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

Ep. 134: Is Screen Time Ruining our Kids’ Brains?

September 24, 2025 • 30 mins
Is screen time really rotting our kids’ brains—or is the real danger something we don’t even see? Dr. Wendy takes you inside the mystery of what constant scrolling and gaming are doing to children’s sleep, moods, and relationships. She uncovers the surprising truth: the number of hours isn’t the enemy. The real key is hidden in three simple pillars—sleep, movement, and connection—that can reset your family’s digital habits and brin...
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Ep. 133: What Triggers Panic Attacks and What Helps? - with Natasha Burgert, MD

September 17, 2025 • 28 mins
When a child suddenly can’t breathe, feels dizzy, or has chest pain, parents fear the worst. Could it be asthma? A heart problem? Dr. Wendy Hunter explores the mystery of childhood panic attacks with pediatrician and Natasha Burgert, MD, author of Managing Childhood Anxiety for Dummies. Together, they uncover what’s actually happening in the brain and body, why kids can’t just “snap out of it,” and the surprising techniques that wo...
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Ep. 132: What Does Gut Health Have to Do with Allergies? Missing Microbes and Baby Immunity – with Persephone Biosciences

September 10, 2025 • 28 mins
Is it the C-section? The formula? The antibiotics? Parents often wonder if they’ve messed up their baby’s gut health. In this episode, Dr. Wendy talks with Stephanie Culler PhD, co-founder of Persephone Biosciences, about groundbreaking research on the infant microbiome. You’ll learn why most American babies are missing Bifidobacterium infantis—the bacteria that digest special sugars in breast milk and help build the immune system—...
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Ep. 131: Can We Stop Sibling Rivalry? Parent Tips to Handle Fighting

September 3, 2025 • 20 mins
Why do brothers and sisters who love each other one minute turn into sworn enemies the next? Dr. Wendy unpacks the mystery of sibling rivalry—why kids fight, what’s really going on beneath the bickering, and the surprising moments when stepping in actually makes things worse. Learn the hidden dynamics that fuel rivalry and the key strategies parents can use to shift kids from competition to connection. If you’ve ever felt stuck ref...
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Ep. 130: What Grieving Parents Wish You Knew: How to Help a Friend Through Loss of a Child

August 27, 2025 • 30 mins
When a friend loses a child, many of us are left wondering what to say—or how to help. In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Wendy talks with Hans Kullberg, a father who lost his 10-month-old daughter, Aviva, and learned to navigate life after loss. Hans shares what grieving parents wish others understood, how friends and family can show up in meaningful ways, and how his experience has reshaped the way he parents. This conversation w...
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Ep. 129 Can Food Allergies Be Prevented?

August 20, 2025 • 28 mins
Food allergies now affect 1 in 13 children in the U.S., turning mealtime into a daily source of anxiety for families. But groundbreaking research — including the LEAP study — shows that introducing allergenic foods like peanuts early and often can prevent most peanut allergies before they start.  Catherine Jaxon, co-founder of Mission Mighty Me and mom to a child with a nut allergy shares the story of her daughter’s first allergic...
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Ep. 128: Back to School Tips: Sleep, Anxiety & Avoiding Sick Days

August 13, 2025 • 30 mins
Is your kid suddenly clingy at drop-off? Refusing to sleep before 10 p.m.? Bringing home a full, untouched water bottle every day?  You’re not alone — and it’s not just your kid.  In this back-to-school Q&A episode, pediatrician Dr. Wendy Hunter answers the real questions parents are asking right now. From separation anxiety to sleep resets, immune-boosting tips, social struggles, and hydration battles, Dr. Wendy breaks down what...
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Ep. 127: Who Should Parents Trust in the Information Age?

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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Ep. 126: Getting Kids to the Table (Without the Chaos)

July 30, 2025 • 28 mins
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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Ep. 125: Bedwetting: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Get Help - with Andrew Kirsch, MD

July 23, 2025 • 28 mins
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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Ep. 124: How to Answer Awkward Questions – Uncomfortable Conversations made Easier

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 your q...
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Ep. 123: Why Kids “Act Out”: What Their Behavior Is Telling You

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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Ep. 122: When Can Your Kid Manage Their Health? (Encore)

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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Ep. 121: Fireworks 101: Kid-Friendly Tips for a Fun Fourth of July

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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Ep. 120: When to Worry About Your Child’s Weight

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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Bonus Episode: Medication for Anxiety and Depression – Finding the Balance

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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Ep. 119: When Kids Worry: What’s Normal and What You Can Do – with Juila Krankl, MD

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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Ep. 118: Best Summer Ever! Family Travel and Camp Tips

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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Ep. 117: Simple Habits That Help Mental Health – with Julia Krankl, MD

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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Ep. 116: Why Is Allergy Season So Bad This Year?

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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