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.
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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鈥檚 entire life. Dr. Gong shares her experiences and insights as a doctor, grandmother, and advocate for nurturing children鈥檚 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鈥檚 design, nurturing and responding to a baby鈥檚 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鈥檚 ample time with their newborns. She highlights the potential concerns of ignoring a child鈥檚 demands, understating the importance of an essential early relationship in the child鈥檚 mental health. Relating to the common parental practice of 鈥渢ime-outs鈥, 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鈥檚 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.