The Parenting Brief

Parents know life can be unpredictable. Teaching kids to navigate hardship, adjust and recover gives them the tools to handle life’s challenges. 

Live this week from the Strong Families AZ 14th annual Home Visiting Conference, host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez talks with Dr. Tovah Klein about what it means to be resilient and how parents can raise their children to be resilient. 

Guest: 

Dr. Tovah Klein

Author: Raising Resilience; How Toddlers Thrive

Psychology professor

Barnard College, Columbia University

Director, Barnard College Center for Toddler Development

Res...

Live this week from the 14th annual Strong Families AZ Home Visiting Conference, host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez spoke with Nereida Gomez, a community health worker for the Health Start Program and the 2025 Innovator Award winner. 

They talk about what Nereida has learned from working with young families and how those lessons are helpful to all families. 

Guest: 

Nereida Gomez

MHC Case Manager 

the Health Start Program

the CHS Department

Resources:

Strong Families AZ

Live this week from the Strong Families AZ 14th annual Home Visiting Conference, host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez spoke with Dr. Heather Berlin to get to know how our brains work. Tune in to learn about the importance of boredom, the extinction effect, understanding appropriate child development, and more!

Guest: 

Dr. Heather Berlin

Cognitive Neuroscientist

Associate Clinical Professor Of Psychiatry And Neuroscience

The Icahn School Of Medicine

Mount Sinai

New York

Resources:

Strong Families AZ

Have you heard about kindergarten readiness? It's a term that's been floating around on social media and school websites lately, and we’re here to break it down for you. 

Host Jessica Stewart Gonzalez sits down with Laura Lee, the Director of Early Childhood at the Arizona Department of Education, to talk about kindergarten readiness, Arizona's school choice system, and practical steps to ensure a smooth enrollment process.

Whether you’re feeling super excited or a little bit anxious about your kid starting kindergarten, don’t worry! We’ve got everything you need to make this tran...

This episode is focused on drowning prevention. We share comprehensive tips to keep your family safe, especially around backyard pools and spas. 

Jessica discusses drowning prevention with Jay Arthur, the President of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona and a retired Phoenix Fire Captain that helped start the fire service drowning prevention efforts in Phoenix. 

Learn about the importance of multiple safety layers, audible alarms, and having an emergency plan in place.

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Serv...

Feeling overwhelmed as a parent? You're not alone! Learning how to be aware of your level of stress and how to manage it can be a game changer. 

Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez talks with Karissa Whitlatch, a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in parenting therapy, 

“ …We tend to do things on our own instead of reaching out to friends or support or family. When we weren’t meant to try to navigate parenthood on our own. We were really wired for community.”

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s H...

Early childhood education helps kids develop social, cognitive, and physical skills. Whether that learning comes from a formal child care setting or a stay at home parent, this episode covers what you need to know about early learning experiences.  

Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez talks with Ruth Ray, the Program Director of Early Learning Professional Support at Candelen, about how to support your child’s growth and development. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and lov...

Returning to work after parental leave can be very emotional. From finding a day care you feel confident in, to trying to focus on work when you’re away from your new baby, this can be a stressful time. 

Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez sits down with Michelle Saint Hilarie, the Senior Program Director for Child Care Resource and Referral at Child & Family Resources, to share practical tips to make that transition better for your entire family.

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Healt...

How long should families wait after giving birth before getting pregnant again? There’s a lot to consider when making that decision- things like whether you’re ready to have more than one kid in diapers or the cost of childcare- but most importantly, there needs to be enough time between pregnancies for mom’s body to recover.

Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez sits down with Doctor Siobhan Dolan, an OB/GYN and clinical geneticist, to talk about how birth spacing keeps moms and their future babies healthy.

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Of...

About one in five babies will experience colic, which means they may cry for three hours a day, at least three times a week, for about three weeks, even when they are perfectly healthy. With time, it goes away on its own but it’s important for families to get support while they’re caring for a colicky baby. 

Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez talks about the challenges of colic and the importance of  support networks with Adrienne Brotherton​​​​, a Birth to Five Helpline Specialist at Southwest Human Development. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office o...

You know that moment when your kiddo’s holiday excitement turns into a meltdown? It’s a familiar scene for many parents— when holiday travel or celebration disrupts kids’ routines, it’s normal for little ones to struggle to manage their feelings. 

Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez chats with Maria Lopez​​​​, the Senior Program Manager at the Birth to Five Helpline, about how parents can co-regulate by modeling healthy behavior for their children and ways to prepare your kiddo so the whole family can enjoy the holidays.

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’...

Every year, there are more and more single-father homes. These dedicated dads face unique challenges, including societal stereotypes and biases against fathers. Many navigate their parenting journey without the community support that mothers often receive. 

Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez sits down with Sleepy Vildosola, a Family Involvement Center Parent Ally and father, to talk about the unique challenges single fathers face in today’s society and the benefits of father education. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has tw...

Co-parenting your newborn is a challenge, but we’re here to confirm it can be done. In this episode, we dive into how to work with your co-parent to meet the needs of your little one while they grow up. 

Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez sits down with Billie Tarascio, an Arizona family law attorney, owner of Modern Law and co-owner of Win Without Law School. Together, they go over co-parenting an infant from a legal standpoint. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health...

Playdates are a great way for kids to have fun and develop social skills.. But before parents send their kids over to a friend’s house, it’s important to make sure that the environment they are playing in is safe by checking in with the parents. But this can be a tricky conversation to navigate.

Host Jessica Stewart Gonzalez sits down with Yomy Castillo, Injury Prevention Program Manager at the Arizona Department of Health Services. Together, they go through some methods for approaching these conversations with other parents. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the C...

After you give birth, you want to make sure you’re taking the right vitamins. That way, you have all the nutrients you need to support yourself and your growing family. But with so much advice out there about specific brands and postnatal vitamins, it can be hard to tell what’s true and what's not.

Host Jessica Stewart Gonzalez sorts it out with Susie Leo, a Professional Parent and Child Health Dietitian for the Arizona Department of Health Services and registered dietitian nutritionist with the Power Me A2Z program. Together, they explain everything parents need to k...

On the final day of the 2024 Strong Families AZ Home Visiting Conference, host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez sits down with Dr. Pamela Stewart to discuss the history of women-headed households and how that impacts families today. 

Guest: 

Dr. Pamela Stewart

Historian, Educator and Consultant

Resources:

Strong Families AZ

ACTIVHISTorian

In a live interview from the 13th annual Strong Families AZ Home Visiting Conference, host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez speaks with KC Davis on how to help parents overcome cleaning roadblocks. The conversation aims to teach parents they’re not bad people if they struggle to do care tasks, like laundry or cleaning the kid's playroom. Listen to learn how to create a more functional home that meets your family's needs.

Guest: 

KC Davis

Licensed Professional Counselor,

Author, Speaker, Podcaster

Resources:

Strong Families AZ

Str...

This week, live from the 13th annual Strong Families AZ Home Visiting Conference, host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez interviews Dr. Martín Celaya. They discuss adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and how parents can create a safer environment for children.

Guest: 

Dr. Martín Celaya

Chief, Bureau of Assessment and Evaluation

Division of Public Health - Prevention Services

Arizona Department of Health Services

Resources:

Strong Families AZ

Live this week from the Strong Families AZ 13th annual Home Visiting Conference, host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez interviews Dr. Kyle Pruett about building trust as co-parents. Listen to learn how to keep the baby at the center of parenting decisions, not the previous relationship between co-parents. 

Guest: 

Dr. Kyle Pruett

Clinical Professor of Psychiatry

Yale School of Medicine

Resources:

Strong Families AZ

Live this week from the Strong Families AZ 13th annual Home Visiting Conference, host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez interviews Dr. John Molina about the impact of Substance Use and Mental Health on Native American families. Tune in to learn about culturally appropriate ways to talk to children about substance abuse in a way they can understand. 

Guest: 

Dr. John Molina

Director, Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care

Resources:

Strong Families AZ

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) are mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy or within a year after delivery. Many families feel afraid to talk about PMAD, but we want families to know that they are not alone, it's not anyone’s fault, and with support, things will get better.

In this episode, host Jessica Stewart Gonzalez talks with Rachel Flater, the Postpartum Support International Support Coordinator, about differentiating normal feelings from disorders and how to support people with perinatal mood disorders.

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of...

Whether you’re planning your first family trip or you’ve done it before, flying with young children is challenging. With so many things to keep track of, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. 

Host Jessica Stewart Gonzalez visits with Jodi Baker, the Deputy Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to learn tips and information to help make your family’s travel experience smooth. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young ch...

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car crashes in Arizona. Like other distractions, kids can cause their parents or caregivers to lose focus on safe driving.

In this episode, host Jessica Stewart Gonzalez sits down with Jesse Torrez, the Director of Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety, and Gabby Gallegos, the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety Occupant Protection Coordinator, to help parents focus on safety and handle distractions while driving with kids. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Dep...

Prenatal care helps families have the healthiest pregnancy possible all the way up until the baby arrives. But the process can seem overwhelming if you haven’t done it before, or if you’ve heard some of the common myths about it.

That’s why Jessica sat down with Jen Hamilton, board-certified labor & delivery nurse and Founder of Hot Mess Express, to answer your questions about prenatal care. In this episode, learn about prenatal care, informed consent, what it means to plan your birth vibes, and more. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the...

If you are a new parent, feeding your newborn can raise a lot of questions. But don’t worry, this episode covers everything you need to know to make sure your baby is getting all the nutrients needed, whether you're using breast milk or formula.

In this episode, host Jessica Stewart Gonzalez talks to Amanda Shumway, the Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Program Manager for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at the Arizona Department of Health Services. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Depar...

Are you a parent struggling to get your little one to fall asleep? Well, you're not alone! Sleep is essential for a child's healthy development and well-being, but sometimes it can be a real challenge. One safe and effective way to help children fall asleep is by giving them melatonin.

Jessica chats with Dr. Rupali Drewek, the medical director of the Sleep Disorders Program at Phoenix Children's Hospital and a board certified pediatrician. Dr. Drewek answers all important questions about melatonin and explains sleep hygiene.

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the...

Are you planning to have a party with family and friends? We have a guide to help make sure your celebration is safe for kids who may be in attendance. Jessica sits down with Emily Flanigan, the Program Strategy Specialist of Children's Health at First Things First, to discuss how to keep kids safe during family gatherings, especially when alcohol and breakable dishes are involved. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (any...

​​Regular home maintenance can prevent accidents before they happen. It's easy to stay on top of these necessary chores by setting yearly reminders. That way, you won't fall behind on checking to make sure things like plumbing vents and traps are in working order for the year.

Jessica speaks with Adam Rodriguez, the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program Director at the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma System at the Arizona Department of Health Services, about how to keep your home safe for you and your family. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the C...

Infant Sensory Screenings measure a newborn’s hearing and seeing. When hearing loss is detected early on, families can start exploring interventions sooner to support their little ones as they grow up.

Jessica chats with Morgan Scadden, Sensory Screening Program Manager with the Arizona Department of Health Services, about the screening process and why it's important to take the screening seriously.

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except pare...

It can feel like a headache to figure out what car seat is right for a child. Rear-facing car seat, combination seat, or booster seat? That’s why we made this follow-up car seat episode, to help parents safely buckle their kiddos in the car and know when it’s time to transition from a car seat to a booster seat. 

Yomaira Castillo chats with host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez about resources available to help parents with car seats. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Departme...

Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls according to data from the CDC. That’s because the traditional signs of autism are often difficult to detect depending on the gender a child is assigned at birth. Our guest explains the signs parents should look for and what to do if they think their little one may be showing signs of autism. 

Jessica speaks with Dr. Christopher J. Smith, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center's Chief Science Officer, to learn more about the different ways autism can present in children. 

Host:

You may have seen an announcement for product recalls on the news or even received notice of a recall from a product you’ve bought in the past. It’s critical to stay up to date about these recalls so that you can have a safe and healthy home environment.

Jessica sits down with Teresa Murray, the Consumer Watchdog for the Arizona PIRG Education Fund and author of the Safe At Home Product recalls report, to find out more about product recalls and tools parents can use to easily get recall alerts. 

Host:

Jessi...

Gestational diabetes occurs when your body can't make enough insulin during your pregnancy. It can be scary for many folks but the good news is – the condition is treatable and often goes away after pregnancy. 

Jessica speaks with Raquelle Weight, a Staff Development Specialist at the Arizona Department of Health Services in the Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity, to explain how this condition can affect your pregnancy and ways to prevent it from developing. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health...

Routine doctor appointments are important to make sure your kiddo grows up healthy, but navigating the medical system can be overwhelming. This episode explains how often to expect a doctor's visit, how to find the right provider for your family, and what you should know about telehealth pediatrician check-ups.

Jessica speaks with Dr. Miran Song, an Arizona pediatrician and a board member of the Arizona chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, about what parents should expect when searching for a healthcare provider for their little one.

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief...

Good sleep gives your little ones the chance to dream and the energy they need to explore the world around them. Today’s episode reviews crib safety reminders to give you peace of mind while your kiddos sleep tight. 

Yomaira Castillo sits down with host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez to discuss everything you need to know about crib safety. They talk about everything from creating safe sleep environments to accessing safe cribs and more. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is mar...

The health and safety of children is a top priority for families. Enrolling in health insurance makes going to the doctor much more accessible. But it can be difficult to find an insurance plan that meets your little ones’ needs and fits your family budget. 

We visit with Mark Schafer, the Program Support Administrator at the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, to discuss the low-cost health program called the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn the ins and outs of coverage options and how your family can enroll.

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is th...

Do you worry if your child is getting enough nutrients? Or maybe you know that your kiddo is supposed to “eat healthy” but don’t exactly know what that means. In this episode, learn how to put together a nutritious meal for your little ones. Plus discover helpful tools you can use to budget and plan meals for the family.

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez sits down with Alan Brown, the WIC Training Manager at the Arizona Department of Health Services in the Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity. Alan shares his knowledge as a registered dietitian to help you build...

Let’s face it, potty training can be a messy and difficult process. When is the right time to start? How can you help your child avoid accidents? And what should you do if your little one just won’t go? This episode answers those questions and more.

Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez visits with Erica Desper, the founder of Confident Parenting. Erica is a potty training expert who shares her tips to make the potty training process easier for everyone. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Ari...

In this episode, get the safety tips and shopping advice you need to help you make safe holiday gift-buying decisions for your children. 

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez sits down with Teresa Murray, Consumer Watchdog for Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) and author of the Trouble in Toyland 2022 report, to talk about how to avoid buying counterfeit or recalled toys and how to spot safety hazards in the toy aisle. 

Host:

Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young chil...

For some parents, pregnancy may come as an unplanned surprise. And not all families find themselves in a position to care for a newborn. However, there are resources available to help expecting parents avoid a crisis situation.

Safe Haven laws allow parents to safely surrender their newborn to a designated Safe Haven provider. For people who find themselves in a position where they are not ready or are unable to care for a baby, this law protects newborns and helps keep them safe until their care can be determined. 

Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez speaks with Heather B...