Pretty Good Parents
38 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsDrs. Karen and Jack Hopkins have been practicing pediatricians for 25 years and raised two kids. Together we’ll explore parenting challenges, learn about childhood development, and talk about medical conditions that worry every parent. At the same time we’ll definitely touch on our own parenting mistakes and let everyone know that it is okay to just be pretty good at parenting.
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Episodes
What's the Deal with Gas Stoves?
February 10, 2023 12:37 - 15 minutes - 21.3 MBProtecting our kids from life changing illness is something every parent wants. Asthma is life changing and we know now that gas stoves are a major risk. Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack give the straight facts about gas stoves that every parent needs to know.
Feeding with Formula: Finding Safe Food for Your Baby
June 08, 2022 14:25 - 38 minutes - 52.1 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins confront another timely topic. Learn all about the different kinds of infant formula and what to do if you can't find what your baby needs.
Ending Gun Violence: The #1 Killer of Kids
May 26, 2022 09:00 - 17 minutes - 24.9 MBGuns are the number one cause of injury to our kids. Pediatricians and parents should work together to pass common sense legislation to protect them. In this special episode, Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins talk about areas where we should find common ground to help prevent the next catastrophe and also help prevent the daily toll of gun violence.
Kid Coughs That Won't Quit
May 19, 2022 12:55 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins talk about why our kids cough and why they need to. They talk about when to go to the doctor and why sometimes no treatment is needed.
Fever with Seizure: When to Call for Help
May 05, 2022 09:00 - 17 minutes - 23.1 MBFever can cause a number of different symptoms in your child. The most concerning and scary is a seizure. Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins confront those fears in this episode. We talk about what to do if your child has a seizure and when to call for help.
Our Little Angel Never Sleeps: Stopping Bedtime Battles
April 21, 2022 10:09 - 30 minutes - 40.7 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins completely failed at getting their kids to bed. In this episode, they talk about how pretty good parents can do better with their toddlers and preschoolers.
All About Diabetes
April 07, 2022 14:57 - 23 minutes - 32.7 MBAlmost every pretty good parent has worried at some point about their child's blood sugar. In this episode, Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins explore diabetes. We look at the symptoms, the types of diabetes, and the exciting progress that has been made in it's treatment.
Banned Books: Read Them With Your Kids
February 15, 2022 12:41 - 21 minutes - 29.4 MBPretty good parents want to protect their children. Reading challenging books with your kids is a safe way to explore and learn about the world. In this episode, Dr. Jack and Dr. Karen Hopkins talk about some books that have been banned and why it's very important to read them. We chat about trusting and working with your childs teachers.
RSV: How Much Snot Can One Baby Make??
January 31, 2022 02:31 - 23 minutes - 31.6 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins are back to talk about another nasy kid virus, RSV. It can make babies snotty and sloshy! We talk about the impact of this germ has every winter and hope for future prevention!
Covid Update: Vaccines are Still the Answer
January 17, 2022 18:30 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack return with a check in about Covid. They talk about and explain mutating viruses and the different strains. They address vaccination of 5-11 year olds and they spend time talking about problems that happen after Covid infection in kids.
Halloween Safety
October 03, 2021 17:48 - 23 minutes - 32.2 MBThe first of our three not so scary October episodes. Join Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins as they talk about how to have a fun and safe Halloween.
Overcoming Fever Fear
September 19, 2021 19:00 - 35 minutes - 48.8 MBFevers can be scary for pretty good parents. Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins talk through what causes fever and how it is a natural part of some illnesses. They talk through the basics of how to take a good temperature, when to treat, and when to call your doctor.
Asthma Attacks! A Scary Story and What to Do About It
September 05, 2021 22:41 - 26 minutes - 36.4 MBA child awakening in the middle of the night with difficulty breathing is scary. Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins explain your child's asthma and how to take back control.
Covid Safe Schools: The Mask Episode
August 22, 2021 19:00 - 26 minutes - 37.2 MBHow can we keep our kids safe and also help them not fall behind in their education? How can we keep them safe and also keep them growing and developing emotionally, intellectually and physically? Those choices are being made right now in school board meetings, among and in families across the country. Using the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack talk about how we can get our kids back to school safely during a pandemic.
All About Strep Throat
August 08, 2021 19:00 - 28 minutes - 39.5 MBTeach your child the puppy dog pant. Join Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins as they talk about strep throat including its history and current treatment. Most importantly, how to talk them through the dreaded strep test!
HPV Vaccination: Yes We Can Prevent Cancer
July 25, 2021 20:00 - 26 minutes - 37.1 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins explain HPV, Human Papilloma Virus and all of its misery's from warts to cancer. We talk about how to stay safe from infection. We discuss the safety of HPV vaccine and how it can keep your children safe from several terrible cancers as adults. This podcast contains discussions of how HPV is transmitted including usage of medical terms for human anatomy.
Covid Vaccine Myth Busting
July 11, 2021 16:33 - 39 minutes - 54 MBDelta variant has hit southwest Missouri hard. Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins are here with an emergency episode to bust some Covid vaccine myths. There is so much misinformation bombarding our pretty good parents. The doctors take time to talk about risks that are real and risks that are not and talk about the importance of protecting yourself and your children.
Ankle Biters: All About Your Kid's Teeth
July 02, 2021 20:08 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MBThose little cute teeth can cause a lot of trouble. Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack talk about their growth and development and problems that can occur.
Summer Fun and Safety
June 13, 2021 20:00 - 29 minutes - 41.2 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack reminisce about their favorite summer outside activities. They talk about how to stay safe during summer activities and discuss Covid risks.
The Baby That Urps
May 30, 2021 20:00 - 24 minutes - 33.9 MBNew parents, do you clothes always smell like urp? Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins talk about why babies reflux and ways to make it better.
Recognizing Your Child's Depression
May 16, 2021 20:00 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack talk about a difficult but important topic. They talk about recognizing depression in your child or teen and how to deal with it.
Stomach Flu is Not the Flu: All About Viral Gastroenteritis
May 02, 2021 20:00 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins talk about viral gastroenteritis including home care and when to see your pediatrician.
Penny Wise: All About Medicaid Insurance
April 18, 2021 20:00 - 30 minutes - 42.6 MBIn this special episode, Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins talk about their 25 years of experience with Medicaid insurance. They talk about its importance and how the program has grown. They talk about special challenges that face the families who need Medicaid. They discuss ways to get insurance for yourself and your family.
Teen Sleep: Life in a Different Time Zone
April 04, 2021 20:00 - 37 minutes - 52.2 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins talk about common teen sleep problems. They talk about healthy sleep hygiene. They discuss what parents can do to help and when to seek the help of their pediatrician.
Growing Pains and Other Joint Aches
March 21, 2021 20:00 - 22 minutes - 30.6 MBIt's never fun when your child complains of any pain. Pain at night is especially disturbing. Join Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins as they discuss growing pains, their cause and what Pretty Good Parents can do.
When Your Kids Fight
March 07, 2021 21:00 - 29 minutes - 41.3 MBHaving more than one child is a real joy. It is so much fun to watch them develop their personalities and watch their relationship grow. However, it isn't all peaches and cream. Kids fight a lot. Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins talk about sibling rivalry from the birth of a new baby to the problems of older children.
My Ear Hurts!: Middle Ear Infections
February 21, 2021 21:00 - 30 minutes - 25.4 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins talk about what to do when your child has ear pain. We describe how the ear is put together and why kids get middle ear infections. Finally, we explore what your pediatrician and parents can do about the problem.
Explaining Germs to Your Kids
February 07, 2021 20:00 - 24 minutes - 33.6 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins try something new! We explain germs to kindergartners and to their pretty good parents. We introduce the immune system and why it's important and talk on a basic level about vaccinations. This podcast is a great resource for parents still trying to explain coronavirus to their 4 year old.
When Kids Won't Go: Constipation in Babies and Young Children
January 24, 2021 21:00 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBDr. Karen and Jack Hopkins talk about poop! How kids make it and all the problems that pretty good parents can still have when their children don't go. We talk about basic home treatment of constipation and when to worry.
Outside Adventures: Reducing Wintertime Screen Time
January 10, 2021 22:00 - 22 minutes - 31.2 MBWinter doesn't have to mean spending every day on a tablet or TV for our kids. Dr. Karen and Jack Hopkins talk about the importance of outside activities, even in the winter, and talk about some fun outside adventures to try.
Painful Parenting: Why Kids Bite, Pinch, and Hit
December 27, 2020 22:00 - 32 minutes - 44.5 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins share painful experiences as they discuss young children and violent behaviors. What should parents do to prevent these behaviors and when should they seek help for the biting child?
The Runny Nose that Won't Quit: All About Viral Colds
December 13, 2020 22:00 - 26 minutes - 36 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins tackle colds that won't quit. Does it seem like your 18 month old has been sick with a runny nose the whole winter? Find out why. We talk about what really helps and what really doesn't.
Noises at Night: All About Nightmares and Night Terrors
November 29, 2020 22:00 - 24 minutes - 34.2 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins explain normal sleep and then go on to explore parasomnias such as night terrors and how these are different from nightmares. We talk about how scary these awakenings can be for parents but not always for our kids.
Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Explore a Baby's Senses: Taste
November 15, 2020 21:20 - 20 minutes - 20.5 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins finish their series on the senses by talking about baby's sense of smell and taste. We talk about maternal diet and how you can guide your baby to healthy eating.
Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Explore a Baby's Senses: Touch
November 01, 2020 22:00 - 21 minutes - 17.7 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins continue to explore the development of a baby's senses. Today we examine the progression of touch from the first feelings pre-birth through the first few months of life. We talk about parenting as babies integrate the senses of sight, hearing, and touch and begin to experience their world.
Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Explore a Baby's Senses: Hearing
October 18, 2020 21:38 - 27 minutes - 22.1 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins explore the development of hearing. We talk about what a baby can hear and the wonder that happens when they recognize voices. We discuss the importance of catching early hearing problems.
Dr. Karen and Dr. Jack Explore a Baby's Senses: Sight
October 05, 2020 11:00 - 18 minutes - 25.6 MBDr. Karen and Dr. Jack Hopkins' parenting podcasting begins with an exploration of a baby's senses from before birth through 6 months of age. We start with a discussion of how babies see the world, how sight develops, and what can go wrong. Most importantly, we find the joy in watching a child's vision of the world unfold.
Introducing 'Pretty Good Parents'
September 06, 2020 17:17 - 1 minute - 3.15 MBWhen we became new parents over 20 years ago, we were already practicing pediatricians. Like a lot of new parents we hoped to be the perfect parents for our kids. We quickly found out that decisions are different and a lot harder when you have kids of your own. There were a lot of sleepless nights and many mistakes. Over twenty years later, we’re just happy to be pretty good at parenting and we’d like to pass some of that knowledge on to you. Together we’ll explore parenting challenges...