On Call With Dr. Anselm Anyoha

Episode-67-Why Play Is Not Optional: How Babies and Toddlers Learn Through Play

In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm, we explore why play is one of the most powerful tools children use to grow emotionally, socially, cognitively, and physically. Drawing on decades of pediatric and developmental science, including insights from T. Berry Brazelton, this conversation breaks down how play begins in infancy and evolves into the complex social learning that prepares children for adulthood.
Parents often think of play as something that starts later—but play begins as early as the first smiles, coos, and eye contact. From newborn social play to peekaboo, crawling exploration, early walking, language-driven play around 18 months, and imaginative toddler games, this episode walks parents through what healthy play looks like at every stage.
You’ll learn:
When play actually begins in babies (hint: much earlier than you think)
Why simple games like peekaboo and hide-and-seek build brain development and emotional security
How walking and language dramatically change how children play
Why play is essential for emotional regulation, resilience, and confidence
How parents can support play without over-structuring or over-directing
Why children across cultures play in remarkably similar ways
How play prepares children for relationships, school, and adult life
Most importantly, this episode reassures parents that play does not need to be expensive, complicated, or scheduled to be meaningful. Presence, responsiveness, and shared joy matter far more than toys or apps.
If you are a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply curious about how children grow, this episode will change the way you see play—and why protecting it matters as much as sleep, nutrition, and love.
Because when children play, they are doing the most important work of childhood.

Episode-66-Raising a Child with Disabilities or Autism: Clear Answers, Real Support, and Hope

Raising a child with a disability or autism can feel overwhelming, especially when parents are unsure what a diagnosis really means or what steps to take next. In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, board-certified pediatrician Dr. Anselm Anyoha provides clear, compassionate guidance for parents navigating childhood disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.
This episode explains the different types of disabilities in children—including physical, intellectual, sensory, and neurodevelopmental conditions—and explores common causes before birth, during delivery, and later in childhood. Dr. Anyoha discusses early warning signs parents may notice at home, how pediatricians and schools identify developmental delays, and why early intervention is critical for long-term outcomes.
Parents will learn about evidence-based therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy (ABA), and relationship-based approaches like DIR. The episode also highlights the importance of school-based supports, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and coordinated care between families, healthcare providers, and educators.
A special focus is placed on communication challenges and the powerful role of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and speech-generating devices for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Dr. Anyoha explains how these tools reduce frustration, improve behavior, and help children connect, learn, and thrive.
This episode empowers parents with practical knowledge, advocacy strategies, and reassurance that a diagnosis is not the end—it is the beginning of informed action, meaningful support, and real progress. Ideal for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone seeking trusted pediatric guidance on childhood disabilities and autism.

Episode-65-Real Family, Real Talk: Turning Holiday Time into Lasting Memories

 
 
What happens when one family decides to turn the holidays into a shared creative experience instead of just another busy season?
In this special first-ever family group recording, Dr. Anselm Anyoha sits down with his wife and children for a candid, joyful, and deeply human conversation about family bonding, creativity, and making memories during the holidays. Recorded just days after Christmas, this episode captures real voices, laughter, reflections, and unscripted moments that many families will recognize instantly.
Together, the Anyoha family reflects on five simple but powerful holiday activities they shared—karaoke night, poetry discussion by the fireplace, family photos, mall walks, and recording this very podcast. Each family member offers their perspective on what mattered most, why creative activities brought them closer, and how intentional togetherness can strengthen family relationships across generations.
This episode explores:
Why shared creative activities help families reconnect
How karaoke, poetry, and art create low-pressure emotional intimacy
Simple, affordable holiday traditions families can recreate at home
The value of letting every family member choose how they have fun
How meaningful conversations happen when expectations are removed
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, adult child, or someone looking for fresh ideas to bring family members together, this episode offers a real-life framework for connection—no perfection required, pajamas encouraged.
If you’re searching for podcasts about family bonding, holiday traditions, creative family activities, parenting, relationships, or intentional living, this episode will feel like pulling up a chair and joining the conversation.
🎄 Real family.🎤 Real voices.❤️ Real connection.
(And yes—there is karaoke. Enthusiastic karaoke.)

Episode-64-Understanding How Children Experience Parental Loss

In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, parents learn how infants and toddlers experience the loss of a father and what they can do to support their child’s emotional well-being. Dr. Anyoha explains that even very young babies notice a parent’s absence through disrupted routines, changes in touch and voice, and the loss of daily interactions. Toddlers may show clinginess, anxiety, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, or regression in developmental milestones such as walking, speaking, or toilet training. The episode highlights practical strategies for caregivers: maintaining routines, offering comfort and reassurance, and spending quality time with the child. Dr. Anyoha emphasizes the importance of professional support from pediatricians or infant mental health specialists to prevent long-term emotional effects. This guide equips parents to recognize early signs of grief in children under 3, provide compassionate care, and help their little ones heal after the loss of a father.

Episode-63-Sudden Arm Pain in Kids? Understanding Nursemaid’s Elbow

In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, parents of toddlers learn how to recognize, respond to, and prevent pulled elbow, also known as nursemaid’s elbow. Dr. Anyoha explains that this common injury occurs when the head of the radius slips out of its ligament, causing sudden pain and immobility in a child’s arm. Typical situations include playtime accidents or unintentional tugs by caregivers. The episode details the hallmark signs: a child holding the arm still, refusal to move it, and sudden discomfort without swelling or bruising. Dr. Anyoha emphasizes that nursemaid’s elbow requires clinical treatment—attempting to fix it at home can cause harm. Parents receive guidance on prevention, including safe lifting practices, and reassurance that children recover quickly once properly treated. This episode equips caregivers with knowledge to act promptly and protect their toddlers from injury.

Episode-63-From Playgrounds to Pools: Preventing Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, parents of young children learn how to recognize, manage, and prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). Dr. Anyoha explains the hallmark symptoms, including vesicular rashes on the hands, feet, and buttocks, painful mouth sores, mild fever, irritability, and difficulty eating. He discusses how HFMD spreads through close contact, contaminated surfaces, and even swimming pools, and why toddlers and preschoolers are most at risk. Parents receive practical advice on supportive care—hydration, fever management, and comfort measures—while learning when to seek medical attention for complications. The episode also emphasizes prevention strategies such as handwashing, disinfecting common areas, and keeping sick children home from school or daycare. This guide equips parents to protect their children under 13 from a common but usually mild viral illness.

Episode-62-Measles Isn’t Just a Rash: A Pediatrician’s Personal Account

In this episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha, parents learn why measles remains a serious threat to young children despite modern medicine. Dr. Anyoha shares his personal “measles memory” from his medical training in Nigeria, where he witnessed children suffer severe complications including pneumonia, dehydration, convulsions, and even death. The episode explains key measles symptoms—fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and the classic body rash—along with warning signs such as Koplik spots. Dr. Anyoha highlights how easily measles spreads and why outbreaks still occur, especially when vaccination rates fall below safe levels. Parents of children under 13 will hear practical guidance on how to protect their families through timely MMR vaccination, how to respond if measles is suspected, and why prevention is far safer than treatment. This episode underscores the urgent importance of immunizing children to prevent severe illness and save lives.

Episode-61-Kids, Screens, and the Silent Health Crisis

This episode of On Call with Dr. Anselm Anyoha explores how social media and constant internet access affect the physical, emotional, and social health of children and adolescents. Dr. Anyoha explains the rise of screen addiction, late-night phone use, poor sleep, declining school performance, and physical issues such as headaches, constipation, and hygiene neglect. He also discusses emotional risks, including anxiety, depression, bullying, and the search for online validation. Parents learn how to recognize warning signs, set healthy screen-time limits, create device-free routines, and support children who may need therapy due to unhealthy digital habits. This episode provides practical guidance for families looking to manage social media use and protect their children’s well-being in a digital world.

Episode-60-Umbilical Hernia in Children: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help

A clear, reassuring guide to understanding umbilical hernias in babies. This episode explains why belly-button bulges happen, how they form during fetal development, what parents should watch for, when surgery is needed, and why most hernias close on their own. Perfect for parents searching for answers about baby bellybutton swelling, umbilical bumps, and infant hernias.

Episode-59-My Ear hurts, clues Doctor use to diagnose causes of ear pain in children

A simple, narrated story about a child who suddenly develops ear pain and visits the pediatrician. Through Tim’s experience, the episode explains common signs of ear infections in children, what parents can try at home, when to seek medical care, how doctors examine the ears, and how ear infections are diagnosed and treated. A clear, relatable guide for parents, caregivers, and teens learning about childhood ear pain and ear infections.