About the Episode:
In this eye-opening episode of the Modern Mommy Doc podcast, Dr. Whitney Casares sits down with child sleep experts Dr. Andrea Roth and Dr. Allison Shale—two clinical psychologists and co-authors of The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep: A Tired Caregiver’s Workbook for Every Age and Stage (written with Dr. Shelby Harris). Together, they break down the myths, shame, and unrealistic expectations that surround sleep training and offer compassionate, evidence-based advice that actually meets parents where they are.
This episode is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself, throw out the cookie-cutter advice, and start working with your child’s unique temperament, challenges, and developmental stage—whether that means defiant toddlers, anxious middle-schoolers, or non-sleeping newborns.
About Our Guests:
Dr. Andrea Roth and Dr. Allison Shale are licensed clinical psychologists and moms who specialize in child and adolescent mental health. Together with co-author Dr. Shelby Harris, they created
The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep to give exhausted parents the tools to support their kids’ sleep with confidence, flexibility, and empathy. Their approach is grounded in science—and shaped by real-life parenting.
Follow them on Instagram:
@essentialkidssleep
Key Takeaways:
Why this sleep book is different
It’s written by clinical psychologists, not influencers—and it combines science, flexibility, and real-world parenting experience.
How your child’s daytime behavior impacts nighttime sleep
From anxious kids to defiant or ADHD children, the team explains why your child’s personality and emotional regulation during the day matters more than you think at bedtime.
The truth about sleep “milestones”
You’ll learn why your two-week-old shouldn’t be sleeping through the night, why “wake windows” are often misused, and why transitioning to a toddler bed before age 3 might be setting everyone up to fail.
The importance of timing and readiness
Parents don’t have to sleep train when they’re already overwhelmed. These experts offer a refreshing take on how to assess if now is the right time—and how to set up for success.
What works for toddlers (and what doesn’t)
You’ll hear how techniques like the “break method” and “camping out” can be adapted based on your child’s age and developmental stage.
How to support anxious or defiant older kids at bedtime
The language we use matters. For anxious kids, it's all about reducing pressure and focusing on rest. For defiant or ADHD kids, clear expectations and behavior-based plans are key.
The shame-free approach every tired caregiver needs
Sleep doesn’t have to be a battleground—or a place for guilt. These authors bring compassion and practicality to every step of the process.
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