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
Siblings helping siblings thrive
A sibling is often called a built-in best friend. The hope for parents is that the bond will continue with your children through all phases of life. But a new addition to the family also means a new role for your oldest child. The oldest is there to show them ropes and the youngest is there to follow along and learn. However, in some families, that isn’t always the case.
Constipation: every parent’s favorite topic
It’s amazing how once you become a parent you begin to realize that talking about poop is just part of everyday conversation. Has your child pooped today? What was the consistency? What was the color?
4 things to know about seasonal allergies
We may still be seeing some chilly days, but allergies are in full effect. Chances are, if you’re not sneezing and itching, someone in your family is. Despite how common seasonal allergies are, many people still have questions about them. We hope to answer some of those so you and the kids in your life can find some relief.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Antibiotic FAQs – What parents need to know
The holiday season may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also bring about a not so fun season of illnesses. Knowing whether your child’s illness needs an antibiotic to get better can be hard during this time of colds and “Flu.” We’ve answered some frequently asked questions below, and your child’s primary care provider (PCP) is a wonderful resource if you have questions or concerns about your child’s illness.
Top questions for your pediatrician at all ages
When you have your first baby, they unfortunately aren’t born with a handbook. Even if they were, every child is different and may not follow exactly what would be “outlined.” As a first-time parent you are going to have lots of questions and those questions won’t stop until your child is grown. You may first start asking questions about milestones your child should be reaching in their early years, but will eventually transition to questions on when you should bring up topics like the birds and the bees.
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.
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.
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.