The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom

In this powerful and honest conversation, I sat down with Sharon McMahon to talk about something so many parents are quietly carrying right now - political exhaustion, moral tension, and the question of how to raise good humans in divided times.

We unpack the difference between disagreement and dehumanization, politics and morality, optimism and hope. Sharon shares why feeling defeated is not a personal failure, how overwhelm is often by design, and why focusing on one or two issues can be more impactful than trying to care about everything at once. We also talk about boundaries in relationships, modeling values for our kids, coalition building, and what it really means to believe that the future is not finalized.

In this episode, we discuss:


The difference between politics as policy and politics as moral harm


When “agree to disagree” no longer works


How dehumanization differs from simple disagreement


Why burnout and fear can make us easier to manipulate


The difference between optimism and hope


Why you do not have to care about everything equally


How to focus your advocacy without burning out


Coalition building and how real change actually happens


Setting boundaries with family and friends during political tension


Teaching children family values without demonizing others


Why small joys and rest are part of long term resilience

To connect with Sharon McMahon follow her on Instagram @sharonsaysso, check out all her resources at https://sharonmcmahon.com/ and buy her new book “We Are Mighty”: https://sharonmcmahon.com/book 

00:00 Why Optimism Is Not the Goal
00:33 Meet Sharon McMahon, America’s Government Teacher
01:43 Politics, Morality, and the Questions Parents Are Asking
03:11 Why Sharon Started Teaching Government Online
05:30 How to Stay Informed Without Losing Your Peace
08:20 Why You Do Not Have to Care About Every Issue Equally
12:37 When Politics Stops Being Policy and Becomes Right vs Wrong
18:01 When Agree to Disagree Stops Working
24:06 Boundaries, Family Conflict, and Not Demonizing People
29:17 Teaching Kids the Difference Between Disagreement and Dehumanization
33:09 How Fear, Burnout, and Hopelessness Make People Easier to Manipulate
35:34 What Real Advocacy Looks Like Beyond Voting
40:29 Coalition Building and How Change Actually Happens
44:31 Sharon’s Children’s Book and Why Agency Matters for Kids
50:58 What Gives Sharon Hope Right Now
52:34 Small Joys, Rest, and Building Resilience

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠!

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Practical optimism is not about pretending everything is fine or forcing happy thoughts when life feels hard. In this Follow-Up episode, I revisit my conversation with Dr. Sue Varma, psychiatrist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and author of Practical Optimism, to break down what it really means to build a hopeful mindset that is grounded in action, not denial. We talk about how optimism differs from toxic positivity, why some people seem to move through hard things with more resilience, and how this way of thinking can be practiced, even if it does not come naturally.

In this episode, we cover:


What practical optimism actually is


How it differs from toxic positivity and pessimism


Whether optimism is something you are born with or something you can practice


The eight pillars of practical optimism


The three Ps of pessimism and how to spot them


Why purpose, self-compassion, and emotional regulation matter


How optimism can support mental health, relationships, and parenting


Ways to start shifting your mindset in everyday life

Want more? Listen to the full, original episode.

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠!

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Parents often want to talk to their kids about puberty and periods, but many don’t know where to start. In this episode, I’m joined by pediatric and adolescent gynecologist Dr. Charis Chambers to talk about how we can change the way families approach these conversations. From stigma and misinformation to the fear of saying the wrong thing, we break down why avoiding these discussions can leave kids confused, scared, or learning from the wrong sources.

We discuss how to introduce puberty and body changes in age-appropriate ways, why boys should be included in these conversations, and how parents can shift from one awkward “talk” to an ongoing dialog that builds trust. Dr. Chambers also explains the science behind periods, addresses common misconceptions about hormonal therapy, and shares powerful stories from her clinical experience that highlight why this education matters for a child’s long-term relationship with their body and health.

In this episode we discuss:

✔️ Why many kids feel scared when their first period starts

✔️ How to start puberty conversations earlier and more naturally

✔️ Why boys should learn about periods too

✔️ The difference between privacy and secrecy when talking about bodies ✔️ How stigma around periods gets passed down through generations

✔️ Why hormonal therapy is often misunderstood

✔️ How open conversations build trust between parents and kids

To connect with Dr. Charis Chambers follow her on Instagram @theperioddoctor, check out all her resources at https://theperioddoctor.com and buy her new book: https://www.amazon.com/Period-Puberty-Parenting-Revolution-Conversation/dp/1464233802?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn1W3WTCmZ7O5OBTdANGfFNf3Qt3tBhR3ysalxz3dPwNe50CLKDpwfK9vbRiY_aem_POnDC67y5COyXEaA3xsKVQ 

00:00 Why Puberty and Period Talks Matter
02:16 Meet Dr. Charis Chambers and Her New Book
04:01 Why She Wrote The Puberty and Period Parenting Revolution
06:17 Why Kids Need to Learn About Bodies From Parents First
08:42 Is There Such a Thing as Talking Too Early About Puberty?
10:54 Why Boys Need to Be Part of Period Conversations Too
12:35 Privacy vs Secrecy, How Parents Can Normalize Periods
14:00 How Media and Shame Shape Period Stigma
18:40 Why This Needs to Be an Ongoing Conversation, Not One Talk
22:31 How to Explain Anatomy Without Making It Awkward
28:15 What Happens When Kids Are Left in the Dark About Periods
33:54 Hormonal Therapy vs Birth Control, What Parents Should Know
41:29 How to Build Trust When Parents Feel Nervous or Behind
45:05 What Dr. Charis Hopes This Book Changes for Families

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠!

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many parents worry when their child seems shy. But is it actually shyness, or something more?

In this episode, we unpack the difference between a “slow to warm” temperament and an anxiety disorder. We talk about why labeling kids as shy can unintentionally limit them, how social expectations play a role, and what supportive parenting really looks like in those hesitant moments.

We discuss:

• What “slow to warm” actually means
• The key difference between temperament and anxiety
• Why the word shy can become a self-fulfilling label
• How to support kids in new or overwhelming situations
• The importance of preparation and gentle exposure
• When behavior differences across settings may signal anxiety
• Signs of selective mutism and more serious anxiety concerns
• Why evidence-based therapy should include parent involvement

Want more? Listen to the full, original episode.

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠!

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Motherhood is often painted as pure joy, endless patience, and unconditional love.

But what about the moments of frustration? The resentment? The overwhelm? The quiet thought of, “I love my child… but this is really hard.”

In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist Dr. Margo Lowy to talk about maternal ambivalence – the completely normal experience of holding love and difficult emotions at the same time. We unpack the difference between ambivalence and indifference, why so many mothers feel guilt for being human, and how naming these emotions actually strengthens connection rather than weakens it.

If you’ve ever questioned yourself because motherhood didn’t feel magical 100 percent of the time, this conversation will feel like exhaling.

We discuss:

• What maternal ambivalence really means and why it’s misunderstood • Why loving your child and feeling frustrated can coexist • The myth of the “perfect, selfless mother” • How social media fuels unrealistic expectations • Why naming difficult emotions reduces shame • The power of community and choosing supportive voices • How humor and lightness protect us in hard seasons • Why responding instead of reacting changes everything • The importance of modeling emotional honesty for our children

To connect with Dr. Margo Lowy follow her on Instagram @drmargolowy, check out all her resources at https://drmargolowy.com/ and buy her books: https://drmargolowy.com/book/ 

00:00 – Intro: Why Difficult Feelings in Motherhood Matter

01:21 – Introducing Dr. Margo Lowy and Maternal Ambivalence

02:57 – What Maternal Ambivalence Actually Means

06:00 – Ambivalence vs Indifference: A Critical Difference

07:49 – The Myth of the Perfect, Selfless Mother

09:08 – Why Suppressing Difficult Emotions Backfires

11:01 – Letting Go of Perfection in Parenting

13:09 – The Moment You Realize Your Child Is Separate From You

17:08 – Do Fathers Experience Parenting Ambivalence Too?

19:03 – Why Parenting Plans Rarely Go as Expected

22:49 – The Power of Community and Support in Motherhood

29:11 – Social Media and the Pressure to Be the “Perfect Mom”

33:30 – How Accepting Imperfection Strengthens Parenting

43:16 – Naming Ambivalence and Finding Compassion for Yourself

49:22 – Final Takeaway: Why Naming Your Feelings Changes Everything

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠!

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices