Combatting Negative Effects of Screen Time
“I worry that my son spends too much time in front of screens, but there’s not much I can do, “ laments one Austin dad. “He plays games with his friends on the computer, does homework online and watches YouTube on his tablet. When you consider time spent on...
Six Tips for Teaching Your Teen To Drive
Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death for teens. Parents can make a difference in teen driver safety. Here are six tips to help make the experience successful and rewarding. #1. Prioritize On-the-Road Practice Inexperience is a major cause...
What To Do if Your Child Wants To Go Gluten-Free, Paleo or Vegan
What will you do if your child wants to start a gluten-free, paleo or vegan diet? Here are three steps to help discuss the choice with your child: Step 1. Find Out Your Child’s Motivation Before you react to the news, ask some questions to determine your...
When Dogs Are More Than a Child’s Best Friend
Dogs can be more than just a child’s best friend. Therapy dogs and their handlers can help bring comfort and reduce anxiety in times of stress. What Is a Therapy Dog? Therapy dogs are not the same as assistance dogs or emotional support dogs. Each performs...
Make Time for Play A Priority
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...
Water Safety Begins on Dry Land
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...
Is Your Teen at Increased Risk From Lack of Sleep?
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...
3 Strategies for Dealing With Seasonal Allergies
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...
Is Your Toddler at Increased Risk for Tooth Decay
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...
Give Your Child A Boost in 2021 With A Daily Mindfulness Practice
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...
Make Safety a Priority When Choosing Kids’ Holiday Gifts
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...
How To Help Your Child Overcome Needle Phobia
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...
