Parenting Made Simple: Evolving with Your Child, Stress-Free with Dr. Leon Levitt
Parenting is a journey filled with love, learning, and challenges. In this episode of Thriving Parenting, we sat down with Dr. Leon Levitt—a GP obstetrician with over 30 years of experience, co-director of Grantham House Medical Practice, and founder of Baby Steps Health—to explore the art of stress-free parenting. With his book What Do I Do Now? The Basics of Parenting Babies Without Stress, Dr. Levitt simplifies the complexities of parenting into actionable insights for all stages of a child’s development.
Why Parenting Needs Perspective
Dr. Levitt emphasizes that understanding your child’s developmental stage is key to reducing stress and meeting their needs effectively. He explains that babies change dramatically from week to week, and parenting strategies must evolve alongside them.
"The baby of the first week has no idea you exist. By four months, they’re learning to control their environment. If you approach every stage with the same mindset, you’ll only set yourself up for frustration," says Dr. Levitt.
The first four months, for instance, are largely reflex-driven for babies. They aren’t as interactive with their environment, making it unnecessary to overanalyze cues. After this stage, babies begin to interpret the world around them, and parenting shifts to nurturing this growing awareness.
The Power of Simplicity
Rather than creating endless rules for each stage, Dr. Levitt offers a simplified framework:
0–4 Months: Focus on responding to reflex-driven needs. Babies are learning to feed, breathe, and adjust to life outside the womb.
4 Months and Beyond: Shift towards supporting interaction and learning as babies actively engage with their environment.
Dr. Levitt notes, “Parenting doesn’t have to be about fixing every cry or tantrum. Instead, focus on responding calmly and supporting your child as they navigate their emotions.”
The Pause: A Game-Changer
Dr. Levitt and host Jen share the importance of "the pause" in parenting. From four months onward, parents are encouraged to pause before responding to their child’s cries or tantrums. This moment allows them to assess the situation calmly and make informed decisions rather than reacting impulsively.
“Your child is learning from every response you give. If you rush in anxiously, you may unintentionally reinforce the behavior you’re trying to avoid,” Dr. Levitt explains.
Connection Over Perfection
The discussion also touches on how modern parenting can feel overwhelming due to societal pressures and information overload. Dr. Levitt advises parents to focus on connection rather than perfection:
Spend small, intentional moments delighting in your child. Even 10 minutes of undivided attention can work wonders.
Accept that mistakes are part of the process. By modeling recovery and self-compassion, parents teach their children resilience.
Addressing Common Parenting Misconceptions
Dr. Levitt debunks several parenting myths:
Crying Always Signals a Problem: Not all cries mean something is wrong. Babies often cry as part of their natural reflexes or developmental stages.
Fixing Behaviors: Instead of trying to “fix” tantrums or fussiness, focus on supporting your child through these emotions.
Dr. Google is Your Friend: While online research can provide reassurance, Dr. Levitt warns against relying solely on Google or social media for parenting advice.
Lead with Joy
A key takeaway from the conversation is Dr. Levitt’s philosophy of finding joy in the chaos of parenting. Rather than striving for control, parents should embrace the messiness of life with children.
“Life with kids is messy. Instead of trying to control it, find the fun in it,” Dr. Levitt shares.
Where to Find Support
Dr Leon Levitt is an experienced GP Obstetrician who has been professionally changing nappies, settling babies, caring for young children and guiding parents for over 30 years.
In 2015 he founded the Baby Steps Health Centre, to reduce the challenges parents face in accessing quality care for their children.
He is the author of ‘What do I do now? Click here to access your copy The basics of parenting babies… without stress’, a book about common parental anxieties, and the overriding principles he uses in his medical practice to empower parents. Together with Dr Maria Kailis, he owns and works at Grantham House Family Medical Practice, a family friendly General Practice in Wembley.
Final Words of Wisdom
Dr. Levitt leaves parents with a powerful reminder:
“Don’t jump to the conclusion that something is wrong with your child. Assume they’re okay first. This perspective will allow you to respond with calmness and love.”
Parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence, patience, and embracing the journey with joy.
For more parenting tips and resources, check out Baby Steps Health or grab a copy of Dr. Levitt’s book. Let’s thrive together as parents!