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In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen, a pediatrician and parenting expert, explores Valentine’s Day through the lens of emotional development and family connection. She shares the holiday’s history, discusses the pressures families face, and offers practical tips for creating meaningful, low-pressure traditions. Kristen emphasizes teaching children self-love, managing classroom Valentine’s Day stress, and supporting kids through rejection or heartbreak. Her advice centers on helping children feel valued, secure, and emotionally connected, encouraging parents to focus on belonging and resilience rather than perfection or extravagance on Valentine’s Day.

What you’ll learn:

• Discussion of Valentine's Day from a parenting and emotional development perspective.
• Historical context of Valentine's Day, including its origins and evolution.
• Pressures families face during Valentine's Day, including societal expectations and comparisons.
• Importance of creating meaningful, low-pressure family traditions for the holiday.
• Strategies for teaching children self-love and emotional resilience.
• Managing stress related to classroom Valentine's Day activities and peer interactions.
• Supporting children through experiences of rejection or heartbreak.
• Emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging and emotional safety for children.
• Encouragement to focus on internal validation rather than external approval.
• Suggestions for reframing Valentine's Day as a "Love and Connection Day" to include all family members.

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/
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https://www.tiktok.com/@momdoctalk_kcmd?lang=en

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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