This episode walks through practical ways to introduce chores so they build responsibility without turning into daily battles. Jo Youngblood, PhD, pediatric psychologist, explains why structure and coaching matter more than punishment. Dr. Youngblood covers how to use routines, praise and clear expectations to avoid power struggles, and offers tips on teaching age-appropriate chores, chore charts and family routines. Searchable topics in this episode include parenting tips, behavior management, child development, responsibility and motivation strategies.

For more resources and episode notes  

Learn more about Jo Youngblood, PhD

This episode walks families through the NICU stay and the first year at home, explaining common medical milestones and what truly matters for a premature baby’s growth and development. Guests: Amy Knapitsch, MD, director of the Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic with nearly 16 years in follow-up care, and Mariana Theodoro, MD, medical director of the Small Baby Unit at Children's Mercy. We cover the NICU experience, signs your baby is ready to go home, adjusted age for developmental milestones, feeding preemies and when to seek help — all key topics for parents of premature infants and newborns. Subscribe to the Parentish Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and visit parentish.org for more resources and links to neonatal follow-up and early intervention services. 

Learn more about Mariana Theodoro, MD 

Learn more about Amy Knapitsch, MD 

Ever wonder what your kid actually does in therapy? In this episode, pediatric psychologist Haley Killian, PhD, gives us a simple, behind‑the‑scenes look at what happens in a session—play, feelings, progress and all. It’s real talk, zero judgment, and plenty of reassurance for any parent curious about whether therapy could help their kid. 

Learn more about Haley Killian, PhD 

Think lice are just a schoolyard nightmare? Think again. In this episode, we sit down with Chelsea Wolfe, MD, FAAP, to bust myths, share real talk, and give parents the confidence to handle those pesky critters without panic. From spotting the first signs to knowing what actually works (and what’s just old-school folklore), Dr. Wolfe breaks it all down in a way that’s honest, nonjudgmental, and—dare we say—fun-ish. Plus, you’ll get practical hacks for prevention and tips for talking to your kids without the shame spiral. Tune in and take the itch out of the equation.

Learn more about Chelsea Wolfe, MD, FAAP 

The holidays are full of sparkle, warmth, and... let’s be real, a few sneaky safety risks. In this episode, we chat with safety experts about how to keep your home festive and kid-friendly. From fire-safe tree tips to light-string sanity and candle caution, we’ve got the hacks you need to celebrate without worry. Because nothing says “holiday magic” like peace of mind.

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. 

Learn more about Michelle DePhillips, MD, FAAP 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Laura Kemerling, MSN, RN, C-NPT, CPST, discusses summer safety and how to prevent injuries - no matter what your summer fun entails!

Meghan Kanya, PhD, discusses an overview of anxiety, including causes, signs your child may be struggling, and how you as a parent can help.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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