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How becoming a mother has helped me become a better Child Life Specialist

No one can fully prepare you for how much becoming a mother changes you. The worries, fears, and joy all seem to multiply when a bouncing baby enters your life. As a Child Life Specialist, I thought I was prepared to combine motherhood and professional practice. As it turns out, I learned a lot, and I still have plenty more to go!  Motherhood has changed the way I view parents and families who have to experience the hospitalization of their babies- and I include kids of ALL ages! I know that no matter how old they are, they are always our babies- whether they like it or not!

What every parent needs to know about protecting children from the sun

During the summer months, I am often asked by parents about sun protection. There are many products and sunscreens available, and it can often be challenging to determine what products are best for your child.

Concussions on the playground. What’s a parent to do?

Our multidisciplinary team of sports medicine clinicians works quickly to diagnose concussions and provide a personalized treatment plan for patients of all ages. 

Why does my baby's skin look yellow?

Jaundice is one of those medical terms that you may have heard on occasion, but can’t quite pinpoint what it means exactly. However, if you’re the parent (or soon-to-be parent) of a newborn, it will be helpful for you to become familiar with this common issue affecting babies soon after birth.

Help for parents of picky eaters everywhere.

Like many other areas of parenting, feeding our kids seems like something that should just “happen.” So, what if it doesn’t? Is your child just a picky eater or could it be a sign of a bigger problem?

How to transition your child with a chronic illness into adulthood

The process of transitioning from a pediatric to an adult healthcare provider is often daunting, especially for children with chronic needs. As a result, parents taking care of children with lifelong illnesses often care for that child into adulthood. Children with asthma, diabetes, or cystic fibrosis, to name of few, require strict medication adherence and consistent follow-up. It is natural for parents to assume full responsibility in managing their child's illness. However, caretakers are encouraged to learn how to empower children to eventually take charge of their own medical care.

How do we talk to our kids in the aftermath of tragedy?

It’s hard to know what to say to each other, ourselves, but especially, our children. Once again, we all woke up to news that there was a horrific mass shooting- and for those of us in Central Florida, it was reminder of what previously took place right in our own backyard.

Why a gluten-free diet may not be healthy for your kids

When I was a college student I knew a girl who suffered from celiac disease, and each time our group of friends went to eat at a restaurant, she brought a lunchbox from home filled with gluten-free food because she was unable to eat much of the food served in a restaurant. Before that I had never heard of gluten, and I thought it was a terrible curse for my friend to be unable to eat at a restaurant like the rest of us. Although I lost touch with her after college, I am sure my friend’s dining experiences have gotten a lot easier over time.

Your nutrition labels are changing - here’s what you need to know!

One major concern is by increasing the serving size on products, it possibly could cause overeating, which in the long run could lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The key is making healthy choices and monitoring portion size, especially with children. Understand that the serving size of a food or beverage is just a guide; we do not have to eat or drink that exact amount. 

Sending a child with epilepsy to school: what every parent should know