What you need to know about vaping to keep children safe
Could your child be vaping? A growing number of middle and high school students today are using vaping products, also called e-cigarettes, JUULs, or dabs (used for vaping marijuana) among other names. Signs and symptoms of vaping can be difficult for parents to notice, but talking with your kids about vaping and monitoring for concerning signs ... Read More about What you need to know about vaping to keep children safe
Why are doctors prescribing play?
If you want to make sure that your child succeeds, make sure that they … play. The job of children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), is to play. In fact, the AAP has a policy statement about the importance and power of play — and encourages pediatricians to do everything they can to get ... Read More about Why are doctors prescribing play?
How do I have ‘the talk’ with my tween?
When most parents think about talking to their kids about sex, it makes them very uncomfortable. It’s not exactly easy to discuss the specifics of how babies are made — especially when you are hoping that your kid doesn’t have sex until they are, well, much older. Which makes you not want to discuss it ... Read More about How do I have ‘the talk’ with my tween?
Talking about a child with special needs: Tips from a mom
Our two girls, Lily (age 8) and Elise (age 6), were both diagnosed with SYNGAP1 syndrome last year. At the time there were only 250 known cases of SYNGAP1 in the world. Yes, that means our girls are 2 out of 250. It is extremely rare, and even more rare to have two children with a de ... Read More about Talking about a child with special needs: Tips from a mom
Growing up with short bowel syndrome: Follow-up care matters
Short bowel syndrome, a serious condition in which a child lacks sufficient small intestine to absorb the nutrients the body needs to grow and thrive, was once a devastating diagnosis. Today, advances in care have helped save — and change — the lives of many kids with this disease. In fact, the multidisciplinary approach taken ... Read More about Growing up with short bowel syndrome: Follow-up care matters
Managing your child’s treatment-related nausea
Treatment-related nausea is an unpleasant side effect that can occur before, during, or after cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Antiemetic medications are typically used to treat nausea and vomiting, but there are other strategies that can help. Dr. Kristen Uhl, of Pediatric Psychosocial Oncology at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, specializes in pediatric pain ... Read More about Managing your child’s treatment-related nausea
What parents should know about anesthesia
The prospect of surgery can be distressing to parents and kids alike, but the idea of a child undergoing anesthesia can be often be even more concerning to families. Still, many babies and young children need anesthesia to be able to tolerate tests, surgeries, and other minor invasive procedures. We asked anesthesiologist Dr. Joseph Cravero, ... Read More about What parents should know about anesthesia
Five things to know about the flu
It’s flu season again. In fact, about half of every year, from September to March, is “flu season.” Despite the fact that we spend half of our lives in flu season, there are lots of misconceptions about this common and sometimes deadly virus. Here are five important facts about the flu that not everyone knows: 1. You ... Read More about Five things to know about the flu
Which genetic syndromes can increase a child’s risk of cancer?
Inherited cancers account for at least 5 to 10 percent of all pediatric cancers. The same advances in technology that have enabled scientists to decode the human genome now allow doctors to determine when a child has been born with an error (mutation) in a specific gene that puts them at increased risk of childhood ... Read More about Which genetic syndromes can increase a child’s risk of cancer?
Going back to school with a chronic condition
Going back to school can be a time of excitement for many families: Your kids are looking forward to reconnecting with their friends — and you’re looking forward to watching them learn and grow. But for caregivers of children and teens with chronic or complex conditions, preparing for a new school year involves much more ... Read More about Going back to school with a chronic condition