Dr. Phil Boucher

Dr. Phil Boucher If you're like most of my readers, you’re a parent or parent-to-be looking for straight-forward advice to do the best you can for your kids and family.

And that's exactly what I'm here for!

Which are you going to try next time you get asked “BUT WHY??” after making a reasonable request.I only recommend things...
02/26/2026

Which are you going to try next time you get asked “BUT WHY??” after making a reasonable request.

I only recommend things that work which is why I think “Because I said so” is a not a bad answer, but it is an answer that will get you lots more pushback especially because there is a reasonable reason for your request (and if there’s not, then perhaps reassess why the request in the first place).

I have a Yell Less Challenge starting super soon - comment challenge if you’d like to participate and replace yelling with a bunch of parenting strategies that actually work!

02/25/2026

Common Q: "Why is my child so focused on screens but then a complete disaster after??"

Dopamine. Watch the video to learn how screens decrease dopamine sensitivty and why thee real world sucks a bit after screentime.

If you want help getting your child's screentime settings setup for success, i have a free 10 minute on demand workshop called where I walk through how we do screentime settings at our house. Comment SETTINGS and I'll DM you the link.

02/24/2026

If your child’s adhd eval (or ongoing management) looks like filling out forms and getting refills there is SOOO much more we should be doing to help your child thrive like building executive functioning skills, optimizing sleep and nutrition, building self-confidence and developing strengths to last a lifetime. Comment eval if want more help 🙌🏼

New AAP guidelines around weight & obesity have a lot of parents (appropriately) worried about upcoming convos with thei...
02/23/2026

New AAP guidelines around weight & obesity have a lot of parents (appropriately) worried about upcoming convos with their doctor…worried that their child will be shamed for their size or told they need meds or surgery.

The AAP guidelines were, in this pediatrician’s opinion, poorly planned, executed, and explained to pediatricians & public. It’s driven a larger wedge between ivory tower academics, on the ground pediatricians, parents, and children. In an age where medical mistrust in on the rise, the release of these guidelines certainly didn’t help to repair the damage felt the past few years.

Parents want actual strategies that are implementable and effective…not indications for expensive (and lifelong) medicines or surgeries.

There are a lot of old (and often patriarchal) and out of date (like “calories in, calories out”) attempts at advice that often harm the relationship, stigmatize the child, and worsen body image. Many fail to take into account the complex nature of food, weight, hormones, mental health, family dynamics, food security, etc. etc. Many old practice guidelines are also rooted in prejudices towards those of different skin color and background.

To be successful, you must have a collaborative relationship with your child’s doctor which includes feeling comfortable saying “please don’t discuss my child’s weight in front of them…we can discuss it outside of their presence, if needed.” Come up with a plan together that is evidence based and body image positive. You can take control of this rather than feeling at the whims of an off hand comment or quick assessment based on an out of date metric like BMI.

You know your child best and are your child’s best advocate. Find someone to make you feel heard.

02/22/2026

Physicals...but without the phone tag, looooong waiting at the visits, embarassing gowns, rushed appointments...and then leaving homework to collect and send in school forms.

We take all the annoyances, hassles, and discomfort out of summer physicals... and we have bandwidth to see non-members now, too (and we have 2 female team members if your child prefers a female!)

Comment PHYSICAL to book your appointment...no phone calls or delays neccessary.

02/21/2026

If after school & early evening feels like groundhog day, but with a lot more big emotions, yelling, and guilt...it doesn't HAVE to stay that way but it requies you, dear parent, to make some changes to your mindset and approach with your child (esp if they have adhd)

Once you decide to be more intentional in planning the different phases of pickup, getting home, homework, and mealtime, things start to shift intentionally for the better.

What you add and delete from the daily routine makes all the difference and i'll be discussing all this at my upcoming After School Upgrade Office Hours

Comment OFFICE HOURS to snag your spot

02/21/2026

Authoritative parenting benefits -->

For Kids:
✅Builds emotional regulation
✅Encourages independence
✅Strengthens social skills
✅Creates a sense of security

Benefits For Parents:
✅ Reduces power struggles
✅ Strengthens parent-child bond
✅ Builds confidence in your approach
✅ Fosters calmer, more connected parenting moments

💡 Curious about how it works in real life? Comment substack and I'll send you to my case studes on authoritatvie approaches.

02/20/2026

Authoritative Parent Approach to screentime transitions. Long step by step video. Whole thing is also on my substack, comment substack and i'll dm you the link so you can finish watching later if you need to keep scrolling on by! is a subtype of

You want a sensitive smoke detector.You want a partner that is sensitive to your needs.You want a sensitive nose for det...
02/19/2026

You want a sensitive smoke detector.

You want a partner that is sensitive to your needs.

You want a sensitive nose for detecting sour milk.

And yet “sensitive” children are often labeled as difficult, overwhelming, and too much.

When you hear someone label their child or another as “sensitive”…you know what they mean.

When your child hears “stop being so sensitive” what they hear is “you’re too much for me…stop being yourself.”

Sensitive children & adults are critical for our world. They are perceptive, observant, creative, and assertive.

Now…we can work on helping* children be more tolerant of adversity, of things not going their way, of losing the game or stubbing their toe but you start with empathy. Instead of “stop being so _____” you start with “I can tell you’re really upset” or “I know it’s really hard when ________”

Positive way to connect + help in difficult moments —> LEAP
Listen
Empathize
Acknowledge Problem
Propose solution

*this works for all children and adults…not just those labeled sensitive*

*helping is not the same as MAKING, FORCING, or only providing positive interactions when they display the emotions we’d prefer

If you’ve been looking for an over-arching parenting approaches that applies to allll the daily nitty gritty parenting c...
02/18/2026

If you’ve been looking for an over-arching parenting approaches that applies to allll the daily nitty gritty parenting challenges…and you want to set boundaries but connect…and not spend your time yelling or making threats that make things worse for you….and want confidence in your parenting…and connection with your child….the parenting style you’re looking for is called AUTHORITATIVE PARENTING. And I’m talking all about in on my Substack in 2025. Comment Substack for the link so you don’t miss a post.

02/17/2026

This is how we get to practice healthcare every single day...without all the unncessary hassles that you're used to when you have a health question or concern.

Direct primary care means patients get to do what makes sense rather than what insurance demands...in this case a parent texted a diaper rash picture in and got our advice on what to do.

No trip across town, wait wait wait...all that time given back to our patients!

(And we'll just check in over a text in 2 days to make sure we are on the right track!)

Search "Direct Primary Care Near Me" to find the future of healthcare.

02/16/2026

Parents used to feel they could trust the screentime reccomendations of the AAP (of which I am a currently embarrassed due-paying member & fellow!)...but when you see a AAP + AT&T sponsored quiz "Is my child phone ready?" and the quiz doesn't even ask your child's age but says my 4 year old is ready and then gives me a direct link to go to AT&T's website to purchase...hmmm....guess we will find a way out here on our now, folks.

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Dr. B Here...

There’s a thousand parenting books. There are so many approaches. Attachment, barefoot, tiger, helicopter, free-range…. It used to be you felt the need to keep up with your neighbors and friends…now it’s all of Facebook. You see the beautifully framed and filtered shots of happy children and parents on Instagram.

Household peace, even momentary, is more difficult than you thought. The tug of work (do those emails ever quit?), keeping house (didn’t we just pick up this room?), giving your children positive attention, making sure they are being stimulated with outings, lessons, athletics….

I’d like to share my experiences, knowledge, and expertise with you. To help you be a better parent. To enjoy your children, spouse, and family more. To grow closer to each other and God. You already have most of what you need. I can give you the confidence and reassurance that you can do this.