Episodios

  • Ep 195: Acupuncture for Kids with Anxiety: A Conversation with Dr. Tara McCannel
    Jul 28 2025

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    In this episode of Your Child is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman is joined by Dr. Tara McCannel—retinal surgeon, ocular oncologist, and co-founder of Seyhart Acupuncture in Santa Monica, California. They discuss how acupuncture can be a powerful, evidence-informed, and low-risk option to support anxiety—especially in children who present with physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or sleep disturbances. Whether you're a parent seeking alternatives to medication, or simply curious about the science behind acupuncture, this episode is full of practical insights and thoughtful reflection.

    Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

    For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
    Instagram: @AskDrJessica
    YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
    Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

    -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

    -
    To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
    Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

    Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman askdrjessicamd@gmail.com.

    The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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    30 m
  • Ep 194: Breaking Free of childhood Anxiety and OCD: A conversation about SPACE! with Dr Eli Liebowitz
    Jul 23 2025

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    Anxiety is the most common mental health challenge kids face—and it doesn’t just affect them, it impacts the whole family. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Eli Lebowitz, the clinical psychologist behind the SPACE program (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), about how parents can help reduce their child’s anxiety—not by changing their kids, but by changing their own responses. We discuss how accommodation and overprotection can backfire, what supportive parenting really looks like, and why this parent-based model is so empowering. Whether your child has a formal anxiety diagnosis or just tends to worry more than others, this episode offers research-backed tools that truly make a difference.

    Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

    For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
    Instagram: @AskDrJessica
    YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
    Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

    -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

    -
    To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
    Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

    Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman askdrjessicamd@gmail.com.

    The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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    55 m
  • Ep 193: How to Help Your Child Build Strong Friendships: Tips for Parents with Nina Badzin
    Jul 14 2025

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    Friendship is one of the most important parts of childhood—and yet, many kids struggle to make and keep friends, especially in today's tech-heavy world. In this episode, I talk with friendship expert and podcast host Nina Badzin about how parents can support their children's social lives. We cover how to help kids initiate plans, what makes a healthy friendship, why being the “hosting house” matters, and how to guide your child through conflict and growing apart from friends. This episode is full of practical tips for helping your child feel more confident, connected, and socially capable.

    To learn more from Nina, please follow her on instagram @dearninafriendship, subscribe to her podcast: Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship and subscribe to her substack to learn her insights about friendships.

    Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

    For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
    Instagram: @AskDrJessica
    YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
    Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

    -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

    -
    To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
    Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

    Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman askdrjessicamd@gmail.com.

    The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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    39 m
  • Ep 192: Why boredom is a good thing for kids! (Minisode)
    Jul 7 2025

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    In this solo episode of Your Child Is Normal, pediatrician and mom of three Dr. Jessica Hochman explores a summer parenting dilemma almost all families face: what to do when kids say, “I’m bored.”

    Rather than seeing boredom as a problem to fix, in episode makes the case that it’s actually a gift. Drawing on developmental psychology and research, she explains how boredom helps children develop creativity, autonomy, and emotional regulation. You’ll hear stories about J.K. Rowling, Albert Einstein, and Thomas Edison—all of whom had major breakthroughs during moments of stillness—and learn why screens might be getting in the way of your child’s imagination.

    Dr Jessica Hochman shares practical tips on how to reset your child’s attention, protect downtime, and welcome boredom into your family’s summer.

    If you're feeling pressure to overschedule your child, or if you're hearing a lot of “I'm bored!” this summer, this episode will help you reframe those moments as opportunities for growth.

    Credited Studies

    1. Eastwood et al – The unengaged mind: Defining boredom in terms of attention. Journal: Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2012 https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691612456044
    2. Mann & Cadman – Does being bored make us more creative? Creativity Research Journal, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1080/10400419.2014.901073
    3. Hunter, Dyer & Eastwood – Feeling Bored, Feeling Blue: Depression, boredom, and the default mode network. Emotion, 2016 https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000146
    4. Dr. Teresa Belton – Interviews with Creative Professionals
      • "Boredom is good for children – and adults", BBC News, 2013
      • Book title: Happier People Healthier Planet

    Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

    For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
    Instagram: @AskDrJessica
    YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
    Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

    -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

    -
    To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
    Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

    Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman askdrjessicamd@gmail.com.

    The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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    7 m
  • Ep 191: Summer Q&A Minisode! Hydration, Constipation, Sunscreen Battles & Motion Sickness
    Jun 30 2025

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    In this special "minisode" of Your Child is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman answers four of the most common summer questions she hears from parents:
    – Is it normal if my kid doesn’t drink much water?
    – Why does my child get constipated when we travel?
    – What if my child refuses sunscreen?
    – How do I prevent motion sickness in the car?

    The goal is to help parents learn practical tips of normal parent concerns to help you feel more prepared during the summer months.

    Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

    For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
    Instagram: @AskDrJessica
    YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
    Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

    -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

    -
    To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
    Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

    Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman askdrjessicamd@gmail.com.

    The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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    8 m
  • Ep 190: Bonding from birth: normalizing early parenting challenges, with neonatologist Dr Joanna Parga-Belinkie MD
    Jun 23 2025

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    Episode 190 with neonatologist, author and podcast host, Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie who talks about her new book, We talk about the challenges of parenting, particularly in the newborn phase. She emphasizes the importance of bonding with babies, the role of community support, and the impact of modern technology on parenting. Dr Joanna offers practical advice for navigating the early days of parenthood. The discussion highlights that while parenting can be overwhelming, focusing on relationships and being present can lead to fulfilling experiences.

    Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

    For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
    Instagram: @AskDrJessica
    YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
    Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

    -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

    -
    To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
    Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

    Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman askdrjessicamd@gmail.com.

    The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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    32 m
  • Ep 189: Catch Them When They’re Good: Behavioral Psychology for Better Parenting with Dr. Larry Waldman
    Jun 16 2025

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    In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, I’m joined by Dr. Larry Waldman, a behavioral psychologist and author of Who's Raising Whom?, to unpack how behavioral psychology can make parenting easier — and more effective. We talk about how small, consistent changes in how we respond to our children can lead to big shifts in their behavior.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why kids sometimes misbehave just to get attention — and how to turn that around
    • How to use praise and logical consequences that actually work
    • Why consistency matters more than perfection

    Whether you’re dealing with whining, ignoring, or sibling chaos, this conversation is full of practical tools to help you parent with less stress and more confidence.

    📘 Learn more about Dr. Waldman’s work at topphoenixpsychologist.com
    📚 Books mentioned: Who's Raising Whom?, Coping with Your Adolescent, Love Your Child More Than You Hate Your Ex

    Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

    For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
    Instagram: @AskDrJessica
    YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
    Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

    -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

    -
    To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
    Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

    Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman askdrjessicamd@gmail.com.

    The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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    36 m
  • Ep 188: Why Bedwetting Happens—and What Really Helps: A Conversation with Pediatric Urologist Dr. Andrew Kirsch
    Jun 9 2025

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    Bedwetting is incredibly common—but it’s also often misunderstood, leaving families feeling frustrated, confused, or even ashamed. In this episode, pediatric urologist Dr. Andrew Kirsch joins Dr. Jessica Hochman to demystify nighttime wetting and offer real, evidence-based guidance for parents.

    They explore:

    • Why bedwetting happens (hint: it’s not your child’s fault)
    • When to worry and when to wait
    • The truth about bedwetting alarms and medications
    • A promising new non-drug device called Soluu that could reshape how we treat bedwetting

    Whether you're in the thick of it with your child or just want to be prepared, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and plenty of practical tips.


    Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

    For more content from Dr Jessica Hochman:
    Instagram: @AskDrJessica
    YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica
    Website: www.askdrjessicamd.com

    -For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

    -
    To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
    Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

    Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman askdrjessicamd@gmail.com.

    The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

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    43 m