All Search Results
-
How much of our parenting is influenced by our friends?
I read a study this week that discussed how parents’ social networks (online and in real life) affect their decisions about vaccinating their kids. The paper concluded that a parent’s people connections were the most influential factors affecting their vaccination decisions- above educational level, relationship with their healthcare provider, online and print reading sources and economic status. I found it to be really interesting, but as I thought more about it, I found myself saying this: “Well… duh.”
-
Help! My child can’t swallow pills (but needs to)
It seems like a no-brainer; just pop the pill in your mouth and swallow. It’s easy to forget, though, that swallowing a pill is something that has to be learned. It may feel normal and natural to us grown-ups, but it’s not normal or natural for kids. For children that need to take medications, either for an unexpected illness or a long-term problem, this seemingly small issue can produce a lot of anxiety, making it a really big issue. If you’ve ever sat on your kitchen floor with a screaming kid saying, “I cant, I can’t. I can’t do it!” you know what I mean.
-
In the midst of flu season: Everything you need to know about the flu vaccine
Have you and your children had your seasonal flu vaccines yet?
-
12 ways to support families affected by military service
I recently wrote about some of the parented by active military troops. While not all of us have a loved one serving in the military, we can all support the troops and the loved ones they leave behind. There are organized efforts to provide support to these families, especially around holiday time. In addition to these activities, we can provide emotional and practical support in some simple, every day ways.
-
E-cigarettes are becoming more popular with teens.
Over the past year, the use of electronic cigarettes among middle and high school students has more than doubled, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One in fifteen students in grades six through twelve report having smoked an e-cigarette sometime in their lives.
-
Why I’m a different parent to my second child than my first
My son was born three months ago, and already I’m amazed how different the experience has been with my second child than it was with my first. The first time around, I don’t think I could reliably recite my own name and address for the first few months. Much of that first year my brain felt like a mess of scrambled eggs- like someone had shaken up my whole life until I no longer could tell which way was up. I went to work, I took care of my family and life went on, but I lived in a fog of emotions and exhaustion.
-
Communicating with your child about the death of a family pet
I am an animal lover. For years, my pets were my “furry kids.” I played with them, loved them, and took care of them. They were my babies, especially my favorite cat, Zip. Then, like many other parents, I had an actual baby, and my “furry children” sort of slipped off their high-status pedestals! However, Zip was always special to me. She was a true member of our family.
-
Movies are more violent than they used to be
My daughter’s fourth birthday is coming up soon. A few days ago as we were driving home from school, I asked her what type of presents she might like for her birthday. I knew the grandparents and great-grandparents would soon be asking so I’d better get some ideas.
-
New laws allow schools to give life-saving care to children with severe allergies
On November 13, 2013 President Obama signed into law the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, a law that will help schools become better prepared to care for children with severe allergies in the event of an emergency. Earlier this year, Florida also passed a law that allows schools to offer life-saving treatment to those children in need.
-
Newborn Sleep Safety: Preventing SIDS in Your Home
One of the most frequent concerns of new parents is getting their baby to sleep. And when it comes to this topic, there is no shortage of advice offered by family members, products to buy to make sleep easier, and advertisements to convince you of your need for these things.
