As you plan your family’s summer activities, be sure your child has time each day for play. Play is important to a child’s mental and physical health. It helps children manage stress, develop self-regulation skills and make social connection. The American Academy of...
Before you head to the beach or lake this summer, take steps to keep your family safe in and around the water. Drowning is a leading cause of death in toddlers and young children. Teens have the second-highest drowning rate of any age group. Experts recommend layers...
Do you know how many hours of sleep your teen gets each night? As kids get older, many parents become lax about monitoring their children’s sleep. The CDC reports that 7 out of 10 high school students and 6 in 10 middle school students do not get enough sleep on...
If seasonal allergies are a problem in your family, you’re not alone. Austin is included in the latest Allergy Capitals Report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The report uses data to rank the most problematic cities for allergies in the United...
A young child’s temperament may help predict future oral health. A recent study in Pediatric Dentistry found that toddlers with negative temperaments are more likely to develop tooth decay than their more easygoing counterparts. In the study, toddlers’ temperaments...
Could your child use a boost with focus, learning, patience and self-regulation? Or maybe some help with stress or anxiety? Read on to find out why a mindfulness practice may be just what your child needs. What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is being in the present...
What fun it is to imagine your loved ones’ excitement as they open special holiday gifts. Yet many children end up harmed from gifts that are dangerous. About 225,000 children a year go to the emergency room due to toy-related injuries. As you create your holiday...
This year, getting a flu shot is more important than ever. Yet many people avoid the flu shot. One of the reasons is fear of needles – needle phobia. Most children and up to half of teens are afraid of needles, according to a recent analysis. Steps Parents Can...
October is “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.” With more time at home, many families would like to adopt a dog but aren’t ready for a lifetime commitment. Fostering is a great way to test the waters to see if a dog – and what type of dog – is right for your family. ...
Grandparents have a wealth of information about family’s health stories and may be the only resource for stories of deceased family members. “Knowing the health stories of family members can help identify your child’s risk of developing certain serious diseases and...
Parents and kids are feeling frustrated and stressed. For many, home is no longer a nurturing oasis but a breeding ground for discontentment and moody outbursts. Before the school year begins, set aside some time for a family reset. Begin with a Family Meeting. Begin...
Parenting is tough during the best of times but particularly challenging during times of health and economic uncertainty. Children and teens are feeling the stress of social distancing, health safeguards, and activity disruption. Many feel afraid and anxious about the...
