with @DrJuliaKovalenko: The Problem With Parenting Advice Online

What does a pediatric psychologist actually do—and how can psychology help children and families navigate chronic illness, sleep, parenting, and the mind-body connection?

In this episode of I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran sits down with pediatric psychologist Dr. Julia Kovalenko to break down what psychologists really do, how they work alongside medical teams, and why the brain and body can’t always be separated when it comes to health.

They dive into parenting advice online, including the fear-mongering and sweeping statements that can leave parents feeling like they’re constantly getting it wrong. Dr. Kovalenko explains why individualized, evidence-based guidance matters, and they discuss practical approaches to everything from screen time and sleep to communicating with children who have very different personalities.

They also talk about the challenges of being medical professionals and content creators—from sharing evidence-based information and navigating professional ethics to dealing with online criticism and misinformation.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by parenting advice online or wondered what psychologists actually do, this episode is for you.

Dr. Kovalenko's social media: @Dr.JuliaKovalenko

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran