All Search Results
-
How to keep your family safe this Fourth of July
Independence Day is almost here and it is time to celebrate! Whether you’re planning to enjoy our nation’s birthday at the beach, have a poolside barbeque with friends or a picnic with loved ones, it is sure to be the pinnacle of your summer festivities. And of course, no celebration is complete without fireworks! But remember, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure everyone’s health and safety this holiday weekend.
-
How to protect your children from sexual abuse
A few months ago the famous reality television family, the Duggars, made headlines when reports surfaced that the eldest child, who is now a husband and father in his late twenties, sexually abused several young girls (including several of his sisters) when he was a teenager. There are supporters of the family who say that the family did all of the right things, and there are critics who feel that more could have been done to address the abuse and support the victims. The show and the family have been loved by many for the strong family values they encourage. The idea that this family, a family that appears wholesome and “perfect” could be harboring a secret like this was shocking to many.
-
How to know if your child is getting enough water during these summer months
For kids, summer days mean no school and more time to play outside with friends. And while it’s important for kids to stay active throughout the day for optimal health, it’s equally important to ensure they are drinking enough water for proper hydration, especially during these hot and humid months! It is easy for kids to become mildly dehydrated without even knowing it, which is a reason for concern given that adequate hydration helps a child function more optimally physically and mentally.
Let’s look at some facts:
50% of children in the U.S. do not drink enough water 25% of children do not drink plain water at all Boys are 76% more likely to be dehydratedDr. Safder, pediatric gastroenterologist at Arnold Palmer Hospital, recently appeared in a news segment to offer tips to parents on how to make sure their kids are drinking enough water.Here are the signs she says to look for:
Excessive thirst Fatigue Dry mouth Headaches Child is not sweating enough Warm body temperature Urine is dark yellow and concentrated Child is not performing as well in school as he or she normally does*A child can develop kidney stones as a result of dehydration, which can be painful and uncomfortable for your child. -
Watch your words: labeling your kids can have long-lasting effects
This post was originally posted in May 2014.
-
How (and why) to help your child make friends
I used to think that having an infant was the most difficult time for a mother. I thought once I got my kids eating solid food, pooping in the potty and ready to go to school, that my job would be smooth sailing from there.
-
How to help your child cope with a serious illness
One of the most challenging times a parent may face is if their child is diagnosed with a chronic illness. Many emotions including anxiety, fear, anger, and even helplessness can overwhelm parents. Children often display complicated emotions of their own, which often mirror that of their parents. All of these emotions can challenge well-known and comforting family rhythms and routines.
-
When family expectations differ from your doctor’s advice, what’s a new parent to do?
Written by Lisandra Perez, MD
-
You, the flu and what to do
‘Tis the season- flu season, that is.
-
Help your child get a good night’s sleep
Written by Betty Cheney, MD, MPH
-
How to help a child through the transition of divorce
Divorce is an event that can cause a great deal of trauma and stress to a child’s life. Children may often question if the divorce is their fault or if there is more they could have done to keep their family together. While adults can understand the context and reasoning behind a divorce, children often do not, and likely may come up with their own versions of what they feel went wrong. Many times, the main thing a child sees is that the two most important people in his or her life will no longer live under the same roof, and this can cause them much confusion and distress.