Parenting Articles & Tips

Talking To Your Child Increases Intelligence and Vocabulary June 2, 2014

Article at a Glance

Talking directly to your children using long, complex sentences can increase their intelligence and vocabulary.
Research shows that the gap in language development between children from lower-income and more affluent families stems from how much they are talked to.
Experts hope that educating parents on the importance of speaking often to their children will help.

Posted in Parenting Articles & Tips, Pediatric Articles, School | Tagged development, infants, language

Teaching Your Child How to Swallow a Pill May 19, 2014

Article at a Glance

Make sure your child is developmentally ready.
Start with very small pieces of food and slowly build up.
Avoid begging, bribing, or threatening. Tension, anxiety, or negative associations will make it harder for your child to successfully swallow a pill.

Posted in Parenting Articles & Tips, Pediatric Articles | Tagged early childhood, medicine, middle childhood, pills

How To Help Your Shy Child April 14, 2014

Article at a Glance

It is important to understand why your child is "shy." Is it because of temperament, a stage of development, a lack of self-confidence, or a more serious issue?
Things like role-playing, playgroups, and being a good example can help shy children open up more.
Don't call your child shy or allow others to. Learn to embrace your child’s personality and let them be themselves.

Posted in Parenting Articles & Tips, Pediatric Articles | Tagged anxiety, behavior, early childhood, shyness, social

AAP Strongly Opposes the Use of Retail-based Clinics March 31, 2014

Article at a Glance

Pediatricians are better able to treat children because they are specially trained in child health issues.
According to the AAP, retail-based clinics provide fragmented healthcare and do not support the medical home.
Retail-based clinics do not provide the same continuity of care as a primary care pediatrician who is aware of current medications, past health problems, and any special situations in your home.

Posted in Health Alerts, Parenting Articles & Tips, Pediatric Articles

Tips on Making Your Pediatrician Visit a Success February 17, 2014

Article at a Glance

Spending time with your child role-playing, explaining any procedures, and talking about why it is good to visit the doctor will help your child feel less anxious about the visit.
Write down any questions beforehand and be ready to provide the doctor with any needed information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something.
If you act like going to the doctor is a positive experience, your children will be more likely to feel the same.

Posted in Parenting Articles & Tips, Pediatric Articles | Tagged choosing a pediatrician, medical visits, pediatricians

Study: PG-13 Movies Today Have More Violence than R-Rated Movies in the 80’s January 27, 2014

Article at a Glance Study shows that overall violence in movies has doubled since 1950, and gun violence has tripled since 1985. Movies that were given an R-rating in the 80’s would probably now only receive a PG-13 rating. Parents are encouraged to do their homework on a movie or video game before their kids … Continue reading “Study: PG-13 Movies Today Have More Violence than R-Rated Movies in the 80’s”

Posted in Parenting Articles & Tips, Pediatric Articles | Tagged parenting, screen time, teens, tweens, violence

Is Your Child Overscheduled? December 23, 2013

Article at a Glance There is no “right” level of activity. It depends largely on your child and your family. Children who are overscheduled will show symptoms like depression, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and over tiredness. Don’t let external pressures influence how much your child is involved in. Focus on what is right for your child. … Continue reading “Is Your Child Overscheduled?”

Posted in Healthy Living for Kids, Parenting Articles & Tips, Pediatric Articles | Tagged anxiety, middle childhood, parenting, stress, teens, tweens

How to Prepare Your Child for Puberty December 16, 2013

Article at a Glance Create a safe place for your children to ask questions by gradually talking to your children about their bodies as they grow and develop. It is very important that your children know what changes to expect before they start puberty. Children worry a lot about fitting in. Assure them that the … Continue reading “How to Prepare Your Child for Puberty”

Posted in Parenting Articles & Tips, Pediatric Articles, Teens | Tagged parenting, puberty, tweens

Reasons for Parents to Quit Smoking September 23, 2013

Article at a Glance Smoking has negative affects on your child’s physical and neurological health—increasing the risk of learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. Secondhand smoke is more dangerous than mainstream smoke. Thirdhand smoke, the residual nicotine and other chemicals that are left behind after smoking, can negatively affect your children even if you don’t smoke … Continue reading “Reasons for Parents to Quit Smoking”

Posted in Parenting Articles & Tips, Pediatric Articles | Tagged asthma, development, infants

How Much Should My Child Be Eating? September 9, 2013

Article at a Glance Remember that it is your job to provide healthy food and your child’s job to decide how much to eat. Children’s appetites can vary widely from day to day and from child to child. Setting predictable routines and consistently offering healthy choices will help make sure your child gets the nutrients … Continue reading “How Much Should My Child Be Eating?”

Posted in Healthy Living for Kids, Parenting Articles & Tips, Pediatric Articles | Tagged early childhood, nutrition, obesity, weight management

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