Sometimes you just need answers to the little everyday things that parents encounter. That’s where the Parent-ish podcast comes in. Experts at Children’s Mercy Kansas City talk about what you may experience with your babies, teens and in-betweens, to help you celebrate the craziness and challenges of parenthood.
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Growing Up Aware: Teens, Drugs, and Digital Influence
Michael Smith and Michelle DePhillips
In this episode, Michelle DePhillips, MD joins us to answer real questions from the Kansas City Mom Collective community about teen drug use, prevention and parental support. What age-appropriate resources can parents turn to? How does social media shape access and attitudes toward drugs? Dr. DePhillips breaks down the motivations behind teen substance use, the most common substances seen among Kansas City youth and the impact of legalized cannabis in Missouri. She also shares practical advice on how to recognize signs of drug use, what steps to take if you're concernedand where to find trusted local resources. Whether you're parenting a pre-teen or navigating high school years, this episode offers clarity, compassion and actionable guidance.
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Beyond the Pediatrician: Building Your Child’s Care Circle
Maggie McKay and Chelsea Wolfe
From pediatricians to orthodontists, knowing when your child should see different specialists can make a big difference. Dr. Chelsea Wolfe joins Parent-ish to break down the timeline of care and share tips for spotting when extra support might be needed.
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Kids Exploring the World with Chatbots
Maggie McKay and Mark Connelly
Are your kids chatting away with AI? In this episode, we provide parents with the tools they need to understand the implications of children's interactions with chatbots. Find out what signs to look for and how to set healthy boundaries to protect your child from potential pitfalls of digital companionship.
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Supporting Children in Managing Extracurricular Activities
Maggie McKay and Simone Moody
As the school year nears, so do busy schedules and the "extras" that kiddos do outside of school. While children love their sports, clubs and other extracurriculars, it can be hard to balance them with school and other important activities. Simone Moody, PhD, Clinical Psychologist at Children's Mercy in Kansas City, discusses signs your child might be overextended, how to find balance and more in this podcast.
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Tantrums 101: Why They Occur and How to React
Maggie McKay and Lindsey Groh
Most parents have experienced a tantrum or two...but that doesn't make it easier when they happen. Lindsey Groh discusses the common triggers for tantrums, strategies to manage, when parents may need to seek help and more in this podcast.
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How to Boost Your Health Literacy to Advocate for Your Child's Wellbeing
Maggie McKay, Susana Elizarraraz, and Angie Knackstedt
Angie Knackstedt, Program Manager of Health Literacy and Nursing Bioethics, and Susana Elizarraraz, mother of a child with complex medical needs, discuss the importance of health literacy, and how you can boost your skills to be an advocate for your child's health and wellbeing.
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The Importance of Play in Overall Wellbeing
Maggie McKay, Tre Gissandaner, Amanda Porter, and Robin P. Shook
We know kids love to play...but why is it important? Experts from Children's Mercy Kansas City discuss how play impacts children's physical and mental health, relationships with caregivers and more in this episode of The Parent-ish Podcast.
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Introducing Kids to Cultural Cuisines
Maggie McKay and Rachel Finn
While it can be easy to lean on your tried and true, family-favorite recipes, introducing children to diverse cuisines is a wonderful way to expand their understanding of different cultures while also trying new foods. As parents, we have the unique opportunity to use food as a tool for education and connection. Rachel Finn, chef/educator at Children's Mercy Kansas City, discusses how to involve kids in the process and make discovering new cuisines fun and nutritious for the whole family!
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How To Make Brushing Your Teeth Fun For Kids
Maggie McKay and Robin Onikul
We all know getting your kids to brush their teeth twice a day can be a...challenge. But, there are ways to keep it fun for everyone! Dr. Robin Onikul discusses why good dental care is important for kids, and gives you ways to keep teeth brushing fresh and fun.
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Respiratory Diseases
Maggie McKay and Edward Lyon
With so much overlap in symptoms, how can parents tell whether their child has the flu, RSV, or COVID-19? Dr. Lyon offers clarity on these illnesses, helping you understand what to look out for and when to seek medical care.
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How to Stand Your Ground as a Parent
Maggie McKay, Jami Gross-Toalson, Meredith Dreyer, and Ram Chettiar
Parenting is hard, and is even harder when friends, family or loved ones have opinions on your parenting choices. You're not alone - our doctors experience this, too! In this panel, members of Children's Mercy Kansas City's developmental and behavioral health team discuss times they've had to stand their ground as parents, and give advice for you to do so, too.
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Tips for Building Your Child's Emotional Piggy Bank
Maggie McKay, Nicole Hogan, and Allie EuDaly
Adults are familiar with the concept of deposits and withdrawals to a bank account...but did you know the same principles apply to an emotional piggy bank? Experts discuss what an emotional piggy bank is, and how you can make deposits and avoid withdrawals to your child's piggy bank.
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How to Teach Your Children Not To Bully
Maggie McKay and Ram Chettiar
We all think the best of our kids, but that doesn't mean that at some point, they may exhibit some bullying behaviors. Dr. Ram Chettiar discusses why this happens, how to teach your kids to not be bullies, and how to react if you find out they've bullied a classmate or friend.
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Connecting With Your Teen
Maggie McKay and Brian Burghardt
As your child grows up, it can become harder to find ways to connect with them. Dr. Brian Burghardt discusses how you can connect with your teen in a genuine way while respecting their boundaries in our newest podcast.
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Keep Your Summer Fun Safe
Maggie McKay and Laura Kemerling
Laura Kemerling, MSN, RN, C-NPT, CPST, discusses summer safety and how to prevent injuries - no matter what your summer fun entails!
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Anxiety Overview and How To Help Your Child
Maggie McKay and Meghan Kanya
Meghan Kanya, PhD, discusses an overview of anxiety, including causes, signs your child may be struggling, and how you as a parent can help.
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What Every New Parents Should Know About Newborns
Maggie McKay and Katie McAnany
Katie McAnany, MD covers all your frequently asked questions about newborns - from feeding to sleep, soothing to play, so you can feel confident bringing home your new bundle of joy.
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How to Talk to Your Kids About Tragic Events
Maggie McKay and Rachel Lapidus
It never gets easier to talk to your kids about tragedies or senseless violence. But, you have the ability to create a safe space for your children to process what has happened.
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Managing Picky Eating in Your Child and Signs it May Be Something More
Maggie McKay and Sara R. Gould
No parent loves to hear "I don't like that!" at meal times. Dr. Sara Gould discusses how you can manage picky eating with your child, and when to look for signs that this could be something more serious.
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Treating Your Child's Springtime Allergies
Maggie McKay and Jay Portnoy
The warmer weather is here...but for some, along with it comes seasonal allergies that can make you child feel a little crummy. Dr. Jay Portnoy discusses the cause of seasonal allergies, the pollens and how you can help your child feel better so they can enjoy springtime.
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ER or Urgent Care? Which is Best for Your Child?
Meggie McKay and Jennifer Johnson
The inevitable happened – a broken bone, illness or another ailment for your child. And it happened while your doctor’s office is closed. So, the dilemma every parent faces …do you go to the Emergency Room (ER) or Urgent Care?
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Talking to Your Child About Their First Heartbreak
Maggie McKay and Jami Gross-Toalson
Our first love can be a highly emotional experience and the same goes for first heartbreak. It’s never easy to see your child hurting, but you can ease their struggle by remaining open and available to listen. Learn how to support your child from Dr. Jami Gross-Toalson, pediatric psychologist at Children's Mercy Kansas City.
