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Tech and your kids: how much is too much?
In today’s digital era, tech devices have taken on a whole new role (and meaning). They have become kids’ most popular accessory and prized possession. iPhones, iPods, laptops, tablets- you name it and it is almost guaranteed that the kid sitting next to you has access to it. But why have these tech devices become so popular? Simple. They are an easily accessible way to entertain kids of all ages for hours on end- from the short trip to the grocery store, to the much-anticipated family road trip. While these devices can come in handy and better yet, to kids, how do parents decide when enough in enough?
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A child’s legacy: Will’s Gift Giving
It was a day like any other day. But it was a day that this family would soon realize, would change their lives forever. Will had been out on a Sunday, wakeboarding on one of the lakes in Central Florida, along with over 20 other people boating and skiing that day. On a hot summer day in late July of 2007, the cool, fresh water was the perfect way to escape the scorching heat.
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Chloe's Wedding Day: A Little Girl Who Was Diagnosed with a Brain Tumor on Christmas Eve
Dr. Alex Levy, pediatric oncologist/hematologist at Arnold Palmer Hospital, shares the heart-warming story of a family who learned their 4-year old daughter had a brain tumor on Christmas Eve. This is Chloe's story:
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Encouraging your kids to brush their teeth… even when they don’t want to!
Blue or green? No, I’m not talking about candy. I’m talking about when the dental hygienist asks your kids what color toothbrush they want. Who knew choosing colors could be so exciting! The dental hygienist hopes to leave the child with a smile on his/her face, while the parents are secretly hoping that a new toothbrush will make the daily brushings at home go a little smoother. But, after a week or two, the newness of the toothbrush wears off and kids often become less enthused, and often resistant, to brushing their teeth.
How often should your kids be brushing their teeth?
Dental hygiene should begin even before your child has their first tooth. Begin cleaning your child’s mouth by gently wiping gums clean with a clean, moist washcloth. Your child’s teeth will usually begin to grow in at about 6 months of age. As soon as the first tooth appears, your child is at risk for tooth decay, which is why it’s important to brush his/her teeth (or tooth) with a child-size toothbrush and water. When kids reach the age of 2 or 3, they can graduate to brushing their teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. It is recommended that children (and adults) brush their teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed, for two minutes. It’s important to teach your kids good oral hygiene habits at an early age, so that they can establish a healthy routine as they get older. But, this can be hard sometimes when it seems the brushing battle never ends. -
How to tame kids' ever-growing Christmas list wishes
My family celebrates Christmas. Recently, my son wrote his Christmas list. I guess it’s a sign of the times, but most of the items he is requesting this year are technological in nature and are at least $50.00. Here’s the kicker: He’s only seven. I figured I’d have a few more years before the list started to contain gadgets like laptops and ipods, but it looks like I was wrong. I read through the list and my initial reaction was, “Are you kidding me?! No way!”
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Making assumptions about medication allergies can be harmful to your child
Do you have allergies to any medications?
That question gets asked A LOT- when you see a new physician, when you start a new medication, pick up your medications from the pharmacy, or get your annual flu shot. -
Responding to the Sandy Hook shooting: How to cope with tragedy
In some ways, it seems impossible to write anything about the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School and yet I want to reach out. What can anyone say about such a loss? I cannot imagine the feelings of the families whose children and loved ones have died. Or the feelings of the children, teachers and families who were traumatized even though they escaped physical harm.
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Most teens want to build muscle, even if it means going to great (and unhealthy) lengths
Gym rats, pro athletes, and teens- what do these three groups of people have in common? They all want to build muscle, and may even go to great lengths to do so. It is common to hear of gym rats, and even some pro athletes (even if it’s against regulations), who use steroids, or other muscle-enhancing supplements to help gain muscle mass, but now teens are mirroring these risky behaviors, too. While it’s great that teens have an increased interest in exercising, the desire for a certain body type can lead teens down a slippery slope of dangerous behaviors.
The Study
With the perception of popular body images in the media shifting from those who are just thin, to those who are muscular and lean, teens are becoming more dissatisfied with their outward appearance, causing them to be easily influenced by the market of muscle-enhancers and body-building lifestyles. -
You can help make miracles happen, too
A few months ago, I had the privilege of attending a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ ceremony honoring children who have suffered illness or injury. During this exuberant celebration, children of all shapes, sizes, and abilities danced down the aisle with their favorite Disney characters to celebrate. Their smiles simply radiated joy. As I grinned and clapped along with them, though, I couldn’t help but think about the life and death struggles that many of these children have faced. With their bald heads from chemotherapy, their scars a reminder of past surgeries, or their IV medications disguised in a Mickey Mouse backpack, the battle was evident. And yet, they kept smiling.
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Celebrating Independence Day
Happy 4th of July to all of our readers! As we take a break from our traditional blogs this week, we want to leave you with some great 4th of July tips to make your holiday a memorable one for your family. Independence day is filled with activities such as outdoor BBQ’s, family picnics and get togethers, parades, and of course, fireworks! Get your kids involved in the decorating, cooking, and games to get them excited about this special day.
Teaching your kids the meaning of Independence Day
Independence Day is more than good food and fireworks- it’s a celebration of our nation’s birthday. Explaining the meaning behind the words “independence”, “freedom”, “patriotism” will help your kids understand why we celebrate Independence Day. “Independence”- One of the most recognizable symbols of Independence Day is the American Flag. The flag is a great visual representation of the history and meaning of this day. Give your kids a short history lesson by making a homemade flag! All you need is a sheet of blue construction paper, strips of red and white paper, and star stickers. As your kids create their own American Flag, explain what the 50 white stars and 13 red and white stripes symbolize and how they fit into the history of Independence Day. “Freedom”- Independence Day is the celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and essentially, our freedom. Read a kid-friendly copy of the Declaration of Independence together as a family and talk about the importance of the men who signed this document. Help your kids understand that with independence, comes a lot of freedom AND responsibility, something our nation faced on this very day. “Patriotism”- One of the ways we take pride in our nation is by singing The National Anthem. Print out the lyrics and sing along to a recording of The National Anthem to help them learn and remember the words to “The Star-Spangled Banner”.4th of July Fun
After a quick history lesson on the importance of Independence Day, get your kids in the festive spirit with 4th of July crafts and activities! Check out the Arnold Palmer Hospital Pinterest board that is dedicated to great decorating, food and craft ideas for the 4th of July that your kids will love.
