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
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 was moderately severe for a lot of children, but there are steps your family can take to try and stay healthy. Keep reading for information on RSV, flu and COVID-19 for the 2024-25 respiratory virus season.
How to keep youth sports fun
This just in: Kids like to have fun. It shouldn’t be news, but in the current competition-crazy culture of youth sports, it is. “Fun” is the key idea parents should remember from the new State of Play Kansas City, a report and study by the Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program and a broad group of KC-area youth sports advocates (including Children’s Mercy Kansas City).
How to help kids adjust to new siblings
A growing family is a new experience for everyone, grown-ups and kids alike. Having a new baby around comes with lots of change, so big emotions are understandable. As a caring parent or caregiver, you can ease the transition for kids by listening, checking in and staying consistent. No change process is perfect, so it is important to go easy on yourself, too.
10 family-friendly activities to make this fall a ball!
Are you getting excited about the chilly mornings and changing leaves? Us too! If you’re looking for a fun fall outing for the whole family, we have ideas from Children’s Mercy families. Whether you prefer to get into the fall spirit at home or get out and about in the Kansas City area, keep reading for fun ideas!
How to talk with kids about cancer
Cancer is not an easy thing to talk about. It’s understandable why many parents and caregivers feel hesitant to talk with their kids about it. As uncomfortable as it may be, it’s important to be honest with young people about cancer. Talking openly helps relieve anxiety and builds trusting relationships. If someone in your child’s life is diagnosed with cancer, it will affect them. Whether that person is a close family member, a friend, someone at school or in their after-school activities, creating space to talk about cancer is beneficial for your child and for your relationship with them.
Teaching kids not to bully – and how to react if you find out they are
We all think the best of our kids – but that doesn’t mean at some point, they won’t exhibit bullying behaviors. Why does this happen, how can you teach your kids not to bully and most importantly…how do you react if you find out they’ve bullied a classmate or friend?
Tips to make your child comfortable during immunizations
Summer days by the pool are ending and the back-to-school to-do lists are being completed. In between supply shopping and meeting the teacher, make sure to schedule time for your child’s school immunizations. Whether your child is starting preschool or their senior year, shots can be nerve-wracking.! We recommend these resources to make immunizations less scary and start the school year off on a positive note.
Why kids hit – and what parents can do about it
It’s a scenario many parents are probably familiar with: one second your children are playing quietly together, and then all of a sudden, you hear crying and shouts of “Mom, they hit me!” When this happens the first time, parents are often at a loss. Why are my children hitting, and what the heck should I do about it? We have answers to your questions on the whys and best ways to discipline if your child hits.
8 traditions to make the first day of school one to remember
The first day of a new school year can come with a range of emotions – sadness to see the summer end, anxiety around change and excitement for new beginnings. Though however you’re feeling about the new school year, you can always find a way to celebrate. We asked our community to share some of their favorite back to school family traditions, so you can make your kiddo’s first day one to remember!
Sleepwalking – answers to your frequently asked questions
As a parent, it can be scary to wake in the morning and find your child is not where you laid them down the night before. While it can be jarring to find your child was sleepwalking through the night, this is a benign condition, and there is usually no underlying cause. But parents still want answers – what are the causes, when should I be concerned and how do I keep my child safe? We cover all your FAQs in our recent blog.
Back-to-school checklist: Essential steps for a successful start
School is right around the corner and so is the task of making sure your kids are prepared. On top of regular supply list, we’ve created a list of commonly overlooked tasks to help ensure your kids are ready.
How to talk with kids about foster care
Kids often come to parents with questions we aren’t prepared to answer. We may panic and shut down the conversation, put them to sleep with a wordy monologue, or tell them to ask another parent. But those aren’t our only options for talking about complicated topics like foster care. We’ve gathered a few tips based on our experience to help you and your child have a productive conversation you can feel good about.
Summer fun around Kansas City!
It’s sweet summertime, and we want you to make the absolute most of it! We’ve curated the perfect summer to-do list that will get you out of the house and bring you great summer memories.
Growing your child’s emotional piggy bank
All humans have an emotional piggy bank, and throughout the day all your interactions result in a deposit or a withdrawal. All these little things add up, and if you’ve had more withdrawals than deposits, you may feel like you don’t have much left to give. As parents, you can make sure your children have plenty of deposits, so they can better deal with the withdrawals that come their way.
Ways to handle homesickness
Staying the night at an aunt’s house or an overnight sleepaway camp is often the first chance a child experiences a go of independence. Even the most confident of kids may experience homesickness and there are ways parents can help.