The death of a Leesburg teen from the flu this February has rocked our community and created extra anxiety for parents this winter. For most children, the flu is a serious but very manageable diagnosis best treated with fluids and rest. But when complications hit close to home, it’s reasonable to experience fear and concern. According to the American Academy of … [Read more...]
How Can I Keep My Child Active This Winter?
Are your kiddos bouncing off the walls this winter? Or retreating to their rooms with devices? When it’s cold outside, it’s tempting to want to hunker down and camp out on the couch, but it’s so important for kids (and all of us) to stay active all winter long. From unstructured play to finding new sports, here are some tips for keeping kids moving when the thermometer … [Read more...]
Do You Need an Antibiotic to Treat an Ear Infection?
Did you know that ear infections are the number one reason parents take their children to the doctor? They’re often the first illness a baby or toddler gets. They can be painful, and it’s so hard for parents to see their little ones suffer. But ear infections don’t always require antibiotics. While we have a natural tendency to want to leave the pediatrician’s office with … [Read more...]
When Is It Okay to Leave My Child at Home Alone?
As parents, we want our kids to be independent and self-sufficient, but we also want to make sure they’re safe. While we may be a little nostalgic for our own free-ranging childhoods, we know that times have changed and expectations are different in the 21st Century. Still, most children are perfectly fine to be alone at home for short periods by the time they reach middle … [Read more...]
LPA Holiday Hours
Our offices will be closing at 2 PM on the following dates: Wednesday, November 27 Friday, November 29 Tuesday, December 24 Tuesday, December 31 We will have walk-in hours on these dates as usual. All LPA offices will be closed on: Thursday, November 28 Wednesday, December 25 Wednesday, January 1 Our Stone Springs office will be closed on Friday, November … [Read more...]
What Can I Expect For This Year’s Flu Season?
Flu season is here, and every year parents come to us with questions about the flu vaccine. Who should get a flu shot? When is the best window for flu shots? Here are some updates and a little myth-busting about the flu and what you can expect this year. Who Should Get a Flu Shot? With a few rare exceptions, everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine every … [Read more...]
How Do I Talk with My Kids About Internet Safety?
School is back in full swing, and Chromebooks are replacing textbooks in a big way. With technology in and out of the classroom on the rise, it’s more and more likely that your children will be using the internet for school, even at the elementary level. Technology can open up new worlds of information and connection for our kids, but it’s important to make sure they’re … [Read more...]
How Can I Help My Child Transition Back to School?
The yellow school buses are rolling once again on Loudoun’s roads, and there’s a general buzz of excitement as school gets back into session. But excitement for kids is often mixed with anxiety. Transitioning from a laid-back summer to the pressures and dynamics of the school year can be challenging. Here are some tips for helping your child transition back to … [Read more...]
Vaccines, Measles and My Child
With the measles virus--and the anti-vaccine movement--making headlines this spring, families have more questions than ever about immunizations and the resurgence of communicable diseases. Parents want to know if their children are safe, given the return of a dangerous virus in several U.S. communities. While recent trends might be concerning, we continue to emphasize that … [Read more...]
How Can I Keep My Kids Occupied Over the Summer?
We all want our kids to have healthy, productive summers, engaging their minds while getting a chance to relax after the busyness of the school year. But remember, parents are not cruise directors, especially as our kids get older and can meet more of their needs on their own. Our job is not to entertain our kids 24/7. Instead, it’s to help them learn to self-direct and … [Read more...]
