Blog Archives

Formula + Breastfeeding Essentials – S4E3

If you are a new parent, feeding your newborn can raise a lot of questions. But don’t worry, this episode covers everything you need to know to make sure your baby is getting all the nutrients needed, whether you’re using breast milk or formula.

In this episode, host Jessica Stewart Gonzalez talks to Amanda Shumway, the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program Manager for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at the Arizona Department of Health Services.

To participate in the Arizona WIC Peer Counseling Program or to work with WIC Registered Dieticians, you must be enrolled in the WIC program. Find out if you qualify here.

To find out if you are eligible to join the WIC Staff Breastfeeding Boot Camp, contact Amanda Shumway at [email protected] or Zarina Ahlstrom at [email protected]

1 Sheep 2 Sheep Getting to Sleep – S4E2

Are you a parent struggling to get your little one to fall asleep? Well, you’re not alone! Sleep is essential for a child’s healthy development and well-being, but sometimes it can be a real challenge. One safe and effective way to help children fall asleep is by giving them melatonin.

Jessica chats with Dr. Rupali Drewek, the medical director of the Sleep Disorders Program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and a board certified pediatrician. Dr. Drewek answers all important questions about melatonin and explains sleep hygiene

How to Know If Your Child Has Autism? – S3 E7

Boys are four times more likely o be diagnosed with autism than girls according o data from the CDC. That’s because the traditional  signs of autism are often difficult  to detect depending on the gender a child is assigned at birth. Our guest explains the signs parents  should look for and what to do if  they think their little one  may be showing signs of autism.

Jessica speaks with Dr. Christopher J. Smith, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center’s Chief Science Officer, to learn more about the different ways autism can present in children.

Potty Training 101 – S2 E14

Let’s face it, potty training can be a messy and difficult process. When is the right time to start? How can you help your child avoid accidents? And what should you do if your little one just won’t go? This episode answers those questions and more.

Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez visits with Erica Desper, the founder of Confident Parenting. Erica is a potty training expert who shares her tips to make the potty training process easier for everyone.

The Role of Dads – Part 3 – S2 E9

Dad figures play an important role not just in their immediate family, but in their broader community, too. Hear how involved dads can enrich the lives of children, help kids make better decisions, and prepare them for success later in life.

Allan Stockellburg speaks with host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez for the third and final part of a three-episode series on fatherhood. He shares research that explains why involved dads are good for communities and families.

The Role of Dads – Part 2 – S2 E8

One of the most important relationships when raising a child is the relationship you have with your co-parent. Any partnership can lead to disagreements on the “right” way to do things but it’s important to recognize that children benefit from learning different approaches to life from both their mom and dad.

Allan Stockellburg rejoins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez for the second part of a three-episode series on fatherhood. They talk about why communication and understanding between parents are key to building a positive environment for your little one, and the differences between maternal and paternal parenting styles.

The Role of Dads – Part 1 – S2 E7

There’s a reason they say it takes a village to raise a child. And that village usually looks different for every family. Positive role models can help our little ones explore and learn more about themselves and their world. Today, we talk about the role dads play in that exploration and how they can help kids see the world from a new perspective.

Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez speaks with “Dad Guru” Allan Stockellburg, the executive director of Parent Aid, about fatherhood, what makes a “dad,” and how to embrace and introduce your child to role models who will push them to learn and grow.

Let’s Make Learning Fun! – S1 E24

Toys and games aren’t just for fun and entertainment. They can also help your little ones grow and develop, turning playtime into a learning experience! With thousands of toys available online, knowing simply what kinds of toys are developmentally appropriate isn’t always easy.

That’s where this episode can help! Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez talks with pediatric occupational therapist and toy blogger Keri Wilmot, who offers her tips to help you find toys that fit your child’s developmental needs. She also tells us how playtime and education go hand in hand.

Early Intervention for Autism – S1 E14

Do you know the signs of autism? Early intervention for children with autism is important to a child’s developmental growth and wellbeing. Catching those signs early could help a child get the individualized care needed to develop properly.

Christopher Smith, Ph.D. chief science officer at the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to explain the importance of early detection and the signs of autism parents should watch for in their young children.

Call 602.218.8204 or email [email protected] to schedule a screening.

Screen Time Solutions – S1 E6

Sitting your toddler down in front of the TV is a go-to solution for busy parents. It can keep your child entertained while you tackle your endless to-do list. But managing screen time, including how much and what your child is watching, presents another challenge. Is there such a thing as too much TV? Also, what programs and apps are available to help them grow and learn?

Dr. Michael Robb, Senior Director of Research at Common Sense Media, joins host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez. They discuss the most common concerns regarding TV time and tablets, ways to avoid tantrums when it’s time to turn off the device, and how to make the most of child-friendly apps, shows, and digital games.