Send us a text

In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and mother of two, explores the impact of hustle culture on families. She discusses how constant busyness can harm well-being, and encourages parents to shift from productivity-focused routines to restorative rituals that foster presence, connection, and emotional safety. Kristen offers practical tips for building family rituals, practicing micro-restoration, and embracing imperfection. She emphasizes that slowing down and prioritizing emotional connection over compliance helps children thrive and creates a calmer, more loving home environment. Kristen reassures parents that rest is essential—not a luxury.

What you’ll learn:

• Challenges of hustle culture in parenting and family life
• Impact of constant productivity on physical and mental health
• Importance of shifting focus from routines to restoration and connection
• Difference between routines (efficiency-focused) and rituals (connection-focused)
• Need for predictable emotional availability and micro-restoration practices
• Role of family rhythms in reducing stress and fostering emotional safety
• Encouragement to prioritize connection over compliance in parenting
• Importance of emotional regulation and managing children's nervous systems
• Strategies for incorporating rituals and stillness into family life
• Emphasis on the necessity of rest and rejuvenation for both parents and children

Check out My Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

Send us a text

In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and mom, guides parents on how to talk with their children about vaping, marijuana, and cigarette use. She explains current trends, medical risks, and the importance of honest, non-judgmental conversations over fear-based tactics. Kristen offers practical advice for age-appropriate discussions, highlights the dangers of unregulated substances, and emphasizes the value of modeling healthy behaviors. She encourages parents to build trust, listen with empathy, and maintain open communication to help protect and support their children through these challenging topics.

What you’ll learn:

• Discussing the prevalence of vaping, marijuana, and cigarette use among youth.
• Understanding the terminology and slang associated with these substances.
• Addressing the real medical risks of vaping, marijuana, and cigarette use without exaggeration.
• The importance of honest, non-judgmental conversations to build trust with children.
• Exploring the reasons why kids might use these substances, including peer pressure and coping mechanisms.
• Highlighting the dangers of unregulated products and the risk of fentanyl contamination.
• Providing practical advice for parents on how to approach discussions at different developmental stages.
• Emphasizing the significance of modeling healthy behaviors as a parent.
• Encouraging ongoing communication and relationship-building rather than fear-based tactics.
• Discussing the importance of understanding the consequences of substance use that matter to children.

Order My New Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

Send us a text

In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and mom of two, explores sibling rivalry. She reassures parents that conflict between siblings is normal and developmentally appropriate, dispels common myths, and explains why rivalry happens even in loving families. Kristen discusses how sibling dynamics evolve with age and offers practical strategies for managing conflicts, fostering fairness, and building individual connections. Emphasizing progress over perfection, she encourages parents to focus on helping siblings coexist and grow, rather than eliminating rivalry, highlighting that these challenges teach valuable life skills.

What you’ll learn:

• Definition and nature of sibling rivalry
• Normalcy and developmental appropriateness of sibling conflict
• Reasons for sibling rivalry in loving families
• Evolution of sibling rivalry as children grow
• Myths surrounding sibling rivalry and parental guilt
• Importance of attention and perceived favoritism in sibling relationships
• Developmental stages of sibling rivalry and conflict
• Practical strategies for parents to manage sibling conflicts
• Emphasis on emotional regulation and individual connections
• The role of sibling rivalry in teaching life skills and relationship management

Pre-order My New Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

Send us a text

In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen discusses the often-overlooked challenges of dividing parenting duties. She explains how the mental load and invisible responsibilities can lead to resentment and burnout, emphasizing that true partnership means shared ownership—not just “helping.” Kristen offers practical strategies for two-parent households, co-parents, and stepparents to communicate effectively, set boundaries, and create sustainable systems. She highlights the importance of flexibility, acknowledgment, and teamwork, encouraging families to focus on respectful collaboration rather than perfect fairness, ultimately aiming for healthier, more peaceful family dynamics.

What you’ll learn:

• Division of parenting duties and its impact on family dynamics
• The concept of the mental load in parenting
• Importance of shared ownership of parenting responsibilities
• Communication strategies for discussing parenting roles
• Flexibility and acknowledgment in parenting tasks
• Challenges faced by co-parents and stepparents
• Strategies for effective co-parenting and maintaining boundaries
• The role of stepparents in family systems and their authority
• Addressing feelings of resentment and burnout in parenting
• Modeling good communication and teamwork for children

Pre-order My New Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

Send us a text

In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen discusses the pressures parents face around New Year’s resolutions. She explores why traditional resolutions often fail parents, highlighting the unrealistic expectations and societal pressures that fuel guilt and shame. Kristen encourages listeners to abandon perfectionism and instead set realistic, compassionate goals using the SMART framework, tailored to their unique family situations. She shares practical examples and emphasizes progress over perfection. Kristen reassures parents that growth comes from alignment with real life, not reinvention, and invites them to download her free guide on managing mom guilt from her website.

What you’ll learn:

• Discussion of New Year's resolutions in the context of parenting.
• Exploration of the historical origins of New Year's resolutions.
• Examination of societal pressures and their impact on parental feelings of inadequacy.
• Critique of traditional resolutions as unrealistic for parents.
• Introduction of the SMART goals framework adapted for family life.
• Emphasis on setting realistic, compassionate, and sustainable goals.
• Analysis of why resolutions often fail parents, including external factors and unrealistic expectations.
• Encouragement to focus on progress rather than perfection.
• Practical examples of achievable goals for parents.
• Invitation to download a guide on managing mom guilt..

Pre-order My New Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

Send us a text

In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and parenting expert, explores the emotional and practical challenges parents face during the Christmas season, especially when older children stop believing in Santa while younger siblings still do. She offers compassionate advice on handling children’s questions, involving older kids in preserving holiday magic, and coping with parental emotions during this transition. Kristen also emphasizes respecting families who don’t celebrate Christmas, navigating situations where the Santa myth is revealed, and fostering empathy, inclusivity, and strong family traditions throughout the holidays.

What you'll learn:

• Emotional and practical challenges parents face during the Christmas holiday season.
• Transitioning older children from believing in Santa Claus while younger siblings still do.
• Guidance on handling children's questions about Santa Claus.
• Involving older children in preserving the magic of Santa for younger siblings.
• Coping with parental feelings during this developmental milestone.
• Respecting families who do not celebrate Christmas and promoting inclusivity.
• Navigating situations where the magic of Santa is spoiled by others.
• The significance of teaching children about different winter holidays.
• Encouraging older children to take on roles that help maintain holiday traditions.
• Emphasizing empathy, respect, and connection within families during the holidays.

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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

Send us a text

In this engaging episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a respected pediatrician and trusted parenting advisor, dives deep into Mildred Parten’s six stages of play, revealing how each stage shapes a child’s social and emotional growth. Drawing insightful connections to Piaget’s cognitive theory, Kristen brings these concepts to life with relatable, real-world examples that every parent can appreciate. She offers thoughtful reassurance about the natural evolution of play, helping parents feel confident in their child’s unique journey.

Kristen doesn’t stop at childhood, she opens up about her own experiences, highlighting the transformative power of play for adults as well. With warmth and expertise, she encourages listeners to rediscover play as a vital tool for enhancing mental health and strengthening relationships.

Whether you’re seeking to better understand your child’s behavior or looking for fresh inspiration in your parenting journey, this episode is packed with valuable guidance. Kristen also shares insights from her acclaimed book, Parenting Redefined, making this a must-listen for anyone eager to nurture both their child’s development and their own well-being.

What you'll learn:

• The six stages of play as described by Mildred Parten.
• The significance of play in children's social and emotional development.
• Real-world examples of each stage of play.
• The relationship between Parten's theory and Jean Piaget's cognitive development theory.
• The importance of play for both children and adults.
• Strategies for parents to support their child's play and social development.
• The role of solitary and parallel play in child growth.
• The benefits of adult play for mental health and relationships.
• Encouragement for parents to embrace natural play progression without rushing.
• Insights on how to incorporate play into daily life for stress relief and creativity.

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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

Send us a text

In this episode of MomDoc Talk, host Kristen Cook explores the challenges and importance of co-parenting after a romantic relationship ends. Drawing on personal stories and professional experience, Kristen highlights the need to prioritize children’s well-being, maintain consistency between households, and communicate respectfully with co-parents. She offers practical strategies for managing disagreements, setting predictable routines, and avoiding conflict that harms children. Kristen emphasizes intentional, child-focused cooperation and shares insights from her book, "Parenting Redefined," encouraging parents to put aside personal grievances for the sake of their child’s stability and emotional health.

What you’ll learn:

• The complexities and emotional challenges of co-parenting after a romantic relationship ends.
• The importance of prioritizing the child's needs in co-parenting situations.
• Strategies for maintaining consistency between different households.
• Effective communication techniques for co-parents.
• The impact of parental conflict on children and the importance of shielding them from adult issues.
• Practical advice for creating predictable schedules and managing disagreements.
• The significance of cooperation and respect between co-parents, even in difficult relationships.
• The role of emotional boundaries and personal healing in successful co-parenting.
• The necessity of avoiding manipulation and competition for the child's affection.
• The value of intentionality and focus on the child's well-being in co-parenting dynamics.

Get My New Book:
Parenting Redefined: A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child's Behavior to Help Them Thrive

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.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

Get a copy of Kristen's Upcoming Book: Parenting Redefined HERE

Follow Dr. Cook at: https://www.facebook.com/MomDocTalk/

Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/momdoctalk_kcmd/
https://twitter.com/momdoctalk
https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en