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  • Thumb sucking: learning to let go

    My little friend Harper sucks her thumb. She is the cutest and sweetest 5-year-old: funny, shy and loves on my little girl like a big sister. I never thought much of it. Some kids suck their thumb; some don’t. But, I’ve come to realize that this seemingly innocent habit can become quite a challenge for many families.

  • Let's talk about the HPV vaccine

    If you’ve been keeping up with the news this week, you’ve likely heard the debate brewing over the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. If you’re the parent of a teenager or a teenager yourself, you’re probably more than a little concerned.

  • Essential oils for children

    You may have heard of a new trend popping up in the parenting community: using essential oils to treat a variety of illnesses or to promote general good health in children.

  • What happens when we compare our child’s illness to another?

    Recently, a friend shared with me a book whose title and premise really upset her. She is the mother of a cancer survivor and friend to many cancer patients, and the title of the book offended her to the core. It’s called, “I wish my kids had cancer: a family surviving the autism epidemic.” I hesitated even to share the title of the book because it elicits such strong emotions, even to those of us who’ve never read the book. And, I’m not sure that this book deserves the attention we’ve given it, good or bad.

  • What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?

    If you’re the parent of small children, odds are you’ll become familiar with hand, foot, and mouth disease at some point. It’s fairly common, but not nearly as serious as its name might suggest.

    What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

    Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral illness that can affect anyone, but is most commonly seen in children under 5 years old. Along with the usual symptoms of a virus- fever, irritability and lack of appetite- children often develop small blisters or red spots on the palms of their hands and soles of their feet. Blisters may also be found in the webs between fingers and toes, or on the buttocks, and can resemble chickenpox. Children also will develop small, painful ulcers in their mouth and on their tongue.

  • Does swimming cause ear infections?

    This blog post was originally published in June 2014

  • What about me? Providing support to siblings during a hospitalization

    March is National Child Life Month. As a Certified Child Life Specialist in the NICU, I find this month quite exciting. It is a time for Specialists to continue to spread awareness of the need for patient education and support during trying times in the hospital, and most importantly, we celebrate the importance of play! But, patients are not the only family members that Child Life Specialists serve. We also provide education and support to siblings. Regardless of age, siblings can struggle throughout a child’s hospitalization for various reasons, and it is important to recognize ways that they can feel supported and have an understanding of what is going on with their brother or sister in a way that makes sense to them.

  • Nutritional Considerations for Vegetarian Teens

    Does your teen want to become a vegetarian or is he or she already one? More and more teenagers are choosing to eliminate meat, poultry, fish, or even dairy and eggs from their diet. Some reasons are due to religion, animal rights, improved health, or maintaining a healthy weight. Many teenagers feel the pressure from family and friends about their diet choice, especially if they are unsure if their nutritional needs are being met.

  • 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. 

  • 8 Mistakes Parents Make Installing Child Car Seats

    Installing a car seat correctly isn’t easy, but installing it incorrectly could have dangerous — even deadly — consequences for your child.