Archive for child life
Getting a little help from a game show host: How Steve Harvey became Panos’ personal tooth fairy
11-year-old Panos loves to smile and sing — but getting him to show his teeth to a dentist hasn’t always been easy. When he visited a dentist near his home for his first cleaning, the experience was a tough one. “He was overwhelmed by the new environment and refused to open his mouth,” explains his ... Read More
Your child’s imaginary friend is more than a good buddy
You can’t hear stuffed toys talking. You can’t see pretend companions coming to life. But your child probably wouldn’t imagine spending a day without them — and that’s perfectly normal behavior. Boston Children’s child psychologist Keneisha Sinclair-McBride, PhD, offers insight on how imaginary “friends” help your child develop emotionally. Lots of children have imaginary friends Children usually ... Read More
The art of showing up: Six ways to support a friend who has a child in the hospital
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do.” Nine little words spoken with the best of intentions but aren’t necessarily all that helpful for someone faced with having a child in the hospital. But why? “People really want to do good things,” says Annie Banks, a social worker with the Hale Family Center for ... Read More
Step by step: What to consider before your child wears a fitness tracker
Energetic children run circles around their parents. Wearable devices can count how many footsteps go into those circles. Depending on the model, fitness trackers can measure the steps a child walks and the miles they bike, all while monitoring their heart rate, body temperature, and other vital signs of health. More importantly, the devices can ... Read More
Addressing food insecurity: How Boston Children’s makes food accessible for patients
Food insecurity is more common than you might think, affecting an estimated 21.1% of Massachusetts households with children in 2023. To add to the stress, families of children with dietary restrictions who face food insecurity are frequently left with limited options to find proper nutrition. One of the biggest hurdles when it comes to addressing ... Read More
Outdoors and indoors — How to keep your child active in winter
Don’t let frigid temperatures, snow and ice, and fewer hours of sunlight prevent your child from being active. Instead of giving into the winter blues, embrace the season and ensure that fun physical fitness activities are part of your child’s daily routine. There’s good reason to stay active: “Exercise increases aerobic fitness, strengthens muscles and ... Read More
Unwrapping myths for children: How to prepare them for the truth about Santa Claus and other legends
Virginia might have been told, “Yes, there is a Santa Claus” — but someday your child will expect an honest answer about the legitimacy of a bearded, centuries-old deliverer of gifts. This holiday season isn’t just a time for families to come together and celebrate traditions. It’s also a time for children of a certain ... Read More
Let them play: Why free play is crucial for kids
As the school season winds down, you may be wondering how to keep your kids busy if they’re home all day. Consider letting them play. What is free play? Free play is any type of unstructured play that is directed by the child. It helps children develop their imaginations while experiencing and exploring the world ... Read More
How masks protect against COVID-19: Understanding the science
As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the U.S., including in children, wearing a face covering is more important than ever. We know wearing a mask can get tiresome, but they really are essential. To help understand how face masks can keep you and your child safer, we spoke with Dr. Thomas ... Read More
How to encourage your child to wear a mask for COVID-19 protection
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone older than age 2 wear a face covering in public unless they have significant breathing problems. Whether you’re coming to the hospital for an appointment or are simply trying to enjoy more time outdoors, your child will likely need wear a mask in public. ... Read More