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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and parenting expert, explores the emotional and practical challenges parents face during the Christmas season, especially when older children stop believing in Santa while younger siblings still do. She offers compassionate advice on handling children’s questions, involving older kids in preserving holiday magic, and coping with parental emotions during this transition. Kristen also emphasizes respecting families who don’t celebrate Christmas, navigating situations where the Santa myth is revealed, and fostering empathy, inclusivity, and strong family traditions throughout the holidays.

What you'll learn:

• Emotional and practical challenges parents face during the Christmas holiday season.
• Transitioning older children from believing in Santa Claus while younger siblings still do.
• Guidance on handling children's questions about Santa Claus.
• Involving older children in preserving the magic of Santa for younger siblings.
• Coping with parental feelings during this developmental milestone.
• Respecting families who do not celebrate Christmas and promoting inclusivity.
• Navigating situations where the magic of Santa is spoiled by others.
• The significance of teaching children about different winter holidays.
• Encouraging older children to take on roles that help maintain holiday traditions.
• Emphasizing empathy, respect, and connection within families during the holidays.

Podcast Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

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In this engaging episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a respected pediatrician and trusted parenting advisor, dives deep into Mildred Parten’s six stages of play, revealing how each stage shapes a child’s social and emotional growth. Drawing insightful connections to Piaget’s cognitive theory, Kristen brings these concepts to life with relatable, real-world examples that every parent can appreciate. She offers thoughtful reassurance about the natural evolution of play, helping parents feel confident in their child’s unique journey.

Kristen doesn’t stop at childhood, she opens up about her own experiences, highlighting the transformative power of play for adults as well. With warmth and expertise, she encourages listeners to rediscover play as a vital tool for enhancing mental health and strengthening relationships.

Whether you’re seeking to better understand your child’s behavior or looking for fresh inspiration in your parenting journey, this episode is packed with valuable guidance. Kristen also shares insights from her acclaimed book, Parenting Redefined, making this a must-listen for anyone eager to nurture both their child’s development and their own well-being.

What you'll learn:

• The six stages of play as described by Mildred Parten.
• The significance of play in children's social and emotional development.
• Real-world examples of each stage of play.
• The relationship between Parten's theory and Jean Piaget's cognitive development theory.
• The importance of play for both children and adults.
• Strategies for parents to support their child's play and social development.
• The role of solitary and parallel play in child growth.
• The benefits of adult play for mental health and relationships.
• Encouragement for parents to embrace natural play progression without rushing.
• Insights on how to incorporate play into daily life for stress relief and creativity.

Podcast Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, host Kristen Cook explores the challenges and importance of co-parenting after a romantic relationship ends. Drawing on personal stories and professional experience, Kristen highlights the need to prioritize children’s well-being, maintain consistency between households, and communicate respectfully with co-parents. She offers practical strategies for managing disagreements, setting predictable routines, and avoiding conflict that harms children. Kristen emphasizes intentional, child-focused cooperation and shares insights from her book, "Parenting Redefined," encouraging parents to put aside personal grievances for the sake of their child’s stability and emotional health.

What you’ll learn:

• The complexities and emotional challenges of co-parenting after a romantic relationship ends.
• The importance of prioritizing the child's needs in co-parenting situations.
• Strategies for maintaining consistency between different households.
• Effective communication techniques for co-parents.
• The impact of parental conflict on children and the importance of shielding them from adult issues.
• Practical advice for creating predictable schedules and managing disagreements.
• The significance of cooperation and respect between co-parents, even in difficult relationships.
• The role of emotional boundaries and personal healing in successful co-parenting.
• The necessity of avoiding manipulation and competition for the child's affection.
• The value of intentionality and focus on the child's well-being in co-parenting dynamics.

Get My New Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

Podcast Disclaimer

The information presented in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for medical concerns. All of the opinions are of Dr. Kristen Cook and do not reflect the opinions of her employer nor the hospitals she is affiliated with. The authors and publishers of this podcast do not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or consequences of using the information provided.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en