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: Health and Wellness
Welcome to motherhood: Tips to adjust to life with a little one
Becoming a mom is a big change filled with joy, challenges and lots of special moments. In honor of Mother's Day, we asked moms to think back on their motherhood journeys and share some helpful tips on how to adjust to life with kids. Whether you're just starting out or looking for some new ideas, these tips can help you through the fun and chaos of being a parent.
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.
Understanding Measles: What parents need to know
As a parent, the health and safety of your child is always a top priority. With recent measles cases confirmed in the Midwest, it's more important than ever to be informed about this highly contagious disease. This blog aims to provide you with essential information about measles, its symptoms, how it spread and the importance of vaccination, so your family can stay healthy.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 choose the best health insurance for your family
It’s the most wonderful — and potentially confusing — time of the year: Health care insurance open enrollment season! When considering your insurance coverage options for the upcoming year, there are some key factors to keep in mind to ensure you select the best plan for your family's needs.
Coughs: What parents need to know
As a pediatrician, I understand how alarming persistent coughs can be for parents. Although many coughs are harmless and resolve on their own, some do require medical attention. Let's go through the common causes of long-lasting coughs, when to get professional care and how to ease symptoms at home.
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).