Spoil Your Baby

Whether you're a new parent or raising teens, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable tools to create deeper connection, more joy, and lasting well-being for the whole family. Dr. Greer Kirschenbaum and guest Jessica Joelle Alexander discuss how Denmark’s parenting style— centered on respect, empathy, and togetherness— creates a more connected and compassionate approach to parenting.

Author of the best selling book ‘The Danish Way of Parenting,’ Jessica Joelle Alexander shares the deeply personal and cross-cultural journey that inspired her to write her groundbreaking book—a journey that began when she married a Dane, experienced Danish parenting firsthand, and realized how profoundly different (and effective) it was.

This conversation dives into the philosophy behind the P.A.R.E.N.T. acronym—Play, Authenticity, Reframing, Empathy, No ultimatums, and Togetherness (and Hygge). Jessica's also introduces her new book, The Danish Way Every Day, a hands-on guide to bringing this philosophy into your home, from screen time to bedtime routines. Plus, she shares her latest project, Raising Digital Citizens, which helps families navigate the challenges of technology with empathy, communication, and mutual trust.

In this engaging conversation, Carson Meyer, a doula and nutrition consultant, discusses her journey into motherhood, the writing of her book 'Growing Together', and the importance of nutrition and community support during pregnancy and postpartum. Meyer explores the various trimesters of pregnancy, emphasizing the emotional and physical changes women experience, and offers insights into how to navigate these challenges with grace and support.

This conversation explores the significance of nurturing approaches in swimming education, emphasizing the neuroscience behind trauma-free learning experiences for children. Discussing the impact of early experiences on brain development and the importance of parental involvement in creating a supportive environment for children learning to swim. They critique traditional swim lessons that may induce fear and stress, advocating for a more respectful and nurturing approach to aquatic education.

Host Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum is joined by Carly Grubb, who shares her experiences and insights on parenting. Particularly focusing the conversation on the challenges of baby sleep and the impact of external advice on new parents. She discusses the importance of nurturing in parenting, the value of co-sleeping, and the need for community support among parents. Carly emphasizes trusting one's instincts as a parent and recognizing the individuality of each baby’s needs. She also touches on the complexities of sleep training and the compassion required in navigating differing parenting choices.

Host Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum discusses the importance of spoiling babies with affection and attention, emphasizing the role of music and mindfulness in parent-child connections. Guest Vered Benhorin, a music therapist and psychotherapist, shares insights on the significance of singing to babies, the magic of lullabies, and the concept of 'bubble moments'—intentional interactions that foster attachment and joy in parenting. The conversation highlights practical tips for parents to engage with their babies authentically and meaningfully.

Host Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum and Dr. Rocio Zunini discuss the significant differences between baby brains and adult brains, debunking common myths about infant development. They emphasize that babies are not mini adults and cannot perform cognitive tasks that require a developed prefrontal cortex. The conversation highlights the importance of responding to babies' emotional needs and the role of co-regulation in soothing them. The hosts encourage parents to understand the unique developmental stage of their infants and to provide the necessary support for healthy brain development.

Host Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum and Dr. Rocio Zunini discuss the vital role of caregiver support systems in a baby's life. They explore the importance of maintaining nurturing relationships, practical strategies for transitioning to new caregivers, and how to choose the right daycare or caregiver. The conversation emphasizes that attachment and connection are crucial for a baby's development, and offers insights into how parents can facilitate smooth transitions for their children.

Host Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum and Dr. Rocio Zunini explore the critical concept of sensitive periods in infant development. They discuss how these periods are crucial for shaping the brain's structure and function, particularly in areas such as vision, language, and emotional regulation. The hosts emphasize the importance of co-regulation in nurturing a child's emotional health and the long-term implications of early experiences on mental well-being.

Today, we’re going to talk about something that affects every parent-child relationship: emotional contagion, relatively new in study but incredibly important for our relationships with our babies and each other. It is so important to be authentic with our babies and to feel our huge range of emotions, but we also need to have self-awareness and the tools to manage our emotions and stress. In this episode, Dr. Rocio Zunini and I dive into emotional contagion, building self-awareness, and some bedtime tricks.

Host Greer Kirshenbaum discusses the importance of nurturing and supporting babies through affection and attention. Joined by midwife Laura Latina, they explore the transformative experiences of parenthood, the significance of compassionate care during birth, and the lasting impact of birth experiences on both mothers and babies. They emphasize the need for personalized care, the healing power of sharing birth stories, and the importance of community support for mothers during the postpartum period.

Today, we’re diving into one of the most passionate and probably misunderstood topics in infant care: sleep. When it comes to infant sleep, it’s important to know what’s out there, what we’re dealing with, and how deep this “don’t spoil your baby” message is ingrained in our society. Tune in to learn more about listening to your parental brain and tuning out all the noise.

This week, I am so excited to be joined by fellow neuroscientist and mother, Rocío Zunini.

Rocío and I work together nearly every day helping parents learn to spoil their babies. Today, we are going to dive into some really big myths about infant care that can actually be really harmful to your baby’s long term mental health. These myths are everywhere, from parenting books to advice from relatives to even some medical professionals. Well, we are here to tell you that science tells us a different story. With the right knowledge and mythbusting, babies can leave infancy with boosted potential for lifelong health, and parents can also transform their brains in a really beautiful way.

Today we’re diving into one of the more challenging aspects of responsive parenting:

What happens when the people around you start criticizing your approach? We have to move away from disconnected care, and that includes having compassion for those whose pain makes them resistant to change. In order to do this, we first have to understand why some people criticize responsive parenting, what to say when they challenge your approach, and just how impactful spoiling your baby is in those first three years of life. Let’s get started!

As a mom, neuroscientist, and longtime expert to parents, I want you to know that almost every expert has it wrong when they say, “don’t spoil your baby.” Up until the age of 3, your only job is to spoil your baby, with affection, attention, and protection. I promise you that it’s the best path to the long term mental health and success of your child. On my podcast, I will interview leading experts to explain why you need to spoil your baby, as well as those who may disagree for a spirited debate. I will also give you the most up-to-date, science-backed tools and tips that will help you raise your baby for lifelong health and success. Welcome to Spoil Your Baby.