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.
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Category: All ages
When a pet dies: How to help your child grieve
Pets play a significant role in many children’s lives. Kids who are actively engaged in pet care can form deep bonds that resemble human-to-human relationships. Pets can be companions, confidants, friends and sources of comfort. In some cases, pets are almost like siblings. When a pet dies, children experience significant loss. Keep reading to learn how you can help your child grieve when you lose a pet.
Hidden dangers: Protecting your home from unseen threats
As parents, we strive to create a safe and healthy environment for our children. However, some threats to our homes are not always visible. Understanding these unseen dangers and knowing how to mitigate them can make a significant difference in the well-being of our families. Here are some common unseen environmental threats in homes and practical steps to address them.
Tips to become a health literacy hero
As parents, we all want the best for our children. Especially when it comes to their health. Medical information can sometimes feel like a secret language, and you may wish you had a superpower to decode it. Good news - you do! Health literacy tips and tools are at your fingertips.
Life after transplant
Organ transplant is dramatic, from the excitement of hearing about a potential match to the surgery itself. It’s a huge turning point in a patient’s life! But the most interesting part of a patient's journey happens once they recover, go home and get to start a new life with a new organ. Here’s what post-transplant life is like for a heart transplant patient.
Global flavors: A parent's guide to exploring cultural cuisines with kids
While it can be easy to lean on your tried and true, family-favorite recipes, introducing children to diverse cuisines is a wonderful way to expand their understanding of different cultures while also trying new foods. As parents, we have the unique opportunity to use food as a tool for education and connection. Here are some tips on how to make this journey enjoyable and nutritious for your family.
The ultimate guide to road-tripping with kids
Everyone loves a family vacation or taking the kids to visit extended family. However, road-tripping with kids can cause anxiety, stress and overall be daunting. We’ve created a guide for how to get the best out of your road trip and how to keep your kids entertained.
Spring forward into great sleep!
If there is one consistent thing most parents dread…it’s the clocks changing. While you might be looking forward to longer days and more sunshine, you’re probably also grappling with the challenges of adjusting your schedule to daylight savings time. Here are some practical tips to help your family smoothly transition into daylight savings time.
The dos and don’ts of parent-teacher conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are crucial opportunities to discuss your child's progress, address concerns and build a relationship with their educators. And while we all think the best of our child, sometimes there may be feedback in these meetings that is hard to hear. Here are some essential dos and don'ts to ensure these meetings are productive and positive.
How to keep brushing your teeth fun
We all know getting your kids to brush their teeth can be a struggle. Despite how challenging it can be, brushing your teeth is an essential part of everyone’s morning and nighttime routine. Telling your kids not brushing their teeth will make their teeth fall out may be the truth, but it won’t help those kids who struggle with this mundane, everyday task. Keep reading our guide for ways to add some fun into your teeth brushing routine!
How to support your kids through big life changes
Most children will experience impactful life changes – “big” changes. Even expected life transitions can be stressful and feel “big” to kids, such as a sibling leaving for college, transitioning from elementary school to middle school or having a new team or coach. Your goal as a parent or caregiver is to give your kids the skills and tools to navigate these changes successfully and help kids feel confident they can cope with these feelings and act in ways that help them adapt to change.
Understanding tuberculosis: A guide for parents
You may have seen recent news about a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas. Health officials are actively managing the situation to prevent further spread. But still, it’s important to remain informed and do what you can to keep yourself and your family healthy. Keep reading for information on what tuberculosis is, symptoms, treatment and ways to stay healthy.
How to celebrate Black History Month with your family
Across the calendar, heritage months pop up as an opportunity to lift up multiple cultures that at times may not have as much social representation. In the month of February, the United States honors Black History Month. While it is important to recognize the past contributions of the Black and African American culture, parents should consider celebrating Black History past, present and future.
What parents need to know about nosebleeds
Nobody likes a nosebleed, that includes kids and parents.That said, nosebleeds are extremely common. In fact, 3 out of 4 kids will experience at least one nosebleed in their childhood. Thankfully, they are often easily treated at home with proven methods. Read on to learn more about why kids’ nosebleeds happen, what you can do about them and when to seek medical care.
Understanding anaphylaxis: A guide for parents
Most parents have one main goal: to keep their kids safe. When there is something out of your control that threatens your child’s safety, it can be scary – and an allergic reaction is one of those things. Keep reading to unpack anaphylaxis along with its causes, symptoms and management strategies if your child is at risk.
10 ways to get out the winter wiggles
Brrrrr, it’s cold outside! But staying active during the coldest time of year has huge benefits for your family’s physical and mental health, including improved mood, energy and heart health. Check out our top 10 ways to keep your kids (and yourself!) moving in the winter.