as the owner of Renuvole Body Solutions, a spa in Orange County, California. She introduces her latest venture, "No Tox Healer," which focuses on non-invasive, natural beauty treatments that are paired with inner healing. Her philosophy emphasizes that true beauty starts from within, and aligning the inner self with the outer appearance is the key to looking and feeling your best. This episode is filled with heartfelt reflections on parenting, healing generational trauma, and stepping into personal accountability to create a better future for ourselves and our children. I hope you enjoy it! Be sure to check out Rachel's website at renouvelebody.com for more on her work and services! If you'd like to contact Rachel directly, you can reach her at [email protected].

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call ⁠here⁠.  In this episode, I share the personal story behind "The Parent Doctor" and my mission to help parents become more than just "good enough." As a double board-certified adult and child psychiatrist, and a mom of two, I reflect on my own upbringing, the challenges my parents faced, and the generational patterns I’ve seen in over 17 years of clinical practice. I open up about how my family history — including my father’s struggle with alcoholism and my grandparents’ experiences growing up during the Great Depression — has shaped my understanding of the cycles that can impact families for generations. Through my work as "The Parent Doctor," I aim to empower parents to break these cycles and build stronger, healthier relationships with their children. I also talk about the research of psychologist Diana Baumrind, explaining how a parenting style that’s both firm and loving leads to the best outcomes for kids. I believe that by setting boundaries and providing structure, while also showing warmth and support, we can help our children develop emotional regulation, social skills, and resilience — and reduce the risk of problems like substance abuse later in life. I’m deeply committed to supporting families in crisis, which is why 20% of "The Parent Doctor" profits go to organizations helping single mothers and families living in poverty. I want to help parents reflect on their own parenting, break harmful generational patterns, and strive for better-than-good-enough parenting. If you're ready to be a cycle breaker and build deeper connections with your kids, this episode is for you! Tune in for insights, inspiration, and my own personal journey.

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call ⁠here⁠.  In this episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, I’m excited to welcome Dr. Amy Mezulis, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Joon, a telehealth practice dedicated to supporting teens through their mental health challenges (​​https://www.joon.com/therapist/amy-mezulis). Dr. Mezulis shares her journey from academia to launching Joon and talks about her passion for helping teens and their families navigate the current mental health crisis. We dive into her recently published workbook for teens, designed to help them manage depression in a more engaging and accessible way. I love how this workbook invites teens to take ownership of their mental health instead of following rigid, clinical approaches. We discuss the importance of meeting teens where they are—whether that means starting with small behavioral changes or addressing the issues that matter most to them, like friendships or trauma, before tackling things like sleep routines or schoolwork. We also explore how telehealth can be a game-changer for teens, offering them a more private, comfortable space to open up. Without the stress of in-person therapy or awkward car rides with parents, teens can engage in therapy on their own terms, often leading to better outcomes. Dr. Mezulis shares some great insights on how therapists, teens, and parents can work together using a step-by-step approach—kind of like a “training plan”—to help teens build small, sustainable habits that lead to bigger changes. We talk about the challenges of getting parents on board with this approach, especially when academic or social pressures create a sense of urgency. We also touch on how important it is for parents to understand that small progress is still progress. Meeting your child where they are isn’t about coddling them—it’s about loving and supporting them. Dr. Mezulis also gives us a closer look at Joon and how their telehealth platform is making a difference for teens and therapists alike across several states. If you want to learn how to better support your teen’s mental health in today’s world, this episode is packed with practical tips and valuable insights! Please also check out her practice website at https://mezulispsychology.com/

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call ⁠here⁠.  In this episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, I’m joined by fellow child psychiatrist Dr. Shivana Naidoo for a deep dive into Abigail Schreier’s book Bad Therapy. We have a lively discussion about the book’s controversial stance on mental health professionals and its take on the current crisis facing kids’ mental health. Dr. Naidoo and I start by addressing the title, Bad Therapy, which we both feel unfairly blames therapists for the mental health struggles of today’s youth. Blaming doesn’t help anyone or lead to real solutions. We talk about our own experiences working on the front lines during the COVID-19 lockdown and how challenging it was to balance providing care with the expectations of advocating for larger systemic changes. We also dive into how important it is for parents to carefully vet the professionals caring for their kids. Finding the right therapist is like choosing a surgeon—you need someone experienced and equipped to handle your child’s specific needs. Unfortunately, kids from lower-income families often get stuck with less experienced therapists, which can affect the care they receive. Another key point we explore is the issue of diagnostic labels. Dr. Naidoo and I both see how kids can latch onto labels like ADHD or anxiety and use them as an identity or an excuse. While diagnoses can be helpful in guiding treatment, they shouldn’t define a child’s entire experience. Firm but loving parenting plays a crucial role in helping kids build resilience and learn to face challenges. We also share our concerns about the impact of social media and excessive phone use on children’s mental health. Both of us agree that phones and social media are shaping kids’ identities in negative ways—shortening attention spans and increasing anxiety. Setting boundaries and having open conversations about online safety is more important than ever. Finally, we touch on the role of medications in treatment. While meds can be useful, we both emphasize that they should never be the first or only option. Addressing a child’s broader environment—sleep, nutrition, social support—is critical before turning to medication. This was such an engaging conversation, and I hope you find it as insightful as we did. Join us as we discuss the complexities of mental healthcare, parenting, and how modern challenges like social media are affecting our kids. If you want to reach out to Dr. Shivana Naidoo, you can visit www.DoBetterMD.com or email [email protected]

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call ⁠here⁠.  In this episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome my friend Alex Crowell all the way from Australia. Alex is a midwife in private practice at ⁠New Life Midwifery⁠ and the owner of ⁠La Loba Herbalism⁠. She is a mom of two, and host of the Your Birth, Your Way podcast . In today's episode, Alex shares her inspiring journey into midwifery. Like most people, her path to doing the work that is most aligned with her soul's purpose was not linear. Originally a journalism graduate, Alex discovered her passion for midwifery after reading about the politics of birth and experiencing traditional medicalized births for her two kids, which were not ideal. This new knowledge unlocked a passion in her to get trained as a midwife and led her to work unpaid for 18 months in a private practice so she could serve women outside the mainstream system, offering personalized, continuous, compassionate care to the women she serves. We also dive into Alex’s experience as a homeschooling mom. When her eldest daughter struggled in the traditional school system, Alex trusted her instincts and made the brave decision to pull her daughter out of school. Over 18 months of independent schooling, Alex created an environment where her daughter could learn in a way that truly aligned with her needs. This experience ultimately helped her daughter return to school more confident and self-aware. Alex applied this same approach with her younger daughter, supporting her through her own unique educational journey. In our conversation, Alex and I reflect on the importance of trusting your gut as a parent and recognizing that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to raising kids. We both talk about how our early paths were shaped by external expectations, but we eventually found our way to work that truly resonates with our deeper passions and purposes. We also discuss the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, with Alex sharing her experiences of setting boundaries while being on call for births and trying to stay present for her children. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of following your soul’s purpose, trusting your instincts as a parent, and embracing flexibility in both parenting and life. I hope you’ll tune in to hear Alex’s inspiring story and our thoughtful reflections on balancing work, family, and personal fulfillment. Be sure to follow Alex on Instagram at @la.loba.herbalism and @newlife_midwifery.

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call ⁠here⁠.  I’m thrilled to kick off Season 2 with an incredible conversation with my friend Candice Pueschel. Candice is a mom to four young girls -- all under the age of 6! She is a wife, a lawyer, a real estate investor, and an overall badass human living in the New Jersey suburbs of NYC. Together, we dive deep into the ups and downs of parenting, from the joys of raising kids to the unexpected challenges that come with it. Candice shares her personal journey, including the emotional experience of discovering that her oldest daughter had developmental delays. She opens up about the self-blame and uncertainty she faced, and how she learned to trust her instincts and seek early intervention. We discuss the importance of finding support and community during those tough times, and how that helped her navigate the complexities of parenting. We also explore what self-care truly means—beyond the spa days and manicures—and how it’s about finding what genuinely nurtures your soul. For Candice, that includes meditation, journaling, and therapy. We talk about the importance of taking care of ourselves so that we can show up as the best version of ourselves for our families. Candice emphasizes the value of delegating responsibilities and letting go of the need to do it all, something that has been crucial for her mental well-being. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the realities of parenting, the importance of self-development, and the ongoing work of becoming the best version of ourselves for the sake of our families. Whether you’re new to parenting or have been on this journey for years, I hope you find this conversation as insightful and encouraging as I did. If you’d like to get in touch with Candice, you can reach her at [email protected].

Welcome back to another episode! If you'd like to receive my weekly newsletter, please sign up here. And you can also sign up for my free monthly book club here. I'll be talking about how to raise kids who aren't spoiled this Wednesday, July 17 at 12 PM PST, presenting Ron Lieder's excellent book "The Opposite of Spoiled". In this final episode of season one of the Parent Doctor Podcast, Dr. Marissa Caudill reflects on the common mental health issues children face that she discussed earlier in the season. She then goes on to highlight a significant shift in her healing approach over recent years. Traditionally, medical training, particularly in mental health, focuses on diagnosing and labeling problems. This practice is driven by the healthcare system, where a diagnosis is essential for insurance billing. Consequently, doctors often feel compelled to find a diagnosis to ensure payment, even if it means overlooking deeper, underlying issues. This system is especially problematic for children. When children display symptoms like behavioral issues or anxiety, there are often underlying reasons, but the current system prioritizes assigning a diagnosis and prescribing medication rather than exploring familial and environmental factors that may contribute to a child's symptoms. Dr. Caudill provides examples to illustrate her point. She has treated children of undocumented immigrants who live under constant fear of deportation, leading to immense stress. Such situations might be mislabeled as anxiety disorders when the real issue is the family's precarious situation. Similarly, children who have lost a parent experience profound grief, which might be incorrectly diagnosed as depression. In these cases, addressing the family's emotional dynamics and providing appropriate therapy can be more beneficial than merely prescribing medication. A key insight Dr. Caudill shares is the importance of recognizing that our true selves are separate from our bodies and minds. Despite physical changes over time, our core identity remains constant. Our true self existed before we were born and will remain after our bodies die. Our true self can never be "ill". Mental illnesses stems from an overactive "downstairs brain"—the part of our brain responsible for survival instincts (amygdala and limbic system). This overactivity can and often does dominate our thoughts and behaviors, leading to various mental health issues. To manage this, we need to learn ways to shift control to our "upstairs brain" (prefrontal cortex) or, ideally, even beyond that, to the awareness of our true self. Practicing mindfulness and connecting with our true selves can help us recognize and manage the signals from our downstairs brain. Dr. Caudill emphasizes four pillars of empowered parenting, achieved by connecting with our true selves, which provides a source of infinite patience and endless love: Defining Direction: Leading families with clear values and goals, involving children in this process to help them form their identities. Helping our kids connect with their true selves will help them so much throughout their lives. Emotion Regulation: Demonstrating control over our emotions to set an example for our children. By connecting to our true self, we tap into a resource of infinite patience and love. Practicing Gratitude: Regularly recognizing and sharing our abundance, which fosters a sense of security and happiness. In doing so, we further embrace our safe true self, and disengage from the survival brain. Embracing Failure: Failure is fertilizer for growth. When we are sure of our true self, we don't have to be afraid of failure. These principles help parents and children manage stress and reduce the risk of mental illness. Dr. Caudill invites parents to engage in future episodes by sharing their challenges and experiences. Recordings for season two will resume in August. If you’d like to join me on an episode, please email [email protected]. 

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call ⁠here⁠.  Today, we'll discuss Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), the final topic of our introductory season. Over the past 15 years as a child psychiatrist, I've identified the ten most common reasons parents bring their kids to see me. This podcast series covers these concerns, with today's focus on OCD. OCD is characterized by obsessions (persistent, intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors to alleviate anxiety). These symptoms must cause significant distress and impair daily functioning to be diagnosed. Early intervention and treatment significantly improve outcomes. While I am a board-certified child psychiatrist, this podcast is not a substitute for professional assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized attention, consult a local professional, which you can find through resources like psychologytoday.com or your pediatrician. OCD often involves over-activation of primitive brain pathways that regulate our sense of safety. Thought-action fusion, the belief that thinking or doing something will influence the future, is common in OCD and needs to be addressed through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP). In rare cases, OCD symptoms might result from autoimmune conditions like PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) or PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). These conditions involve sudden onset OCD or other psychiatric symptoms following an infection. If you suspect PANDAS or PANS, seek care from a tertiary care center. Treatment for OCD involves stopping the accommodation of OCD-driven behaviors, which can be challenging for families. Parents often inadvertently reinforce OCD by trying to maintain peace at home. However, this can strengthen OCD symptoms, making them harder to treat. Therapy involves gradually exposing the child to anxiety-provoking situations to help them learn that their fears are unfounded. For more resources, I'll provide links to books for kids and teens, and the Leaky Brakes website, which offers helpful information on OCD and tic disorders. I'll also include a resource called Mightier, an app that helps kids build self-regulation skills. In the next episode, I'll discuss the spiritual aspect of mental health. Spirituality can play a role in helping individuals with OCD separate themselves from their thoughts and emotions, aiding in treatment and recovery. That's it for today's episode. If you have any questions or topics you'd like to discuss, please email me here. I'm also looking for guests for future episodes, so feel free to reach out if you'd like to participate. RESOURCES: https://www.leakybrakes.ca/brake-shop/brake-shop-virtual-clinic/ https://www.mightier.com/ https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Obsessive_Compulsive_Disorder_Resource_Center/Home.aspx https://neuroimmune.org/patient-and-family-resources/what-are-pans-pandas/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7ZO0BhDYARIsAFttkCgwvYLKzCo0OnfNMX6FE6Hr-hM8aLYgAOGcxiRcblgAdsJkbNUw690aAuicEALw_wcB OCD Workbook for kid: https://amzn.to/3W7F9hq OCD workbook for teens https://amzn.to/3XUQG5j Take care! 💕 Dr. Marissa

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE! Interested in working with me directly? Sign up for my monthly Office Hours call ⁠here⁠.  Today’s episode covers a critical but rare topic: psychosis in kids and young adults. Despite its rarity, early detection of thought disorders like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder is vital for effective treatment and improved outcomes. Psychosis typically manifests in late teens to early twenties, with a second peak for women around age 50, often linked to hormonal changes during menopause. Women with a history of postpartum depression, psychosis, or bipolar disorder are at increased risk. Recognizing symptoms early is crucial. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia include affective flattening (reduced emotional expression), alogia (impaired thinking affecting speech), anhedonia (lack of enjoyment in activities), asociality (reduced desire for social interaction), and avolition (lack of motivation). Positive symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and behavior, and catatonia (holding unusual postures for extended periods). If you notice significant behavioral changes in your child, especially during adolescence, trust your instincts and seek professional help. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, so it’s essential to get an assessment if you’re concerned. Risk factors for psychosis include genetics, trauma, drug use, and stress. While most people with these risk factors won’t develop psychosis, a susceptible brain combined with these triggers can lead to the illness. Programs like the NIH’s RAISE and EpiNet offer community-based, coordinated specialty care, including psychotherapy, family support, medication management, and more. I’ll provide links to these programs and a PDF about understanding psychosis in the show notes. Spirituality can play a role in mental health, helping individuals separate their true self from their thoughts and emotions. For caregivers, connecting spiritually and offering nonjudgmental support is crucial. If you or your child are experiencing psychosis, seek support from organizations like NAMI. Early detection and treatment lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you notice concerning changes. In our next episode, we’ll discuss OCD, wrapping up our clinical topics for this season before a summer break. Thank you for listening, and remember, you’re not alone. Effective treatments and new medications offer hope for better outcomes. For more information, visit theparentdoctor.com. You can sign up for my free newsletter and join our monthly book club. In July 2024, we’ll discuss “The Opposite of Spoiled” by Ron Lieber, a valuable resource on raising financially responsible kids. If you found this episode helpful, please take a moment to rate and follow the podcast on whatever platform you're listening on. Your support helps us reach more parents in need of guidance. Take care, and talk to you soon. Bye! RESOURCES: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/research/research-funded-by-nimh/research-initiatives/early-psychosis-intervention-network-epinet https://nationalepinet.org/ NAMI.org https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/health/publications/understanding-psychosis/23-MH-8110-Understanding-Psychosis.pdf Join me next Friday for episode 11. Take care! 💕 Dr. Marissa

Welcome back to the Parent Doctor Podcast where today I'll be talking about bipolar disorder. I'm Dr. Marissa Caudill, your friendly neighborhood child psychiatrist. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit theparentdoctor.com to sign up for my newsletter or join the monthly book club. It's totally free and the best part is, you don't need to read the books! Bipolar disorder a mood disorder characterized by periods of depression and hypomania (bipolar type 2) or mania (bipolar type 1). Hypomania involves increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and other symptoms, often making people feel more productive and creative, but remaining more or less functional. Mania, however, is more severe, involving euphoric or irritable moods, risky behaviors, and significant life disruptions which are often devastating to a person's functioning. Bipolar disorder can be triggered by stress, drug use, or sleep changes, but often appears randomly in genetically susceptible people. It’s rare, affecting about 1% of the population. The typical age of onset is in the late teens or early twenties. Diagnosing it involves excluding other causes of big emotions and behaviors, which are often substance-induced. Kids with severe mood swings in childhood used to be thought to have bipolar disorder, but now are known to more likely to carry a diagnosis of depression, not bipolar disorder later in their lives. This research, done largely by Dr. Gabrielle Carlson, led to a new diagnosis in the DSM-5, called DMDD (Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder). Medications for mania, like mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, have side effects, but are necessary for stabilizing mood in this serious mental illness. The challenge is finding a medication that has manageable side effects and working closely with a caring physician to help you manage side effects and find the best medication or combination of medications that work for you. If your child is diagnosed with bipolar 1 or bipolar 2 disorder, please know that resistance to medications and doubt/disbelief about the diagnosis is common, especially in young people. Support them through this challenging time and seek support for yourselves as the family members of a person with bipolar by looking into local groups held by NAMI (see website below). In future episodes, I'll interview parents and patients with bipolar disorder. If you or your child have been diagnosed with this disorder and would be open to sharing your story to help others learn, please email me at [email protected]. I'd love to include your stories in the podcast. Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and follow the podcast on whatever platform you are listening on. Your support helps us reach more parents. Take care. RESOURCES: -www.nami.org as a resource for local support groups -Film/TV: Episode 3 of Modern Love (available on Amazon Prime) featuring Ann Hathaway telling the story of Terri Cheney, a brilliant and successful woman living with bipolar disorder. Read her story in the NY Times Modern Love column here. -Books: Kay Redfield Jamison "An Unquiet Mind" https://amzn.to/3VAMTHk which is about her own experience with bipolar disorder and "Touched with Fire" which explores bipolar illness and it's connection to creative genius through the work of several famous artists https://amzn.to/3VAMTHk -"The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide" by Dr. David Miklowitz. Buy here: https://amzn.to/3VAMTHk -AACAP facts for families link: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Bipolar-Disorder-In-Children-And-Teens-038.aspx -UCLA CHAMP clinic where kids ages 9-17 are evaluated for bipolar disorder: https://www.sistat.ucla.edu/champpublic/index.asp#:~:text=The%20Program's%20focus%20is%20on,.ucla.edu%2Fchamp. Join me next Friday for episode 10. Take care! 💕 Dr. Marissa

Hello, and welcome back to the Parent Doctor Podcast! I'm Dr. Marissa Caudill, your host. Please rate and follow this podcast if you want to hear more about how to support kids optimal wellness and mental health. In this episode, I delve into the topic of trauma, providing insights and support for parents and caregivers. If you haven't already, please sign up for my newsletter and bookclub (both are free!). As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, and a mom of two, I created this podcast to help parents learn about childhood mental health issues and how to support their children's development to prevent problems like depression and anxiety during their teen years. Trauma can be a triggering topic, especially for those who have experienced it. Our brains are wired to help us survive, which means traumatic events can create strong, lasting neural connections. While most people recover from trauma over time, a small percentage may develop PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). PTSD affects about one in eleven people in their lifetime, with women being twice as likely to be diagnosed. U.S. Latinos, African Americans, and Native Americans or Alaskan Natives also have higher rates of PTSD. The DSM-5 criteria for PTSD include exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Symptoms must persist for more than a month and include intrusive memories, distressing dreams, flashbacks, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened arousal and reactivity. Effective treatments for PTSD include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and mindfulness practices. Medications can help manage symptoms but are not a cure. I also discuss the importance of spirituality and understanding that we are not just our bodies or thoughts. Recognizing this can help separate our true selves from traumatic experiences. Most people are resilient to trauma, and it is a common part of the human experience. If you're experiencing symptoms of PTSD, seeking help can rewire those faulty brain connections and help you reclaim your true self. Addressing these challenges allows you to live your life fully and share your unique gifts with the world. RESOURCES: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_children_teens.asp Video explaining PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/video/index.asp Top 10 PTSD-related Podcasts: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ptsd_podcasts/ https://www.nctsn.org/resources/all-nctsn-resources https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/trauma-informed-care/resources-for-families/ https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Disaster_Resource_Center/Resources_for_Parents_Disaster.aspx Join me next Friday for episode 9 about bipolar disorder. Take care! 💕 Dr. Marissa

Welcome to episode 7 of The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm Dr. Marissa Caudill, and today we're discussing ADHD. Many parents have questions like, "Does my child have ADHD?" or "Should I get them assessed?" Let's explore these topics. ADHD is a common diagnosis in kids, first recognized as a disorder in the 1960s, after the discovery of effective stimulant medications. Prevalence rates vary, with estimates ranging from 4-15%, influenced by factors such as age, location/state, gender, and race. Younger children, especially those born late in the school year, might be misdiagnosed due to developmental differences. Boys are diagnosed more often than girls, and kids of color face higher diagnosis rates, likely due to unconscious biases. While ADHD is a real and disabling diagnosis for some, it's important to consider other contributing factors, alternative diagnoses, and potential biases. Coexisting conditions like learning disabilities, anxiety, trauma, depression, and sleep disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. If you're concerned about your child, I've included a link to a free assessment tool, called the SNAP-IV, in the resources below. Professional assessments might include tools like the Brown, CBCL, Connors or Vanderbilt scales. ADHD diagnostic criteria include a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, with specific symptoms outlined in the DSM-5. Diagnosing ADHD involves input from parents, teachers, and coaches. Symptoms must be present and impacting a child in more than one setting. Medications can certainly help, but non-medication strategies like advocacy, IEPs, and behavioral strategies are also effective. Stimulant medications are highly effective but come with side effects like appetite suppression and insomnia. There is now data that childhood stimulant use may be associated with higher risk for obesity later in life, as well as reduced height. Non-stimulant medications and supplements like omega-3 fatty acids can also be beneficial, and pose fewer side effects. For this reason, I recommend starting with supplements and non-stimulants and adding stimulants if needed, whenever possible. Most importantly, if you have a child with ADHD, be sure to encourage be their supportive advocate and explore educational alternatives if traditional settings are challenging. ADHD doesn't define your child's potential. Many successful adults have ADHD, and with the right support, your child can and will thrive. RESOURCES: -Please go to my website for info about Omega-3 supplements and micronutrients for kids and adults with ADHD -www.chadd.org - a great general resource for people with ADHD -SNAP-IV free rating scale (online here: https://reference.medscape.com/calculator/147/snap-iv-26-teacher-parent-rating-scale) -YouTube channel "How to ADHD" by Jessica McCabe: https://www.youtube.com/c/howtoadhd -ADHD medication guide from North Short LIJ hospital: https://www.northwell.edu/sites/northwell.edu/files/d7/ADHD-Meds%20Guide.pdf -https://www.endeavorrx.com/ FDA approved video game to help with ADHD symptoms Join me next Friday for episode 8 on trauma, and don’t forget to sign up for my free book club and newsletter. Take care! 💕 Dr. Marissa

Welcome to Season 1, Episode 6 of The Parent Doctor Podcast. I’m your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill, a child psychiatrist and mom of two (www.theparentdoctor.com). Today’s episode focuses on autism, a topic that’s both vast and vital. If you’re a parent concerned about your child’s development, this episode is for you. If you'd like to sign up for the bookclub, please go here. If you'd like to be on my weekly email newsletter, please sign up here. I’ll be discussing the signs and symptoms of autism, such as limited eye contact, lack of shared attention, delayed speech, restricted interests, and sensory issues. Understanding these early indicators can help you seek timely intervention. We’ll also explore the factors contributing to the increased diagnosis of autism, including increased awareness, changes in diagnostic criteria, and environmental factors. Importantly, I’ll debunk the myth that vaccines cause autism, explaining the fraudulent origins of this claim and emphasizing the safety and importance of vaccinations. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it can present in a variety of ways, from severe impairments to mild challenges. Early intervention, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy, can significantly help children with autism. However, it’s essential to find the right treatments for your child, trust your gut, and be cautious of unsupported therapies. I’ll share stories from my experience, highlighting the remarkable progress children can make with early and intensive support. Autism is unique for every individual, and recognizing this diversity is crucial for effective care and support. For more resources, I recommend books like Temple Grandin’s story (the movie, starring Claire Danes is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video) and "Ito in Autism Land," as well as various supportive podcasts. Each state offers different services, so educating yourself and advocating for your child is key. Thank you for joining me today. Please rate and review this podcast to help more parents find it. Visit my website, theparentdoctor.com, to send feedback or suggest topics for future episodes. Don’t forget to join my book club and sign up for my weekly newsletter. Tune in next time when we discuss ADHD. Take care and see you in the next episode! RESOURCES: www.autismspeaks.org https://www.nlacrc.org/publications-resources/support-groups/other-support-groups https://beaminghealth.com/article/10-best-autism-podcasts-for-parents Ages and Stages Questionnaire UCLA program form kids ages 2-6

In episode 5, Dr. Caudill covers the challenging topic of depression in children. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Resources like www.psychologytoday.com can help you find local mental health providers if you or your child are in need of personalized care. If you haven't already, please join The Empowered Parent book club, where Dr. Caudill presents a book related to parenting each month. It's FREE! If you are on the list you'll get invited to the video summary and an actionable PDF for your review. You can sign up here. Dr. Caudill highlights that 1 in 7 teens will experience major depressive disorder, which can manifest in various ways, but which requires mood symptoms of persistent sadness or irritability most of the time for over two weeks. Additional symptoms may include changes in sleep and appetite, decreased interest in activities, excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, low energy, and suicidal thoughts. She provides examples of different depression presentations to illustrate how symptoms can vary significantly between two people with depression. Depression treatment starts with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). To be effective, this must be complemented by good nutrition, regular exercise, consistent sleep, and supportive social interactions. If therapy alone is insufficient or if the child is at risk for self harm, a medical evaluation by a psychiatrist is indicated and medications could be considered. Parents should support their child’s treatment by ensuring medication adherence and encouraging their child to engage in healthy habits. For more info about medications used to treat depression, please check out Dr. Caudill's YouTube video here. Dr. Caudill discusses environmental factors contributing to depression, such as genetics, substance use, bullying, academic pressure, and social media. Limiting phone and social media use, especially for children under 15, can be beneficial. Protective factors include a spiritual connection and a supportive environment. She advises that therapy for depression typically takes 4+ months to show significant improvement, while medications may take 6-8 weeks. Often, the first medication tried will not work, and a second or third medication trial has to be initiated. Dr. Caudill shares family relational patterns she has observed in her years working with children exhibiting depression symptoms. Dr. Caudill also addresses the serious concern of suicide, and that parents can minimize risk by reducing access to lethal means, including firearms, medications, sharps (razors, etc) and things that could be used for suffocation (belts, etc) in kids at risk. She discusses racial differences in suicide risk in teens, as well as at risk groups including LGBTQ+ kids, regardless of race. She encourages parents to share crisis resources like the 988 crisis line and the 741741 crisis text line with their children and to foster open conversations about mental health. Finally, Dr. Caudill invites listeners to share their experiences with a child’s depression in a future episode by emailing her at [email protected]. Next week's topic will be autism spectrum disorder. Tune in to the Parent Doctor Podcast for insightful discussions and practical advice on supporting your child’s mental health. RESOURCES: A free assessment for depression in kids ages 11-17 can be found here. A tool for younger kids is called the CES-DC and can be found here. A medication lockbox should be a part of every household with children, such as this one. Be sure to lock up: acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, cold medications, pain killers/narcotics, anxiety medication, and sleeping pills. AACAP Facts for Families about depression can be found here. AACAP medication resources can be found here. Trans Lifeline - call 877-565-8860 Trevor Project (LGBTQ+) - call 866-488-7386, chat online, or text “START” to 678-678

In this episode of the Parent Doctor Podcast, Dr. Marissa Caudill addresses the prevalent issue of anxiety in children, noting that one in three children will experience symptoms meeting the criteria for an anxiety disorder before their 18th birthday. She outlines the various types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Dr. Caudill emphasizes that although anxiety disorders are common, effective treatments exist, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. If you are in need of a therapist for your child, a good place to start is the website Psychology Today. She also highlights the importance of supportive parenting and resources like Dr. Eli Leibovitz's SPACE program and Lynn Lyons' educational work. Additionally, Dr. Caudill discusses the role of genetic and environmental factors in anxiety, the rise of anxiety among teens due to academic and social pressures, and the impact of technology and social media. She stresses the protective power of spiritual connection and concludes by offering resources for parents concerned about their child's anxiety, including an assessment tool and guidance on medication. Wondering if your child's anxiety is at the level of a 'disorder'? Use this assessment (SCARED pdf). Check out Lynn Lyon's podcast here: Flusterclux And her excellent books Anxious kids, anxious parents here and The Anxiety Audit here. Jonathan Haidt's new book The Anxious Generation can be found here. To read more about the protective power of spirituality on mental health, check Dr. Lisa Miller's wonderful book The Spiritual Child here. And to understand better how connecting to spirituality and consciousness can guid you as a parent, check out Dr. Shefali Tsebary's great book The Conscious Parent here. You can take the ACEs questionnaire to get a sense of your basal sympathetic tone here.

Welcome back to the Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm Dr. Marissa Caudill, and today we're discussing strategies for managing problematic behavior in young children under the age of 12. Before we dive in, I'd like to acknowledge my mentor, Cynthia Whitham, a UCLA social worker who has greatly influenced my approach. She authored the books Win the Whining War and Other Skirmishes and The Answer is No, Saying It and Sticking to It, which remain invaluable resources. We categorize children's behaviors into three groups: 1) Positive behaviors we want to encourage. 2) Negative behaviors that are problematic but not dangerous. 3) Behaviors that are unsafe or cannot be ignored. Each category requires a different approach. For positive behaviors, we apply reinforcement to encourage more of the same. Category 2 - problematic behaviors that are not dangerous, on the other hand, should ideally be ignored so they extinguish over time. Finally, dangerous behaviors necessitate intervention and possibly, punishment. Punishments and reinforcements can be either positive or negative. Positive reinforcement might involve rewards like praise or stickers, enhancing desirable behaviors. Negative reinforcement involves removing an adverse condition, such as no cavities when you brush your teeth, promoting good habits. Conversely, negative punishment might entail withholding privileges to reduce unwanted behaviors. Many issues parents bring up fall into the second category. Common complaints include disrespect, noncompliance, and sibling conflict. Here, the key is not to punish, but to redirect and reinforce positive behaviors, promoting a shift from undesirable to desirable actions. For instance, if siblings are quarreling, rather than focusing on the argument, redirect them towards cooperative play or another positive interaction, or praise them for their cooperative problem solving skills and encourage them to come up with a compromise, which you can then praise. This approach decreases negative interactions and strengthens the relationship. On a final note, effective discipline involves delivering consequences from a calm, centered state. If a punishment is too severe, it’s okay to reassess and communicate with your child, helping them understand the reason behind actions and reinforcing your bond. Remember, the ultimate goal is to support our children in expressing and managing their emotions healthily and constructively. Next week, we'll explore strategies to reduce anxiety in children and adults. Stay tuned, and thank you for joining me today on the Parent Doctor Podcast. If you're not already on my mailing list, please sign up here. And don't miss our next monthly book club (totally FREE), which will be next week - May 15 - I'm presenting "The Whole Brain Child" by Dr. Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. Sign up here.

Welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast, where we explore important topics to help you be a better guide for your kids. I’m Dr. Marissa Caudill, your host, a mom, and child psychiatrist with over 17 years of experience. Today, we're diving into a serious issue affecting our kids and teens—vaping THC through e-cigarettes. This topic is crucial because vaping can lead to severe mental health challenges. I’ll share what I’ve learned from treating young people in California, where e-cigarettes and marijuana use have become more common. We'll discuss the rise of vaping THC and its potential risks, such as depression, mania, and even psychosis. I want to help you understand these dangers and feel confident talking to your kids about them. It’s important to start these conversations early. Studies show that kids who talk with their parents about vaping are over 50% less likely to develop a substance use problem. This episode also covers how vapes work and why they are so appealing to young people, especially with all the different flavors available. I’ll explain the science behind why teens might underestimate the risks of vaping and how you can guide them to make safer choices. Remember, it’s not just about scaring our kids away from vaping; it’s about keeping the lines of communication open. That way, they feel comfortable coming to you if they ever try vaping or if they’re around others who do. Together, we’ll learn how to spot signs of vaping, understand its appeal, and discuss strategies for talking about this challenging topic with our kids. Join me as we tackle this together, ensuring our children can make informed decisions and stay healthy. If you're looking for more resources or want to join our community, check out my website (www.theparentdoctor.com) to sign up for my free monthly book club and/or free weekly newsletter. Let’s empower ourselves with knowledge and open, honest discussions with our kids about vaping and its impacts.

In this episode, I address three questions to identify what this podcast is all about, namely: 1) What is my intention with The Parent Doctor Podcast? 2) What matters? 3) What is important? As an adult, child and adolescent psychiatrist and mother of two, I have many thoughts about the rising rates of teen depression and anxiety and want to work with parents to help you feel empowered to reverse this trend in your beloved kids. Season 1 is going to focus on the top ten conditions and situations I have seen in my clinical work over the last 17 years, and address these issues with a holistic and spiritual approach. I expect Season 1 will be just 11 or 12 episodes, so I welcome and NEED your feedback for what I should cover in Season 2 - please email me at "[email protected]". Go to www.theparentdoctor.com if you'd like to sign up for my monthly book club (totally free, happens every 3rd Wednesday at 12 pm PST at zoomwithdrmarissa.com), or my weekly newsletter (also free, and keeps you on the list for all of my newest offerings). Links to my socials can be found here. This podcast is primarily geared towards parents of kids ages 5-early teens. If I'm not for you, and you need help, go find it! There are so many great resources out there for parents now, many of which have lots of free support. Here are some of my favorites: -Dr. Becky at Good Inside has great content for parents of young kids. -Dr. Siggie (drsiggie.com) is on Instagram @dr.siggie. She has great videos and reels and offers affordable courses for toddlers and preschool-aged kids that get rave reviews. -For great books and presentations on YouTube, look at Dr. Dan Siegel for kids of all ages. www.drdansiegel.com for more and for links to various podcast guest appearances he has had. -Dr. Tina Payne-Bryson has co-authored books with Dr. Dan Siegel. She is a child psychologist and has a YouTube channel and social media presence. Go to www.tinabryson.com for more. -Dr. Shefali Tsarbury has written The Consciou Parent and offers many resources at drshafali.com. -Dr. Dan Peters and his podcast "Parent Footprint" has great topics and guests. -Dr. Aliza Pressman has an amazing podcast called "Raising Good Humans" as well as a best-selling book "The Five Principles of Parenting" that I highly recommend -Jaci Finneman's podcast "No Problem Parenting" is a great resource -Dr. Cara Natterson's "The Puberty Podcast" and social media account @Spillingthepubertea is a great resource for parents of teens and teens to talk about tough topics. She also has a great book "This is awkward" for teens and parents of teens. Kudos to you for listening and seeking support! If I'm not your cup of tea, that is totally OK. If I frustrated or confused you, please know I didn't intend to do so and I'm sorry. But please, please don't give up if you or your child need support or help! Go find your leader and your tribe, there are free resources available for you. You and your kids deserve it! Wishing you all love and light! 💕 Dr. Marissa