Skip to main content

It's not perfect. It's parenting.

Sometimes you need answers to the little everyday things that parents encounter. And sometimes, you just need someone to encourage you through all of the craziness and challenges of parenthood. Welcome to Parent-ish, a blog from the experts at Children's Mercy.

Parent-ish logo at Children's Mercy

Get updates

Subscribe to Parent-ish


Have a parenting hack to share? Or a topic you'd like to see?

End the dinner table battles: How to help your picky eater

It's not uncommon for toddlers and preschoolers to resist trying new foods. Even children who were adventurous foodies as infants can go through a picky phase. If your child puts up a fight at meal times, try to remember it's a normal occurrence for many kids and, most of the time, it doesn't mean anything is wrong. That said, we'd like to give you some tried and true tips to make feeding your kid more enjoyable for everyone involved.

The ABCs of sleep training: Let’s talk myths, tips and what ’sleeping through the night’ really means

Parenthood can feel like a rollercoaster in the first few months with broken sleep, learning your baby’s cries and cues and navigating your new role as a parent. One of the most common struggles new parents face is getting their baby to sleep! The value of sleep becomes priceless as you navigate weeks of broken sleep with your new baby. Enter the realm of sleep training - a term that might evoke various opinions and myths.

Attending large events following a tragedy

Our community is still processing the events of the post-Super Bowl parade. A day meant for celebration quickly turned into a nightmare for families who were in attendance, or even watching it on TV. As your family considers attending large events – sporting events, concerts, shows – that you once enjoyed, planning these activities now comes with extra concern.

Penicillin allergies: What parents need to know

Antibiotics in the penicillin family are among some of the best treatments for common childhood infections. But, penicillin is also the most commonly reporting drug allergy. Keep reading to learn answers to frequently asked questions about penicillin allergies you may want to know for your child. 

nurse helps young girl with hurt arm

When to go: Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care

The inevitable has happened - your child came down with an unforeseen illness or injury. And of course, it always happens when your doctor’s office is closed. So, the dilemma every parent faces …do you go to the Emergency Room (ER) or Urgent Care?

Burn awareness tips for the whole household

Whether it’s in the kitchen or another part of your home, follow these tips to keep your children safe from potential burns. 

Talking with teens about healthy relationships

Relationships are a vital part of life no matter what age we are. They help us learn about ourselves and the world around us, teach us valuable lessons and help us feel a sense of belonging. Teenagers are especially focused on peer relationships because they help build an individual’s sense of identity and are an important part of to their normal, healthy development. Whether they are engaging in friendships or romantic relationships, teens need guidance from trusted adults.

Resources for helping kids process the tragedy of the Super Bowl parade shootings

It’s never easy to talk about senseless violence with our kids. With your guidance, though, they can find a safe space to process what’s happened. To assist you in these tough conversations, we’ve outlined key ways you can help them, things to look for in your child and additional resources for support. 

Safe sleep tips so the whole family can get good zzz’s

When expecting a new baby, you’re prepared to get less sleep. But be sure to also prepare a safe sleep environment for baby – so when they are sleeping soundly, you can too. Safe sleep goes beyond the newborn stage, with standards to follow for toddlers and “big kids,” too.

Mom consoles daughter as she has her hands to her mouth looking distraught.

How to talk to your kids about their first heartbreak

Our first love can be a highly emotional experience and the same goes for first heartbreak. It’s never easy to see your child hurting, but you can ease their struggle by remaining open and available to listen.

Did they really just say that? Parents share their cringeworthy kid stories

If there’s one thing parents can know for sure…it’s that kids WILL say the darndest things. And, it’ll probably be in public, so there is an optimal chance for embarrassment. Sound familiar? You’re not alone! Our Parent-ish readers shared their cringeworthy stories so we can all share a laugh and commiserate about our embarrassment. 

Kids sick again? What to do about those pesky bugs going around

If it feels like the kiddos in your life are constantly coming down with something, it’s probably not your imagination. In the first 2 years of life, it is common for kids in daycare to be sick with respiratory illnesses 10 to 12 times per year. Nobody wants their children to be under the weather that much, but it is normal and generally not cause for worry. That said, we would like to put parents’ minds at ease with a few tips and tricks to deal with those pesky colds, flus and other common illnesses. 

Healthier eating in the new year is a resolution you can keep. No, really!

Be honest: How many days into the new year did you make it before you abandoned all those well-intentioned resolutions? It happens to the best of us. But as a parent, finding ways to implement healthier eating habits for your family is a constant priority — and struggle. 

Resolutions from real kids

The saying goes "new year, new me" and for many, the beginning of a new year can be the start of changes they want to include in their life. Whether 2024 is a time for re-invention, learning a new skill, striving toward a new goal or knocking a few things off of your bucket list, there is no age limit for creating a New Year's resolution. 

How to enjoy a safe and festive holiday season

As the song says, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! You’re getting ready for holiday celebrations, decking the halls of your home with festive décor and preparing for the excited chatter of children opening gifts. Below, we’ve outlined safety tips in several areas, so you can ensure your memories of this holiday season are happy ones.