Why Kids Overeat: The Hidden Link Between Food, Emotions, and Behavior | Episode 94 with Kamy Moussavi

Why Kids Overeat: The Hidden Link Between Food, Emotions, and Behavior | Episode 94 with Kamy Moussavi

Kamy Moussavi is the founder of Step Together, a program that helps families understand the deeper causes behind children's eating habits, behavioral challenges, and emotional struggles. In this conversation with Dr. Lauren LaRose, we explore why issues that appear to be about food are often connected to something much bigger. Kamy shares his personal journey as a parent and discusses how factors like emotional regulation, trauma, anxiety, sleep, screen time, social connection, and family dynamics can shape a child's relationship with food and overall wellbeing. We also dive into the impact of modern technology, highly processed foods, and the importance of creating environments that help children build healthier habits. Together, we unpack practical ways parents can look beyond symptoms and better understand what their children may be trying to communicate through their behavior. If you’re interested in learning more about Kamy's work, you can visit Step Together's website, https://www.steptogether.us/ [https://www.steptogether.us/], for additional information and resources. Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works. Follow The Little Brain Campaign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign [https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign]

The Parenting Advice That Actually Works | Episode 93 with Laura Hunter

Laura Hunter is a pediatric nurse, parenting expert, and co-author of Moms on Call. We sat down with Laura to explore how a simple effort to support new parents grew into one of the most trusted parenting resources in the country. Drawing from decades of experience as both a pediatric nurse and mother of twins, Laura shares the story behind Moms on Call, the lessons she learned from working directly with families, and why confidence may be one of the most important tools a parent can have. We also discussed the power of routines, how predictability can reduce stress for both children and caregivers, and why information overload has made parenting more complicated than ever. Laura explains how parents can tune out unrealistic expectations, trust their instincts, and focus on what works best for their unique family. We also dive into understanding different child personalities, building stronger parent-child relationships, and creating practical systems that help families thrive through every stage of childhood. If you’re interested in learning more about Laura's work, you can visit Moms on Call's website, https://momsoncall.com/ [https://momsoncall.com/], for additional information and resources. Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works. Follow The Little Brain Campaign: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign [https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign]

The Science Behind Play-Based Therapy for Children | Episode 92 with Rita Sverdlova

Rita Sverdlova is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and the founder of Playwell Brooklyn. We sat down with Rita to talk about how a simple idea grew into a community-centered space where children can play, build skills, and connect with others outside of traditional therapy settings. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience working with children and families, Rita shares what she learned about the gap between therapy and real-life experiences, and why play is one of the most powerful tools for child development. We also explore how the challenges of the pandemic helped shape the vision for Playwell Brooklyn, the role community plays in supporting children and families, and why creating spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and child-centered matters. Rita discusses her unique model that blends play, education, and therapeutic support while helping families better understand child development in a natural and engaging environment. If you’re interested in learning more about Rita's work, you can visit Playwell's website, https://www.playwellbrooklyn.com [https://www.playwellbrooklyn.com/about], for additional information and resources. Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works. Follow The Little Brain Campaign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign [https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign]

Picky Eating vs. ARFID: What Every Parent Needs to Know | Episode 91 with Kelly Komisaruk

Kelly Komisaruk is a feeding specialist and speech language pathologist with Food 4 Thought Therapy. We sat down with Kelly to talk about the difference between typical picky eating and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a condition that can have a major impact on a child’s nutrition, development, and quality of life. We explored how feeding challenges develop, the role anxiety and sensory sensitivities can play, and why some children become increasingly restrictive with food over time. We also discussed common misconceptions about picky eating, warning signs that families should not ignore, and how evidence-based feeding therapy can help children build confidence around food. Kelly shares practical insights on early intervention, reducing mealtime stress, supporting children with food fears, and helping families navigate feeding challenges with compassion and patience. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or clinician, this conversation offers valuable perspective on one of the most misunderstood areas of child development. If you’re interested in learning more about Kelly’s work, you can visit her at Food 4 Thought Therapy on Instagram and Facebook for additional information and resources. Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works. Follow The Little Brain Campaign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign [https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign]

Why Food Allergies Are Skyrocketing in Children | Episode 90 with Dr. Alice Hoyt

Dr. Alice Hoyt is an allergist and the leader of the Hoyt Institute of Food Allergy. We sat down with Dr. Hoyt to unpack the growing rise of food allergies, what may actually be driving the increase, and how modern medicine is evolving when it comes to prevention and treatment. From peanut allergies and anaphylaxis to lesser-known conditions like FPIES and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), we explored the different ways food-related immune conditions can show up in kids and why many cases are still being missed or misunderstood. We also discussed early allergen introduction, oral immunotherapy, the importance of individualized care, and the need for more honest conversations between doctors and parents. Dr. Hoyt shares her perspective on immune system development, environmental factors potentially impacting allergies, and why listening carefully to patients and families matters more than ever. This conversation dives into the nuance behind some of today’s biggest health questions while emphasizing curiosity, research, and collaborative decision-making for families navigating food allergies and immune-related conditions. To learn more about Dr. Hoyt’s work and the Hoyt Institute of Food Allergy, you can follow along for more resources, research, and treatment information at https://www.hoytallergy.com/ [https://www.hoytallergy.com/]. Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works. Follow The Little Brain Campaign Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign [https://www.instagram.com/littlebraincampaign]