Inside Brookline Health

S1E2 - Parenting in Real Time: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Your Child

In this episode, Chris and Pat sit down with Michelle Visser, a licensed psychotherapist, certified early intervention specialist, and Board member for the Friends of Brookline Public Health. We discuss the challenges of parenting in real time, specifically how to navigate those unexpected, difficult questions children ask when parents are least prepared, whether in traffic or right before bed. Michelle offers practical strategies for building emotional awareness, modeling empathy, and maintaining a strong, open connection with your children in an increasingly complex world. KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM MICHELLE VISSER: * Don't Rush the Answer: When a child asks a big or unexpected question about a difficult topic, it is okay to acknowledge it is a great question and ask for a few minutes to think so you can provide the best answer. * Seek Context: If a question is unclear, ask your child what made them think of it today. Getting more context helps you meet them where they actually are rather than assuming the question is more complicated than it is. * Model Emotional Honesty: It is healthy for children to see their parents experience emotions such as sadness or worry. Modeling these feelings in a stable way provides a safe space for children to practice their own feelings before they face the world. * Look for the Helpers: Inspired by Mr. Rogers, Michelle suggests helping children navigate dark or scary world events by identifying the people who are out there helping, such as firefighters, teachers, or volunteers. * The Open Door Policy: Remind your children that you are always available to talk and that they will not get in trouble for sharing information with you. Hearing the information is always more important than whether a choice was right or wrong. RESOURCES MENTIONED: * Friends of Brookline Public Health Website: brooklinefbph.wixsite.com/brooklinefbph [http://brooklinefbph.wixsite.com/brooklinefbph] * Upcoming Parenting in Real Time Events: * Featuring expert panelists Michelle Visser (LMHC, Psychotherapist) and Matt DuBois (Ph.D., NCSP, Senior Director of Clinical Services & Social and Emotional Learning, PSB), moderated by John Kleschinsky, DrPH, Director of Public Health & Human Services. * In-Person: Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 PM, Hunneman Hall, Brookline Public Library (Brookline Village). * Virtual: Monday, March 30 at 6:30 PM Online. * Register to attend: https://brooklinehealthdept.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_brBVMuHnD0sI6sm [https://brooklinehealthdept.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_brBVMuHnD0sI6sm] * Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services: brooklinema.gov/health [http://brooklinema.gov/health] * Make a Donation: Visit brooklinecommunity.org [http://brooklinecommunity.org] and select Friends of Brookline Public Health Fund from the dropdown menu. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk. **

S1E1 - Navigating New Vaccination Guidelines

EPISODE NOTES ** In this episode, Chris and Pat sit down with Dr. Rosemarie Roque Gordon, MD, MPH, a local pediatrician and Vice Chair of Brookline’s Advisory Council on Public Health (ACPH). We dive into the recent January 5, 2026 changes to the childhood immunization schedule. Specifically, we discuss the shift of six immunizations from the "recommended" list into a new category of “shared clinical decision-making” between parents and providers. KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM DR. GORDON: * The Big Three: Dr. Gordon breaks down why three of these vaccines—Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, and the Flu shot—remain critical for protecting our children. * Trusted Guidance: While federal lists have shifted, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continue to support the full schedule of all 17 childhood vaccinations. * No Change in Access: Dr. Gordon reassures Brookline families that your access to these life-saving vaccines has not changed. They are available and recommended by your local health experts. * Local Support: We identify the resources available right here at the Brookline Health Department to help you stay informed and protected. Public health is truly about community care. In this episode, we share a powerful analogy: vaccines are like a blanket you throw down to put out a fire before it can spread. You’ll want to listen to the full conversation to learn exactly what we mean by that and how it applies to keeping Brookline safe. RESOURCES MENTIONED: * HealthyChildren.org [https://healthychildren.org] (American Academy of Pediatrics) * Brookline Department of Public Health [https://www.brooklinema.gov/health] Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk. **

Introduction Episode

EPISODE NOTES Inside Brookline Health is your go-to podcast for bite-sized, practical, and science-based guidance tailored specifically for our Brookline community. Hosted by Dr. Chris Chanyasulkit, PhD, MPH, and Pat Maher, MS, RNP, this series is a collaborative effort sponsored by the Friends of Brookline Public Health, in partnership with the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services and Brookline Interactive Group (BIG). WHAT’S HAPPENING? In this introductory episode, co-hosts and co-presidents Dr. Chris Chanyasulkit and Pat Maher discuss the launch of this new podcast series and dive into the mission of the Friends of Brookline Public Health (FBPH). They explain how the organization serves as a vital partner to the town, bridging the gap between municipal budgets and the evolving health needs of our neighbors. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * A 30-Year Legacy: The Friends of Brookline Public Health has been a vital part of the community for nearly 30 years, raising funds to support local health efforts beyond what the town budget can cover. * Filling the Gaps: The organization steps in to fund critical programs that keep Brookline healthy, especially as federal investments in public health face challenges and misinformation grows. * Impactful Local Programs: * Brookline Thrives: Provides free, shelf-stable weekend food bags to any Brookline student in need, ensuring no child goes hungry when school is not in session. * Brookline Food Pantry: FBPH supports this essential resource, which serves over 700 families in town each week. * Equity and Dignity: Recent efforts include a successful drive for diapers and incontinence products, as these are critical yet often overlooked determinants of family and senior health. * Community Advocacy: From providing turkeys for Thanksgiving to co-sponsoring educational programs on climate change and vaccination hesitancy, the Friends serve  to bridge gaps in knowledge and resources to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead their healthiest lives. RESOURCES MENTIONED: * Friends of Brookline Public Health Website: brooklinefph.wixsite.com/brooklinefph [https://brooklinefph.wixsite.com/brooklinefph] * Make a Donation: Visit brooklinecommunity.org [https://brooklinecommunity.org] and select "Friends of Brookline Public Health Fund" from the dropdown menu. * Brookline Thrives: brooklinethrives.org [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://brooklinethrives.org] * Brookline Food Pantry: https://brooklinefoodpantry.org/ [https://brooklinefoodpantry.org/] Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional who can consider your individual needs and circumstances. Listeners should consult a qualified professional regarding their specific situation and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Friends of Brookline Public Health, the Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG), or any affiliated institutions. Use of this content is at your own risk. **