Most of us think of high blood pressure as a diagnosis for grown-ups. But hypertension is a growing–and underdiagnosed–problem in children and teens. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians,3 to 6 percent of children have high or elevated blood pressure, rising to 30 percent for obese adolescents. High blood pressure increases a child’s risk of … [Read more...]

Does your baby cry when you leave the room? Does your preschooler have meltdowns at childcare drop-off? Separation anxiety is normal for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. But if it’s intense or prolonged, it can prevent your child from gaining independence and exploring social situations. It can also make transitions to childcare and school settings challenging for … [Read more...]

Spring is here, and families are excited for more outside time and fun activities. But we often compete with screens when promoting physical activity. How much exercise should my child get each day? How can we motivate our children to move more? And how can we determine which activities are best for our kids? Why Is Physical Activity So Important for Children? The … [Read more...]

If you’ve ever been that parent with a screaming child in the waiting room, you’re not alone. Anxiety and fear about healthcare settings can lead to negative behaviors like tantrums and refusal. Your child may be motivated by fear of pain from shots or other procedures, worry about the unknown or a sense of intimidation when surrounded by unfamiliar adults. There are … [Read more...]

In the last two decades, the number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder has skyrocketed. While we have a lot to learn about the causes and best interventions for ASD, our understanding of how to help children and families live with autism has grown significantly. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in 44 children is identified with Autism … [Read more...]

As 21st Century parents, we have more tools than ever for helping our kids learn and grow. And yet, many of us are more stressed than ever. We feel overscheduled and overwhelmed. In addition to the pressure we put on ourselves, there’s external pressure from social media and other sources. We often think we need to compete with others or achieve the picture-perfect family … [Read more...]

Holiday traditions are so valuable. The memories we create can stay with our children for a lifetime. But it’s so easy to go overboard to create a picture-perfect holiday. When parents push too hard to create perfection, it can lead to disappointment and stress–for our kids and ourselves. Sometimes the best way to build happy, healthy and fulfilling holidays is to take a … [Read more...]

Pediatric emergency rooms are experiencing a dramatic spike in respiratory viruses this fall. A triple whammy of COVID, flu, and the RSV virus is stressing hospitals and pediatricians’ offices, with children getting sick in unusually high numbers. While RSV is a common childhood illness, many parents are worried about the current surge. But what is RSV, and why is it … [Read more...]

As parents, we want our children to try new things and stretch themselves. We want to guide and help them find what they love– from sports and activities to fun new foods. Some kiddos are up for just about anything, while others may resist trying new things. Many children are experiencing new anxiety as they re-enter social situations and group activities as we emerge from … [Read more...]