Help! I Have Kids!

Pam Marshall

Help! I Have Kids! is the podcast for moms who are doing their best, asking all the right questions, and still wondering if something’s being missed. Hosted by Pam—a mom of five and pediatric occupational therapist with 35 years of experience—this show helps you trust your gut, advocate for your child, and partner with professionals without the overwhelm.

Each week, you’ll get practical tips, real-life stories, and heartfelt encouragement from experts and fellow moms who’ve been in your shoes. Because, as moms, we are the head of our child's medical team!

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42 episodes
Updated Wednesday

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Episodes42

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Dec 18, 2025 · 59 min
What Your Primary Care Doctor Really Wants Parents to Know with Dr. Erin & Dr. Geoff Cooper
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, host Pam Marshall sits down with Dr. Erin Cooper and Dr. Geoff Cooper, primary care physicians and co-owners of Olive Health Direct Primary Care, for an honest, behind-the-exam-room conversation about what parents really need to know. As both doctors and parents, Dr. Erin and Dr. Geoff share what they see every day in primary care—and what often goes unsaid. From pregnancy and newborn life to toddlerhood, mental health, screen time, and parental overwhelm, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical wisdom grounded in medical experience. In this conversation, we cover: What primary care doctors want parents to stop worrying about How to navigate pregnancy and early parenthood with reliable medical guidance Supporting maternal and paternal mental health, including postpartum mood changes Why partnership with your primary care doctor matters more than internet advice Screen time, routines, and building healthy habits in young children How overwhelmed parents can find support, community, and hope If you’re feeling unsure, exhausted, or buried under conflicting advice, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. 🎧 Listen now and share this episode with a parent who could use encouragement today. 💬 Join the Help! I Have Kids Facebook community to connect with other moms navigating parenthood together. Support the show
Dec 10, 2025 · 39 min
Friendship, Inclusion & Hope: How E’s Club Is Changing Lives for Autistic Teens
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Pam sits down with Morgan Minter, Program Director for Erin’s Hope for Friends (E’s Club)—a nonprofit creating safe, judgment-free spaces where autistic teens and young adults can build real friendships and experience true belonging. Morgan shares how her own brother’s journey with autism led her into occupational therapy and eventually to E’s Club. She explains the heartbreaking story that sparked the nonprofit’s creation, why social isolation is so common for autistic teens, and how E’s Club intentionally meets that need through weekend events, sensory-friendly environments, and peer-to-peer connection. You’ll hear stories of young people finding lifelong friends, gaining confidence, even securing jobs through relationships built inside the club. Morgan also discusses how parents can discern whether E’s Club is a fit for their child, how volunteers support regulation and safety, and why diagnosis isn’t required—just a desire for social connection. Whether your child is autistic, socially anxious, or simply needs a place to belong, this conversation will give you hope, practical understanding, and a new resource to explore. Learn more about E’s Club: Visit https://www.erinshopeforfriends.org/ and search Erin’s Hope for Friends – Kentucky on Facebook to see upcoming events and details. If you’re looking for additional support: Pediatric occupational therapy or mental health services can help your child build emotional regulation, social confidence, and everyday life skills. Visit marshallpediatrictherapy.com to learn more about how our team can help your family thrive. Support the show
Dec 4, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
ADHD is a Superpower: Parenting, Routines & Real-World Tips with Tyler Dorsey
Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Pam sits down with Tyler Dorsey, Founder & Executive Director of Focus Forward ADHD, to talk about one of the most common struggles families face—ADHD in kids, teens, and even in parents themselves. Tyler brings her personal story, clinical insight, and mom-of-four perspective to one of the most hope-filled and practical conversations we’ve ever recorded. You’ll hear Tyler’s honest journey from being an overwhelmed child with ADHD to becoming a nationally recognized ADHD coach leading a team that supports families across the country. Together, Pam and Tyler unpack: • What ADHD actually looks like inside your child’s brain • Why interest-driven behavior is not defiance—and how to respond • How to build executive function skills at home • The power of nonverbal communication with your ADHD child • Bedtime and morning routines that truly work • When to choose OT, coaching, or both • How to handle mom guilt and reactive moments with compassion • Why struggle is not failure but formation • Tyler’s story of raising her own ADHD child with curiosity and confidence This episode is full of practical tools, real encouragement, and so many “that is literally my kid” moments. Whether you’re raising a child with ADHD or you’re an adult still navigating your own, you’ll walk away feeling understood, supported, and equipped. Resources Mentioned: • Focus Forward ADHD Coaching — parent coaching, child/teen coaching, executive function support • Pediatric Occupational Therapy at Marshall Pediatric Therapy — helping kids regulate, understand their bodies, and build essential sensory and emotional skills • Nonverbal communication strategies, picture schedules, “landing the plane” techniques, and more You’re doing better than you think, mom. And you don’t have to walk this road alone. Support the show
Nov 27, 2025 · 39 min
Intensive Therapy: Why It Works & Who It Helps with Meredith & Chloe
Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Meredith Proctor, MSOT, OTR/L, CIMC and Chloe Isaacs, PT, DPT, CIMI-2 break down one of the most exciting services we offer at Marshall Pediatric Therapy — Intensive Therapy. If you’ve ever wondered what intensives are, who they’re for, and why they lead to such fast, meaningful progress, this conversation is full of hope, science, and so many heartwarming stories. We talk about: ✨ What intensive therapy actually is and how it’s different from weekly sessions ✨ Why repetition, neuroplasticity, and motor learning help kids progress quickly ✨ How OT + PT teaming up gives children a fuller, more holistic approach ✨ The kinds of diagnoses and situations that benefit most ✨ Real breakthrough moments from families who’ve gone through intensives ✨ Encouragement for moms who feel stuck or discouraged in their child’s progress ✨ How to keep momentum going once the three weeks are over Meredith and Chloe share their honest experiences — the joy, the challenges, the science, and the sweet stories that remind them why they do this work. If you’re a parent hoping to better understand your child’s potential, you’ll leave this episode feeling empowered and encouraged. 💜 ✨ Want to learn more about Intensive Therapy? Visit marshallpediatrictherapy.com to get started. If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to subscribe, share with another parent, and leave us a review so more families can find hope and support. 💜 Support the show
Nov 20, 2025 · 54 min
Helping Your Child Overcome Medical Anxiety through Play! w/ Mary Jenner, The Butterfly Pig
Send us Fan Mail If your child has ever felt scared at the doctor’s office, nervous before a procedure, or overwhelmed by medical experiences — this episode is a breath of fresh air. 💜 Today, Meredith sits down with Mary Jenner, nurse, mom, and founder of The Butterfly Pig, an organization transforming how kids experience healthcare through play and emotional safety. Mary has trained over 100 hospitals worldwide and is on a mission to ensure that healing never causes harm. In this conversation, she shares: ✨ How play rewires the brain for safety ✨ Simple ways to prepare kids for doctor visits ✨ What medically-induced trauma is (and how to prevent it) ✨ How parents, nurses, and therapists can work as a team ✨ Why emotional safety is essential for long-term healing ✨ Practical tools families can start using today Whether your child has frequent medical appointments or you just want to help them feel more confident and calm, this episode will give you hope, language, and strategies you can use right away. 🎧 Listen to Episode 18: Helping Your Child Overcome Medical Anxiety — Through Play! with Mary Jenner of The Butterfly Pig 👉 Explore Mary’s resources & products: thebutterflypig.com 👉 Download Mary’s Playful Prescriptions App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6747300259 👉 Need extra support? Therapy (OT + MH) can help your child build confidence and emotional safety. Visit marshallpediatrictherapy.com to learn more. Support the show
Nov 13, 2025 · 11 min
🥤Snack Break: Ep. 17 | Helping Your ADHD Child Thrive at School
Send us Fan Mail 🎒 When your child holds it together all day at school… and then falls apart at home — you’re not alone. In this Snack Break, Occupational Therapist and mom Caitlin Brown shares practical ways to help your child decompress after school, build calming routines, and set up a smoother morning rhythm. From sensory-friendly transitions to visual schedules, these simple tools can make a big difference in your home. 💡 Catch the full conversation in Episode 3: “Backpacks, Routines & School Prep Tips from an OT Mom” — streaming now on Help! I Have Kids. 🎧 Listen on any platform! 📺 Watch the full episode → https://youtu.be/IKRpDXSF0PY 💬 Want extra support? Therapy can make a world of difference. Learn more about occupational and mental health therapy for kids at 👉 marshallpediatrictherapy.com Support the show
Nov 6, 2025 · 13 min
Snack Break: Episode 16 | “You Don’t Have to Go Through That”
Send us Fan Mail In this Snack Break replay, we revisit one of our most talked-about conversations on tongue and lip ties, featuring real insight from a lactation consultant and provider who’s walked both sides of the journey—as a mom and as a professional. You’ll hear: 💬 The emotional and practical realities of navigating a tongue-tie diagnosis 👶 Why function matters more than how a tie “looks” 🩺 The importance of seeing the right specialists—from lactation to OT and speech 💡 How teamwork between providers can often help a baby thrive without surgery 💜 A compassionate reminder that you don’t have to struggle through feeding challenges alone This 10-minute highlight captures a moment of hope and education for every parent learning to advocate for their baby’s needs. Listen to Episode 9: https://youtu.be/HBpNqgbJ40I?si=HAvmcOXg6cSJLiyY Subscribe for more Snack Breaks: short, powerful clips from the Help! I Have Kids Podcast 💜 #TongueTie #LactationConsultant #BabyFeeding #ParentPodcast #NewMomSupport #SpeechTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #FeedingJourney Support the show
Oct 29, 2025 · 13 min
🥤Snack Break: Expert Advice from OTs & SLPs on Breastfeeding
Send us Fan Mail You’ve tried everything — different sides, new positions, more hydration — and it still feels hard. You’re not alone. In this short episode, our team breaks down what might really be going on — from tongue ties to body tension — and how OTs and SLPs can help make feeding easier for both you and your baby. Because sometimes, a little knowledge (and a lot of grace) changes everything 💜 🎧 Listen to the full episode “Let’s Talk About Breastfeeding” for even more mom-to-mom wisdom. #SnackBreakClip #HelpIHaveKidsPodcast #FedIsBest #BreastfeedingSupport #NewMomLife #MomPodcast Natalie Marshall:Title? Support the show
Oct 15, 2025 · 42 min
Flashbacks and Fazoli Nights: Parenting and Marriage with Jim Marshall
Send us Fan Mail Ever left your kid at home by accident? 😅 Pam and Jim Marshall get real about 30 years of parenting—the funny, humbling, and faith-filled moments that shaped their marriage and family of five. From Fazoli’s “kids-eat-free” nights to community dinners that kept everyone sane, they share stories of grace, laughter, and learning to let go of perfection. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing this parenting thing “right,” this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and that community makes all the difference. 💛 👉 Join the “Help! I Have Kids” Facebook group to connect with other moms, swap stories, and find encouragement for every stage of the journey. We’re saving you a seat at the table. 💬 Support the show
Oct 8, 2025 · 54 min
Meredith’s Motherhood Update: NICU Journey & First Months as a First Time Mom
Send us Fan Mail Meredith’s pregnancy didn’t go the way she imagined. At her 20-week scan, she received unexpected news that led to countless doctor visits, a stay at Cincinnati Children’s, and weeks at the Ronald McDonald House far from home. In this episode, she opens up about the fear of hearing “something’s wrong,” the emotional toll of endless monitoring, and the surprising ways her story took a hopeful turn. We talk about: The importance of listening to your intuition as a mom (and why kick counts matter). What life is really like in the NICU—from daily doctor rounds to advocating for your baby. How faith, community, and her husband’s medical training helped her navigate uncertainty. The unexpected miracle that shifted everything the moment baby Eleanor was born. This conversation is for every mom who’s faced the unknown, wondered “did I do something wrong?”, or needed the reminder that you’re not alone in the hardest seasons of motherhood. Meredith’s story is raw, real, and full of encouragement—because even when things feel out of our control, hope is never lost. Support the show
Oct 1, 2025 · 30 min
Horses in Therapy: How Hippotherapy Helps Kids Build Skills
Send us Fan Mail Episode 12: Horses in Therapy with Jessica Perkins Hey friends, welcome back to Help, I Have Kids!—the podcast for moms right here in central Kentucky. In today’s episode, Pam sits down with her friend Jessica Perkins—an occupational therapist, mom of three, and passionate advocate for using horses to help kids grow and thrive. We dive into: The difference between hippotherapy and therapy with horses Why horses are so powerful in supporting kids’ growth and development Surprising ways horses can be used in therapy Real-life stories from Jess’s work with children The unique connection between kids and horses here in central Kentucky Whether you’re curious about hippotherapy, want to hear some encouraging mom-life stories, or just love learning new ways kids can thrive—you’ll love this conversation. 👉 Learn more about finding hippotherapy services in your area: https://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe so you never miss the next conversation—and share this one with a mom friend who could use some encouragement. 💜 Support the show
Sep 17, 2025 · 37 min
Understanding Your Child’s Speech Development with Beth Blankenship
Send us Fan Mail Is your toddler not talking as much as you expected? Or maybe you’re wondering if your preschooler is on track with their speech and language milestones? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to guess. In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, host Pam Marshall sits down with speech-language pathologist Beth Blankenship to talk about what typical speech development looks like, when to lean in with support, and how parents can create language-rich environments at home. Beth shares practical strategies for building communication skills through everyday play, gives encouragement for parents navigating uncertainty, and points to resources that can help you check in on your child’s progress. 👉 One helpful tool Beth recommends is the ASHA developmental milestones guide, which lets you explore what speech and language typically look like at each age: https://www.asha.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoqREazVvPCu28i0OtjuhMUrw1N8vdR0UbHzTEVubEQHLgvTZWCN She also reminds parents that while online tools are helpful, nothing replaces consulting with your child’s doctor if you have concerns about their development. Whether your child is just starting to babble or already telling full stories, this conversation will give you clarity, encouragement, and tools to support their growth. Support the show
Sep 10, 2025 · 52 min
Potty Training, Meltdowns & More: Emily Sadlon on Toddler Life
Send us Fan Mail Being a toddler parent can feel like a whirlwind of big feelings, unpredictable routines, and endless questions about what really works. In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, host Pam Marshall sits down with Emily Sadlon—mom, nurse, and podcaster—to talk about navigating the toddler years with perspective and practical strategies. From handling tantrums and tricky transitions, to establishing routines, tackling bath time, picky eating, and even beginning potty training, Emily shares her experiences and insights in a way every parent can relate to. Whether you’re in the middle of toddlerhood or getting ready for it, this conversation offers encouragement and real-life tools to help you through one of the most challenging—and rewarding—seasons of parenting. You can learn more about Emily’s podcast Call Her Mommy on Instagram @callhermommypod and at callhermommypod.com, and listen to it wherever you get your podcasts. Support the show
Sep 4, 2025 · 36 min
What Is a Tongue Tie—And Does My Baby Have One?
Send us Fan Mail Is your baby struggling to nurse, refusing the bottle, or constantly fussy—and someone suggested it might be a “tongue tie”? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay confused. In this episode, Dr. Amy Luley, a trusted provider and expert in tethered oral tissues (TOTS), breaks down what tongue and lip ties really are, how they affect feeding, speech, and sleep, and what parents should know about evaluation and treatment. She also shares her own story of navigating tongue ties with her first child—and why she is passionate about helping families today. You’ll hear: What tongue, lip, and cheek ties actually are—and how they show up in infants and children The most common symptoms and myths about tongue ties What a proper evaluation looks like vs. a quick check How the frenectomy procedure works using a LightScalpel CO₂ laser What resources and support families can expect after treatment If you’ve ever wondered whether your child may have a tongue or lip tie—or if you’ve been told “breastfeeding is just hard”—this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps. Support the show
Aug 27, 2025 · 42 min
ADHD Unpacked with Mental Health Therapist Allison Leip
Send us Fan Mail ADHD shows up in real life in ways that aren’t always obvious—and it can deeply affect the rhythms of home and family. In this episode, Pam sits down with Allison Leip, an associate Mental Health Therapist and mom of twin toddlers, who brings both professional insight and personal experience to the conversation. Together, they unpack common signs of ADHD, the challenges families face, and practical strategies to make daily routines easier. Topics covered include: What ADHD can look like at home beyond hyperactivity How symptoms may impact family rhythms and relationships Ways parents can reframe “misbehavior” through the lens of ADHD Simple systems and strategies that lower stress without overhauling your entire life Encouragement for moms who feel isolated, judged, or overwhelmed ADHD doesn’t mean your home has to be chaotic—or that you’re failing as a parent. With the right tools, love, and support, families can thrive. Subscribe to Help! I Have Kids Podcast for more practical conversations with pediatric experts, and follow us on Instagram @helpihavekidspodcast for updates and encouragement. Support the show
Aug 20, 2025 · 42 min
Flip the Script – Expectant Mom Asks Pam the Pressing Questions
Send us Fan Mail This week, we’re doing things a little differently. Meredith, a first-time expectant mom, takes the host chair to interview Pam Marshall—pediatric occupational therapist and seasoned mom—with all the questions new (and soon-to-be) moms are often too nervous to ask out loud. From late-night Google spirals about pacifiers to the big debates around baby-led weaning versus purees, Meredith brings her honest questions, and Pam provides practical, research-based, and compassionate answers. In this episode, we talk about: What’s actually worth researching before baby arrives Pacifiers: are they good, bad, or somewhere in between? Baby-led weaning vs. purees and how to know what’s best for your baby How to realistically support development as a busy parent Swaddles, swings, and sleep gear—do they help or hurt? Baby registry must-haves (and what you can skip) If you’re an expectant mom, new parent, or just in the trenches of decision fatigue, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and the kind of real talk that makes the parenting journey a little less overwhelming. Support the show
Aug 13, 2025 · 24 min
Breastfeeding Support: How a Certified Lactation OT & SLP Can Help
Send us Fan Mail We’re kicking off our Breastfeeding Series with a conversation every new mom needs to hear. Whether you’re struggling with pain, unsure if your baby is latching well, or just want to prepare before birth—this episode is for you. Join us as we talk with Nicole Haney, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, and Rachel Lee, Speech Language Pathologist—both Certified Lactation Consultants with specialized training in infant massage and Tethered Oral Tissue (TOTs). These experts understand how infant function and development impact feeding, both now and in the future. In this episode, you’ll learn: 💡 Common causes of breastfeeding pain (and why it’s never normal) 🚩 Early red flags that mean it’s time to seek help 🍼 At-home tips that can make feeding more comfortable ❌ What to avoid doing if you’re in pain 📈 How feeding challenges can affect future development Whether you’re a first-time mom or have been here before, this conversation is full of practical advice, encouragement, and hope. Support the show
Aug 6, 2025 · 37 min
Navigating 504 Plans, IEPs, & Classroom Accommodations with Dr. Jamie Roig
Send us Fan Mail Gearing up for the new school year? Wondering how to navigate 504 Plans, IEPs, or classroom accommodations? In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, host Pam Marshall sits down with licensed psychologist Jamie Roig to break down everything you need to know about advocating for your child’s learning and mental health needs. Whether you're just starting the journey or preparing for another round of meetings with the school team, Jamie offers decades of wisdom and practical steps to help you speak up with confidence, partner well with teachers, and support your child through every challenge. Support the show
Jul 30, 2025 · 27 min
Start the School Year Emotionally Strong with Heather Whitis, Mental Health Therapist
Send us Fan Mail Starting a new school year can be filled with excitement, nerves, and everything in between—for both kids and parents! In this episode, we’re joined by Heather Whitis, a Clinical Pediatric Mental Health Therapist with over 21 years of experience, to talk about how to help your kids start the year emotionally strong. Heather shares practical tips on easing back-to-school anxiety, establishing healthy routines, supporting kids in making friends, and navigating big transitions like Pre-K and beyond. Whether your child is bouncing with excitement or feeling the first-day jitters, this episode is full of wisdom to help them thrive. Heather also opens up about her own journey as a mom and the best parenting advice she’s ever received—plus a simple way to remind your child they’re loved even when you’re apart. If you’re ready to help your kids step into the school year with confidence, this conversation is for you. 👉 Follow us on Instagram for more encouragement: @helpihavekidspodcast Support the show
Jul 23, 2025 · 35 min
Backpacks, Routines & School Prep Tips from an OT Mom
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Help! I Have Kids, we're getting ready for a new school year with advice that makes sense for real families. Our guest is Caitlin Brown, a school-based occupational therapist and mom of two, who brings both professional insight and personal experience to the conversation. We talk about how to help kids ease into routines, what to look for in a backpack or pair of shoes, and how to set your child up for success in the classroom. Caitlin shares practical tools for focus, organization, and independence, especially for kids who may struggle with anxiety, attention, or transitions. If you're feeling overwhelmed by school supply lists, Pinterest hacks, or the pressure to do it all, this episode will help you take a breath and start the year with confidence. Subscribe for more honest conversations and helpful ideas from people who get it. Follow us on Instagram @helpihavekidspodcast for behind-the-scenes content, expert tips, and updates on new episodes. Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Leave a comment and let us know. Support the show