My child is in daycare, and it seems like she’s always sick! We hear this a lot from stressed-out parents worried about the toll frequent colds and other viruses can take on kids and families. And while the daycare experience has plenty of upsides, like cooperation, socialization, and language development, studies show that kids in childcare settings do get sick more … [Read more...]

We want the holidays to be joyful. However, the expectations that many of us feel obligated to uphold can lead to exhausted and stressed-out parents and children. From navigating parties and gatherings to building a sense of gratitude early, here are some tips for surviving and thriving with your toddler during the holiday season. How Can I Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums … [Read more...]

As parents, we know that when our kids are tired, they aren’t their best. They may be irritable, defiant, and struggle in school. As we learn more about sleep, we come to understand its vital importance for humans of all ages. In kids, adequate sleep can have a positive impact on everything from their ability to learn to their mental health to maintaining a healthy weight. … [Read more...]

Visiting the doctor's office can be stressful for everyone. Let's face it: the vibe in many healthcare settings lends itself to fear and anxiety. Those feelings are often more intense for kids due to their stage of development and their limited ability to fully express their thoughts and feelings. Children commonly report being anxious or afraid in healthcare settings, … [Read more...]

If you're a parent, there's a good chance you've heard of Red 40. Food dyes are a hot topic these days. In general, Americans are becoming more mindful about what's in our food. But parents have been raising questions about artificial food dyes for decades. It seems like artificial dyes are everywhere. We might be conscious of their presence in things like cereal, candy … [Read more...]

America's fixation with thinness continues. With the rise of SkinnyTok and other toxic social media trends, children and teens are getting unhealthy messages about weight and appearance. For parents and medical providers, the potential for depression, bullying and eating disorders are real concerns. Fortunately, there are positive steps parents can take to foster a healthy … [Read more...]

Starting your baby on solid foods is an exciting time. It’s a developmental milestone and a step towards independence. However, there is still considerable confusion about the optimal time to introduce solids. New parents get mixed messages and conflicting advice from friends and family about when and what to feed their little ones. The good news is that baby gums are rock … [Read more...]

Summer vacation is almost here! For parents, it means a break from carpools and packing school lunches. But it also means scheduling summer camps and finding engaging activities for our kiddos. For kids, it’s time to rest and recharge, but we don’t want them sitting on the couch watching TV or playing video games all day. How do we find enriching activities while still … [Read more...]

In some ways, the upper elementary years are a parenting sweet spot. Kids are somewhat autonomous with the basics of eating, sleeping, toilet issues and personal care. But they haven’t yet experienced the full effect of adolescent hormones and teen drama. However, the 7 to 10 set isn’t without worries. As kids tap into social media and the pressures formerly reserved for … [Read more...]