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  • How to help your child cope with change

    In our previous posts, we talked about and , which are two very emotional challenges that children may face. Both of these topics can cause a child to struggle with ambiguous loss, which is a type of loss that may not feel tangible to a child or even to the adults in their lives.

  • How much physical activity does my teen need?

    Physical activity is very important for a growing body. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends children and teens get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This can be a difficult task for some due to school work, studying for tests, hanging out with friends, and also spending quality time with family. Many teens are happy to know that these 60 minutes can be split up into two, three, or even four segments. A brisk 30 minute walk to school in the morning and a quick 30 minute run in the evening will satisfy these physical activity recommendations.

    Why is physical activity important for my teen?

    Physical activity is important for overall good health. It helps maintain a healthy weight, keeps bones and muscle strong, improves flexibility and also lowers the risk of developing diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Exercise benefits not only the body, but also the mind. Being active often makes us feel happier, which can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and also improves self-confidence.

    What can parents do to help their teen to become more active?

    As a parent, you play a vital part in shaping your teen’s attitudes and behaviors towards physical activity. When parents have a positive attitude towards a healthy lifestyle, teens are more likely mirror those positive actions. Here are some ways parents can help teens stay or become more active: Get involved. Be physically active alongside your teen. If you are encouraging your child to exercise more, you also have to make an effort to become more active. Set a positive example by leading a healthy active lifestyle. Be positive. Be careful not to pass on your negative sports memories from your childhood. If you twisted your ankle playing soccer or did not get picked to play middle school baseball, don’t discourage your teen from trying out or participating in that particular sport. Show encouragement. Encourage teens to become interested in new activities by exposing them to unfamiliar sports or activities. Select gifts that encourage physical activity (basketballs, skateboards, running shoes, baseball gloves, and jump ropes) instead of promoting sedentary activities (video games and DVD’s) Get the whole family involved by enjoying a family walk after dinner or taking a family trip to locations where teens can let out all their energy (neighborhood pools, basketball courts, baseball field, or outdoor events) Make physical activity fun. Family hula hoop contests, game of Twister, dance competitions, or hop scotch is always a blast. As long as everyone is laughing, it will be a success. Start an exercise club. Instead of teens staying home and watching television, encourage them to start a neighborhood walking, soccer or running club. These clubs can include the whole family or just the teens. Plan weekend events that involve some sort of physical activity (hiking, water sports, visiting the zoo, city walking tours etc.)

    How do I help my teen overcome physical activity barriers?

    Most teenagers have a difficult time meeting the recommendations for physical activity due to multiple reasons. These reasons can range from disliking exercise to the hot and rainy weather outside. Overcoming barriers can be challenging but also very rewarding once succeeded. When able, sit down with your teen and discuss their physical activity barriers. Try to determine at least one or two solutions to help them overcome them.

  • How to Make Time-out an Effective Discipline Strategy

    As a pediatric resident, I spend a lot of time discussing discipline with the parents of toddlers.  I have found that many parents struggle to find an effective method of disciplining their children; they often try various forms of discipline, but are unable to find a method that really works. I begin discussing discipline at a child’s 12-month checkup so that parents have the tools necessary to establish a discipline technique early and use it effectively as their child grows. 

  • What pregnant women need to know about the Zika virus

    If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Shaping Lives Through Everyday Victories

    When we think of life-shaping experiences, we often recall childhood. We remember our first bicycle ride without training wheels, discovering our favorite foods or that first A on a school assignment — the everyday victories that helped shape our lives. For children and families who face neurologic conditions such as brain, spine and nerve injuries or disorders, life-shaping experiences take on different meanings where every word, step or smile can represent victories. Advances in pediatric neuroscience make these victories possible for children, even those who have not yet been born.

  • 10 Creative Ways to Keep Kids Active

    Many families are struggling to keep fit, especially with jobs and schoolwork increasingly taking place on screens at home. Because of physical distancing requirements, there aren’t as many opportunities for school team sports, and kids doing virtual learning aren’t getting PE classes at school. Think about how a brief walk to the school bus stop a few streets over and even walking between classes counts as daily exercise. Going from your bedroom to your computer hardly comes close as a substitute! 

  • Two Numbers Offer Clearer Picture of Your Child’s Health

    From the moment your child is born, each visit to the doctor will start off with height and weight measurements that will be used to track growth and monitor for potential health risks. Where your child falls within this doctor-recommended range can be useful, but are there better indicators of your child’s overall health? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the answer is yes. 

  • 6 Ways To Calm Your Child’s Medical Anxiety

    Let’s be honest: Going to the doctor can make anyone nervous. For children, the visits can be even more scary. But parents are the first line of defense in dealing with childhood medical anxiety. Every time your child visits the doctor, there’s an opportunity to make it a positive experience.

  • How To Help Your Child Get Enough Sleep

    The frustration of trying to get your child to go to sleep and stay asleep is something most parents share. But no matter your child’s age, it’s worth the effort.

  • How To Prevent Your Child from Becoming Dehydrated

    It’s not just vigorous activity in the heat that can cause your child to become dehydrated. Cold and flu season could also put your child at risk -- and it can happen faster than you might think.