Discerning Parenting

Victoria Ang-Nolasco, MD

Are there days you feel you’ve had it with the sleepless nights, the temper tantrums, the constant fatigue of trying to keep up with an active baby?
Does it feel like you’re always working so hard as a parent, trying to do everything for your kids and family, and yet it never feels enough?
We get it. You love your child more than anything, and yet parenting is also exhausting and challenging. Especially when you’re bombarded with criticism and pressure to be the perfect parent (which, spoiler alert, does not exist!).
But what if you had experts who understand exactly what you’re going through help you navigate the everyday challenges of parenting your baby, toddler, or preschooler? What if they help you use scientific research to your advantage, so you become the calmer, happier, and more empowered parent you’ve always wanted to be?
That's why we created "Discerning Parenting," the podcast that helps you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters in your parenting journey.
Join Dr. Victoria Ang-Nolasco, developmental and behavioral pediatrician, positive parenting coach, author, speaker, and mom, as she and our guest experts tackle your most pressing parenting concerns.
From toddler discipline to helping kids learn to talk or to read, from starting solids and potty training to promoting social and emotional development, this podcast is jam-packed with valuable insights and practical tips specifically tailored for parents of kids age 5 and below. So join us and discover how you can use the combined power of science, knowing your child, and your own intuition in making the best parenting decisions for you and your family.
Head over to discerningparenting.com and get our FREE parenting resource library too!

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Top 10 Discerning Parenting Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Discerning Parenting episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Discerning Parenting for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Discerning Parenting episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

032 - Breastfeeding Shaming: The Mom Shaming That No One Talks About

Discerning Parenting

08/15/23 • 14 min

In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we talk about the mom shaming that no one talks about. There's a lot of talk about mom-shaming on the internet. Someone will post something on Instagram, whether it's about screen time or feeding, or any topic actually. And there will be comments calling out that person saying that's mom shaming.
Now, I don't know what the world's coming to that it feels like moms now get shamed for almost everything. They're shamed for staying home. For going to work, for working from home. They're shamed for giving screen time, for restricting screen time. They're shamed for feeding only healthy food, for feeding "junk food".
There's one type of mom-shaming that happens just as often as the other types of mom-shaming. But I'm baffled about why no one talks about it. So, if you're breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed, or you are supporting a breastfeeding mom, listen to this.
Don't you want to take the guesswork out of parenting your new baby? Check out Hatch&Grow - a parent’s reliable companion as they learn to navigate this journey.
Created by Pediatricians, Hatch&Grow provides you with up-to-date, evidence-based child-rearing and healthcare information, takes away the stress of guesswork for a parent, and, hopefully, brings back the joy of confidently raising a child.

⭐ Our book Learning by Heart: Teach Your Child to Read, Stress-Free is now on Amazon! Click here to learn more about Dr. Victoria Nolasco's books.
⭐ Check out our FREE Discerning Parenting Toolkit and Resource Library.
⭐ Find out more about our on-demand courses to guide you through parenting challenges.

The Discerning Parenting Podcast is a free informational resource for parents. As a valued listener, you acknowledge that any information you get from this podcast is for your general guidance only, and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a doctor, therapist, or other qualified medical professionals who know your child specifically. Read our full disclaimer policy here.

043 - Is increased screen time in young kids linked to developmental or language delays? Interview with Dr. Angel Dy

Discerning Parenting

10/31/23 • 30 min

Parenting in the digital age comes with its fair share of challenges, and one of the most pressing concerns for parents today is managing screen time for their children. The constant barrage of advice and opinions can be overwhelming. On one hand, you'll hear experts advocating for strict limitations on screen time, while on the other, some suggest that early exposure to screens can boost a child's intelligence. So, how do you find the right balance?

In this episode, we delve into the world of screen time and its impact on young children's development. We're fortunate to have Dr. Angel Dy, a medical doctor, early childhood development advocate, and founder of The Growing Brain Ph., who conducted extensive research on this very topic. Get insights firsthand from the study author herself!

About Dr. Angel Dy:
Dr. Angel Dy is a medical doctor and a passionate advocate for early childhood development with over a decade of experience. She holds degrees from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health and completed postgraduate studies at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the UC Davis Mind Institute. Dr. Dy is an Assistant Professor at the AT School of Medicine and Public Health and an Assistant Head of Mental Health Sciences flagship programs. She's a certified trainer for the "Zero to Three" Growing Brain curriculum and has published academic articles on topics like screen time's impact on child development. She is widely recognized in the parenting space as The Growing Brain PH.

031 - Breastfeeding: Tips, Journeys, and Thoughts with Drs. Nadine and Paul Zambrano

Discerning Parenting

08/08/23 • 48 min

August is all about celebrating breastfeeding, and we're excited to share some heartwarming stories and invaluable tips in honor of breastfeeding month. Whether you're a new mom, currently breastfeeding, planning to breastfeed, or eagerly awaiting the arrival of your little one, this episode is tailor-made for you.
But that's not all – we're breaking new ground this time! For the first time ever, we're thrilled to welcome a dad onto the show. Our previous episodes have been graced by the wisdom of experienced moms, but today, we're broadening the conversation. This dynamic duo, both accomplished doctors, brings a unique perspective. They're not only parents, but they're also experts in the fields of health and breastfeeding.
Join us on the Discerning Parenting podcast as we celebrate the beauty of breastfeeding and uncover the incredible stories that shape our parenting journeys.
Don't forget to check out these links mentioned in this episode:

Navigate the birthing process with confidence when you grab our FREE Birth Plan.
Breastfeeding series from the Lancet Journal mentioned by Dr. Paul Zambrano.

020 - Reading Readiness: What It Means and Why It’s Important

Discerning Parenting

05/23/23 • 27 min

How do we help our kids be ready to learn to read?
This is a question that people rarely ask. People almost never talk about reading readiness. But if you're having questions like "Should my child already be having reading lessons" or "I get frustrated when trying to teach my child to read", then these are common questions and to help us answer this, we're going to talk about reading readiness in this podcast episode.
I've invited Reading Intervention Specialist, Teacher Tasha Mendoza, to join me today. You don't want to miss this episode that can take away a lot of the stress and pressure around helping kids learn to read.
Click here and get your FREE guide: Prepare Your Child for Reading
This is the third of a series on How to Teach Your Child to Read, our first two episodes answer the questions "How do kids learn to read?" and "How do reading skills develop?" Be sure to listen to these episodes too.
We have 1 more episode about helping kids learn to read, also featuring Teacher Tasha Mendoza. Make sure to follow the Discerning Parenting podcast, so you don't miss an episode!

046 - Holidays with Kids: 5 Tips to Go from Behavior Challenges to Happy Celebrations with Dr. Marie Irene Ordanza

Discerning Parenting

11/21/23 • 25 min

As we gear up for the festivities, every parent is wondering how to make this time more enjoyable, less stressful, and, most importantly, how to handle our kids' behavior. In this episode, join us as we dive into expert advice with Dr. Marie Irene Ordanza, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in managing children and their behavior.

Discover practical tips and strategies that will not only make your holidays more fun but also create a sense of peace amidst the festive chaos. From handling meltdowns to fostering a positive holiday atmosphere, we'll explore it all. Get ready for an insightful conversation that will leave you better equipped to navigate the holiday season with ease.
About our guest:
Dr. Marie Irene Ordanza, a Bilingual Therapist fluent in both English and Tagalog, brings over three years of invaluable experience delivering client-centered care, early intervention, and behavior management services across community, telehealth, and home-based settings. Proficient in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles, she conducts thorough client assessments, trains staff, and designs individualized developmental and behavioral interventions to promote milestones and reduce challenging behaviors. Beyond her core competencies, she is passionate about parent coaching, pediatric feeding therapy, acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), and organizational behavior management (OBM), embodying a holistic approach to her work and a steadfast dedication to excellence in behavioral therapy.
Follow Dr. Irene:
Instagram - @micbordanza
Facebook - @Irene Ordanza

023 - Why Won't My Baby Sleep?

Discerning Parenting

06/13/23 • 9 min

You are exhausted because your baby won't sleep. Then you see all the advice that says you should ignore your baby's cries because if you ignore them long enough, they'll fall asleep. But your mama heart just can't leave your baby screaming and crying all alone in the crib.
Then, you hear these voices telling you, "You are such a pushover. That baby has you wrapped around their little finger." Or "Why are you letting your baby dictate your schedule and what you do?"
Is all this criticism true? Is it your fault that your baby won't sleep? Are you breathing bad habits because you rock your baby to sleep? And what can you do so you don't spend the entire night rocking your baby so they don't wake up? We'll address these questions in this episode.
Discover what works when it comes to sleep, and learn research-backed techniques for soothing your baby.
Sleep, Your Baby, and You is a FREE MINI COURSE created by a trusted pediatrician, to help families with newborns find the answers to one of your most important needs right now: Sleep!
Access the mini-course for FREE when you visit discerningparenting.com/sleep

045 - Homeschooling the Waldorf Way with Dr. Catherine Read

Discerning Parenting

11/14/23 • 48 min

Today, we're diving into the Waldorf method of schooling with a true expert—Dr. Catherine Read. A Ph.D. in developmental psychology, she not only brings academic insights but is also a mom who successfully homeschooled her two kids using the Waldorf approach.
Join us as we explore the principles, impact, and personal experiences that make Waldorf homeschooling unique.
If you're curious about alternative education or want firsthand wisdom, don't miss this insightful conversation with Dr. Catherine on Discerning Parenting!
About our guest:
Dr. Catherine Read, a renowned developmental psychologist and Waldorf education advocate with a Ph.D. from UCLA, serves as a Visiting Scientist at Rutgers University and an Associate at Ithaca College. As the editor of "Evolving Explanations of Development" (1997), her expertise shines. Beyond academia, Dr. Catherine homeschooled her daughters with the Waldorf curriculum, conducted workshops, and actively contributed to the Waldorf community. Her commitment to education and adherence to Rudolf Steiner's principles have left a lasting impact on developmental psychology and Waldorf education, inspiring educators and students alike.
✅ Check out Dr. Catherine's book, "The Genius of Home: Teaching Your Children At Home With The Waldorf Curriculum".✅ Check out Dr. Catherine's website.

002 - Baby’s First Words: At What Age Should They Come?

Discerning Parenting

03/08/23 • 14 min

Are you eagerly looking forward to the day your baby says those sweet first words?

But when should the baby start talking? Should my baby already be having their first words? Should I be doing anything to make this happen faster?

The pressure is real and we all feel it as parents. That’s why I’m here today, as a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, parent coach, and mom to bust some myths around our baby's first words.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

The key to recognizing the communication between you and your baby that’s already happening every single day.
The scientific reason behind the adorable “babbling” and “raspberries”
Why you may have greater success if you ditch all the things that the internet has been telling you to do. Instead, spend 10 minutes just being with your baby.

Get a Head Start on Your Toddler’s Speech Success with the “Toddler Talking” Book HERE!

If you’ve connected with this episode in some way, leave a review and share your biggest takeaway with me. And while you've got your phone out, make sure to follow me on Instagram @discerningparenting.

085 - What Your Preschool Child Needs to Know for Nursery and Kindergarten

Discerning Parenting

08/20/24 • 24 min

Is your little one ready to take that big leap into nursery or kindergarten?
In this episode, we break down the essential steps to ensure your child is prepared for this exciting new chapter. We understand that this transition can be a significant source of worry and stress for parents—questions like "How do I get my child ready for nursery?" or "What does my child need to be prepared for kindergarten?" are common concerns. That's why we've brought in the perfect expert, someone with the knowledge and experience to guide you through this important process.
Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical tips that will help make this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.
About our Guest:
Roxanne Veronica Sevilla is a committed educator with nine years of experience as a preschool teacher and now works as a learning support teacher at MGC New Life Christian Academy. She co-founded The Nook Learning and Play Hub, offering play-based learning for young children and a SPED playgroup for social skills development. A strong advocate for home-school partnerships and integrating biblical principles in teaching, Roxanne holds a degree in Special Education from Trinity University of Asia, where she was recently honored as an outstanding alumna. She is currently pursuing her master's in Special Education at De La Salle University.
Follow The Nook Learning and Play Hub on Facebook and Instagram!
Previous episodes mentioned in this podcast:

Help your child build the skills they need, in a fun and easy way - without exhausting you . Check out my course, Learning Through Play!

068 - When To Worry About Toddler Aggression with Drs. Janys Lim and Jack Herrin

Discerning Parenting

04/23/24 • 32 min

Do your toddler’s kicks or hits have you questioning if it’s more than just the "terrible two's"? One of the most common questions is “When should I worry about my toddler's aggressive behavior?” And if that's your question, we've got you covered today because I've invited two trusted developmental and behavioral pediatricians to join us.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH:
•The single most common reason behind a lot of what we call "toddler aggression" (and it has nothing to do with your toddler wanting to hurt others!)
•One vital thing parents can do to prevent and manage "aggressive behavior"
•If you've been told, "You need to spank your child!" by someone who's seen your child hit or kick - you'll know why this backfires

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FAQ

How many episodes does Discerning Parenting have?

Discerning Parenting currently has 93 episodes available.

What topics does Discerning Parenting cover?

The podcast is about Education For Kids, Parenting, Kids & Family, Parenting Advice and Podcasts.

What is the most popular episode on Discerning Parenting?

The episode title '053 - Why Promising to Keep Calm is Not the Way to Stop Yelling' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Discerning Parenting?

The average episode length on Discerning Parenting is 21 minutes.

How often are episodes of Discerning Parenting released?

Episodes of Discerning Parenting are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Discerning Parenting?

The first episode of Discerning Parenting was released on Feb 15, 2023.

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Discerning Parenting

Victoria Ang-Nolasco, MD

Top 10 Discerning Parenting Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Discerning Parenting have?

What topics does Discerning Parenting cover?

What is the most popular episode on Discerning Parenting?

What is the average episode length on Discerning Parenting?

How often are episodes of Discerning Parenting released?

When was the first episode of Discerning Parenting?

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