PARENTING
Your Daughter Got Her Period; Now What?
Perhaps nothing signals that your little girl is growing up like the start of her period. Since so many of my patients ask me how to discuss this topic with their daughters and what to expect, here are a few pointers: Start the Discussion Early …
How to Talk to Your Teen About Opioid Drugs
Many parents don’t believe their teen would ever misuse opioids. As someone who works with youth in recovery, however, I’m here to tell you that it can and does happen even in the “best” of families. And the kids we see are the lucky ones. …
It Doesn’t Always Take a Village: Pros and Cons of Online Mom Groups
Guest Blogger: Deanna Richmond, MD, South County Pediatrics, Webster, MA As with many things in life, mom groups on social media have both an upside and a downside. On the positive side, these online communities are a great forum for moms to communicate with one …
Sleep Deprivation in Teens: A Common Problem
Teens on average need about nine hours of sleep at night. But most don’t get the amount of sleep they need. School, friends, homework, activities, television, video games, cell phones and the computer may have a higher priority for a teen than sleep. Sleep deprivation …
Ready or Not, Hospital Here We Come!
As a parent, you might picture your child’s first hospital experience in your mind. Maybe you imagine your child calmly holding still, everything goes smoothly, life is grand, and you are eating ice cream on the way home. Or maybe you picture your child crying …
Are You at Risk for Postpartum Depression?
It’s natural to feel strong emotions when you’re pregnant and just after you’ve had a baby. You may feel elated, or you may feel sad. Many women have the “baby blues” just after birth. They feel sad, impatient or irritable. These feelings usually go away …
Balanced Breakfasts Fuel Children’s Brains and Bodies
We've all heard the saying, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day." This is especially true for children as it is the perfect time to refuel in the morning to prepare for the school day. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, …
Achoo! It Must Be Allergy Season
Nasal congestion. Sneezing. Itchy, red or watery eyes. Throat irritation. Wheezing. These might be the symptoms of a run-of-the-mill cold, or seasonal allergies could be the culprit! While the snow was still falling in New England just a few short weeks ago, it won’t be …
Got Sunshine? Be Sure to Cover Up!
After cold temperatures and dark days, we’re all looking forward to spending time outdoors in the warm sunshine! As a primary care pediatrician, I get lots of questions from parents about how to keep kids safe in the sun, and thought I could share some …
World Hemophilia Day Celebrated Today
Does your child have frequent bruising? Urine coloring red or pink? Black bowel movements? Excessive bleeding? Needless to say, if your child experiences any of the above symptoms, please keep reading. We want to raise awareness about hemophilia. There’s no better time to talk about …
Ready or Not, Hospital Here We Come!
As a parent, you might picture your child’s first hospital experience in your mind. Maybe you imagine your child calmly holding still, everything goes smoothly, life is grand, and you are eating ice cream on the way home. Or maybe you picture your child crying …
Riding into Family Fun
Celebrate National Bike Month by taking your children out for a bicycle ride around the local park or a bike trail. May is a perfect time to enjoy a family bike ride, before the summer heat sets in. According to Men’s Fitness, cycling is a …
Balanced Breakfasts Fuel Children’s Brains and Bodies
We've all heard the saying, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day." This is especially true for children as it is the perfect time to refuel in the morning to prepare for the school day. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, …
Fortified Cereal Could Pose Risk to Kids
Cereal can be a nutritious and easy option for parents looking for a quick breakfast during the morning rush to get kids ready for the day. But how do you choose the "right" cereal? …
