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How Too Much Social Media Can Affect Your Teen’s Behavior
A new study shows that extensive social media use may increase teenagers’ risk of mental health problems.
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My Baby’s Crying Again — What Does It Mean?
For new parents, figuring out the cause of a baby’s cries can be a daunting challenge, especially since one sob can sound quite different from the next. Still, this is hardly an impossible task. You just need to keep in mind that babies don’t cry only because they’re hungry. Each of these outbursts offers an opportunity to learn more about your child’s needs.
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How Much Sleep Does My Baby Need?
It’s 2:00 am, your newborn is crying again and you’re tiredly asking yourself, “But why won’t he just sleep awhile longer?” Getting a newborn on any kind of a sleeping schedule just isn’t going to happen, and for one very good reason — babies less than three months old are frequently waking for feeds and sleeping up to 17 hours a day. For the first three months, new parents must remind themselves that, for the time being, you’re in survival mode.
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How to Talk to Children When a Loved One Is Seriously Ill
If your family is dealing with the death or serious illness of a loved one, take some time to consider how your children are handling it — and what you can do to help them navigate this confusing, and possibly frightening, time. Children can absorb a great deal, and often imagine the situation to be worse than it is, with studies showing that even preschoolers can be significantly affected. Although discussing a loss with your child won’t make it less painful, you can certainly offer significant support and teach healthy coping skills they will need as they process things.
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Avoiding Preschooler Tantrums Without Buying More Toys
Keeping preschoolers active and occupied at home has become an even bigger challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. When preschoolers (children aged two to five) are not actively engaged in constructive activities, it can result in tantrums, whining and often making a mess. A preschooler’s brain is hardwired for hours of taking in new information and making connections, not for sitting still.
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The End of Hugs and Handshakes?
As the new school year approaches, it’s important to discuss with your child about the upcoming changes that will be in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Limiting person-to-person contact is key to reducing spread of the virus. Yet healthy socialization and development still must be fostered among school-age children. How to keep young ones from touching surfaces and not their face is a difficult task, indeed — which is why hugs and handshakes will be discouraged for now. To ensure that social connections and well-being are maintained, other types of behaviors will be encouraged instead.
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Bonding With Baby: What’s a Dad to Do?
In the months leading up to your baby’s birth, both parents are likely gearing up for the big day they welcome their newborn into the world. For many fathers there can be a lot of pressure to know what to expect and do once the baby arrives. Unfortunately, most literature and resources available tend to be directed toward mothers leaving dads struggling to know how to connect with their infant. Here are a few simple ways that fathers can bond with their newborn.
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Stress vs. Clinical Anxiety and How to Spot the Difference
Many factors may be contributing to the rise in anxiety disorders among children and adolescents — the information influx of digital media for one, but also earlier diagnosis. Recognizing the problem is the first step in helping your child if they are indeed suffering from anxiety. Because parents and adult caregivers are often the first to spot signs, knowing what to look out for is crucial.
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As Flu Season Continues, Experts Say ‘Get Your Shot’
Florida is seeing low levels of influenza and influenza-like activity, according to the state’s Department of Health. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting healthcare seeking behavior, however, which may be impacting current trends being reported across the state. Levels remain below those of previous seasons.
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Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: What Parents Need To Know
When your little one goes off to daycare or school, they might come home with more than a craft project: hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). It’s a common viral rash that can quickly spread to the entire family.
