MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

Kristen Cook, MD

1 Creator

Welcome to MomDoc Talk, where real-life parenting meets medical expertise! Hosted by Dr. Kristen Cook, a seasoned pediatrician and mom, this podcast is your go-to resource for evidence-based insights on child development, health, and raising well-rounded, compassionate kids. As both a mother and a pediatrician with over a decade of experience, Dr. Cook understands the challenges parents face today and knows what truly works. Each episode dives into relatable parenting stories, expert advice, and science-backed tips, blending warmth, wisdom, and practicality to support you in guiding your child’s growth in today’s ever-evolving world.

Join Dr. Cook and her guests as they tackle everything from behavior management to health basics, all while keeping the focus on raising good humans.

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.

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Top 10 MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD 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 MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

The Science of Parenting: Why Your Child's Brain Development Matters

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

11/20/24 • 10 min

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In this podcast episode, Dr. Kristen Cook, a pediatrician and parenting expert, shares her insights on the complexities of parenting. Drawing from her medical expertise and personal experiences, she addresses the conflicting information parents often receive and emphasizes the importance of understanding child development. Dr. Cook explains how recognizing the developmental stages of children's brains can inform more effective parenting strategies. She provides practical advice for managing unwanted behaviors and highlights the significance of empathy and self-reflection in parenting. Future episodes promise to delve deeper into specific challenges, offering further guidance for parents.
In this episode:
Personal Journey as a Parent (00:01:04)
Dr. Cook shares her experiences and struggles as a mother and pediatrician.
Understanding Unique Parenting Approaches (00:02:01)
Emphasizes the importance of recognizing each child's individuality in parenting strategies.
The Role of Child Development (00:03:05)
Discusses the significance of understanding child development for setting behavioral expectations.
The Amygdala and Survival Responses (00:04:05)
Explains the amygdala's role in fight, flight, freeze responses to perceived threats.
Frontal Lobes and Decision Making (00:06:16)
Describes the development of frontal lobes and their importance in impulse control and reasoning.
Unwanted Behaviors as Biological Responses (00:07:25)
Frames unwanted behaviors as reactions to perceived threats due to immature brain development.
Parenting Responses to Unwanted Behaviors (00:08:34)
Encourages parents to respond constructively to unwanted behaviors while supporting child development.
Reflecting on Parental Behavior (00:09:50)
Parents need to analyze their behaviors and their impact on children.

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.

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Building Emotional Intelligence: How to Turn Tantrums into Learning Opportunities

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

02/27/25 • 15 min

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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen discusses temper tantrums with a parent and pediatrician. The speaker shares a personal story about their son Mason's significant tantrum during a family vacation, which sparked their interest in child development. They explain that tantrums are natural responses to overwhelming emotions and provide strategies for managing them, such as ensuring safety, validating emotions, and modeling appropriate behavior. The speaker advises against physical punishment and highlights the importance of praise in shaping behavior. The episode aims to empower parents with techniques to manage tantrums and foster emotional intelligence in their children.

Nature and causes of temper tantrums in children and adults
Personal story of a significant temper tantrum during a family vacation
Understanding the brain's response to stress and emotions
Effective strategies for responding to and managing tantrums
Importance of validating emotions and modeling appropriate behaviors
Constructive follow-up after a tantrum to guide children toward better emotional expression
Misconceptions about physical punishment and its long-term effects
Preventing tantrums by recognizing and avoiding common triggers
Role of praise in shaping children's behavior and emotional intelligence
Encouragement for parents to seek professional guidance if tantrums persist or escalate

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Is Breastfeeding Really as Easy as Everyone Says?

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

05/15/25 • 20 min

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In this episode of "Mom Doc Talk," Dr. Kristen Cook, a pediatrician and mother, explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding breastfeeding. She addresses the unrealistic expectation that breastfeeding is easy, shares experiences of mothers facing difficulties, and emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals. Dr. Cook discusses breastfeeding guidelines, stages of breast milk, and common issues like latching problems and low milk supply. She reassures mothers that they are not alone and encourages seeking support. The episode highlights the emotional toll of breastfeeding challenges and the importance of nurturing both mother and baby.

Complexities and challenges of breastfeeding for first-time mothers
Common misconceptions about breastfeeding being easy and natural
Importance of setting realistic expectations for breastfeeding
American Academy of Pediatrics' breastfeeding guidelines
Health benefits of breastfeeding for infants
Learning process of breastfeeding for both mother and baby
Common breastfeeding challenges, including latching problems and low milk supply
Emotional impact of breastfeeding difficulties on mothers
Role of lactation consultants and qualities of effective support
Encouragement for mothers to prioritize their well-being and seek support

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How Can Parents Stay Calm When Kids Misbehave?

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

11/27/24 • 14 min

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In this podcast episode, Kristen delves into parenting techniques, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a calm exterior during challenging situations with children. They introduce the "duck on a pond" technique, which highlights the need for emotional regulation and rational responses to children's misbehavior. Through personal anecdotes, Kristen illustrates how staying composed can lead to more effective discipline and better communication with children. The episode aims to equip parents with strategies to handle misbehavior thoughtfully, fostering a positive and understanding environment for their children.
Discussion Points
- Importance of maintaining a calm exterior in parenting
- Emotional regulation and its impact on discipline
- The "duck on a pond" analogy for managing emotions
- Strategies for handling children's misbehavior without escalating situations
- Practical applications of the "duck on a pond" technique in various scenarios (tantrums, lies, teen issues)
- Recognizing and managing physical sensations related to emotions
- Creating personal calming techniques (phrases, visualizations)
- Benefits of staying calm in parenting and other life areas
- Effective discipline as a teaching method rather than punishment
- Learning from emotional reactions and improving parenting strategies over time

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How Can Effective Praise Transform Your Parenting Approach?

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

03/06/25 • 15 min

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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen discusses the critical role of effective praise in parenting. She emphasizes how specific, immediate, genuine, realistic, and effort-focused praise can motivate children, reinforce positive behaviors, and reduce unwanted actions. Kristen warns against the negative effects of empty or excessive praise, which can harm self-esteem and create entitlement. She highlights the importance of combining praise with expressions of gratitude to strengthen the parent-child relationship. The episode serves as a practical guide for parents to use praise intentionally, fostering resilience and a growth mindset in their children.

Importance of effective praise in parenting
Role of praise in motivating children and reinforcing positive behaviors
Characteristics of effective praise: specific, immediate, genuine, realistic, and effort-focused
Negative effects of empty or excessive praise
Strategies for providing specific and immediate praise
Importance of genuine and realistic praise to avoid mixed messages
Focus on effort rather than just outcomes to foster a growth mindset
Risks of over-praising and creating entitlement in children
Reflection on praise habits and striving for consistency
Benefits of combining praise with expressions of gratitude to strengthen parent-child relationships

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How Can Parents Help Children Navigate the Complexities of Valentine's Day?

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

02/12/25 • 16 min

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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen delves into the nuances of navigating Valentine's Day with children. The discussion covers the holiday's history, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, kindness, and addressing the emotional aspects for kids and teenagers. Kristen offers practical advice for parents on supporting their children through various stages of relationships, from elementary school to adolescence. Key themes include fostering respect, honesty, and connection, while shifting the focus from commercialized elements to the deeper meanings of love and friendship.

Understanding the history and origins of Valentine's Day.
The significance of kindness and inclusion in celebrating the holiday.
Strategies for addressing children's emotions related to Valentine's Day.
Guidance for parents on supporting children through different relationship stages.
Navigating the complexities of Valentine's Day in middle school.
Supporting teenagers in managing expectations and self-esteem during Valentine's Day.
The importance of open conversations about relationships and dating.
Discussing sexual health and consent with teenagers.
Emphasizing the values of respect, honesty, and connection in relationships.
Shifting focus from commercialism to the deeper meanings of love and friendship.

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Welcome to MomDoc Talk - Preview Episode

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

11/20/24 • 2 min

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Join Dr. Cook and her guests as they tackle everything from behavior management to health basics, all while keeping the focus on raising good humans.

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Are Vaccines Really Safe and Effective for My Child?

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

03/20/25 • 21 min

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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, hosted by Kristen Cook, a pediatrician addresses common myths about vaccines, providing scientifically accurate information. The speaker emphasizes the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases, the rigorous testing they undergo, and the concept of herd immunity. The discussion covers the historical development of vaccines, ethical considerations, and the critical role they play in public health. The pediatrician debunks myths, such as vaccines causing autism and being profit-driven, and reassures listeners about vaccine safety. The episode aims to clarify misconceptions and encourage informed decisions regarding children's health.

Importance of vaccines in preventing diseases
Common myths and misconceptions about vaccines
Distinction between immunization and vaccination
Types of immunity: active and passive
Concept of herd immunity and its role in community health
Historical development of vaccines and their rigorous testing
Addressing the myth linking vaccines to autism
Clarification on vaccine preservatives and thimerosal
Discussion on fetal tissue in vaccine development
Consequences of not vaccinating, using measles as a case study

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How Can Parents Foster Emotional Intelligence in Their Children?

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

04/03/25 • 15 min

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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen Cook explores the vital role of emotional intelligence in parenting. She underscores the importance of understanding and expressing emotions, both for adults and children. Kristen shares insights on validating emotions, modeling healthy emotional expression, and fostering open discussions about feelings. She highlights the significance of creating a supportive environment for emotional growth, emphasizing that emotional intelligence is as crucial as academic or athletic success. Kristen provides practical tips for parents to nurture their children's emotional skills, aiming to help them develop resilience and strong emotional intelligence.

Importance of emotional intelligence in parenting
Understanding and expressing emotions in adults and children
Validating emotions and modeling healthy emotional expression
Fostering open discussions about feelings
Embracing uncomfortable emotions for personal growth
Distinction between emotions and feelings
Role of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex in emotional development
Creating a safe space for children to express emotions
Characteristics of high emotional intelligence (EQ)
Encouraging meaningful conversations to enhance emotional growth

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The Best Strategies to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting with Your Kids

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

11/20/24 • 15 min

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In this episode of "MomDoc Talk," Dr. Kristen Cook, a pediatrician and experienced parent, addresses the common parenting challenge of using yelling as a disciplinary strategy. She shares personal anecdotes and scientific insights to explain why yelling is often an instinctive reaction but ultimately ineffective. Dr. Cook emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding emotional triggers. She offers practical strategies, such as journaling and calming techniques, to help parents reduce yelling and improve communication with their children. The episode aims to foster healthier, more constructive responses to children's behavior, promoting a supportive family environment.
In this episode:

Challenges of parenting and common struggles faced by parents
The tendency to use yelling as a disciplinary method
Personal anecdotes illustrating the impact of yelling in parenting
Negative emotional outcomes of yelling at children, such as fear and low self-esteem
The concept of "amygdala hijack" and its role in impulsive reactions
Importance of self-awareness in managing emotional responses
Recognizing physical sensations associated with anger and frustration
Practical strategies for reducing yelling, such as journaling and calming techniques
The goal is to respond to misbehavior in a calm and constructive manner
Fostering healthier communication and emotional regulation in parent-child interactions

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FAQ

How many episodes does MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD have?

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD currently has 26 episodes available.

What topics does MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD cover?

The podcast is about Parenting Podcast, Child Development, Podcasts and Education.

What is the most popular episode on MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD?

The episode title 'How Can We Embrace Our Bodies After Motherhood?' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD?

The average episode length on MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD is 16 minutes.

How often are episodes of MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD released?

Episodes of MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD?

The first episode of MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD was released on Nov 20, 2024.

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MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

Kristen Cook, MD

Top 10 MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD have?

What topics does MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD cover?

What is the most popular episode on MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD?

What is the average episode length on MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD?

How often are episodes of MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD released?

When was the first episode of MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD?

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