A podcast by Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System where we sit down with doctors and experts to talk about important topics that all parents face. We're here to help you navigate this amazing journey we call parenting.
Back-to-school season is busy enough — snacks shouldn’t be! In this episode of ParentingU Extra Credit, pediatric GI and healthy weight nutrition nurse April Hamilton, RN, shares her favorite smoothie pop hack: blend once, enjoy twice.
Start with a protein-packed Greek yogurt smoothie in the morning
Freeze the rest into after-school popsicles your kids will love
April walks us through building a smoothie with fresh and frozen fruits, shares how to get the kids involved, and even offers a science-backed bonus tip for getting the most nutrition from your berries.
April’s kitchen motto? “The kitchen is my playground. Cooking is contagious. Have fun and spread the love!”
Featuring special helpers Liv and Jane, this episode is fun, flavorful and full of ideas to help you snack smarter during the school year.
In this episode:
Easy, nutritious smoothie ideas
Freezer-friendly popsicle tips
Why Greek yogurt is a great base
How to get kids excited about healthy snacks
A fun way to beat the after-school heat
Watch, blend, freeze and enjoy!
Want more parenting tips from our experts? Check out the full ParentingU playlist (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzHUSYQFjiX3D9xLrN-Ceza6AFTiQFtgl) and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
Read more on our blog: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/back-to-school-smoothie-hack/
31 Jul 2025
Expert Screen Time Advice for Families
Summer can make screen limits harder to hold, but it’s also a perfect time to reclaim imagination, connection and play. In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Sandy Reed shares her expert insight on how screen time affects child development, how to set boundaries that work for your family and why boredom might be the best thing for your child’s brain. With more than 27 years of experience (and generations of patients), Dr. Reed brings clarity, compassion and realistic advice for today’s parents.
Key Moments:
Avoid the Summer Screen Time Slide – 1:16
Make a Family Media Plan – 2:20
What Too Much Screen Time Actually Does to Kids – 3:22
Passive vs. Active Screen Time – 5:16
No-Excuses Screen Time Rules – 7:48
Easy, Creative Alternatives to Screens – 11:31
Parents Screen Habits Matter, Too – 14:02
American Academy of Pediatrics Media Plan Builder: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx
Read more from Dr. Reed on our blog: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/managing-screen-time-expert-tips-for-parents/
Download our screentime tip sheet: https://health.fmolhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ParentingUS5E8_ScreenTimePlanDownload.pdf
Learn more about Dr. Reed: https://doctors.ololchildrens.org/provider/sandy-shows-reed/1297722
24 Jul 2025
Bike and Scooter Safety Tips for Families
What’s the key to safe summer fun? According to Dr. Nicholas George, it’s all about modeling good habits, setting boundaries and never skipping the helmet. In this ParentingU episode, he shares personal stories (including a scary childhood injury), smart safety tips for bikes and scooters, and how parents can balance protection with play.
From concussions to goose eggs and everything in between, this episode helps parents navigate summer safety without panic.
Key Moments:
Benefits Beyond the Backyard – 3:02
Brains on Bikes – 4:00
Lead by Example – 5:20
Helmet Hair, Don't Care – 7:39
Safety Rules Without Panic – 11:43
Scrapes, Swells and When to Worry – 16:43
Read more from Dr. George on our blog: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/a-parents-guide-to-safer-summers/
Learn more about Dr. George: https://doctors.lourdesrmc.com/provider/nicholas-taylor-george/2215694
Who has been a guest on ParentingU
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
April Hamilton
Dr Thiravat Choojitarom
Kristen Sandoz
Dr Kyle Pontiff
Josh LeJeune
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
17 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
69
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
77
Contact ParentingU
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of ParentingU?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
