All Search Results
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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!
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How to introduce your baby to solid foods
It can be an exciting and messy time when it comes to introducing solid foods to young infants. With all the foods that are located on the market, it can be hard to figure out what your baby should be receiving. It also can be difficult to think about when to start them on this journey. Every parent is going to reach this milestone, and it is important to know what to look for when this time comes.
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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.
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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. -
How long is it okay for my child to suck on a thumb or pacifier?
As parents, you may worry about your child sucking his or her thumb or a pacifier, but it’s important to remember that sucking is one of an infant's natural reflexes that they start even in the womb. Infants and young children may also suck on their fingers or other objects because it makes them feel happy and safe, and it helps them to learn and explore their world. It also helps them feel safe during difficult periods, such as when they are separated from their parents or if they are in a new and unfamiliar environment. Sucking may also be relaxing and, for some children, can help them get to sleep.
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The Upside to Having Your Baby in Daycare
I was very fortunate as a second-time new mom to be able to stay home for three months with my new little guy. It wasn’t always easy- there was a lot of crying, not much sleeping, and times when I couldn’t remember what day it was or the last time I brushed my teeth. However, as the weeks went by we got to know each other better, and the beginning stages of a routine was born. We started taking a walk together every morning and slowly started to nap and eat around the same time every day.
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How do I choose the right formula for my baby?
While breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for babies, there are many occasions when breastfeeding isn’t possible or preferable, and formula can provide an alternative source of nutrition to ensure baby’s healthy growth. If you’ve walked down the aisle of your supermarket and perused all of the different formula options, though, you know it can be quite overwhelming. There’s one for digestive health, one for brain growth, and one for fussiness and gas as well as soy, organic, and non-GMO varieties- the list goes on and on!
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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.
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Summertime Treats for the Entire Family
As the summer heat continues to scorch, kids are always looking for ways to stay cool. Even though the school year is just around the corner, cooler weather unfortunately isn’t coming for a while. As your family enjoys the last picnics, get-togethers and pool parties before heading back to school, you’ll want some sweet treats to help you cool off. Usually these activities involve eating less nutritious foods such as hot dogs, ice cream, pizza, candy and potato chips. With these tempting foods readily available, it can be difficult to lure kids over to the fruit table for a healthier and more refreshing snack. By making fruit more appealing to kids, we might be able to change their views on this delicious treat.
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Rethink the drink! Sports drinks aren't as healthy as parents think they are.
If you’re still not convinced that sports drinks should be consumed with caution, let me leave you with this fun fact: One 20 oz. sports drink has 34 grams of sugar, which is 8.5 teaspoons of sugar. This is more than a full sized candy bar, which has 7.5 teaspoons of sugar!!!
