MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

Kristen Cook, MD

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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.

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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.

What Happens When Your Child Has a Seizure? A Mother's Story of Fear and Resilience

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

01/16/25 • 13 min

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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, hosted by Kristen Cook, a mother and healthcare professional recounts a traumatic experience involving her daughter, Savannah, who suffered a febrile seizure on March 18, 2017. The speaker shares the emotional turmoil and challenges of managing a medical emergency as both a parent and a pediatrician. She emphasizes the importance of being prepared for such situations, particularly through CPR certification. The episode serves as both a personal testimony and a public service announcement, encouraging parents and caregivers to be proactive in emergency preparedness and understanding febrile seizures in children.

Personal account of a traumatic medical emergency involving a child.
Experience of a mother who is also a healthcare professional.
Description of a grand mal seizure and its symptoms.
Importance of emergency preparedness and CPR certification for parents and caregivers.
Educational information about febrile seizures, their causes, and prevalence in children.
Emotional impact of witnessing a child's medical crisis on a parent.
The role of medical professionals during emergencies and the comfort of familiar faces.
Challenges of balancing parental instincts with professional knowledge in a crisis.
Long-term effects of a child's health scare on family dynamics and emotional well-being.
Encouragement for proactive measures in emergency situations and cherishing family moments.

The information 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 issues. All 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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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

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.

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.

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

Spring Break Survival Guide: Keeping Your Family Safe and Sane

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

03/27/25 • 13 min

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In this episode of "Mom Doc Talk," Kristen Cook offers essential guidance for families preparing for spring break. She emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, discussing safety tips for both family trips and teens traveling independently. Key topics include booking accommodations, sharing itineraries, maintaining communication, and ensuring vehicle safety. For international travel, Kristen highlights the need for updated passports, travel insurance, and understanding local laws. She also addresses the risks of alcohol and drug use, urging parents to have open conversations with their teens. Lastly, she provides tips for reducing vacation stress, advocating for realistic expectations and flexibility.

Preparation for family trips, including booking accommodations and sharing itineraries.
Importance of researching travel destinations and understanding local safety concerns.
Strategies for maintaining communication with children during vacations.
Road trip safety tips, including vehicle checks and emergency kits.
Considerations for international travel, such as passport readiness and health requirements.
Addressing alcohol and drug use with teenagers, including legal implications and safety risks.
Tips for reducing vacation stress and setting realistic expectations.
Importance of flexibility and maintaining some structure during family trips.
Encouraging open conversations about potential challenges and framing them positively.
Emphasizing the value of preparation and communication for a safe and enjoyable spring break experience.

Are You Parenting the Child You Have or the Child You Want?

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

01/02/25 • 17 min

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In this podcast episode, Dr. Kristen Cook, a pediatrician and parent, discusses the concept of "parenting the child you have." She emphasizes understanding children's unique perspectives, interests, and emotional needs. Dr. Cook shares practical strategies for avoiding triggers for misbehavior and highlights the importance of modeling desired behaviors. She advocates for a balanced approach that combines empathy with appropriate boundaries. Through relatable examples and personal anecdotes, Dr. Cook provides valuable insights to help parents foster a nurturing environment, encouraging children to become kind, confident, and well-adjusted individuals.

Concept of "parenting the child you have" versus the child you want
Importance of understanding children's perspectives and emotions
Embracing children's unique interests and preferences
Balancing understanding with appropriate boundaries in parenting
Recognizing and avoiding triggers for misbehavior
Creating a supportive environment to minimize meltdowns
The role of modeling behavior in parenting
Impact of parental behavior on children's actions and language
Encouraging self-expression and confidence in children
Fostering emotional well-being and personal growth in children

Are Your Child's Play Skills Developmentally Appropriate?

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

01/09/25 • 16 min

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In this podcast episode, pediatrician Kristen addresses parents' concerns about their children's social interactions and developmental play stages. The episode educates parents on the stages of play identified by psychologist Mildred Parton, from unoccupied play to cooperative play. Kristen reassures parents that various play styles are normal and essential for psychosocial development. By understanding these stages, parents can set realistic expectations and support their children's social and emotional growth. The episode emphasizes that play is crucial for developing skills such as creativity, empathy, and problem-solving, and that children will naturally progress through these stages over time.

Concerns of parents regarding children's social interactions and developmental milestones.
Explanation of different stages of play as identified by psychologist Mildred Parton.
Evolution of children's play from observation to solitary and interactive forms.
Importance of setting developmentally appropriate expectations for children's social behavior.
Case study of a 19-month-old girl illustrating common parental concerns and developmental norms.
Role of play in psychosocial development and essential skill acquisition.
Overview of the six stages of play: unoccupied, solitary, observer, parallel, associative, and cooperative play.
Normalcy of limited peer interaction in young children and its developmental appropriateness.
Encouragement of positive social interactions through praise for cooperative behavior.
Significance of pretend play in promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Discipline vs. Punishment: Understanding the Key Differences for Effective Parenting

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

01/23/25 • 15 min

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In this episode of "Mom Doc Talk," pediatrician Dr. Kristen Cook discusses effective parenting strategies, focusing on the difference between discipline and punishment. She emphasizes the importance of modeling behavior, providing consistent discipline, and clear communication. Dr. Cook explains that discipline aims to teach and support children, contrasting with punishment, which often leads to negative emotions. She offers practical advice, including age-appropriate consequences and the importance of follow-through. Dr. Cook also shares personal experiences, encouraging parents to be patient and give themselves grace. The episode aims to equip parents with tools to foster positive behavior in their children.

Distinction between discipline and punishment in parenting.
Importance of modeling behavior for children.
Role of consistent discipline in teaching appropriate behaviors.
Emotional support as a key component of effective discipline.
Negative effects of punishment on children's emotional well-being.
Age-appropriate consequences for misbehavior.
Importance of clear communication about desired behaviors.
Need for consequences to fit the behavior.
Encouragement for parents to be patient and forgiving of themselves.
Viewing discipline as a learning tool rather than a punitive measure.

How Can Effective Praise Transform Your Parenting Approach?

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

03/06/25 • 14 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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FAQ

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

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD currently has 20 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 Parents Help Children Navigate the Complexities of Valentine's Day?' 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 15 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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