The Pediatrician Next Door - Simple Advice on Baby Sleep, 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
August 6, 2025 • 23 mins
Feeling overwhelmed by parenting advice from Google, Instagram, and everyone you know? You’re not alone! Learn how to cut through the noise and find answers you can actually trust about your child’s health.
Dr. Wendy talks about the viral parenting hacks that fill your feed (are they genius or just hype?), the scary headlines that make you second-guess yourself, and why not all advice—online or offline—is created equal. You’ll he...
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Family meals are supposed to be good for kids—but what if getting everyone to the table feels like the most stressful part of your day? Join Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN, host of the Managing Mealtime Madness podcast to hear realistic, judgment-free advice for busy parents: how to plan meals around your schedule, make dinnertime less chaotic, and more fun.
Check out my favorite Kids Cooking/Baking set – it's a great gift idea! ...
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Is your child still wetting the bed? You’re not alone—and there is help. In this episode, pediatric urologist Dr. Andrew Kirsch from Georgia Urology joins me to explain why bedwetting happens, when it’s normal, and when it might be a sign of something more. We talk about what causes bedwetting, and why common treatments don’t always work. Dr. Kirsch also shares his brand-new approach to treating bedwetting.
If your child is over ...
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July 16, 2025 • 28 mins
What happens when you give parents and kids a safe space to ask their most embarrassing health questions? Dr. Wendy shares what she learned from a live Q&A with 50 mothers and teen girls. From questions about vaginal discharge, and body image, to shaving, acne, and saying “no,” you’ll hear the real concerns our kids have—and how parents can respond. This episode is full of advice to help make the hard talks easier.
Send you...
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July 9, 2025 • 31 mins
Is your toddler screaming at bedtime? Is your teen suddenly moody or defiant? Before you blame "bad behavior," take a breath. Dr. Wendy Hunter shares four real stories—from an 11-month-old to a 14-year-old—to show why acting out is often a cry for help, not disrespect. Learn how emotional dysregulation can look like defiance and discover calm, practical ways to respond. You'll walk away feeling more confident—and more connected to ...
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July 2, 2025 • 25 mins
Teaching kids to take charge of their health starts earlier than you think. Dr. Wendy shares how to help kids build health independence—starting with simple things like talking to the doctor, knowing their own symptoms, and understanding their family medical history. You'll also hear the powerful story of Thad Hamilton, whose experience with a genetic cancer shows why it matters for kids to learn this early. Plus, get a checklist y...
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June 25, 2025 • 19 mins
Fireworks can be magical—or totally overwhelming. Why do some kids love the Fourth of July while others dread it? Learn tips for helping kids who are sensitive to loud noises, or anxious around crowds. Get ideas for fun, low-stress alternatives to traditional fireworks. Create a Fourth of July that’s festive, safe, and kid-friendly for everyone in the family!
Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or subm...
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June 18, 2025 • 25 mins
Is your child’s weight something to be concerned about—or just a normal part of growing up? Pediatrician and registered dietitian Natalie Muth, MD joins me to talk about how doctors decide when a child’s weight needs attention. We explain why a shift in BMI percentile—not just a number on the scale—can grab our attention, and how puberty, sleep, and lifestyle all play a role. Plus, we share practical tips for supporting healthy hab...
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June 13, 2025 • 9 mins
Explore the role of medication in treating anxiety and depression in kids and teens. When can it help—and how do you decide? Psychiatrist Julia Krankl, MD, returns to share guidance for parents on when to consider medication and what to expect if your child starts an SSRI or other treatment. If you’re feeling unsure or even nervous, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and insights on finding the right balance between therapy,...
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June 11, 2025 • 25 mins
Does your child have anxiety—or are they just a little worried? Anxiety is a normal part of growing up, but sometimes it can interfere with daily life. Psychiatrist Julia Krankl, MD returns to share simple, effective tools parents can use to treat anxious thoughts at home. From progressive muscle relaxation to better sleep routines, learn to help your child feel calmer, more confident, and in control.
Read The 21st Minute: Ev...
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June 4, 2025 • 28 mins
Practical tips to help your family get the most out of summer camp and family vacations—without the stress! Whether you're sending your child to overnight camp or hitting the road together, you'll learn how to plan ahead and make it fun for everyone. Dr. Wendy talks about the benefits of camp and travel for kids’ growth, independence, and confidence. Summer is the perfect time to make memories and build stronger family bonds!
...
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May 28, 2025 • 31 mins
What if the best tools for managing your child’s anxiety, sadness, or stress weren’t found at the pharmacy—but in your daily routine? Dr. Julia Krankl, a psychiatrist and author of The 21st Minute, shares the powerful and often overlooked role of lifestyle in treating mental health issues in children and teens. We explore why meditation works (yes, even for squirmy kids!), how to sneak mindfulness into a busy family schedule, and w...
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May 21, 2025 • 23 mins
It’s not just you—seasonal allergies really are getting worse. In this episode, Dr. Wendy explains why allergy season is lasting longer, why more kids are affected, and what simple steps you can take at home to bring relief. Plus, the surprising ways allergies can affect your child.
Send your questions to hello@pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com or submit at drwendyhunter.com
Find products from the show on the shop page.
*As...
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May 16, 2025 • 9 mins
Think it’s all about diet and exercise? Think again. Explore the surprising lifestyle factors that play a powerful role in childhood obesity and healthy weight—like sleep and even friendship. Guest pediatrician Dr. Natalie Digate Muth shares what science says about how things like social connection and sleep routines affect your child’s metabolism and long-term health. Learn how small, simple changes in your family’s daily habits c...
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May 14, 2025 • 27 mins
Weight loss drugs are all over the news—and your social media feeds! But are they safe for teens? And when are they actually used? Pediatrician and registered dietitian Dr. Natalie Digate Muth explains how doctors are combining lifestyle changes with new medications to help adolescents manage their weight and avoid long-term health problems.
Learn more from Dr. Natalie Digate Muth
Send your questions to hello@pediatriciann...
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Worried something might be wrong—but not sure what to do? Learn to recognize the signs of abuse in kids. If you ever feel uneasy about a situation, you don’t need proof to take action—just a gut feeling is enough. Learn how to report suspected abuse, when to speak up, and how your concern could make all the difference in keeping a child safe.
Resources:
Childhelp: 1-800-4-A-CHILD - 1-800-422-4453.
childhelphotline.org
rai...
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April 30, 2025 • 23 mins
How early should you start teaching your child about their body? Child abuse pediatrician Dr. Shalon Nienow, MD explains what’s normal when it comes to young children’s sexual behaviors—and how to respond when things feel awkward or surprising.
Hear tips for talking to kids about private parts, and what to do when they start exploring. We share simple ways to explain the concept of consent to toddlers, school-aged kids, and tweens...
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April 23, 2025 • 27 mins
With measles cases rising across the U.S., parents have new questions. In this re-release of last year’s episode discover why measles cases are making headlines. Learn how to recognize early symptoms of measles, how it spreads, and whether your child should get the MMR vaccine ahead of schedule. You'll hear a real story from a patient who had measles and expert advice about how to protect your family.
Send your questions to ...
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April 16, 2025 • 28 mins
Few things make parents cringe like lice—except maybe pinworms. Dr. Wendy explains how kids catch lice, the most effective treatments, and whether you really need to deep-clean your entire house. She answers a listener’s question about whether it’s safe to bring a baby to high altitude during travel or on an airplane. From itchy scalps to squirmy questions, this episode is packed with practical tips and pediatrician-approved advice...
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Are you worried that your kids have too much freedom with their iPhone, tablet, or video games? It’s not too late to set new screen time rules for your family! Parenting coach Tyler Durman is back to share his expert advice on managing screen time, social media, and gaming. In this episode, you’ll learn how to help your kids handle the responsibility that comes with technology, create healthy boundaries, and find the right balance ...
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