Is Mouth Breathing Affecting Your Child’s Sleep, Behavior & Jaw Development? | Dr. Sandra Kahn

Is Mouth Breathing Affecting Your Child’s Sleep, Behavior & Jaw Development? | Dr. Sandra Kahn

What if your child’s snoring, mouth breathing, crowded teeth, restless sleep, bedwetting, or attention struggles were connected? In this episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Sandra Kahn, orthodontist and author of Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic, joins us to discuss how children’s breathing, jaw growth, oral posture, sleep quality, and facial development are deeply connected. Dr. Kahn explains why mouth breathing is often a symptom of a deeper airway issue, how nasal breathing supports healthy sleep and brain development, and why parents should pay attention to signs such as snoring, open-mouth posture, dark circles under the eyes, restless sleep, crowded teeth, chewing with the mouth open, and emotional dysregulation.  We also explore the possible links between poor sleep, ADHD-like behaviors, bedwetting, reflux, ear infections, narrow jaws, pacifier use, soft foods, swallowing habits, and early childhood development. Dr. Kahn shares practical ways parents can observe their child’s breathing, chewing, swallowing, posture, and sleep without creating anxiety or pressure at home. This conversation is especially helpful for parents of young children, pregnant mothers, caregivers concerned about mouth breathing, and families looking for early support before braces, sleep studies, or chronic health concerns emerge. In this episode, we discuss: * Why children should breathe through the nose at rest and during sleep * Red flags of poor airway function, including snoring and restless sleep * How mouth breathing may affect jaw growth, facial development, and crowded teeth * The connection between sleep quality, emotional regulation, ADHD-like symptoms, and bedwetting * Why chewing, swallowing, oral posture, and tongue position matter * How parents can talk with pediatricians, ENTs, dentists, and orthodontists about airway concerns * Why early intervention in the first years of life can make a difference Resources, programs, and platforms mentioned: * Dr. Sandra Kahn’s website [https://forwardontics.com/pages/kahn] * Dr. Sandra Kahn’s YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Forwardonticsbreathwell-f1b] * Book: Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic [https://www.amazon.com/Jaws-Hidden-Epidemic-Sandra-Kahn/dp/1503604136/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NFNJLDQPIES4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PZ4rSqfz3ARPTF5hYFm5fy3mJPpLn9tXqgasyFNj8mC9J-hLRNL37bG6TpTHBUBzFPEKbWNltpxXrAqbnFb71pkKIVmW-yRW7rNJL-IsSP0UmBgUUCXg92f65YQopnU5UTgqGomowXzz4q8NQZBSbPI1gFYS475FV2_lbpY_uTYLVes0tsvNP18P1Dn3WlxVMnWtQMXnqiL5t1W3b6I8_rVZadpuZzQfiM-TwLJarMY.gh4_Uj6YwnBwpDYfOhYJM5twGRLgNNWsdqtTkhr7e68&dib_tag=se&keywords=jaws%3A+The+Story+of+a+Hidden&qid=1780858648&sprefix=jaws+the+story+of+a+hidden%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-1] by Sandra Kahn and Paul R. Ehrlich [https://www.amazon.com/Jaws-Hidden-Epidemic-Sandra-Kahn/dp/1503604136/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NFNJLDQPIES4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PZ4rSqfz3ARPTF5hYFm5fy3mJPpLn9tXqgasyFNj8mC9J-hLRNL37bG6TpTHBUBzFPEKbWNltpxXrAqbnFb71pkKIVmW-yRW7rNJL-IsSP0UmBgUUCXg92f65YQopnU5UTgqGomowXzz4q8NQZBSbPI1gFYS475FV2_lbpY_uTYLVes0tsvNP18P1Dn3WlxVMnWtQMXnqiL5t1W3b6I8_rVZadpuZzQfiM-TwLJarMY.gh4_Uj6YwnBwpDYfOhYJM5twGRLgNNWsdqtTkhr7e68&dib_tag=se&keywords=jaws%3A+The+Story+of+a+Hidden&qid=1780858648&sprefix=jaws+the+story+of+a+hidden%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-1] * Book: Breathe 4.0 [https://forwardontics.com/products/breathe-4-0-book] * Upcoming book: NOSE * Book: GOPEX / GoPex Program [https://forwardontics.com/products/gopex-good-oral-posture-exercises] * October 2026 - Family Reset Workshops [http://www.theforwardonticsfamilyreset.com] * Passive Flow Pacifier [https://forwardontics.com/products/up-lock-pacifier] * Nutrient Flow / Neutral Flow baby bottle * Uplocker / ObLocker [https://forwardontics.com/products/up-locker-vacuum-activator-by-forwardontics] * Lip Locker [https://forwardontics.com/products/lip-locker] * Nasometer [https://forwardontics.com/products/nasometer] * January 2026 article on the use of Uplocker in children [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41521856/] Discount code: DRBURKE5 to our listeners on all items in Dr. Kahn's store. Episode feedback: info@tanieshaburke.com [info@tanieshaburke.com] ------------------------- CONNECT WITH US: Website: https://tanieshaburke.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtanieshaburke Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtanieshaburke/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drtanieshaburke

Childhood Money Wounds: How They Shape Your Family, Marriage & Wealth | Dr. Nicole B. Simpson

Money problems are often blamed on poor budgeting, but what if the deeper issue is financial trauma?  In this powerful episode, Dr. Taniesha Burke speaks with Dr. Nicole B. Simpson, Certified Financial Planner, CEO of Harvest Wealth Financial, and author of Breaking Free from Financial Trauma. Together, they explore how childhood money wounds, a scarcity mindset, layoffs, divorce, illness, debt, and family obligations can shape how parents manage money, relationships, and legacy. Dr. Simpson shares practical wisdom on healing your relationship with money, setting financial boundaries with extended family, reducing consumer debt, preparing for aging parents, using life insurance wisely, and teaching children healthier money habits. She also explains why financial freedom begins with mindset, stewardship, and small daily decisions.  This conversation is especially helpful for parents, couples, adult children supporting family members, and anyone ready to break generational cycles around money, stress, and survival.   In this episode, we discuss: * What financial trauma is and how it affects families * How childhood scarcity shapes adult money habits * Why more income does not automatically create wealth * The pressure of financially supporting extended family * How to set boundaries without abandoning loved ones * The impact of consumer debt on parents and children * Why families need honest conversations about aging, insurance, and legacy * Simple ways to start tracking spending and rebuilding financial confidence * How parents can teach children financial responsibility * Why community, faith, and family support matter during uncertain times Mentioned Resources: * Dr. Nicole B. Simpson's website [https://www.nicolebsimpson.com/] * Harvest Wealth Financial [https://www.harvestwealthfinancialusa.com/] * Book: [https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Free-Financial-Trauma-Practical/dp/B0DJCHXNTJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FXG42R0IGLM7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EI34LaFffE2xYpGfVucoMNNGIkHuCw2BnRtE7UeLEsVLSjuDCKEWc_dgl9mWGotrQlHYWe16G8mTHPS4srU-dS9lUd0MEvY1o_ZA5uAwyzdctSPbfUKzRynOXKcwSjTw7ev3vdcFh0sogmYhh5ObENiQj5hu-UYD9EaWE4zrL-VErTmFckJgjw8OS9nPYxJEGdv139sCk-b8QqLba1SfAcO2d49Y6OwgBIxdff27l5E.pA-X5NlLkSY2Zrd5eg23Hg3vJEE7yeisu4FXrWCruCw&dib_tag=se&keywords=nicole+b+simpson&qid=1780261331&sprefix=nicole+b+simpson%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-1]Breaking Free from Financial Trauma [https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Free-Financial-Trauma-Practical/dp/B0DJCHXNTJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FXG42R0IGLM7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EI34LaFffE2xYpGfVucoMNNGIkHuCw2BnRtE7UeLEsVLSjuDCKEWc_dgl9mWGotrQlHYWe16G8mTHPS4srU-dS9lUd0MEvY1o_ZA5uAwyzdctSPbfUKzRynOXKcwSjTw7ev3vdcFh0sogmYhh5ObENiQj5hu-UYD9EaWE4zrL-VErTmFckJgjw8OS9nPYxJEGdv139sCk-b8QqLba1SfAcO2d49Y6OwgBIxdff27l5E.pA-X5NlLkSY2Zrd5eg23Hg3vJEE7yeisu4FXrWCruCw&dib_tag=se&keywords=nicole+b+simpson&qid=1780261331&sprefix=nicole+b+simpson%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-1] by Dr. Nicole B. Simpson [https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Free-Financial-Trauma-Practical/dp/B0DJCHXNTJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FXG42R0IGLM7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EI34LaFffE2xYpGfVucoMNNGIkHuCw2BnRtE7UeLEsVLSjuDCKEWc_dgl9mWGotrQlHYWe16G8mTHPS4srU-dS9lUd0MEvY1o_ZA5uAwyzdctSPbfUKzRynOXKcwSjTw7ev3vdcFh0sogmYhh5ObENiQj5hu-UYD9EaWE4zrL-VErTmFckJgjw8OS9nPYxJEGdv139sCk-b8QqLba1SfAcO2d49Y6OwgBIxdff27l5E.pA-X5NlLkSY2Zrd5eg23Hg3vJEE7yeisu4FXrWCruCw&dib_tag=se&keywords=nicole+b+simpson&qid=1780261331&sprefix=nicole+b+simpson%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-1] * Book: [https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Shift-Navigating-Emotional-Economic-ebook/dp/B0BS1T8FPS/ref=books_amazonstores_desktop_mfs_author_smart_catalog_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=f1pGb&content-id=amzn1.sym.aec507cb-142c-4f68-9ae5-803b8e7b33f1&pf_rd_p=aec507cb-142c-4f68-9ae5-803b8e7b33f1&pf_rd_r=146-8732474-8397132&pd_rd_wg=Mf0vm&pd_rd_r=4387b657-ca56-4b72-af18-ed882a90d354]The Quiet Shift [https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Shift-Navigating-Emotional-Economic-ebook/dp/B0BS1T8FPS/ref=books_amazonstores_desktop_mfs_author_smart_catalog_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=f1pGb&content-id=amzn1.sym.aec507cb-142c-4f68-9ae5-803b8e7b33f1&pf_rd_p=aec507cb-142c-4f68-9ae5-803b8e7b33f1&pf_rd_r=146-8732474-8397132&pd_rd_wg=Mf0vm&pd_rd_r=4387b657-ca56-4b72-af18-ed882a90d354] by Dr. Nicole B. Simpson [https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Shift-Navigating-Emotional-Economic-ebook/dp/B0BS1T8FPS/ref=books_amazonstores_desktop_mfs_author_smart_catalog_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=f1pGb&content-id=amzn1.sym.aec507cb-142c-4f68-9ae5-803b8e7b33f1&pf_rd_p=aec507cb-142c-4f68-9ae5-803b8e7b33f1&pf_rd_r=146-8732474-8397132&pd_rd_wg=Mf0vm&pd_rd_r=4387b657-ca56-4b72-af18-ed882a90d354]   Podcast feedback: info@tanieshaburke.com

Boys, Girls, and the Brain: What Parents Need to Know About Movement, Focus, and Learning | Dr. Michael Gurian

In this episode, Dr. Michael Gurian shares brain-based insights into how boys and girls may experience learning, movement, focus, and behavior differently. The conversation explores why some children struggle in traditional learning environments and why understanding brain development can help parents, educators, and caregivers respond with more compassion and effectiveness. Michael explains how areas of the brain, such as the cerebellum, influence movement, action, problem-solving, and the need for physical activity. He highlights why some boys may fidget or need to move more, while some girls may appear more able to sit still for longer periods. Rather than labeling children as difficult or distracted, this episode invites adults to better understand what may be happening beneath the behavior. This conversation is especially helpful for parents raising boys and girls, teachers supporting diverse learners, and anyone interested in child development, positive discipline, brain-based parenting, and helping children thrive at home and in school. Topics include: brain differences in boys and girls, child development, parenting boys and girls, movement and learning, fidgeting, focus, classroom behavior, positive discipline, emotional development, and brain-based education.   RECOMMENDED RESOURCES The Gurian Institute [https://gurianinstitute.com/] Book: Boys and Girls Learn Differently [https://www.amazon.de/Michael-Gurian-ebook/dp/B0041G6SP0/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=7mUfU&content-id=amzn1.sym.32c8a6f4-3cfa-4fe8-bceb-8db6f8140d5b&pf_rd_p=32c8a6f4-3cfa-4fe8-bceb-8db6f8140d5b&pf_rd_r=262-7042581-0159269&pd_rd_wg=9Sq8E&pd_rd_r=020cc085-d9ea-4a5c-a86e-21e2bfd60880] Book: The Wonder Girls: Understanding the Hidden Nature of Girls [https://www.amazon.de/Wonder-Girls-Understanding-Hidden-Daughters/dp/0743417038/ref=books_amazonstores_desktop_mfs_aufs_ap_sc_dsk_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=MkR9d&content-id=amzn1.sym.2fc06bb9-4b94-471f-bd4f-5257a7a676e5&pf_rd_p=2fc06bb9-4b94-471f-bd4f-5257a7a676e5&pf_rd_r=262-7042581-0159269&pd_rd_wg=cdEaY&pd_rd_r=acec874c-07c6-4f46-ab3b-adefc48f5ec8] Book: The Wonder of Boys: What Parents, Mentors, and Educators Can Do To Shape Boys Into Exceptional Men [https://www.amazon.de/Wonder-Boys-Parents-Educators-Exceptional/dp/1585425281/ref=books_amazonstores_desktop_mfs_aufs_ap_sc_dsk_0?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=MkR9d&content-id=amzn1.sym.2fc06bb9-4b94-471f-bd4f-5257a7a676e5&pf_rd_p=2fc06bb9-4b94-471f-bd4f-5257a7a676e5&pf_rd_r=262-7042581-0159269&pd_rd_wg=cdEaY&pd_rd_r=acec874c-07c6-4f46-ab3b-adefc48f5ec8] Book: The Mind of Boys [https://www.amazon.de/Michael-Gurian-ebook/dp/B07MN3N3RK/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=7mUfU&content-id=amzn1.sym.32c8a6f4-3cfa-4fe8-bceb-8db6f8140d5b&pf_rd_p=32c8a6f4-3cfa-4fe8-bceb-8db6f8140d5b&pf_rd_r=262-7042581-0159269&pd_rd_wg=9Sq8E&pd_rd_r=020cc085-d9ea-4a5c-a86e-21e2bfd60880]   Podcast feedback: info@tanieshaburke.com

Parental Burnout Signs: Why You Feel Angry, Exhausted & Overwhelmed | Dr. Claire Plumbly

Burnout is more than feeling tired. For many parents, it can look like snapping at their children, feeling emotionally numb, struggling to make decisions, doomscrolling, overshopping, or moving through the day on autopilot.   In this episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Claire Plumbly, registered clinical psychologist, trauma expert, EMDR consultant, and author of Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You, explains how chronic stress affects the nervous system and why so many modern parents feel overwhelmed. Dr. Plumbly breaks down the key signs of parental burnout. She also explains the difference between normal stress, chronic stress, and toxic stress, and how unmanaged stress can push parents into survival mode.  This conversation explores the hidden risk factors that contribute to burnout. Dr. Plumbly also shares practical tools for nervous system regulation. Whether you are a working mother, overwhelmed parent, or caregiver feeling stretched thin, this episode offers compassionate, practical guidance to help you recognize burnout, protect your mental health, and rebuild patience, connection, and emotional balance at home. MENTIONED RESOURCES & PROGRAMS * Dr. Claire Plumbly’s book: [https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Burnout-Manage-Nervous-Manages/dp/0306836319/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QX4OP7BDESVK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UGS1tCP660BxR5Y_GSnxpYaia9CWQBqJjEPdWMesVOPGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.K_usjS4p52plhSuVIxOiDOSKVrvbseoGMGb5U76RJHM&dib_tag=se&keywords=claire+plumbly&qid=1779000354&sprefix=claire+plumbly%2Caps%2C285&sr=8-1]  [https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Burnout-Manage-Nervous-Manages/dp/0306836319/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QX4OP7BDESVK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UGS1tCP660BxR5Y_GSnxpYaia9CWQBqJjEPdWMesVOPGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.K_usjS4p52plhSuVIxOiDOSKVrvbseoGMGb5U76RJHM&dib_tag=se&keywords=claire+plumbly&qid=1779000354&sprefix=claire+plumbly%2Caps%2C285&sr=8-1]Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You [https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Burnout-Manage-Nervous-Manages/dp/0306836319/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QX4OP7BDESVK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UGS1tCP660BxR5Y_GSnxpYaia9CWQBqJjEPdWMesVOPGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.K_usjS4p52plhSuVIxOiDOSKVrvbseoGMGb5U76RJHM&dib_tag=se&keywords=claire+plumbly&qid=1779000354&sprefix=claire+plumbly%2Caps%2C285&sr=8-1] * Plum Psychology [https://www.plum-psychology.com/] * Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/drclaireplumbly/] Dr. Claire Plumbly [https://www.instagram.com/drclaireplumbly/] * Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/DrClairePlumbly] Dr. Claire Plumbly [https://www.facebook.com/DrClairePlumbly] * TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@drclaireplumbly?lang=en] Dr. Claire Plumbly [https://www.tiktok.com/@drclaireplumbly?lang=en] Podcast feedback: info@tanieshaburke.com

Why Parents Snap: Polyvagal Theory, Parenting Triggers & Co-Regulation | Deb Dana

In this episode of Family Dialogues, Dr. Taniesha Burke speaks with Deb Dana, author of Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory, about how parents can better understand stress, emotional dysregulation, tantrums, shutdowns, anger, anxiety, people-pleasing, and conflict through the lens of polyvagal theory.  Deb explains how the autonomic nervous system scans for safety and danger, why parents may snap, shut down, or feel overwhelmed, and how learning to “befriend” the nervous system can help families move from reactivity to connection.  Together, they explore practical ways parents can support co-regulation during meltdowns, strengthen emotional regulation through small daily “glimmer” practices, repair after rupture, and create more emotional safety with children and partners. This episode is especially helpful for parents who want to understand their triggers, respond more calmly to tantrums and bedtime battles, improve family communication, and raise children who can recognize and regulate their own emotions. IN THIS EPISODE You’ll learn: * What polyvagal theory is and why it matters for parents * How the nervous system responds to safety, stress, conflict, and overwhelm * The difference between fight, flight, shutdown, collapse, appeasement, and fawning * Why children cannot learn lessons when they are dysregulated * How parents can use co-regulation during tantrums and meltdowns * Why “calm down” often does not work * How glimmers, gratitude, and curiosity can strengthen regulation * How couples can understand mismatched nervous system responses * Why rupture and repair are essential for secure family relationships * How to teach children emotional regulation by modeling it yourself RECOMMENDED RESOURCES * Deb Dana’s website: [https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/about]Rhythm of Regulation [https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/about] * Deb Dana’s book: [https://www.amazon.com/Anchored-Befriend-Nervous-System-Polyvagal/dp/1683647068/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DNXX9KMHPRHZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pjl3d4Gix607UsFioD_LFquQfBBC1whoYvEV7cFcoirTI4UP7uQbGDPH4yl0L5Zk2ZnYWxl_TR7xN98G4mOWiHi74AvC5Ei9d5BiVZZmXU2ErkNWsV4_3YMZ4EuJ5bAThY6tlPtnpqB1_Z4SLQGVptfZWDIfyg5FW5JvclAYWgY.tRCkkpsSORsTTaSBh1CkpCGVW4omzhtVN_TOuReEugE&dib_tag=se&keywords=Anchored%3A+How+to+Befriend+Your+Nervous&qid=1778305976&sprefix=anchored+how+to+befriend+your+nervous+%2Caps%2C301&sr=8-1]Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory [https://www.amazon.com/Anchored-Befriend-Nervous-System-Polyvagal/dp/1683647068/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DNXX9KMHPRHZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pjl3d4Gix607UsFioD_LFquQfBBC1whoYvEV7cFcoirTI4UP7uQbGDPH4yl0L5Zk2ZnYWxl_TR7xN98G4mOWiHi74AvC5Ei9d5BiVZZmXU2ErkNWsV4_3YMZ4EuJ5bAThY6tlPtnpqB1_Z4SLQGVptfZWDIfyg5FW5JvclAYWgY.tRCkkpsSORsTTaSBh1CkpCGVW4omzhtVN_TOuReEugE&dib_tag=se&keywords=Anchored%3A+How+to+Befriend+Your+Nervous&qid=1778305976&sprefix=anchored+how+to+befriend+your+nervous+%2Caps%2C301&sr=8-1] * Polyvagal Institute [https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/] * Deb Dana’s  [https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/events-training]Rhythm of Regulation clinical training series [https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/events-training] * Deb Dana’s books and cards on [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deborah-A.-Dana/author/B077GWLCG3?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=85f29138-a22a-406c-bcd9-f462ab808225]Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deborah-A.-Dana/author/B077GWLCG3?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=85f29138-a22a-406c-bcd9-f462ab808225]   Podcast feedback: info@tanieshaburke.com