P Soup: Real Conversations – For Parents, With Parents, About Kids

In this episode of P Soup, we stir through the idea of “Parenting Styles” — from the traditional authoritative vs. permissive categories to a more personal, flexible, and strengths-based approach. What if, instead of trying to fit into a style, we focused on what we value and where we naturally shine as parents? We explore a thoughtful model with four parenting strengths — Personal Guidance, Practicality and Results, Reason and Expectation, and Care and Nurturance — and invite you to reflect, connect, and embrace your own unique parenting recipe.

In this episode, we take a thoughtful and compassionate look at what "picky eating" really means — and why that label might not be as helpful as we think. We explore how picky eating often shows up as a natural part of child development, especially for kids who crave predictability in a world of ever-changing flavors and textures. You'll hear practical ideas for supporting children in mealtime routines, creating predictability, building food curiosity, and offering empowering choices.

We also talk about when picky eating might be something more — like a feeding or swallowing challenge — and how to know when i...

Screens are everywhere — in our homes, our schools, our pockets. But when it comes to kids, screen time can feel like one of the most overwhelming and guilt-inducing topics out there.

In this episode of P Soup, we're diving deep into Screen Time Soup — not to judge or scare, but to bring clarity, curiosity, and compassion to a topic many parents wrestle with daily.

We’ll explore:

🍲 How different types of screen use affect thinking, learning, and creativity

🍲 What the research says about behavior, emotional regulation, and parent-child connection

🍲 The broader imp...

In this episode, we are going to explore the idea that trust is everything—especially for children who are growing, learning, and navigating big emotions. But also for all of us, as people who interact with other people and build relationships.

We are going to talk about what trust is and what trust isn’t. 

Then, I’m going to share my Trust-Based model that I use when I support families and children.

And finally, I will paint a picture of trust by thinking about a bridge.

Next episode: Screen...

In this heartfelt episode of P Soup, I sit down with Angshuman, father of Sudipta, as he shares his personal journey through his son’s autism diagnosis. From early signs and challenges to unexpected joys and moments of connection, Angshu reflects on what it means to be a parent navigating the unknown and how important it is to find a support network of people who can guide you along the way.

We talk about support systems, school experiences, cultural perspectives, and how fatherhood itself can be reshaped by a child’s unique way of being in the worl...

In this episode of P Soup, we’re breaking down what is autism really, and what is it not? How has our understanding evolved over the years? I’ll share my personal journey from knowing nothing about autism to working extensively with autistic children and their families.

We’ll explore common misconceptions, the unique ways autistic individuals learn and communicate, and the invisible challenges many families face. Plus, we’ll talk about therapy options, representation, and why embracing neurodiversity matters.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to support an autistic child in a way that...

Episode 6: Mealtime Soup – The Magic of Reading Aloud

Reading aloud is like a superfood for the brain—boosting language skills, strengthening relationships, and even counteracting screen-time distractions! In this episode of P Soup, I dive into the science and magic behind reading aloud, sharing how it supports language development, emotional growth, and deepens the bond between you and your child.

You'll hear:

📚 The 5 key benefits of reading aloud (including brain science & empathy-building!)

📖 Tips for making reading a stress-free, joyful part of your daily routine

📕 My favorite book recommendatio...

Episode 5: Mealtime Soup 🍽️

Mealtime is about more than just food—it’s a powerful opportunity to build connection, strengthen family bonds, and support your child’s development. In this episode, we dive into the why behind shared mealtimes, exploring the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits backed by research. We also tackle real-life challenges like busy schedules, picky eating, and screen distractions, with practical tips to make mealtimes more meaningful and manageable for your family.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How family meals support social, emotional, and language development

✅ The surprising academ...

In this episode of P Soup, we sit down with Grace, a parent raising her child in a bilingual home. She shares her family’s journey, the joys and challenges of nurturing two languages, and the strategies that have worked for them. We discuss concerns about language delays, balancing exposure to both languages, and how to navigate family and school systems.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

In this episode of P Soup, we dive into the fascinating world of bilingualism and child development. How do children learn two or more languages? Does bilingualism cause speech delays? What if a child has a developmental challenge—should parents still introduce multiple languages? These are just some of the questions we tackle today.

As a multilingual professional working with diverse families in California’s Bay Area, I’ve seen firsthand the concerns, myths, and joys of raising bilingual children. In this episode, we’ll explore how language development works in bilingual kids, debunk common misconceptions, and share pr...

In this episode of P Soup, we dive into an important and sometimes challenging topic—understanding when a child's development isn't following the expected path. I break down the three "Ds"—Developmental Delays, Developmental Disorders, and Developmental Differences—to help parents better understand what these terms mean, how they’re identified, and what support might be available.

We’ll talk about the emotions that come with navigating these diagnoses, why labels can be both helpful and overwhelming, and how professionals can be more sensitive when sharing information with families. Whether you're seeking clarity about your child's development, wondering...

In this episode, I explore child development and the stress surrounding milestones. Development is a continuous process influenced by both biological and environmental factors. Milestones are key behaviors most children typically reach at certain ages, however, milestones can create unnecessary pressure.

The “milestone mentality” assumes a universal path of development, but factors like exposure to experiences or cultural differences can influence when skills emerge. A single "no" answer in screenings might raise concerns, but it doesn’t always signal a problem.

The key takeaway: Development is not a race. Celebrate progress, focus on the whole child...

Welcome to P Soup: Real Conversations – For Parents, With Parents, About Kids. In this introductory episode, I share the story behind the podcast and what inspired me to create it. You'll hear about the types of topics we'll explore—from milestones and tantrums to sensory needs and special education—and what you can expect from each episode. Whether you're celebrating the joys of early childhood or navigating developmental challenges, this podcast is here to support you. Join me as we build a warm and honest space for parents and caregivers just like you. Let's get started!