pedsdoctalk

02/27/2026

I shared this video last year, but it feels worth resurfacing because this claim keeps making the rounds. The idea that pediatricians are “making money off vaccines” just won’t die, and as a pediatrician who now makes more creating educational content online than I ever did in clinic, I need to say this clearly: there is no big money in pediatrics.

We’re at the bottom of the medical salary totem pole. Many of us are buried in debt with one of the worst debt-to-income ratios in healthcare. So to suggest we push vaccines for profit? It’s a slap in the face to the work we actually do.

Yes, vaccines cost us to store and distribute.
No, we don’t get rich recommending them.
Yes, we recommend them because they save lives.

And if you asked nearly any practicing pediatrician, they’d tell you the same thing. The ones who don’t? They’ve realized there’s more money in shilling lies online than in actually showing up for families and kids every day.

This isn’t about pharma kickbacks-it’s about protection. I talk to parents every day about vaccines. Some follow the routine schedule, some want to space things out, and we have honest conversations. But what’s never up for sale is my integrity.
So let’s be clear:
This is evidence-based medicine, not marketing.
This is about prevention, not paychecks.
This is about giving your child the best start in life.

📌 Share this if you’re tired of seeing fear-mongering disguised as advocacy.
Follow pedsdoctalk for grounded, real-world parenting support from someone who’s been in the exam room.

Have questions about the vaccine schedule? Check out my vaccine guide linked in the comments below. It includes a full vaccine schedule breakdown-from newborn essentials to adolescent immunizations, and seasonal shots like COVID-19, RSV, and the flu, plus answers to over 30 FAQs.
And yes, it’s always free. Because not only do I not get kickbacks from vaccines (let’s stop pretending that’s a thing), but I do believe every parent deserves access to clear, accurate info without fear tactics or a paywall.

You deserve facts. I’m here to give them to you-no strings attached.
Because the truth? It deserves to be louder than the lies.

02/27/2026

If your kid asks about someone's skin color, hair, accent, or why people get treated differently, and you freeze... you are not alone.

But here is the problem with silence: kids do not stop wondering. They just start filling in the blanks with whatever they pick up from school, media, peers, or the world around them.

In this Black History Month conversation, A. Ferguson Ph.D shares a simple truth: kids are ready for these talks because they are already noticing. Adults are the ones who were not given the words.

We talk about staying calm and matter of fact, keeping it values-based (kindness, fairness, empathy), and how you can come back to a question if you get caught off guard. You do not need a perfect speech. You need a pattern of openness.
And her childrens book An Ordinary Day is such a helpful tool for this, because it shows how subtle bias can show up during a totally normal day, and how families can use those moments to build empathy instead of fear.

As Black History Month wraps up, this one's an important listen. Listen to the episode today - I've linked it in the comments below.

What is the hardest part for you, finding the words, worrying youll say the wrong thing, or your own discomfort?

02/27/2026

This is just for fun because listen… I KNOW what dysregulation, overwhelm, and stress can do to us parents 😅 Sometimes things just FLY out of our mouths and we’re like… how did I even come up with that?!

Of these three, I’ve actually said one to Ryaan 👀 can you guess which one?

Drop the most outrageous thing that you've blurted out in a tense parenting moment below ⬇️ solidarity only, no judgment 😂

Inspo: (but he said he didn’t start this trend, so if you know the original creator, please tag them so I can give credit. These videos are hilarious!)

02/27/2026

Stitch with: on TikTok

If you’ve ever left a well visit feeling anxious about your child’s percentile-you are so not alone.
In a world where “more” is often seen as “better,” it’s hard not to compare.
But that’s not how percentiles-or healthy growth-actually work.

I still remember a dad whose child was tracking beautifully right in the middle of the curve who asked,
“How do I get him to the 100th percentile?”
Not a joke. He meant it. 🫠
Like it was a grade

But just like we’ve realized BMI isn’t a great measure of health, percentiles aren’t either.
They’re not the full picture-high or low.
One body type isn’t better than another.
And that chart doesn’t account for genetics, body diversity, muscle mass, feeding style, culture, or what your child might be going through that week.

Yes, there are times when we need to pay closer attention.
If we’re concerned about growth, energy, feeding, or development, percentiles help guide us.
As a pediatrician, here’s when I do worry more about percentiles:
👉 A baby crosses down or up two or more major percentile lines sharp drop off the curve (particularly if a child crosses down or up two or more major percentile lines)
👉 If there are signs of poor feeding, low energy, GI symptoms like vomiting or watery stools, or developmental delays
In those cases, we might do a workup or try interventions.

But for most healthy kids?
Percentiles are just one puzzle piece in a much bigger picture.
We spend so much time encouraging body neutrality for teens and adults.
But maybe that modeling starts at birth.
Let’s stop treating kids like data points.
And start honoring them as whole humans-with unique bodies, needs, and growth stories.

👇 Check out the comments for my deeper dive, including how I interpret percentiles clinically, what “growth faltering” actually means, normal fluctuations that don’t need panic, and how to stop spiraling over charts.
And if you find the YOUTUBE video helpful, PLEASE share it to spread the word ❤️

Have you ever felt stressed about your child’s growth chart?

Follow pedsdoctalk and share this with a parent who needs the reminder.

02/26/2026

We all lose our cool sometimes.
We yell.
We slam a door.
We pack up our kid’s puzzle.
But what happens after the rupture matters just as much (if not more!) than the rupture itself.
Not “I’m sorry I yelled… but you should’ve listened.”
But real repair.
The kind that takes ownership without shame or blame.
Because when we model true accountability, we teach our kids something far more powerful than perfection:
That it’s okay to mess up.
That relationships can withstand hard moments.
And that love is something we return to, even when things get messy.

Repair is one of the most powerful tools we have as parents, and one I feel deeply passionate about, both as a pediatrician and a mom. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up after the hard moments and modeling what accountability, empathy, and connection really look like.

🔁 Have you ever gone back to repair with your child after a hard moment? What did you say, and how did it feel?

Make sure to join our growing free newsletter for more relatable stories, tips, and guidance for your child’s health development, and parenting. Check out the comments below for the link.

Follow pedsdoctalk for grounded, heart-forward parenting support.

02/26/2026

Fever numbers can send even the calmest parent into a spiral. One thermometer says 101, another says 102.3, and suddenly you’re second-guessing everything.

I filmed a response to this original video a year or so ago but wanted to add in some nuance on what the official guidance is and how I approach fevers in real life.

Once kids are over 1 year old, I’m not panicking over decimals or adjusting numbers based on where the temp was taken. I’m watching trends and behavior, not chasing a perfect reading. A child with a fever who’s still sipping fluids, arguing with their sibling about what show to watch, or begging you to play Uno is giving you real clinical information. Their overall behavior tells me far more than the exact number on the screen.

Feeling a forehead is fine for a quick check. But if you’re worried about true illness, use a thermometer so you can track patterns over time. Pick one age-appropriate thermometer and use it consistently. Consistency matters more than perfection.

To learn more about how I handle fevers as a pediatrician and mom, watch my YouTube video “Fever in Kids: When to Worry, Medications, and Comfort Tips From a Pediatrician,” and save this for your next 2 am temperature check. It's linked in the comments below.
Follow for calm, practical pediatric guidance.

What stresses you out more, the number on the screen or how your child is acting?



Stitch with: on IG

02/26/2026

Stitch with:

Ever feel like your partner gets the “easy” version of your child…
and you get the meltdown mixtape?
You walk in the door and suddenly it’s
clingy, whiny, full-blown chaos.
Meanwhile, your partner swears they were totally fine five minutes ago. 🫠

You’re not imagining it.
Kids are emotionally tuned in-sometimes more than we realize.
YES- they can “let loose” with their safe person.
BUT, they’re also extremely vibey:
They pick up on stress, shifts in energy, and subtle differences in boundaries.
It’s not manipulation, it’s attunement.
And while it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong,
it can be a sign to pause and check in:
✔️ Are you holding more of the emotional and mental load?
✔️ Are the boundaries consistent or does one of you bend more?
✔️ Do your reactions feel steady or unpredictable?

Kids crave predictability. And yes.. sometimes they test you not to push buttons, but to make sure those buttons still lead to safety.
If you’re the parent who gets the big emotions, it’s often because you are their safe space.
But being the safe space shouldn’t mean carrying the weight alone.
So if you’re constantly the one dealing with the tears and tantrums, while your partner is left scratching their head—talk about it.
Come together. Compare notes. Build consistency. Share the load.
❤️You both deserve to parent from a place of support—not burnout.

Does your child act totally different with you vs. your partner? I’d love to hear how you navigate it.👇

If this hit home, share it with your partner or a fellow parent who needs to hear it.
And follow pedsdoctalk for more real talk that helps make sense of the messy, meaningful moments in parenting.

02/26/2026

320k followers!!! Thank you all! Please comment here--what topics do you want me to cover

02/25/2026

Grandmothers everywhere are gasping in unison 😱

Yes, bare feet are great for baby development—but no, occasional socks and footies aren’t ruining your baby’s future motor skills.

It’s not all or nothing.

Barefoot time helps babies explore, balance, and build strength—especially during tummy time, crawling, and cruising. But cold floors, chilly mornings, or rough surfaces? Go ahead and protect those little toes. It’s all about balance.

So don’t stress if your baby wears socks sometimes (especially if their feet feel like mini ice cubes like my daughter’s!). Just make sure they also get time to feel the ground, textures, and move freely when it’s safe.
Your baby isn’t behind because they wore footie pajamas. Promise.

👣 Follow for practical parenting tips grounded in development—not perfection.

When does your baby go barefoot the most—inside playtime, outside exploring, or not often at all? Tell me below! 👇

02/25/2026

“The Conversation You Think Can Wait… But Can’t.”

Many parents believe their child is too young to notice race.
It feels protective to think that. Neutral. Simple.
But development doesn’t work that way.

Children notice differences much earlier than most adults realize. And when we stay quiet, they don’t stop observing. They just start filling in the blanks on their own.

In this newsletter, inspired by my conversation with Dr. Anjali Ferguson, I unpack:
• What children actually notice and when
• Why silence doesn’t prevent bias
• What everyday moments are quietly teaching
• And what to say when you’re not sure what to say

This isn’t about one perfect conversation. It’s about recognizing that race is not a “later” topic. It’s a developmental one.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is my child too young for this?” I hope you’ll read this one.

Before you click: did your home talk openly about race when you were growing up, or was it mostly left unspoken?

Full newsletter is here:

What children learn about race when we stay quiet

02/25/2026

Many of us want to raise kind, empathetic kids. But when it comes to talking about race, bias, and identity, a lot of parents feel unsure, uncomfortable, or afraid of saying the wrong thing.
In this episode, I sit down with culturally responsive therapist A. Ferguson Ph.D to talk about when kids begin noticing differences, and how those small, everyday moments shape their understanding of the world. We unpack the discomfort adults feel and why silence often teaches more than we realize.

This conversation is not about blame. It is about giving families tools to move forward with intention.

Dr. Ferguson shares both professional expertise and personal experience as a South Asian woman raising biracial children. We talk about how culture, trauma, and identity intersect in parenting, and why these conversations are foundational to raising emotionally healthy kids.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Why kids notice race earlier than many adults expect
• How racial bias forms in early childhood
• Raising biracial children and protecting cultural identity
• Everyday microaggressions and their long-term impact
• How racism creates chronic stress in the body
• Generational trauma and its effects
• Why avoiding conversations about race harms kids
• How to respond when bias shows up in real time
• Practical ways to build empathy through daily moments
• How to create more diverse environments through books, toys, and media

You do not have to be perfect to start these conversations. You just have to be willing.

🎧 I’ll put the link to the full episode in the comments.

02/25/2026

Black History Month is a good time to say the quiet part out loud: kids are not too young to notice race.

They are noticing differences way earlier than most adults realize, and they are also picking up the messages we do not mean to teach.

In this week's podcast episode, culturally responsive therapist Dr. Anjali Ferguson (A. Ferguson Ph.D) breaks down how bias can show up in everyday moments, the kind adults often brush off as no big deal, but that can add up fast for kids on the receiving end.

What do we say when our child notices differences in skin color?
How do we respond when bias happens at school or on the playground?
How early do children begin noticing race and identity?
And what does it look like to raise kids who understand empathy, fairness, and belonging?

We also talk about her childrens book, "An Ordinary Day," which shows two kids (a white child and a black child) having the same first day of kindergarten, but not the same experience. Same moments, different assumptions. And it gives families a way to talk about microaggressions without turning it into a scary, heavy conversation. More like, "Lets notice it, name it, and choose empathy."

Because the goal is raising kids who can recognize harm, repair it, and treat people with real respect.

Listen to the episode: Talking to Kids About Race and Bias, Why Everyday Moments Matter on The PedsDocTalk Podcast today (linked in the comments below) wherever you access podcasts or watch it on YouTube.