Episode #23: Tonsils + Adenoids—When to Watch, When to Worry with Dr. Anjuli Gans
Release Date: 08/04/2025
Talk it Out with Wee Talkers
If you’ve ever wondered why some kids seem to kind of go with the flow while others melt down over seemingly small things and things feel harder? Parenting advice can feel confusing when what “works” for one child totally backfires with another. This is something we wish we knew more about when our kids were little, so we are thrilled to share this episode with you. In this episode, we’re joined by Jess VanderWier, Registered Psychotherapist and founder of Nurtured First, to talk all about temperament—what it really means, why it matters, and how understanding your...
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Is your 18-month-old not talking yet, but clearly understands so much of what you say? You’re not alone. And the fact they understand so much is a very encouraging sign! In this episode, Katie and Carly (speech-language pathologists and moms) break down: The difference between receptive (understanding) and expressive (talking) language What language milestones to expect around 18 months What actually counts as a word (hint: more than you think!) Three simple ways you can support your toddler’s talking right now When to seek extra support and why “wait and see” isn’t always...
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Starting preschool or daycare? We’ve been there—more than six times between us! In this episode, we share our best tips for easing the preschool transition, from choosing books that prepare your child to creating goodbye routines that actually work. You’ll hear real stories from our own kids, easy role play ideas, a simple connection routines for drop-off, and a preschool playlist to help your preschooler start the day feeling brave and confident. Links & Resources: Shop our favorite books for starting school: |
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You’ve probably heard of kids having their tonsils or adenoids removed—but how do you know when it’s actually necessary? In this episode of Talk It Out, we’re joined by to break down everything parents need to know about tonsils and adenoids in children. From their role in the body to the signs that they might be causing problems, Dr. Gans helps make sense of this often confusing part of pediatric health. Dr. Gans is an attending physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and the founder of Resilient...
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If your toddler has had multiple ear infections, you’re not alone—and if you’ve ever wondered how those infections might impact their speech or language development, this episode is for you. We’re joined by , a board-certified pediatrician with over a decade of experience, an attending physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s also the creator of , where she shares evidence-based, down-to-earth advice on pediatric health—and she’s a mom of two. We’ve learned so much from Dr....
info_outlineYou’ve probably heard of kids having their tonsils or adenoids removed—but how do you know when it’s actually necessary? In this episode of Talk It Out, we’re joined by board-certified pediatrician Dr. Anjuli Gans to break down everything parents need to know about tonsils and adenoids in children. From their role in the body to the signs that they might be causing problems, Dr. Gans helps make sense of this often confusing part of pediatric health.
Dr. Gans is an attending physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and the founder of Resilient Rascals. As a pediatrician and mom of two, she shares evidence-based, holistic advice to help parents make confident healthcare decisions.
In this conversation, we talk about what tonsils and adenoids actually do, how to spot signs of enlargement, and when it might be time to seek a referral to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist). Dr. Gans also walks us through what to expect if your child needs a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy, how to prepare your child for surgery, and her best tips for a smooth recovery. Plus, Katie shares her personal experience having two of her children go through T&A surgery—and what she wishes she had known sooner.
If you’re wondering whether your child’s snoring, mouth breathing, or frequent illness might be related to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, this episode offers clarity, expert insight, and plenty of reassurance.
If your child snores, struggles with sleep, seems to get sick often, or has had tonsils and adenoids mentioned at a doctor’s visit—this episode will help you feel more informed and confident.
Mentioned in this episode:
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🎧 Missed our last episode with Dr. Gans? Check out Episode 21 on Ear Infections + Speech Development
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How to Prepare for a Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy from resilientrascals.com
Connect with Dr. Gans:
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Visit Dr. Gan’s website: resilientrascals.com
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Follow Dr. Gans on Instagram: @resilientrascals
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