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MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD

By: Kristen Cook MD
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About this listen

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.


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.

© 2026 MomDocTalk with Kristen Cook, MD
Episodes
  • Why Don’t Kids Listen Even When We Repeat Ourselves?
    Apr 23 2026

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    In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen explores why children struggle to listen and why parents often resort to repeating themselves. She explains that listening is a learned skill influenced by developmental stages, not defiance. Kristen offers age-specific strategies: getting physically close to toddlers and using simple commands, setting clear expectations and consistent consequences for school-age children, and shifting from control to influence with teenagers. She emphasizes connection, natural consequences, and realistic expectations. Kristen reassures parents that their child isn't broken and that small changes in approach can lead to less frustration and more peace at home.


    What you’ll learn:

    • Common parenting challenge of children not listening
    • Listening as a learned skill rather than an inherent trait
    • Developmental reasons for listening difficulties in toddlers, school-age children, and teenagers
    • Practical strategies for improving listening skills by age group
    • Importance of connection, consistency, and natural consequences in parenting
    • Adjusting parental expectations based on children's developmental stages
    • The impact of attention issues and distractions on children's listening abilities
    • Effective communication techniques for different age groups
    • The role of autonomy and independence in teenage behavior
    • Encouragement for parents to focus on progress and maintain strong relationships with their children

    Order 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

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    16 mins
  • What Does Resilience Really Mean for Your Child’s Growth?
    Apr 16 2026

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    In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen explores the concept of resilience in children, clarifying that it differs from persistence and toughness. She emphasizes that resilience isn't about avoiding struggle but about experiencing difficulty, recovering, and moving forward. Kristen offers age-specific advice for parents of toddlers, school-aged children, and teenagers, highlighting common pitfalls like overprotecting or minimizing emotions. She encourages parents to guide children through challenges rather than eliminating them, helping kids develop emotional flexibility and problem-solving skills. Kristen also promotes her book, Parenting Redefined, available on Amazon.


    What you’ll learn:

    • Definition and importance of resilience in children
    • Distinction between resilience, persistence, and toughness
    • The role of parents in fostering resilience through challenges
    • Common parenting pitfalls that hinder resilience, such as overprotection
    • Strategies for helping toddlers develop resilience
    • Techniques for building resilience in school-aged children
    • Approaches to support teenagers in developing resilience
    • The significance of emotional regulation and validation in parenting
    • Encouragement for parents to allow children to face struggles
    • Promotion of a book on parenting strategies and child behavior understanding

    Order 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

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Why Do Toddlers Throw Tantrums and How Can Parents Truly Understand Them?
    Apr 9 2026

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this episode of MomDoc Talk, Kristen explores the challenging world of toddlers and preschoolers, explaining that tantrums and difficult behaviors stem from overwhelmed, still-developing brains rather than defiance or manipulation. Drawing from personal experiences, including her son Mason's restaurant meltdown and daughter Savannah's "I hate you" outburst, Kristen encourages parents to stay calm, seek connection over control, and understand the root causes behind their child's behavior. She reminds parents that imperfection is normal, comparisons are unhelpful, and these challenging phases are temporary.

    What you’ll learn:

    • Understanding toddler and preschooler behavior
    • The nature of temper tantrums and emotional dysregulation
    • The importance of maintaining calmness during challenging moments
    • Strategies for effective parenting and emotional connection
    • The role of patience in managing difficult behaviors
    • The impact of personal feelings on parenting responses
    • Recognizing that misbehavior is not a reflection of parenting quality
    • The significance of understanding a child's unique temperament
    • The temporary nature of challenging phases in childhood
    • The deeper emotional rewards of parenthood despite difficulties

    Order 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

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
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