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In this episode, therapist and play therapy expert Dr. Kim Van Dusen explains why play may be one of the most powerful parenting tools we have: play strengthens parent-child relationships, reduces power struggles, supports emotional regulation, encourages independence, and helps children learn important life skills.

She shares practical ways to incorporate play into everyday routines, including chores, homework, transitions, mealtimes, and even those moments when parents are completely exhausted.

We also discuss the importance of independent play, why boredom can be beneficial, and how families can create more connection and joy without spending more money or adding more activities to their schedules.

Whether you have toddlers, school-age children, or teens, this episode offers simple strategies to make family life feel a little lighter and a lot more fun.

Learn more about Dr. Kim Van Dusen and her book at TheParentologist.com.

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

-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

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditi...

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Divorce is one of the most significant transitions a family can experience—but how does it affect children, and what can parents do to minimize the emotional impact?

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, and bestselling author Erica Komisar to discuss the developmental and emotional effects of divorce on children. They explore why certain ages may be more vulnerable than others, how attachment influences children's reactions to separation, common mistakes parents make during divorce, and practical ways parents can help children feel secure during times of change.

They also discuss custody arrangements, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and what children need most from their parents during difficult family transitions.

Whether you're navigating divorce yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers thoughtful, compassionate guidance focused on children's emotional wellbeing.

About Erica Komisar

Erica Komisar, LCSW, is a clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, parent guidance expert, and bestselling author. She is the author of Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters, Chicken Little the Sky Isn't Falling: Raising Resilient Adolescents in the New Age of Anxiety, and The Parents' Guide to Divorce: What to Expect, How to Prepare, and How to Move Forward.

Learn more about Erica and her work at:

Erica Komisar's Website

The Parents' Guide to Divorce:

The Parents' Guide to Divorce Book

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

-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

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditi...

Send us Fan Mail

Many parents worry about reading: Is my child reading early enough? What if my child doesn't like books?

In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica sits down with a very special guest—her mother-in-law, a speech-language pathologist and reading specialist with decades of experience helping children develop language, literacy, and learning skills.

Together they discuss the difference between speech and language, why comprehension matters more than reading words early, how parents can make reading aloud more meaningful, and the signs that may suggest a child needs additional support.

They also discuss dyslexia, stuttering, tongue ties, audiobooks, screens, homework, sustained attention, and why reading should never feel like a test.

This conversation is full of practical advice, strong opinions, and reassuring reminders that every child develops on their own timeline.

For questions or resources, contact:
languageisaccess@gmail.com

Follow Ruth on Instagram @languageisaccess

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

-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

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditi...