Toddler naps suddenly falling apart? Before you assume it’s a sleep regression or overhaul your routine, there are three simple things to check first.

In this episode, I walk you through the same 3-minute sleep check I use in clinic when parents tell me naps have suddenly gone sideways — even though nothing seems different. Most of the time, it’s not a true regression at all, but a small, fixable shift.

You’ll learn:

• What a true toddler sleep regression actually is (and how to spot one)
• Why many “regressions” are really habit or schedule changes
• The 3 most common triggers that disrupt toddler sleep
• How comfort, sensory input, and wake windows affect naps
• When to adjust timing — and when to leave a routine alone

If your toddler is fighting naps and you’re feeling exhausted and confused, this episode will help you troubleshoot with clarity instead of second-guessing yourself.

You’re not failing — your child is growing, and now you have a simple way to adjust with confidence.

Seeing a high fever number can make any parent’s stomach drop.

In this episode, I walk you through the fever number that doesn’t actually matter — and what does matter when your child is sick, so you know when to act and when to breathe.

I’m Mary, a pediatric PA and a mom of three, and fever is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — symptoms parents worry about. Once you understand what a fever really is and how the body uses it on purpose, so much of the fear starts to fall away.

In this episode, we cover:

• What a fever really is (and why it’s not the enemy)
• Common fever myths that unnecessarily scare parents
• Why fevers from infection do not cause brain damage
• What actually triggers febrile seizures — and what doesn’t
• What’s normal for children’s temperatures at different ages
• How to take an accurate temperature without added stress
• When fever medicine helps — and when it isn’t needed
• The real red flags to watch for (behavior matters more than the number)

If there’s one thing I want you to remember, it’s this: 👉 Watch your child, not just the thermometer.

A child with a higher fever who is alert, drinking, and interacting can be far less concerning than a child with a lower fever who is lethargic or not acting like themselves.

This episode is here to help you feel calmer, clearer, and more confident the next time the thermometer beeps.

Important medical note: This content is for general pediatric education only and is not medical advice. Always contact your child’s healthcare provider if you’re concerned or something doesn’t feel right.

Want ongoing support? Fever is rarely a one-time situation. It’s part of a bigger pattern of sick days, symptoms, and decisions parents make again and again.

Inside the Confident Mom Community, we focus on building confidence that carries you through all of those moments — not just this one.

Learn more at www.missmarypa.com

Thanks for being here, friend. You’ve got this 💗

The “perfect parent” doesn’t exist — and chasing that idea may actually be making parenting harder than it needs to be.

In this episode, I break down where the perfect parent myth comes from, why it’s so powerful, and what actually matters most for your child’s health and development. If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling short — even when you’re doing everything you can — this conversation is for you.

We talk about:

• Why perfection isn’t the goal in parenting
• What research actually shows children need to thrive
• How to let go of unnecessary guilt and pressure
• Why “good enough” parenting is often exactly right

I’m Mary, a pediatric PA and a mom, and my goal is to help you move from worry to calm confidence with clear, evidence-based guidance.

💗 You’re doing better than you think.

Want more support like this? Inside the Confident Mom Community, I help parents learn how to think through everyday health questions with clarity and confidence — without the overwhelm.

Learn more at www.missmarypa.com

Important medical note: This content is for general pediatric education only and does not replace guidance from your child’s healthcare provider.