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.
Communicating about suicide, and what to do if you're a concerned parent
The thought of losing your child is one many caregivers try to avoid. And yet, suicide is the second leading cause of death for teens across the nation and in Kansas City. We want to help change this trend. Here are some ways to start.
Family-friendly activities to make this fall a ball!
The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisp and pumpkins are popping up everywhere. We talked to Children's Mercy families about some of their favorite family-friendly fall activities - whether you prefer to get into the fall spirit at home or get out and about in the Kansas City area.
COVID-19, RSV and the Flu: What you need to know
Viral respiratory season is quickly approaching. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory viruses seem to circulate in new patterns, so being prepared is important! According to the American Academy of Pediatrics last flu season a record number of children under the age of 4 years old were hospitalized. Here’s what you need to know to help keep your family safe and healthy.
Keeping kids safe while safely storing firearms
Conversations about firearms are tough conversations to have with a child. However, gone are the days of only teaching kids about gun safety to keep them safe. Telling your child not to touch a firearm if they find one is no longer enough. Now, firearms are the leading cause of death among children and teens in the United States. The best way to keep your children safe is keeping firearms stored safely.
The power of adaptive sports
Staying active benefits all children, but for kids with physical or cognitive differences, sports can be a game-changer for their overall wellness.
Everything parents need to know about food allergies
Food allergies are a concern for many parents – especially those of younger children who are being introduced to new foods on a regular basis. But it can be hard to determine what is a food allergy versus a food intolerance.
Winning tips for interacting with coaches
If you're raising an adolescent athlete, you're juggling a lot - practice and game schedules, uniform laundry, snacks and hydration, not to mention relationships with your kid's coaches. Managing those relationships is one of the many parts of parenthood that wasn't in the playbook. Luckily, we can help you get in the game.
By bus, by bike, by car...oh my! Get to school safely - no matter how you travel
School is back in session! Ensuring all kids make it to and from school safely is everyone’s responsibility. We recommend sitting down and speaking with your kids this back-to-school season to make sure they know and are following these safety guidelines.
How to set a schedule for back-to-school success
It's that time of year - you can almost smell the sharpened pencils and fresh notebook paper. Students will be returning to school before you know it and getting used to a whole new routine. Set them (and yourself) up for success by getting a jump start on a back-to-school schedule. Developing a plan ahead of time can reduce anxiety and get everyone on the same page.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Setting up for back-to-school success
Starting a new school year is exciting but can also be a bit frightening. While this is true for all children, it can be heightened for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Predictability and routine are very important for children with ASD. Here are 6 ideas to help your child feel prepared before the first day of school.
Less frustration, more communication: How to use baby sign language with your child
As parents, we’ve all been there – your baby is upset and screaming, and you just want to yell, “Tell me what you want!” Adding a few basic sign language words to your child’s vocabulary can help ease this frustration for both of you and encourage your child’s verbal development as well.
How to support families with critically ill kids
It’s easy enough to offer support to a family whose kiddo has the flu or a broken bone, but it can be a challenge to know how to be there for friends and family when a child is facing a more serious illness. From our professional and personal experience, we’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. We want to equip everyone to offer much-needed support for these families. Community help can make all the difference and build stronger relationships in the long run.
Beat the heat! How to bring your summer fun indoors
We know it’s a parent’s dream to spend as much time outside with the kiddos as possible. Summer is all about enjoying the outdoors from sunup until sundown. However, there are certain barriers that can limit you from doing just that. Whether it’s extreme heat, rain showers or even nap times, for some families spending time indoors to wind down is inevitable.
4 ways to keep your Independence Day sparkling and safe!
Independence Day often includes sunshine, celebration and sparklers. Unfortunately for some, it could also include an emergency room visit due to a firework injury. In 2020, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reported 900 emergency room-treated injuries across the nation associated with sparklers alone. You can avoid an emergency trip during your holiday festivities by incorporating these safety precautions.
5 tips to add safety to your summer fun
School is out for summer! It’s time for pool days, barbeques and family vacations. We want you to have a fun summer – safely – so we’ve outlined 5 tips that will help keep your family safe in the summer sun.