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How to childproof your bathroom
Previously, we shared some ideas about . Today, we’ll continue by talking about another one of the most troublesome areas in your home: the bathroom. It’s no secret that toddlers love the bathroom, and that one tiny room holds the potential for a whole lot of disaster.
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To Circumcise or Not: What To Consider
Circumcision, the removal of the foreskin from your infant’s penis, is a personal decision that often can be stressful for parents.
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Summertime snack ideas for kids
Summer is here, which means more time spent at home (and in the kitchen), while kids are on summer break. Not only are parents’ concerned with finding ways to entertain their kids, but also with what to feed them. And it always seems as if kids are hungrier in the summertime, as they have the freedom to “graze” all day long.
What, when, and how much
Snacking can be, and should be, a healthy part of any kid’s diet. But, it’s not just about what you feed your kids, it about when and how much. According to Kids Eat Right, an initiative of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that focuses on kids’ nutrition, there are several scenarios in which snacking can actually be harmful to a child’s diet: Unplanned, random snacking can lead to weight gain. This is one of the major contributing factors to the issue of childhood obesity, as kids have more access to food at all hours of the day. When kids have the freedom to snack all day, and at any time of the day, the natural instinct that lets them know when they are hungry, or full, is disrupted.However, snacks that are offered at the right time and in the right amount, can help kids achieve a healthy weight, as their bodies are continually growing and are in need of energy. Here are some guidelines for healthy snacking for kids: Most kids, and teens, need to eat every three to four hours in order to achieve a healthy, balanced diet throughout the day. For younger kids, this is equivalent to about three meals and two snacks a day. Older kids need to eat three meals and at least one snack a day. Older kids who are going through a growth spurt, or are very physically active, may need two snacks a day to make up for the additional output of energy. Consistency is key. A good rule of thumb is to offer a snack a few hours after one meal and one to two hours before the next. By doing this, kids are less likely to refuse food at mealtime, only to beg for snacks later, and will be ready for their next meal if snacking is limited beforehand. Remember, it’s not just when kids snack, but how much they are eating during snack time. This guide is a great tool for parents, as it shows healthy snack portions based on various food groups for kids.Snack ideas for kids
One advantage of kids spending more time at home while on summer break is that they tend to eat healthier at home, given they are not surrounded by the endless options of junk food found in the vending machines at school. Here are some healthy snack ideas for the whole family: Ants on a log. Cut a piece of celery into segments, spread with peanut butter (or other nut butter of your choice), and top with raisins. Fruit and dip. Cut up your favorite fruit, or a variety of fruit, and serve with a small portion of Greek yogurt, mixed with cinnamon and a drop of vanilla extract. Keep in-season fruit on hand for a quick snack on the go! Summer fruits include: berries, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, grapefruit, watermelon, and peaches. For a full list of in-season produce, visit here. Veggies and dip. Cut up an array of veggies and serve with a “homemade” ranch dip. Combine a packet a dry ranch mix with Greek yogurt for more staying power, as Greek yogurt has almost 2x the amount of protein as regular yogurt. Craving chips? Think about dry-roasted edamame or soy nuts instead. You can still get the salty, crunchy goodness found in chips, with less fat and added fiber!Want more snack ideas for the whole family? Check out our Arnold Palmer Hospital “Fun Eats for Kids” Pinterest board. -
Kids should sleep in. Schools should start later, say pediatricians
If you have a middle or high school student in your home, you may have noticed that their sleep habits have changed as they’ve entered adolescence. They stay up late, find it hard to get up early in the morning and struggle with sleepiness throughout the day. Take heart. It’s not that your kid is being lazy or rebellious. There are real, biological changes happening in their bodies as they mature that make getting enough quality sleep a real challenge.
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Is CrossFit safe for kids?
CrossFit has become a wildly popular fitness trend among adults over the past few years, and now CrossFit is targeting kids, too. But some parents can’t help but wonder, “Is CrossFit safe for my child?” We sat down with Dr. Davis, sports medicine physician at Arnold Palmer Hospital, to ask her expert opinion on the appropriate types of physical activity for kids, and if CrossFit is safe for their growing bodies.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently announced that it’s safe for kids to start a light weightlifting routine after age 8. Can you explain this decision?
The benefits of strength training for kids are similar to those for adults. Like adults, kids will gain improvements in muscular fitness and bone mineral density by incorporating a light strength-training program into their fitness routine. However, one of the most important benefits of any youth fitness program (including resistance training, in addition to aerobic exercise) is an improved attitude towards lifelong activity, which will keep them motivated into their adult years. -
Childhood Depression: What Parents Need To Know
Children today are under so much stress — from academics and sports to how they look — and all of it is magnified by social media. So it’s no surprise that about 20 percent of all teens experience depression. But only fewer than a third of depressed kids are treated for their symptoms. And many parents may not realize their children are suffering.
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From separation anxiety to a separation celebration
My daughter started kindergarten this week. When I shared the obligatory first-day-of-school photos, many friends and family members commented that they couldn’t believe how big she’d gotten.
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The miraculous gift that saved Cameron's life
Caroline believes in miracles. She believes in miracles because her son, Cameron, is a living, breathing example of a miracle, and she cherishes him every, single day.
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Gun Safety: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Child Safe
In light of the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy, a common safety topic that has been discussed in the news, amongst ourselves, and between patients and their pediatrician is how a family can keep their children safe from guns. Research and statistics tell us that the best way to reduce the chance that a child is hurt or killed from a gun is to simply not have a gun in the home. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the safest home for a child is a home without a gun.
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What You Need to Know to Keep Your Child Safe This Summer
Parents and children alike are breathing a collective sigh of relief that the lazy days of summer are finally here. However, along with the lovely warm weather come some risks.
