S2E33: Unlocking Healthy Sleep Habits in Kids with Rochel Ferman

Hello, and welcome back to The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Marissa Caudill. Please rate and follow this podcast to help spread this resource, and be sure to visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theparentdoctor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or join the monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book club⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, both are FREE!

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In this episode of The Parent Doctor Podcast, I’m joined by Rochel  Ferman, a seasoned pediatric sleep coach and founder of Make My Baby Smile. With over 13 years of experience helping families from infancy through adolescence, Rochel brings a deeply compassionate, behaviorally grounded, and practical approach to one of parenting’s biggest challenges: sleep.

Together, we unpack everything from how and when to begin sleep training, to what to do when your toddler refuses bedtime, and why co-sleeping often becomes a point of tension between partners. Rochel explains why sleep is a behavior—not just a biological function—and how parents can support their child in developing lifelong skills for independent sleep. We also discuss the importance of consistency, how illness or travel can derail progress, and why both parents (and all caregivers) need to be on the same page.

Beyond early childhood, we explore how sleep changes throughout development, from nap schedules in preschoolers to the circadian shifts of adolescence. We touch on teen sleep hygiene, screen time, caffeine, clutter, and why the real solution to sleep problems usually isn’t melatonin or Benadryl—but a shift in habits, routines, and mindset.

If you’ve ever struggled with your child’s sleep—or your own—this episode is packed with evidence-based tips and loving reminders that sleep is not selfish, it’s foundational. You’ll leave with clarity, compassion, and real-world strategies to help your whole family rest well.

If you’d like to reach out to Rochel, you can contact her via email, or you can visit her website.

Thanks for tuning in!