Just as with sugar, junk food, time out in the sun, parents should also limit time spent on screens. “Screens” include televisions, DVD players, computers, smartphones and tablets. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following healthy media habits: limiting screen time use for children 18 months of age to video calls with loved ones …
Communication
A new way for family-doctor communication about parenting stresses & challenges: The IMPACT 1.0 Scale
Parenting a child with ADHD can be challenging. ADHD can affect how the child does at home and school, affects relationships in the family and with friends. Parents often express worry about how their child does at school and their general wellbeing, or “quality of life. ” Related: ADHD Impact on Quality of Life (ADHD …
Tired of nagging your child to get off screens?
If you are a parent, chances are you have a love-hate relationship with screens. Especially if your child is into Fortnite, Roblox or Minecraft. Or maybe they are watching the newest toy reveal on YouTube Kids? Or watching a famous YouTuber play their favorite video game? I know. I’m there with you. It’s hard raising …
Was It The Chocolate Pudding?: A Children’s Book about Divorce
When parents face divorce or separation, it can be very stressful to break the news to children. Last month I had developed a parent-friendly handout on talking tips for parents to help them stay child-focused when facing this particular life change. For readers of my blog, you know I love finding children’s books that help …
What in the World to Do When Divorce Happens: Stay Child-Focused
Sometimes relationships end. It is one of the more common “adverse childhood experiences” that can occur over the course of a child’s lifetime. Almost 50% of all first time marriages will end in divorce within 15 years, according to the CDC . The Truth About ACEs Infographic by RWJF on RWJF.org It is never an …
Let’s Talk Children’s Mental Health Wellness
Today is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. I am participating in national campaign activities as one of the panelists discussing the importance of communication among families, primary care providers and behavioral health specialists. I am honored to be able to share my voice and passion about this topic tonight. Check out the event, which …
No more bystanders: Parent tips for creating the change post-election
Like many of you in the months leading up to the election and now post-election, I have experienced a wide range of emotions. However, I am not writing this post because I want to complain about the election and focus on who won or who lost. Nor am I writing this because I am a …
New tools help doctors coach families on healthy media diets
I just attended a 4.5 hour session hearing from some of the leading experts in the field of media use and children. All the speakers were insightful and engaging…plus to they shared some very practical tips and strategies! Today the AAP released updated guidelines on children’s media use, called Media and Young Minds. What I …
Why exposures like domestic violence & trauma are important to ask about
As a behavioral pediatrician, I see children with behavior problems. Kids with aggression, kids who have been kicked out of multiple daycares or schools, and kids who are not doing well at home or school. One of the things I always look for are clues as to WHY. Behaviors, while stressful, are not a diagnosis. They …
What is Health Literacy?
“Health Literacy” refers to the degree to which a person obtains, thinks through and understands basic health information and services needed to make appropriate decisions. It is influenced by how medical personnel share information with patients and also how families communicate their needs and questions. It also is dependent on one’s knowledge about the health …