The early years of a child’s life are the most important for their long-term development. Sometimes, the abundance of information out there can feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate. My New Life is here to support parents and help make sense of the science behind early learning.
I’m Jessica Rolph, mother of three and CEO of Lovevery. With the help of experts from all over the world, we break down all the child development science into usable nuggets of knowledge that you can put to the test in your own home.
Contact Jessica Rolph
When parenting feels unequal
“So we have to have an awareness that there are these four entities that need caretaking the same way we do with our money, the same way we do with property or investment, the same way that we do with a garden bed.” Julie Tenner @Nourishingthemother Our guest today is a mother of four children, … Continued
Helping children deal with change
“Because when we can look at it through the lens of a child, we are more likely to sit in a place of empathy and compassion with them as opposed to just wanting to fix it or control it or justify why it’s okay. Change can feel big for everyone, whether you’re an adult or … Continued
Managing expectations as a mother
“‘Why do I feel that I am not present enough? What is the standard?’ Doing that kind of inquiry is really important. When it comes to limiting beliefs around mothering and around career in this space, for me, it always comes back to asking the question of: What is the standard?” Yara Heary @lifeafterbirthpsychology For … Continued
Expert in neurodiversity on emotional regulation
“It’s really important that we only try specific calming strategies one at a time, and give them time to work. Just because they don’t completely settle the child immediately doesn’t mean that they’re not helping them.” Dr. Billy Garvey @drbillygarey We welcome Dr. Billy Garvey to this episode of My New Life. He runs a … Continued
Helping siblings with boundaries
“This is something that I like to practice a lot, to hold my tongue. Unless my kids are full-blown fighting and there’s something serious going on, I really, really try to stay out of it.” Kristin Mariella @respectfulmom Bickering, fighting, jealousy, constant comparison and competition — sibling rivalry can be exhausting. Here to help us … Continued
Behavior is a smoke alarm
There are lots of parenting experts talking about choosing connection over discipline. Learn how to get better at finding the origin of emotional flare ups with Genevieve Muir.
What you should know about men’s and women’s fertility
When it comes to starting or growing a family, many of us come face-to-face with a painful reality: Infertility. Join “Fertility Rules” Author Leslie Schrock to learn more about men’s and women’s fertility.
When and how to stop breastfeeding
Weaning from breastfeeding can be an emotional experience. This episode attempts to demystify extended breastfeeding with tips from an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
18 – 48 Months+
Transitioning from crib to bed
Switching your child from a crib to bed can be a big milestone! Learn what a sleep expert recommends on timing, co-sleeping, and how to prepare for the transition.
Co-parenting after a separation
Navigating the ups and downs of divorce looks different in each situation, but there are universal ways to make it easier on our children. Learn how to establish some best practices.
Talking about death
When it comes to talking to our child about death, the right words are hard. Learn how to lead with honesty and love when discussing death.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
0 – 12 Months
Pacifiers: In or out?
Pacifiers are a tough habit to kick. How critical is it to wean our child? And what’s the right age to start that process? Join Dr. Amy for a pediatrician’s take on it.
Coping with separation anxiety
The stress of separation is real — it can be upsetting for both you and your child. Learn how to navigate this tricky terrain and be reassured that those feelings are normal.
18 – 48 Months+
Preventing screen-time meltdowns
Screens are hard to avoid in today’s world, and turning them off can bring on some big emotions! Learn why children have these oversized reactions and how to avoid them.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
When potty training gets messy
For a lot of parents, the potty learning process is more drawn out than we anticipate. Tune in for advice on some trickier cases.
Simplifying: Why children benefit
Ever notice how your child’s behavior tends to unravel when you are rushing around? Get tips for slowing down from the author of “Simplicity Parenting” on today’s episode.
Supporting a positive sibling relationship
What can we do to help diffuse sibling rivalry? Learn how to handle jealousy, possessiveness, fighting, as well as best practices around intervening, resolutions, and one-on-one time.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
How to boost your baby’s biome
The first 3 years of a baby’s life are just as critical for gut health as brain development. Listen to our conversation with Meenal Lele, the author of The Baby and the Biome, to learn why.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
0 – 12 Months
Screens: What the research tells us
Join us as we examine screen time: which content is best, whether those learning apps are really teaching our kids anything, and the value of video chatting.
Ready for more? Why birth spacing matters
A conversation about the biological benefits and risks associated with the timing of your pregnancies to help you make informed decisions about when to grow your family.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
Normal fears vs. anxiety with Dr. Lockhart
How do we help push children through their fears? Listen and learn about childhood anxiety and learn how to distinguish between appropriate behavior and something that requires more attention.
18 – 48 Months+
Tips for teaching kindness
Getting young children to understand that everyone has their own perspective is how we teach kindness and empathy. Learn how to support our children developing those skills.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
Montessori made simple with Simone Davies
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing when embracing Montessori at home. Learn ways to incorporate Montessori, practices that reduce clutter but also bring more ease into our daily routines.
Nutrition for pregnancy and postpartum
With each passing month, bodies go through a major transformation during pregnancy. Learn how different nutrients provide the building blocks of your baby’s development in utero.
0 – 12 Months
Does Mozart really work?
Does listening to classical music while pregnant make your baby smarter? Here to give us a straight answer on the “Mozart effect” is Dr. Thomas Dardarian.
18 – 48 Months+
Little liars: What to do about lying
Evidence suggests little lies are proof that executive functioning skills are developing in a child’s brain. Learn what to do when your kids lie.
18 – 48 Months+
Discussing intellectual disability and neurodiversity with children
The story behind “Uncle Rob’s Pizza Party,” a Lovevery book about a toddler’s relationship with a man with Angelman Syndrome and a look at ways to discuss neurodiversity with children.
12 – 48 Months
0 – 12 Months
Choline & your baby’s developing brain
Choline is a nutrient that helps baby’s brain development in pregnancy, but studies show only 10 percent of all pregnant women get enough. Learn how to get more choline in your diet.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
0 – 12 Months
Tune in, Talk more & Take turns
Learn about the importance of parent-child interactions — not just the words we use, but the frequency of those words and the way in which they are offered up.
18 – 48 Months+
New additions: Bringing home a sibling
Sharing the news of a new baby with a toddler can manifest all sorts of new behaviors. Get practical, real-life tips and insights for how to best prepare for and navigate this transition.
18 – 48 Months+
Mindfulness for parents
Tune in to learn ways to become more present, even with all the mental clutter that comes with parenting little ones.
Calm is contagious
One way that parents express their frustration is by yelling, and feeling overwhelmed is usually at the root of it. Listen in and learn strategies to reduce yelling. It’s worth the hard work!
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
A glimpse inside the Waldorf philosophy
Supporters of Waldorf champion creativity and independence, but some say it fails to prepare kids for the real world. Hear one parent’s experience with Waldorf.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
Dr. Becky on the importance of empathy
Learn how to incorporate playfulness in the trickiest situations and help make tantrums feel less scary with Dr. Becky’s guidance.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
Get your baby talking with The Speech Sisters
While the timeline for those treasured first words varies from child to child, there are some time-tested tricks to help the process along. Tune in to learn how to get your baby talking!
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
Sensory play & what it does for your child’s brain
Children have sensory preferences that fall on a spectrum. Some like it loud and bright, others quiet and subdued. Dr. Allie Ticktin helps to demystify your child’s sensory needs.
18 – 48 Months+
Kindergarten ready: You may be closer than you think
How early should you lay the foundation for academics? Early childhood educator Sarah Chesworth helps us navigate Kindergarten prep in baby and toddler years.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
Setting our kids up for success
There are many ways to define success and some universal principles that lay the foundation. Author Esther Wojcicki gives her take on the subject.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
A more accessible Montessori
The Montessori teaching method may seem out of reach for busy parents. Lear our how our guest brought Montessori into her home with a modern spin.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
0 – 12 Months
Understanding RIE parenting
One parenting philosophy called RIE urges you to stand back and observe your little ones, to trust their ability to be a self learner. Learn more about the RIE method on this episode.
12 – 48 Months
4 – 11 years
18 – 48 Months+
“How to Talk” authors on what to say to your toddler
We all have interactions with our kid that we wish we could do over. The words just didn’t come out right. Tune in for valuable coaching in choosing the right words.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
Co-regulating emotions with your toddler
Helping your child through big emotions isn’t easy. See situations from their perspective by learning about the process of co-regulation.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
A Montessori perspective on potty learning
Transitioning from diapers to a toilet takes time. Nicole Kavanaugh walks us through the process from a Montessori perspective.
16 – 18 Months
18 – 48 Months+
Perspectives on toileting with author of ‘Oh Crap! Potty Training’
Potty training rarely goes smoothly, but a few ground rules can make a world of difference. Tune in for a little parent training on how to do toilet training.
0 – 12 Months
A medical perspective: Alternatives to going all-natural
While it feels good to make natural choices for our babies, sometimes all the rules can lead to stress. Tune in for medical advice from Pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
0 – 12 Months
Perspectives on feeding: Getting real about sugar
Sugar: We know it’s best to avoid it, but can you go too far? Will restricting sweets backfire? Tune in for some advice on how to navigate our sugary world.
12 – 48 Months
9 – 10 Months
11 – 12 Months
Perspectives on feeding: Picky eaters
The picky-eater routine can wear down even the most steadfast parent, and if we’re not careful, mealtime can become a battleground.
0 – 12 Months
Perspectives on feeding: Baby-led weaning
When can my baby start solids? It may be sooner than you think if you follow the baby-led weaning method. Learn more about this approach.
12 – 48 Months
0 – 12 Months
Baby sleep: Alternatives to ‘cry-it-out’
Sleepless nights are a problem for new parents, but the solution is anything but universal. Learn alternatives to the “cry-it-out” method.
12 – 48 Months
Toddler sleep strategies
Lauren Lappen, a certified sleep consultant and co-founder of Wee Sleep Solutions, offers practical advice on toddler sleep.
12 – 48 Months
Ways to raise a bilingual child
Exposing kids to multiple languages has become a goal for many families. We examine why bilingualism is so beneficial to growing brains.
12 – 48 Months
Baby’s First Words: What to Look Out For
“The key for talking with pre-talkers is for you to take your turn, and then you wait and look expectantly at your child.”
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
Talking About Race & Embracing Differences
Children’s questions about physical differences can be a springboard for learning. Nicole Stamp offers some ways to approach your responses.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
What Is Intrinsic Motivation? How To Praise Your Kids While Teaching Grit
Is it bad to tell your kid they are smart? Psychotherapist Susan Bordon offers tips on how to encourage kids without using “good job”.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
0 – 12 Months
Intensive Parenting: Why Take a Step Back?
Developmental Psychologist Dr. Holly Schiffrin shares her research findings on intensive parenting and suggests healthier approaches.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
Chores for Kids: Benefits & Tips for Starting Early
Behavioral Specialist & Parent Coach Jeanna Twomey shares how to introduce your kid to helping around the house and its many benefits.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
0 – 12 Months
Holidays Are Here: How To Be Resilient & Set Boundaries
Dr. Zelana Montminy shares tips on becoming more resilient, parenting during a pandemic, and how families can get the most out of this holiday season.
11 – 12 Months
13 – 15 Months
16 – 18 Months
18 – 48 Months+
Positive Discipline: More On Toddler Tantrums & Power Struggles
Coach Jody Malterre shares ways that positive discipline can help with tantrums, bedtime, and power struggles. Learn how both parents and toddlers can benefit.
12 – 48 Months
9 – 10 Months
11 – 12 Months
Baby’s First Steps: Walking and Other Milestones
Pediatric Physical Therapist Dr. Giselle Tadros talks about walking and other milestones. Tune in to learn what to expect from your baby.
18 – 48 Months+
The Montessori Parent: Mindset & Lifestyle Tips
Kylie D’Alton, of the blog How We Montessori, gives tips on how to bring Montessori principles into the home in ways that don’t involve accumulating more stuff.
18 – 48 Months+
Peaceful Parenting: Dealing with Tantrums
Dr. Laura Markham shares what it means to be a peaceful parent in the midst of public tantrums and how to respond when a child lashes out.
12 – 48 Months
18 – 48 Months+
How to Build Your Toddler’s STEM Skills at Home
Dr. Sarah Lytle, of the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences at the University of Washington, talks about how to engage toddlers in STEM.
12 – 48 Months
How COVID Affects Toddlers’ Social Development
Pediatric OT Nekole Eaton discusses how toddlers learn critical socialization skills from their parents — more so than peers.
12 – 48 Months
How to Limit Your Toddler’s Screen Time
Avoiding screens can feel like the domain of super-human parents. Learn tips to cut down on screens from Dr. Screen-Free Mom: Meghan Owenz.
12 – 48 Months
The Benefits of Unstructured Play
With opportunities for social interaction in short supply, parents are stepping in as their child’s primary playmate. Is one way of playing better than another?
13 – 15 Months
16 – 18 Months
18 – 48 Months+
0 – 12 Months
Why teach sign language to your baby
Research shows that learning a second language helps develop pathways for communication. Plus signing gives babies another means of communicating.
0 – 12 Weeks
Pregnancy prep: Are you ready to give birth?
As new mothers, we have so many questions around the birthing process. Host Jessica Rolph talks to author Leslie Schrock about building a birthing team.
0 – 12 Months
How and why human touch is important for kids
Rebecca Parlakian, Senior Director at Zero To Three, talks about the all-important language of touch and why it’s important for your baby.
0 – 12 Months
House tours & other real-life experiences that build your baby’s brain
The real-life experiences we encounter as babies form the brain architecture to support later learning. House tours are a great place to start.
0 – 12 Months
Baby talk: Learning your baby’s language with communication and play
Ever get the feeling like you are babbling more than your baby? It turns out that going gaga over your baby builds communication pathways in the brain.
0 – 12 Months
The untold secret: Sometimes, being a new mom is boring
Over- or underwhelmed? Psychoanalyst Erica Komisar suggests to take an interest in your baby’s brain development and get lots of skin-to-skin time.
0 – 12 Months
Reading to babies: How to make early literacy development easy & fun
Reading specialist Sami Carrick talks about strategies to make story time as meaningful as possible, even when it goes sideways.
0 – 12 Months
Learning through play: Is free or guided play better?
Dave Neale, researcher at The University of Cambridge, discusses how involved you should be in your baby’s play. Is guided or free play better?
0 – 12 Months
What executive function predicts about babies
Dr. Melissa Clearfield shares her research on executive function in babies, along with some grounding advice for parents on connecting with their babies.
0 – 12 Months
How soon should children learn numbers & math?
Gillian Starkey, a professor in neuroscience, talks about how to build children’s developing math skills and ways to incorporate math into the everyday.
0 – 12 Months
What’s the best type of parenting style of philosophy for you?
Child Psychologist Veronica Fernandez talks about how she takes advice from various parenting approaches and incorporates the best from each.
0 – 12 Months
Baby milestones: How to handle skill development anxiety
Rachel Coley, a pediatric Occupational Therapist, shares the developmental importance of tummy time and addresses the common anxiety around baby milestones.
