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July 24, 2024
With normal routines abandoned, many kids have increased screen time in the summer. Though this may be inevitable, parents can help balance screen time with these tips: Try using a TV, instead of an iPad or phone Match all screen time with equal time spent outdoors, doing physical activity, or socializing with peers Take frequent screen breaks every 20-30 minutes to stretch, get a snack, or use the bathroom
Read moreJuly 17, 2024
Sleep is HARD in the summer. More daylight, travel, and a lack of routines aside, sleep matters for health and behavior. Encourage parents to try to create a summer routine to support good sleep - blackout shades, a cooler sleeping environment, and strong bedtime routines even away from home.
Read moreJuly 10, 2024
Newborns may look inactive, but it’s important for caregivers to understand how hard they are working. Let them know that over 1 million nerve connections are made every second in a newborn’s brain and that consistent and sensitive caregiving is the best way to support their development.
Read moreJuly 3, 2024
We know you’re recommending sunscreen this Summer, AND we know that applying sunscreen is a pain point for parents. Here are 3 quick tips to offer parents: Let them do it! “Helping” to apply sunscreen promotes autonomy and can decrease resistance. Parents can even do it in the mirror so kids can watch. Sing a song! Distracting young children with a fun sunscreen song (or another favorite) can help them to do hard things. Pick wisely. Find a sunscreen that comes in a stick and goes on smoothly. Chalky or thick creams can cause more tantrums.
Read moreJune 26, 2024
Pacifiers are an excellent source of soothing, but eventually it’s important to limit their use to the sleep space in order to promote language development and self-regulation skills. This can also be a first step toward weaning the pacifier entirely and finding new ways to help infants soothe themselves. Recommend to families that they: After 5 months of age, keep the pacifier in the sleep space (crib) during the day so that the baby does not have access. Resist using the pacifier when children are awake, and instead help them to tolerate hard moments without sucking. Explore other ways to help soothe children - like snuggling, talking, and singing.
Read moreJune 19, 2024
Cognitive flexibility is the ability to adapt our behavior and thinking in response to our environment. It occurs in 2 main ways - the ability to think about multiple things at the same time, and the ability to think based on a change in demands or expectations. Making new and surprising connections allows children to develop executive function skills that they need for their overall health and wellness. Try these 3 tips in your next visit:Model silliness. "I'm going to check your ears now. Just kidding! I was being silly. I said I was going to check your ears, and then I checked your foot!"Pretend to make a mistake. “I can’t find my stethoscope, did you see it? It’s long and skinny, and I use it to listen to your heart. Where should I look?”Praise families who are bilingual at home. “Learning multiple languages has been shown to help children be able to think and solve problems better!”
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