Today’s blog post centers around a topic that is bound to come up starting in elementary school when parents consider whether or not to give a child an allowance for routine household chores. I’ll be honest, in our house, we started and stopped and started again a few times. I think it is because I …
Child health
RESOURCE ALERT: New online module to help providers/clinics screen for children’s health issues
I wanted to take today’s blog post to share an important new online resource, along with a technical assistance center, and informational website meant to help primary care providers and clinics screen for developmental delays, maternal depression and social determinants of health. For subscribers and readers of my blog, I’ve written about how important it …
Positive parenting approach to picky eating
I am asked to provide advice on HOW to get kids to eat or to end food fights between parents and children. The request might come up when a parent worries that a child with ADHD may not eat as much if they are on stimulant medications or if a child had a hard time …
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 …
Aggression & Young Children: Tips for Parents
Kids can be aggressive. Especially early on when they are learning to self-regulate and control their strong emotions, such as frustration. When kids get frustrated, they can kick, bite or hit. Sometimes kids don’t think before they do…they just do. It is especially important as caregivers to step in, defuse the situation and help the …
#AAP16 Media Use and Children’s Health: Introduction & Dr. Michael Rich
Day 1: American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition #AAP16 I am really excited about this conference! I have been offline for a while, but will use this National Conference to get back to blogging. I am attending a wonderful session about how Electronic Media is Transforming Our Patients’ health. The speakers include: David …
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 …
Navigating the iWorld with your kids…one app at a time
I am preparing to give a talk at an upcoming pediatrics conference in October about social media and children. There is definitely a growing body of general guidance to pediatricians that suggests we talk to families about: Limiting TV to less than 2 hours a day for children and no TV for kids under 2 years of age …
Sunday Spotlight on Children’s Books: Not Fair, Won’t Share by Sue Graves
Helping children navigate their early friendships is important…especially when it comes to sharing objects and personal space. The book, Not Fair, Won’t Share: A Book about Sharing is authored by Sue Graves. It is a fun one to use with children to see how their behavior impacts others. I like this book because it shows a …
We can all become advocates for child health
Have you ever just stopped and thought, “Wow, what an awesome day that was?” I had one of those days today. It reminded me of the importance of allotting time to re-charge. For me, this time was at day 1 of the 25th Annual American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Legislative Conference in Washington DC. There was …