We’re Doing Great | A Podcast for Imperfect Parents by Pok Pok – Details, episodes & analysis

What is actually happening in your child’s brain during a meltdown? And, what can you do during a meltdown when nothing seems to help? When your child is melting down, it can feel personal, urgent, and overwhelming. In this episode, Laura Petix helps you reframe behavior as a nervous system response and shows how sensory strategies can support emotional regulation. Laura Petix is a pediatric occupational therapist and neurodiversity expert. As the creator of The OT Butterfly, she helps parents decode behavior through a sensory lens. What you’ll learn in this episode: (03:07) What’s happening in a child’s brain and nervous system during a meltdown. (07:32) How sensory input builds up throughout the day and leads to emotional overload. (09:49) Why after-school transitions are especially hard for many kids. (14:45) The hidden sensory challenges in everyday routines like mornings and bedtime. (19:51) How to tell when a behavior is a sensory issue versus a passing phase. (23:43) What actually helps children during meltdowns, and what often makes things worse. (29:26) How to teach regulation tools proactively when kids are calm. (35:30) Why “timeouts” work differently depending on how they’re used and framed. Thank you to Laura Petix for being on our show! Learn more about Laura and The OT Butterfly: https://theotbutterfly.com/ Follow Laura on Instagram: https://instagram.com/theotbutterfly Check out Laura’s podcast, Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions Podcast for Parents: https://theotbutterfly.com/the-sensory-w-i-s-e-solutions-podcast-for-parents/ Get Laura’s book, A Kid’s Book About Neurodiversity: https://amzn.to/4qfE97g Subscribe and follow the "We’re Doing Great" podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1855989506 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ItWi8W0bYFS6yplP3tQii * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WereDoingGreatPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weredoinggreatpod/ * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weredoinggreatpod We’re Doing Great is the parenting podcast that helps you navigate the hard stuff, savor the good stuff, and remember you’re not alone. Hosts and moms, Melissa Cash and Esther Huybreghts, team up with experts to share practical guidance on how to stay anchored when the waters get rough. Join us on the frontlines of modern parenting as we explore what it really means to be good at the hardest job on earth. Pok Pok is on a mission to help raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive, digital tools that help them think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more about Pok Pok: https://playpokpok.com. Follow Pok Pok on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiopokpok?sub_confirmation=1 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

You’re navigating parenting in a world where screens are unavoidable, and this episode will help you release the guilt that often comes with that reality. In this episode, Melissa, Esther, and their guest, Ash Brandin, explore why leisure and downtime are essential for both you and your children, and how to model a healthy relationship with technology. Today’s guest is Ash Brandin. They are an educator, author of Power On, and are known online as The Gamer Educator. They help families rethink screen time without fear or shame. What you’ll learn in this episode: How letting go of screen guilt can create more peace and connection at home. Why screen time should be viewed as a family issue, not just a child issue. How screens can benefit kids by supporting calmer, more regulated caregivers. Why kids deserve true downtime that doesn’t have to be creative or productive. How educational pressure around screens often serves adult guilt more than kids’ needs. How to evaluate screen-time data without letting it overwhelm you. How modeling healthy leisure teaches kids to balance responsibility and rest as adults. Thank you to Ash Brandin for being on our show! Learn more about Ash, aka The Gamer Educator at https://www.instagram.com/thegamereducator/ Get Ash’s book, Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family: https://www.thegamereducator.com/book Subscribe and follow the "We’re Doing Great" podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1855989506 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ItWi8W0bYFS6yplP3tQii * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WereDoingGreatPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weredoinggreatpod/ * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weredoinggreatpod We’re Doing Great is the parenting podcast that helps you navigate the hard stuff, savor the good stuff, and remember you’re not alone. Hosts and moms, Melissa Cash and Esther Huybreghts, team up with experts to share practical guidance on how to stay anchored when the waters get rough. Join us on the frontlines of modern parenting as we explore what it really means to be good at the hardest job on earth. Pok Pok is on a mission to help raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive, digital tools that help them think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more about Pok Pok: https://playpokpok.com. Follow Pok Pok on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiopokpok?sub_confirmation=1 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Which hygiene routines actually matter for preventing illness in your home? In this episode, Melissa and Esther chat with beloved pediatrician Dr. Mona about what parents really need to know about kids getting sick. This conversation explores practical, pediatrician-approved strategies for hygiene, symptom monitoring, and knowing exactly when to seek extra help. Dr. Mona Amin is a board-certified pediatrician and the creator of PedsDocTalk, a global parenting education platform offering evidence-based guidance with zero guilt and tons of warmth. What you’ll learn in this episode: (05:17) Which hand-washing habits make a real difference. (08:42) Whether changing clothes after daycare or school is truly necessary. (13:48) How dirt, pets, and outdoor play help train a child’s immune system. (22:48) How to tell when your child’s symptoms need medical attention and how to trust your intuition. (33:22) The core pillars of creating a healthy household during sick season, including sleep, hydration, ventilation, and low stress. (37:06) Practical tools like saline spray, warm air, and outdoor time to help kids recover. (42:04) Dr. Mona’s philosophy of staying “hopeful, not naive” to reduce spiraling and raise emotionally resilient kids. Thank you to Dr. Mona Amin for being on our show! Learn more about Dr. Mona and PedsDocTalk: https://pedsdoctalk.com and https://www.instagram.com/pedsdoctalk/ Subscribe and follow the "We’re Doing Great" podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1855989506 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ItWi8W0bYFS6yplP3tQii * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WereDoingGreatPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weredoinggreatpod/ * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weredoinggreatpod We’re Doing Great is the parenting podcast that helps you navigate the hard stuff, savor the good stuff, and remember you’re not alone. Hosts and moms, Melissa Cash and Esther Huybreghts, team up with experts to share practical guidance on how to stay anchored when the waters get rough. Join us on the frontlines of modern parenting as we explore what it really means to be good at the hardest job on earth. Pok Pok is on a mission to help raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive, digital tools that help them think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more about Pok Pok: https://playpokpok.com. Follow Pok Pok on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiopokpok?sub_confirmation=1 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

How can you tell if your child’s struggles are normal or a sign of ADHD? And, how do you decide whether to pursue a formal ADHD diagnosis? In this episode, hosts Melissa Cash and Esther Huybreghts talk with psychologist Dr. Carrie Jackson to unpack the truth about ADHD in children. Together they explore early signs, gender differences, and how parents can support their kids without shame or stigma. Dr. Carrie Jackson is a licensed psychologist who specializes in ADHD in children—and she has ADHD herself, so she gets it. She’s on a mission to help parents understand their kids’ unique brains and build calmer, happier homes along the way. What you’ll learn in this episode: (03:50) How ADHD really shows up in kids—and why it’s not always what you think. (06:11) The key differences between ADHD in boys and girls, and why girls are often diagnosed later. (07:52) How outdated gender stereotypes and diagnostic criteria affect how ADHD is identified in children. (10:50) Why ADHD tends to run in families and what that means for parents with similar traits. (12:47) The first steps to take if you suspect your child might have ADHD. (14:38) Why typical parenting strategies don’t work for ADHD brains, and how to adapt your approach. (17:10) How to use visuals, structure, and environmental cues to help ADHD kids stay organized and calm. (24:11) How to reduce shame, build confidence, and help your child thrive with ADHD. Visit https://www.drcarriejackson.com to learn more about Dr. Carrie Jackson’s ADHD resources, expert advice, and supportive parenting tools. Be sure to connect with Dr. Carrie on social media to ask questions and learn more about ADHD in kids: * Dr. Carrie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carriejackson/ * Dr. Carrie’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarriejackson * ADHD Parenting Course: https://www.drcarriejackson.com/connectedandpracticalparenting * Free ADHD Parenting Guide: https://www.drcarriejackson.com/free-parent-guide * Dr. Carrie’s Private Practice: https://www.socalchildpsych.com/ Here’s the timer clock discussed in this episode: Yunbaoit Visual Timer: https://amzn.to/4ipWzj9 Subscribe and follow the "We’re Doing Great" podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1855989506 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ItWi8W0bYFS6yplP3tQii * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WereDoingGreatPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weredoinggreatpod/ * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weredoinggreatpod Here’s the timer clock discussed in this episode: Yunbaoit Visual Timer: https://amzn.to/4ipWzj9 We’re Doing Great is the parenting podcast that helps you navigate the hard stuff, savor the good stuff, and remember you’re not alone. Hosts and moms, Melissa Cash and Esther Huybreghts, team up with experts to share practical guidance on how to stay anchored when the waters get rough. Join us on the frontlines of modern parenting as we explore what it really means to be good at the hardest job on earth. Pok Pok is on a mission to help raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive, digital tools that help them think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more about Pok Pok: https://playpokpok.com. Follow Pok Pok on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiopokpok?sub_confirmation=1 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What changes when you stop performing “good parenting” for others and focus on what works for your family? In this episode, Melissa and Esther talk with prolific content creator Shawna Lander about the messy, funny, and deeply human realities of becoming a mom. Get ready to unpack how becoming a mother transformed Shawna’s identity and career, leading her to write hilarious and honest skits about the real-life struggles no one prepares you for. Shawna Lander is the hilarious mind behind the “Shawnaverse,” where her sharp, heartfelt mom-skits help parents feel seen in all their messy glory. She’s an actor, writer, mom, and cancer survivor. What you’ll learn in this episode: (01:37) Why judgment shows up everywhere in parenting and how to recognize it without letting it define you. (06:47) How seeing your child as a whole human changes the way you handle tough moments. (09:20) Why your child’s “inconvenient” behavior might actually be healthy self-advocacy. (12:18) How understanding someone’s upbringing can completely shift how you interpret their parenting style. (15:45) Why encouraging autonomy in young kids sets them up for stronger self-identity later on. (18:12) How to parent through major life challenges. (27:09) What happens when parenting roles shift. (35:21) Why protecting kids from every hardship can backfire. Thank you to Shawna Lander for being on our show! Follow Shawna: https://www.instagram.com/shawnathemom and https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnathemom and https://www.youtube.com/@shawnathemom. Subscribe and follow the "We’re Doing Great" podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1855989506 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ItWi8W0bYFS6yplP3tQii * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WereDoingGreatPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weredoinggreatpod/ * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weredoinggreatpod We’re Doing Great is the parenting podcast that helps you navigate the hard stuff, savor the good stuff, and remember you’re not alone. Hosts and moms, Melissa Cash and Esther Huybreghts, team up with experts to share practical guidance on how to stay anchored when the waters get rough. Join us on the frontlines of modern parenting as we explore what it really means to be good at the hardest job on earth. Pok Pok is on a mission to help raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive, digital tools that help them think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more about Pok Pok: https://playpokpok.com. Follow Pok Pok on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiopokpok?sub_confirmation=1 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

As a parent, how can you build real in-person connections when you feel overwhelmed or isolated?  In this episode, you’ll dive into why raising kids today often feels so lonely—and what you as a parent can actually do to change that. Peanut CEO Michelle Kennedy joins Melissa and Esther to open up about the realities of modern parenthood and gives practical, compassionate steps for finding real connection again. Michelle is also the author of It Takes a Village, a book filled with real stories of modern motherhood. Peanut is kind of like Bumble for moms—a wildly popular social networking app helping millions of women navigating fertility, pregnancy, motherhood or menopause find connection and support.  What you’ll learn in this episode:  (01:25) Why today’s parents are the loneliest generation.  (03:06) How community spaces disappeared over time.  (06:54) Why resourcing your life like you would a business can help you navigate childcare and shared support. (08:20) How finding just one friend with aligned values can change your entire parenting experience. (19:00) Why getting uncomfortable is the first step to making meaningful mom friends. (20:25) How connection evolves as your kids grow.  (22:45) How to understand the difference between social media consumption and true, reciprocal community. (30:34) Why prioritizing yourself is essential.  Thank you to Michelle Kennedy for being on our show!  Learn more about Michelle: https://michellekennedy.co Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellekennedylon/ Follow Peanut to get connected with other mothers and find your village: https://www.instagram.com/peanut  Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellekennedy2/ Get Michelle’s new book, It Takes A Village, from Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0241709989  Or from Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0241709989  Subscribe and follow the "We’re Doing Great" podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team:  * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1855989506 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ItWi8W0bYFS6yplP3tQii * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WereDoingGreatPodcast?sub_confirmation=1  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weredoinggreatpod/  * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weredoinggreatpod  We’re Doing Great is the parenting podcast that helps you navigate the hard stuff, savor the good stuff, and remember you’re not alone. Hosts and moms, Melissa Cash and Esther Huybreghts, team up with experts to share practical guidance on how to stay anchored when the waters get rough. Join us on the frontlines of modern parenting as we explore what it really means to be good at the hardest job on earth. Pok Pok is on a mission to help raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive, digital tools that help them think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more about Pok Pok: https://playpokpok.com. Follow Pok Pok on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiopokpok?sub_confirmation=1   This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What is Melissa and Esther’s mission behind creating a podcast that focuses on imperfect parenting?  In this first episode, you’ll meet Melissa and Esther as they share why they created a parenting podcast that lifts you up instead of overwhelming you. You’ll hear candid stories, real-life chaos, and a lot of laughter as they set the tone for honest, judgment-free parenting conversations.  What you’ll learn in this episode:  (01:38) How short, digestible episodes are designed to fit seamlessly into a busy parent’s day. (02:08) Why so much parenting content causes anxiety, and what this podcast aims to do differently. (02:44) How reminders of what’s working in your family can be more powerful than advice about what’s wrong. (05:23) How confronting your own fears (like bugs!) shapes what you teach your kids. (06:00) Why vulnerability between parents help build community and reduce self-judgment. (09:32) Where to follow the hosts and how joining early helps grow a supportive parenting community. Subscribe and follow the "We’re Doing Great" podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team:  * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/es/podcast/were-doing-great-a-podcast-for-imperfect-parents-by-pok-pok/id1855989506 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ItWi8W0bYFS6yplP3tQii?si=uhYAT_KpSlKDXmFv14tDAQ * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiopokpok?sub_confirmation=1  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weredoinggreatpod/  * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weredoinggreatpod  We’re Doing Great is the parenting podcast that helps you navigate the hard stuff, savor the good stuff, and remember you’re not alone. Hosts and moms, Melissa Cash and Esther Huybreghts, team up with experts to share practical guidance on how to stay anchored when the waters get rough. Join us on the frontlines of modern parenting as we explore what it really means to be good at the hardest job on earth. Learn more about Pok Pok: https://playpokpok.com. We’re toymakers in a digital age. Our mission is to help raise the next generation of creative thinkers. And our design process is simple: kids are in charge. This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Welcome to We’re Doing Great, a podcast for imperfect parents. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to make sure you never miss an episode.

When parenting doesn’t go as expected, how do you move forward? Parenting rarely goes according to plan, and this episode will remind you that unexpected turns don’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Beth Leipholtz shares how raising her son Coop reshaped her understanding of inclusion, communication, and letting go of control. You’ll walk away with reassurance, perspective, and practical insight for parenting with curiosity, compassion, and confidence. Beth Leipholtz is a mom and storyteller who shares honest, joyful reflections on parenting, disability, and inclusion through her platform Beth & Coop. A passionate advocate for raising curious, empathetic kids while navigating life with humor and heart, she is also the author of The ABCs of Inclusion: A Disability Inclusion Book For Kids. What you’ll learn in this episode: (01:38) How Beth processed her son’s early diagnosis and found clarity through action. (04:37) Why letting go of rigid parenting expectations can create more peace. (06:30) How language development and communication evolved as Beth’s son, Coop, grew. (08:52) What listening fatigue is and how it affects kids with hearing devices. (12:04) How parenting can unlock patience you didn’t know you had. (14:14) Why finding community can be a lifeline during uncertain seasons. (21:58) How encouraging kids to ask questions builds inclusion and empathy. (23:45) What inspired Beth’s book, The ABCs of Inclusion, and why representation matters. Thank you to Beth Leipholtz for being on our show! Learn more about Beth Leipholtz, her platform Beth & Coop, and her book, The ABCs of Inclusion: A Disability Inclusion Book For Kids: https://bethandcoop.com/ Subscribe and follow the "We’re Doing Great" podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1855989506 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ItWi8W0bYFS6yplP3tQii * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WereDoingGreatPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weredoinggreatpod/ * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weredoinggreatpod We’re Doing Great is the parenting podcast that helps you navigate the hard stuff, savor the good stuff, and remember you’re not alone. Hosts and moms Melissa Cash and Esther Huybreghts team up with experts to share practical guidance on how to stay anchored when the waters get rough. Join us on the frontlines of modern parenting as we explore what it really means to be good at the hardest job on earth. Pok Pok is on a mission to help raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive, digital tools that help them think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more about Pok Pok: https://playpokpok.com. Follow Pok Pok on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiopokpok?sub_confirmation=1 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

When deciding upon how to feed your baby, how can you trust your instincts when advice feels overwhelming? Feeding a baby often becomes one of the most emotionally charged parts of early parenthood, especially when expectations collide with reality. In this episode with guest Mallory Whitmore, you’ll hear an honest, validating conversation about why formula feeding isn’t a failure, but one of many legitimate ways to nourish your child and yourself. As a parent, educator, and founder of The Formula Mom, Mallory Whitmore is helping redefine infant feeding conversations with compassion and evidence-based guidance. Her book, "Bottle Service: Education and Encouragement for Guilt-Free and Successful Formula Feeding," is out in February. What you’ll learn in this episode: (02:41) Why feeding plans often fall apart after birth and why that’s normal. (04:00) How shame around feeding can affect your mental health and bonding with your baby. (08:32) The subtle ways feeding stress can impact both parents and babies. (10:09) Where formula stigma comes from and how culture reinforced it. (14:20) How social media makes trusting your parenting instincts harder. (19:08) Why validation matters more than advice when making feeding decisions. (24:03) How many feeding options exist beyond formula or breast milk. (25:28) Why infant feeding choices often don’t matter years down the line. Thank you to Mallory Whitmore for being on our show! Learn more about Mallory and The Formula Mom: https://www.instagram.com/theformulamom and https://www.tiktok.com/@theformulamom Want more formula education, tips, and support? Visit www.bottleservicebook.com to purchase Mallory's new guidebook, BOTTLE SERVICE: Education and Encouragement for Guilt Free and Successful Formula Feeding. Subscribe and follow the "We’re Doing Great" podcast by Melissa Cash, Esther Huybreghts, and the Pok Pok team: * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1855989506 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ItWi8W0bYFS6yplP3tQii * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WereDoingGreatPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weredoinggreatpod/ * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weredoinggreatpod We’re Doing Great is the parenting podcast that helps you navigate the hard stuff, savor the good stuff, and remember you’re not alone. Hosts and moms, Melissa Cash and Esther Huybreghts, team up with experts to share practical guidance on how to stay anchored when the waters get rough. Join us on the frontlines of modern parenting as we explore what it really means to be good at the hardest job on earth. Pok Pok is on a mission to help raise the next generation of creative thinkers through non-addictive, digital tools that help them think outside the box and learn through play. Learn more about Pok Pok: https://playpokpok.com. Follow Pok Pok on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@studiopokpok?sub_confirmation=1 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/