Pediatrics Now for Parents Podcast | Long School of Medicine

Holly Wayment, Physician Relations Spec - Sr Marketing, Comm & Media

Health Information for the busy parent in 10 minutes or less.

Host Holly Wayment, Physician Relations Specialist Sr., talks to leading pediatric experts in the field.

The Latest Health News from Pediatrics Now in Small Bites for Parents.

OVERVIEW:
Join Host and author Holly Wayment in a conversation with Dr. Alice Gong, a pediatrician with 40 years of experience and president of the Texas Pediatric Society. Our podcast discussion delves deep into the topic of early relational health: exploring how it affects a child’s entire life. Dr. Gong shares her experiences and insights as a doctor, grandmother, and advocate for nurturing children’s growth and development within a secure, stable, and fostering environment.

Dr. Gong emphasizes that meaningful, early relationships play a crucial role in brain development for children, and affect their abilities to learn, explore, and integrate within societal confines. She talks about how strong, caring bonds prevent behavioral issues such as tantrums, and stresses the importance of understanding and responding to a child's needs, reinforcing secure attachment.

Reflecting on the earliest signs of Autism, Dr. Gong emphasizes the importance of eye contact with newborn babies as a medium of communication. She provides an intimate account of her initial experiences as a mother and the impact of this discovery on her own parenting approach. Dr. Gong encourages parents to follow nature’s design, nurturing and responding to a baby’s needs for accomplishing optimal regulation of the autonomic nervous system, critical for healthy physiological functions in humans.

Bringing social issues into focus, Dr. Gong reflects on the need for maternity leave policies that facilitate a mother’s ample time with their newborns. She highlights the potential concerns of ignoring a child’s demands, understating the importance of an essential early relationship in the child’s mental health. Relating to the common parental practice of “time-outs”, Dr. Gong suggests healthier alternatives to calm your child that can foster a positive parent-child relationship.

Exploring the controversial topic of corporal punishment, Dr. Gong discusses its possible impact on a child’s emotional development. She encourages open conversations about feelings between parents and children, cultivating empathy in children and promoting non-violence.

In conclusion, Dr. Gong urges parents to allow children to express their full range of emotions and supports them in all situations.

Join us in this insightful podcast to understand early relational health, and gather valuable advice to ensure good mental health and healthy relationships for your children.

Health Information for the busy parent in 10 minutes or less.

Host Holly Wayment, Physician Relations Specialist Sr., talks to leading pediatric experts in the field.

The Latest Health News from Pediatrics Now in Small Bites for Parents.

OVERVIEW:
Join host Holly Wayment for an enlightening conversation with veteran pediatrician, Dr. Alice Gong, in the episode titled 'Raising Compassionate Children: A Pediatrician's Perspective'. In her 40 years of experience and having roles as a doctor, mother, grandmother, and the president of the Texas Pediatric Society, Dr. Gong shares invaluable insights on fostering early relational health for children.

In this enriching episode, Dr. Gong emphasizes the importance of creating a nurturing environment for newborns, where parents convey love, understanding, and guidance. She encourages parents to express all their emotions freely with their children, thus teaching them to handle various emotions and become compassionate beings.

The conversation also highlights the significance of establishing a strong connection with your child to substantially influence their brain development. The doctor's firm belief is that effective parental engagement during the early years can stave off developmental and mental health issues in the future.

Further, the discussion also brings forth the pressing need for paid maternity leaves, the impact of societal strains on parenting, and the importance of open emotional conversations. Dr. Gong's therapeutic advice to parents about sharing their range of emotions undoubtedly creates a robust emotional support system for children.

Stay tuned for the upcoming episode where the pros and cons of spanking and timeouts are deliberated. Parenting is an intricate balance of challenges and rewards, and this podcast aims to provide the support every parent needs in their journey.

Enjoy this enlightening conversation with Dr. Alice Gong and discover how to prepare your children for the world while nurturing their emotional intelligence. This episode of 'Pediatrics Now for Parents' is must-listen content for every parent or parent-to-be.