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

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

Pediatrician Wendy Hunter, MD answers the questions you forgot or were too embarrassed to ask at the doctor’s office. She mixes the science of medicine with the realities of parenting to give satisfying answers to questions about kids’ health.

Episodes

October 14, 2026 • 15 mins
Kids are going to get sick, especially when they spend their days surrounded by other kids. But some strategies can reduce how often kids get sick.  I’ll look at popular “immune boosters” like vitamin C, zinc, elderberry, and echinacea and explain which are worth considering - and which aren’t.  Here’s the Echinacea product that might work: Echinoforce Junior  And I love this Nasal Spr...
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Acne in elementary school?  Puberty may be starting earlier than it did a generation ago but some of the changes parents associate with puberty aren't signs that true puberty has begun.  Dr. Wendy explains the two different hormonal processes behind puberty, the first signs of true puberty in girls and boys, and why your child's growth chart may tell your pediatrician more than pubic hair or body odor.  Learn what'...
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September 16, 2026 • 27 mins
Would your child be happier and more successful if they changed schools?  In this episode, I share the four things I think matter most when deciding whether a school is a good fit and three questions to ask before making a change:  What exactly isn't working?   Have you tried to fix the problem where your child is now?   Is your child simply struggling or are they dete...
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How safe is your child when they’re online - and do you really know what they’re seeing?  This week, I’m sharing an episode from my colleague Elise Fallucco, MD, child and adolescent psychiatrist and host of ADHD, Anxiety and More: Child Mental Health for Pediatrics. She talks with a tech-industry insider about the online risks parents may not realize their children ar...
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Have you ever wondered if that trendy treatment everyone is talking about is legitimate?  From leucovorin for autism and antihistamines for ADHD to magnesium, melatonin, red light therapy, and essential oils, some popular treatments have surprising science behind them - while others may be mostly hype.  Dr. Wendy Hunter looks at the evidence and shares four simple questions parents can use to evaluate the next health cl...
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Does your child have meltdowns, worries, or difficult days? Sometimes that's a normal part of growing up. Sometimes it's a sign they need extra support.  Child psychologist Jerry Weichman, Ph.D. helps parents navigate the confusing world of children's mental health. Learn how to choose a therapist, when a neuropsychological evaluation is helpful, and how to know if medication should be ...
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Why do kids get so many rashes? One of the best ways to understand skin is by starting with one of the most common childhood problems: diaper rash!  Discover how the science of skin can help keep your whole family's skin healthy. The simple principles of healthy skin apply to babies, kids, teens, and adults alike.  Learn how the skin barrier protects us, the surprising ways we accidentally damage it, and what ...
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Is bedtime the hardest part of your day? If every night feels like a negotiation, your child may have what pediatricians call Behavioral Insomnia of Childhood - one of the most common sleep problems that most parents have never heard of.  In this episode, Dr. Wendy explains why some children can't fall asleep without a parent in the room, while others seem determined to delay bedtime at all costs. You'll l...
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Does your son sneeze just like his dad? Fathers matter in ways we never imagined!  Discover the fascinating science of fatherhood, from the latest research on epigenetics showing that dads may pass along more than just DNA, to decades of developmental psychology demonstrating how fathers shape their children's confidence, curiosity, emotional health, and resilience.  Whether you're&nbs...
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Are toxic chemicals surrounding your baby while they sleep? Babies and kids spend thousands of hours breathing inches from their mattress, bedding, carpet, and furniture, yet most of us rarely think about what those products are made of.  Mattress expert Arin Schultz explains the science behind chemicals in mattresses and nursery products, what “off-gassing” means, and why certifications can be confusing. We talk ...
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Why can people with ADHD focus intensely for hours on things that are interesting or emotionally engaging...but not on their homework? The real challenge may be how the brain processes reward.  Learn why researchers are rethinking ADHD, how stimulant medications work, how dopamine shapes motivation and persistence, and practical ways parents can help children.  Resources & References: • The Incredible...
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Have you felt frustrated trying to get medical care for your child? Long waits for appointments, confusing insurance rules… modern pediatric healthcare can feel overwhelming for families and physicians alike.  Meet Dr. Amanda Furr of Zarminali Pediatrics - she pulls back the curtain on what’s happening inside pediatric healthcare right now. Learn practical tips for navigating the healthca...
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Have you worried you’re raising a child who feels entitled, anxious, or unprepared with money?   The best way to teach kids about money is through the lens of child development and brain science.   From toddler meltdowns to teen spending, walk through what kids understand at each age and learn simple, practical ways to help them build healthy habits over time.      &...
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Are screens changing our kids or just the way they spend their time? What’s happening in the brain when we’re constantly interrupted, and why is focus is getting harder for both kids and adults? Today’s “always-on” world may be crowding out the very experiences that build confidence, creativity, and resilience.  Dr. Wendy shares the 8 simple, practical ways to protect you...
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Is your social media feed full of gut health advice? From food sensitivity testing to “leaky gut”, there's a lot of misinformation out there! Dr. Wendy busts the biggest gut health myths and shares real, science-backed tips for keeping your microbiome happy. Learn what actually helps (and what doesn’t) when it comes to cleanses, diets, probiotics, fermented foods, and keeping your gut and ...
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Have you wondered when your child will be ready for school, or worried they’re falling behind?  What does research say about preschool: which kids need it, does development matter, and is there a “right” age to begin? What if your first grader is struggling with reading – will repeating a grade help?  Learn how early reading skills develop, why some children fall behind, what schools ar...
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How are kids low on iron when we’re surrounded by food? Toddlers and teens are especially at risk - and iron supplements can taste terrible, upset the stomach, and be a daily parenting battle.  Patrick Monsivais, founder of Gensavis Pharmaceuticals, set out to solve this problem after facing it in his own home. We talk about why iron is so hard to formulate, what makes some types easier to tolerate t...
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Why do babies shake their heads, pull on their ears, or reject a food they loved yesterday? Why do toddlers say “no,” bite, and throw food on the floor?  Laugh until you cry with Dr. Diane Arnaout, a pediatrician and author, as she explores the weird, funny, and sometimes frustrating things kids do that worry parents but are actually normal parts of development.    Order your copy of Hic...
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What if your child reacts to a food—but it doesn’t look like a typical food allergy? Maybe it's FPIES!  Allergy specialist Christopher Parrish, MD. explains Food Protein–Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES). Unlike typical food allergies, FPIES reactions happen hours after eating and can cause severe vomiting without the usual signs like hives or swelling. That's why ...
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Protein is everywhere — in coffee, cereal, waffles, even potato chips. But are we low on protein? Or are we being sold a solution to a problem we don’t have?  What does protein do in the body, how much do adults and kids need, and how were those numbers created? I’ll break down common myths — including whether plant proteins are “incomplete,” whether more protein builds more muscle, and whe...
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