Shows
Your Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 198 Lice Myths Busted: What Every Parent Needs to Know, with Amy ChinianSend us a text In this episode of Your Child is Normal, Jessica Hochman, MD, talks with Amy Chinian, founder of My Hair Helpers, about the truth behind lice—what they are, how they really spread, and why they have nothing to do with hygiene. Together, they bust common myths (spoiler: you can stop bagging stuffed animals for two weeks), explain the most effective ways to check for lice, and share safe, non-toxic treatment options. Whether you’ve been through a lice outbreak or just want to be prepared, this conversation will help you. Your Child...
2025-08-1825 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 197: Helping Kids Feel Safe Before Anesthesia, with pediatric anesthesiologist Dr Jacqueline Drummond LewisSend us a textWhen kids need anesthesia for a medical procedure, it’s normal for both them—and their parents—to feel anxious. In this episode of Your Child is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman speaks with pediatric anesthesiologist Dr. Jacqueline Drummond Lewis (aka Doc JC), author of Adventures with Doc JC: The Unseen Planet. Together they explore what anesthesia actually is, how it works in kids, and how families can better prepare their children before a procedure. Dr. Lewis shares practical tips, reassures us about safety, and explains how imagination and preparation can reduce fear for everyo...
2025-08-1130 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 196: Using Hypnosis with Children — Lynn Lyons on Helping Anxious Kids Tap into Their ImaginationSend us a textThis week on Your Child is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman welcomes back Lynn Lyons—licensed therapist, author, and host of the Flusterclux podcast—for a surprising and eye-opening conversation about clinical hypnosis for kids.You might associate hypnosis with stage tricks or pop culture shenanigans, but as Lynn explains, it's actually a science-backed, deeply therapeutic technique—especially powerful for children dealing with anxiety, phobias, or even chronic pain.Drawing from her book Using Hypnosis with Children, Lynn breaks down how hypnosis really works (hint: it’s not about going into a t...
2025-08-0442 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 195: Acupuncture for Kids with Anxiety: A Conversation with Dr. Tara McCannelSend us a textIn this episode of Your Child is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman is joined by Dr. Tara McCannel—retinal surgeon, ocular oncologist, and co-founder of Seyhart Acupuncture in Santa Monica, California. They discuss how acupuncture can be a powerful, evidence-informed, and low-risk option to support anxiety—especially in children who present with physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or sleep disturbances. Whether you're a parent seeking alternatives to medication, or simply curious about the science behind acupuncture, this episode is full of practical insights and thoughtful reflection.Your Child is Normal is the...
2025-07-2830 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 192: Why boredom is a good thing for kids! (Minisode)Send us a textIn this solo episode of Your Child Is Normal, pediatrician and mom of three Dr. Jessica Hochman explores a summer parenting dilemma almost all families face: what to do when kids say, “I’m bored.”Rather than seeing boredom as a problem to fix, in episode makes the case that it’s actually a gift. Drawing on developmental psychology and research, she explains how boredom helps children develop creativity, autonomy, and emotional regulation. You’ll hear stories about J.K. Rowling, Albert Einstein, and Thomas Edison—all of whom had major breakthrough...
2025-07-0707 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 191: Summer Q&A Minisode! Hydration, Constipation, Sunscreen Battles & Motion SicknessSend us a textIn this special "minisode" of Your Child is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman answers four of the most common summer questions she hears from parents:– Is it normal if my kid doesn’t drink much water?– Why does my child get constipated when we travel?– What if my child refuses sunscreen?– How do I prevent motion sickness in the car?The goal is to help parents learn practical tips of normal parent concerns to help you feel more prepared during the summer months.Your Child is Normal is...
2025-06-3007 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 188: Why Bedwetting Happens—and What Really Helps: A Conversation with Pediatric Urologist Dr. Andrew KirschSend us a textBedwetting is incredibly common—but it’s also often misunderstood, leaving families feeling frustrated, confused, or even ashamed. In this episode, pediatric urologist Dr. Andrew Kirsch joins Dr. Jessica Hochman to demystify nighttime wetting and offer real, evidence-based guidance for parents.They explore:Why bedwetting happens (hint: it’s not your child’s fault)When to worry and when to waitThe truth about bedwetting alarms and medicationsA promising new non-drug device called Soluu that could reshape how we treat bedwettingWhether you're in the thick of it with your child or...
2025-06-0942 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 187: When is the digital world too much for kids? And what can realistically be done about it? With Julie Frumin, MFTSend us a textIn this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman talks with therapist and screen-time educator Julie Frumin about the digital world kids are growing up in—and how to push back. They explore the rise in anxiety, sleep deprivation, and attention issues linked to screens, and how we can respond as parents and communities. Julie shares her personal story, professional insights, and her work with Healthier Tech and MAMA (Mothers Against Media Addiction). From delaying smartphones to modeling unplugged behavior to creating phone-free spaces, this conversation is filled with realistic, empowering to...
2025-06-0239 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 186: Between a Shot and a Hard Place: A Conversation with Dr. Joel “Gator” WarshSend us a textIn this episode of Your Child is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman speaks with integrative pediatrician Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh about his brand-new book, Between a Shot and a Hard Place. They discuss vaccine decision-making in today’s polarized climate, the importance of listening to parents, and how to navigate thoughtful conversations rooted in care and trust.Dr. Hochman also shares her own perspective as a pediatrician who strongly supports vaccines and believes in creating space for respectful questions and dialogue.If you're a parent looking to make informed, confident choice...
2025-05-2645 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp: 185 Healthy Kids, Real Life: A Pediatrician Mom’s Honest Approach with Dr. Padget SkogmanSend us a textIn this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with pediatric hospitalist and mom of three, Dr. Padget Skogman, for a refreshingly honest conversation about raising healthy kids in a very imperfect world. They dive into the real-life challenges of nutrition, screen time, and daily routines—offering practical, judgment-free advice for families who want to feel better without burning out.Dr. Skogman shares how her experience as a physician and a mother shaped her views on food, wellness, and the importance of small, sustainable changes. Th...
2025-05-1932 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 180: Part 1: Navigating Vaccine Hesitancy with Dr Paul OffitSend us a textIn this conversation, Dr. Paul Offit and pediatrician Jessica Hochman discuss the importance of vaccinations, the challenges of vaccine hesitancy among parents, and the need for nuanced conversations in public health. They explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public trust, and the science behind vaccination schedules. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding parental concerns while advocating for the safety and efficacy of vaccines. About Paul A. Offit, MD!Paul A. Offit, MD, is Director of the Vaccine Education Center and professor of pediatrics in the Division o...
2025-04-1421 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 178: The Seven Principles to help Connection with your Child, with Ned JohnsonSend us a textEp 178: Ned Johnson joins Dr Jessica Hochman on "Your Child is Normal" and they explore the complexities of parenting, emphasizing the importance of connection, understanding, and enjoying the journey with children. Ned shares insights from his new book, "Seven principles for raising self-driven children", highlighting practical strategies for building lasting relationships with their children.To purchase Ned's new book The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child: A Workbook click hereYour Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nu...
2025-03-3139 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 177: Why Support Matters in Pregnancy & Childbirth, with Carson Meyer, Doula & Author of Growing TogetherSend us a textIn this conversation, Jessica Hochman and Carson Meyer discuss role of doulas in supporting families during pregnancy and childbirth. They explore the misconceptions surrounding birth, the importance of education and quality support to help the birthing experience. They emphasize how doulas can help provide emotional and physical support to mothers during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. About Carson:Carson Meyer is a doula, nutrition consultant, and advocate for holistic maternal care. She graduated from NYU in 2016 with a degree in child development and holistic health. Now based in North Carolina, Car...
2025-03-2438 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 176: Rethinking Youth Sports: Can we lessen the pressure and make it more fun? with Linda Flanagan Author of Taking Back the GameSend us a textIn this conversation, Linda H Flanagan and Jessica Hochman explore the complexities of youth sports today, discussing the pressures faced by young athletes, advocating for a more balanced approach to youth athletics. We discuss the importance of exercise, the risks of early specialization, and the mental health implications of competitive sports. The discussion emphasizes the need for free play, the debunking of myths surrounding sports and character building, and the design of an ideal sports curriculum that prioritizes enjoyment and well-being over competition. A really important conversation, especially for parents who have children...
2025-03-1745 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 172: Should normal "sucking habits" like breast feeding, pacifiers and thumb sucking be stopped? Dr Lisa Bienstock pediatric dentistSend us a textToday, Dr Jessica Hochman and Dr. Lisa Bienstock, pediatric dentist, discuss the nuances ] focusing on common concerns parents have regarding their children's "sucking" habits. They explore the importance of understanding non-nutritive sucking habits, for example the implications of breastfeeding, and the role of pacifiers and thumb sucking on children's oral development. Dr. Bienstock emphasizes the importance of allowing children to stop these habits on their own terms and provides various strategies and tools for parents to support their children in this process. The discussion aims to reassure parents about common concerns regarding their c...
2025-02-1729 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 167: Everyday Health Decision for kids-- with Dr Cara Natterson & Vanessa Kroll BennettSend us a textEp 167: I was lucky enough to be a guest on "This is So Awkward" hosted by the amazind, smart and funny duo, Dr Cara Natterson and Vanessa Bennett" and I thought my audience would enjoy hearing this conversation as well. In this episode we talk about winter illnesses, vaccine anxiety, common injuries, travel tips with children and more! This is So Awkward is a fantastic podcast---I recommend checking it out for more on puberty, tweens and teens! Also, this podcast is coming out as Los Angeles has been dealing with unprecidented fire...
2025-01-1447 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 163: Strategies to help parents play & be present with their children! With Dr Tina Payne Bryson!Send us a textIn this episode, Dr Tina Payne Bryson returns to Ask Dr Jessica to discuss her new book 'The Way of Play' which explains the importance of incorporating play into parenting, building relationships, regulating emotions, and developing essential skills in children. Her latest book shares strategies and tips to help parents play and be present with their kids--- which ultimately will help strengthen their bond with their children.Dr. Tina Payne Bryson is a licensed mental health professional and she has co-written several books on parenting, including 'The Whole-Brain Child,' 'No-Drama D...
2024-12-0231 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 161: Melatonin use in children: a cause for concern or a helpful supplement? with Pieter Cohen, MDSend us a textIn this episode, Jessica Hochman MD and Pieter Cohen MD discuss melatonin use in children! Dr Cohen recently authored a study on melatonin use in children, and the study revealed significant discrepancies in the labeling of melatonin supplements. They explore the safety concerns, regulatory issues, and the need for better quality control in the supplement industry.Dr. Pieter Cohen, a graduate of Yale School of Medicine, is an associate professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a practicing internist at Cambridge Health Alliance (Somerville, Massachusetts). His area of research is th...
2024-11-1823 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 159: The Science behind attachment relationships and Child Development! With Dan Siegel, MDSend us a textThank you to Dr Dan Siegel for joining Ask Dr Jessica! This will be a two part conversation, and in the first part Dan Siegel and Jessica discuss the intricacies of parenting and the neuroscience behind child development. They explore the importance of attachment, as attachment relationships are crucial for a child's emotional health. The discussion highlights the need for parents to understand their own reactions and the impact of their behavior on their children, ultimately offering hope and guidance for navigating the challenges of parenting.Daniel J. Siegel received his m...
2024-11-0436 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 111: How to teach our kids to read? with Ruth Rothfeld-HochmanSend us a textIn this weeks episode of Ask Dr Jessica, speech therapist Ruth Rothfeld-Hochman explains best practices to teach reading to our children. We know that confidence with reading is a very important skill, that helps in many aspects of life, but how do we best support our children? 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...
2023-11-0626 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 106: A new RSV shot for kids--should your child get it? with Michael Hochman MD, MPHSend us a textToday’s episode features Dr Michael Hochman,to discuss the newly approved FDA product to prevent RSV in children, Nirsevimab (sold under the brand name Beyfortus). Recently there have been two RSV vaccines approved for adults—one for individuals over 60 years old, and one for use in pregnancy to prevent RSV in infants. On today’s podcast, the conversation will focus on Nirsevimab, a shot that has been approved by the FDA for all babies up to 8 months old and a second shot for infants up to 19 months who are considered to be at hig...
2023-10-0222 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 93: How can parents help children with learning differences? Dr Victoria WallerSend us a textThis week, Dr Jessica Hochman talks to Dr Victoria Waller, author of "Yes! Your Child Can: Creating Success for Children with Learning Differences". Dr Waller has been a reading specialist and educational therapist for over 40 years and is passionate about helping children who have learning differences succeed. Her book offers parents a can-do, step-by-step approach to help parents navigate testing, considerations of starting a medication and choosing a team to help support your child. She believes that all children have natural strengths and passions, and that the key is for parents to help our c...
2023-07-0318 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 92: How to talk to children about grief? Randi Wolfson, Grief EducatorSend us a textEpisode 92 of Ask Dr Jessica discusses the topic of grief. Randi Wolfson has been a grief educator and writer for 20 years, and she is passionate about helping grievers. Experiencing loss is an unfortunate reality of life— and parents are often unsure how to talk about death with their children. On today's podcast, Randi and Dr Jessica Hochman discuss grief—and Randi provides insight into how to best broach the subject with children. To learn more from Randi, please check out her Facebook and Instagram page—@GriefandGrits—where she provides grief education. She also authored...
2023-06-2643 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 91: Everything you need to know about Puberty! with Cara Natterson MD & Vanessa Kroll Bennett, hosts of The Puberty PodcastSend us a textThis weeks's episode of Ask Dr Jessica is joined by the hosts of The Puberty Podcast, Dr Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett. In this episode we talk about all things relating to puberty! Often I find that talking about puberty can be awkward, but Dr Cara and Vanessa are so knowledgeable, funny, and honest--that they are paving the way to show us that these conversations don't have to be awkward. They offer great advice and tips --especially helpful to anyone who has tweens or teens. The Puberty Podcast weaves together sci...
2023-06-1942 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 89: Artificial Intelligence & the future of Medicine: Dr Joel "Gator" Warsh & Amy Kelly co-founder Miri HealthSend us a textThis weeks Ask Dr Jessica is an interesting conversation about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how we can use it to improve the practice of medicine. Dr Jessica Hochman talks with pediatrician, Dr Joel "Gator" Warsh and Amy Kelly, Co-Founder of Miri Health. Miri Health (set to launch in 2023) is a company that will use generative AI technology to integrate with leading healthcare experts, to amplify health care access. We discuss what AI may look like in medicine; including the potential benefits as well as the potential shortcomings. To learn...
2023-06-0531 minYour Child is Normal: with Dr Jessica HochmanEp 88: When to worry about lumps, bumps, hernias, & abdominal pain? with Cathy Shin MD, pediatric surgeonSend us a textToday's episode of Ask Dr Jessica features Dr Cathy Shin, a pediatric surgeon at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. In this episode, we talk about the most common reasons why children visit a pediatric surgeon--including skin bumps (6:58), lymph nodes (9:25), appendicitis (13:28) and hernias (22:58). She gives great advice on what to look for--what are reassuring signs and what are the signs to visit a doctor. Dr Shin is also the director of the trauma program at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles---so we discuss ways that parents can help prevent common pediatric trauma--such as car safety (29:57), swim...
2023-05-2936 min