PARENTING
A Dad on a Mental Health Mission: Reinforcing the Three Rs
The other day, my oldest son said words every parent will hear at some point or another. “I don’t want to go to school.” But, as a dad, I could tell by the look in his eyes this wasn’t one of those days where he …
Make Potty Training Successful
Potting training can be both a daunting task and an exciting accomplishment for children and parents. Teaching your child to stay dry through the night requires more training and readiness on your child’s part. Teaching them to stay dry during the day is a task …
What You Need for Your Daughter’s First Gynecologist Visit
Do you think it might be time for your daughter to see a gynecologist for the first time? The world of women's health is ready to welcome the next generation of women to our ranks! Good news, we're here to help her (and you!) get …
Got a Picky Eater on Your Hands?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts at cooking tasty, healthy meals for your child, your picky eater refuses to eat what’s on the plate. The hotdog octopus sitting on top of the whole wheat spaghetti just isn’t cutting it. …
Keep Calm and Quarantine On
Is social distancing making you wonder what to do for the next few weeks? If you have small kids, spending weeks at home, not seeing friends, and avoiding public places could make the time seem to drag on. Our Child Life team at UMass Memorial Medical …
5 of the Most Common and 4 Surprising Causes of Birth Defects
A birth defect, also called a congenital anomaly, is a problem that occurs when a baby is developing in the womb. An estimated one out of every 33 babies in the U.S. is born with a birth defect, of varying severity, according to the Centers …
Breastfeeding in Public: Moms, Know Your Rights
If you’ve ever been challenged about your right to breastfeed your child in a public place, it’s important to know that the law in Massachusetts is on your side. In this state, you can breastfeed in most public places where you and your child are …
Are Sports or Energy Drinks Ever OK for Kids?
When it comes to keeping your child hydrated, there are a number of choices to of products to choose from. But are sports drinks or energy drinks ever the right choice? …
Pandemic Increases Children’s Mental Health Challenges
Many families are under a great deal of stress with the current pandemic. But steps can be taken to create a safer environment. …
The Importance of Pediatric-Specific Emergency Care
They are the scenarios all parents dread. Your toddler wakes up a 2 am wailing and pulling on her ear. Your 10-year-old tries to do “wheelies” on his bike. You find him sitting in the driveway clutching his arm, and it’s swelling before your eyes. …
Help with the Challenges of Autism
There are many challenges that individuals (and families) living with autism experience on a day-to-day basis. The Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CANDO Clinic), offers a list of resources to help with these challenges. Additional resources are listed below. Browse local resources. Browse state …
Mission Possible: COVID-19 Unwrapped for Kids
Our Child Life team at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center offers some thoughts to help you talk to kids about COVID-19. There are other resources for children available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Be aware of your emotions. This is an …
What To Do with All that Halloween Candy
Halloween is here, and as you admire your mountain of sweets, you realize it’s probably not the best idea to eat all that candy. After sorting through your treats and picking out your favorites, what should you do with the leftover candy? Here are a …
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 …
