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Discerning Parenting

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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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.

Is too much screen time affecting our brains? In this episode of the Discerning Parenting Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Paul Filomeno, an addiction and recovery medicine specialist, pediatrician, and founder of Healthy Screens PH, to discuss the concept of digital dementia.

While not a formal medical diagnosis, digital dementia describes the cognitive effects of excessive screen use—such as poor memory, shorter attention spans, and difficulty with problem-solving.

Dr. Paul shares his expertise on how screen time impacts brain development in children, including executive function, impulse control, and empathy. We also explore problematic internet use, digital distraction, and parental technoference—and most importantly, what we can do as parents to protect ourselves and our kids.

In this episode, you'll discover...
✅ What digital dementia is and how it affects memory and attention span
✅ How excessive screen time impacts children's brain development
✅ How to set digital boundaries for a healthier family life

Resources & Links Mentioned:
📌 Previous Episodes with Dr. Paul:

📌 More Resources on Digital Parenting:

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help more parents discover this important conversation!

⭐ 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.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

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.

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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.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

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.

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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!

⭐ 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.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

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.

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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

⭐ 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.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

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.

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Discerning Parenting - 045 - Homeschooling the Waldorf Way with Dr. Catherine Read
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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.

⭐ 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.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

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.

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

⭐ 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.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

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.

bookmark
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Discerning Parenting - 047 - “Ungrateful” Kids? 5 Ideas to Cultivate Gratitude
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11/28/23 • 12 min

Picture this: a child defiantly throws a plate of spaghetti to the floor, exclaiming, "I don't want it!"
As parents, we might find ourselves reminiscing about the days when we would have cherished such a simple pleasure. Or perhaps, envision a scenario where a child breaks a new toy within minutes of receiving it, leading us to question their gratitude and appreciation. Are they truly being ungrateful, or do they simply lack the understanding of how to treasure their possessions?
In today's episode, we delve into the complex world of parenting when faced with seemingly ungrateful behavior from our children. Join us as we explore the reasons behind these actions and discover that, more often than not, things are not as straightforward as they appear.
Tune in as we navigate the challenges of raising grateful and appreciative children, and gain valuable insights into fostering a deeper connection with our little ones. It's time to unravel the layers of parenting and discover the hidden dynamics that shape our children's expressions of gratitude on this episode of the Discerning Parenting podcast.

⭐ 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.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

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.

bookmark
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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.

⭐ 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.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

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.

bookmark
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Are you the parent of a gifted child whose brilliance is often overshadowed by their distractibility? Do you often find yourself perplexed by your child's potential, wondering why they don't always excel as you expect them to? You're not alone, and today's episode of the Discerning Parenting podcast is tailor-made for you.

In this enlightening conversation, we have the privilege of hosting the author of the groundbreaking book, "Gifted and Distractible." Our guest, Julie Skolnick, is an expert in the field of child development and education and has dedicated her career to understanding the unique challenges faced by gifted children who struggle with maintaining focus and harnessing their exceptional abilities.
Get to know Julie Skolnick:
Julie F. Rosenbaum Skolnick, M.A., J.D., Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, supports parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, and advises professionals. She has a strong background in sociology and actively serves the gifted and twice-exceptional community. Julie hosts Let’s Talk 2e! events and publishes "Gifted & Distractible." She's a parent of three twice exceptional children and finds comfort in her red standard poodle therapist, Tigger.
Grab a Free 20-minute call with Julie - Julieskolnick.com/20min
Julie's website - http://www.withunderstandingcomescalm.com/

⭐ 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.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

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.

bookmark
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Struggling with screen time battles? In this episode, Dr. Paul Filomeno, the first pediatrician in the Philippines locally trained in addiction and recovery medicine, shares why screens are so captivating for toddlers and how parents can transition their kids away from screens with fewer meltdowns. We discuss research-backed strategies, practical tips, and the importance of movement and alternative activities.
As a dad to a young child, Dr. Paul has a deep passion for pioneering studies on behavioral addictions in children and adolescents, including screen time and substance use. As the founder of Healthy Screens PH, he is committed to advancing research and practical strategies to address the growing concerns of both digital and substance-related addictions in the pediatric population. His work emphasizes the development of effective, culturally sensitive approaches to managing addiction issues in young people. He is also a certified Gaming and Gambling Addiction Specialist, having completed his certification at Asia Metropolitan University (AMU) in Malaysia. He currently serves as a consultant in Addiction and Recovery Medicine and Pediatrics at the Philippine General Hospital.

Key Takeaways:
✔️ Why screens are so addictive for toddlers
✔️ The science behind their resistance to stopping screen time
✔️ Practical strategies to transition toddlers away from screens smoothly
✔️ The importance of consistency and alternative activities
✔️ Why screen-free times like bedtime and meals are crucial

Resources Mentioned:
📌 Discerning Parenting Toolkit – Free download with a language activity guide for toddlers, tips on handling toddler tantrums, and more!
📌 Join the Digital Parenting Waitlist and let us know that guidance on this would be valuable for you.

🔗 Related Episodes:

Stay Connected:
✅ Subscribe to the Discerning Parenting Podcast so you don’t miss our coming episodes on managing screen time.
✅ Get in touch with Dr. Paul:
Booking Link:
https://seriousmd.com/doc/paul-lawrence-filomeno

⭐ 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.

🎖️Discerning Parenting is now one of the TOP 20 PARENTING PODCASTS on Feedspot!

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.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Discerning Parenting have?

Discerning Parenting currently has 100 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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