It’s your worst nightmare. Your child throws a tantrum in a public place. You’re stressed out and are ready to have a tantrum of your own.How can you deal?The most difficult -- yet most important -- thing to do is to ignore your child during the temper tantrum. See if the tantrum dies down.If that doesn’t work, divert your child’s attention. Remove him from the environment. This may be tough because you’re pressed for time and are in a public place for a purpose. Leaving that environment shows him that you mean business.You may have to physically move your child. There could be thrashing and resistance. Try hugging him to calm him down. Talking to him might not work until he is calm.Don’t make false promises or threats. Uphold your rewards and consequences so your child knows your promises have integrity.Maintain your composure. Enlist the help of your spouse or partner. Make sure you’re both on the same page with rewards and consequences.The good news is that kids tend to outgrow the tantrum phase. If the tantrums are greatly stressful for you as a parent, speak with a professional.Listen as Dr. Naveen Mehrotra joins Melanie Cole, MS, to advise on dealing with temper tantrums in this encore episode from March 2017.

Even the cleanest children get lice. Those little bugs tend to nest in certain colors and textures of hair, which is why some people get repeat visits.Lice are bugs that crawl from one scalp to another. They can crawl from combs, brushes, and clothing onto a fresh scalp. The bugs look like sesame seeds, and their eggs stick to the hair shaft.A louse will only live one to two days when not on a scalp. Eggs don’t hatch if they aren’t in a warm environment. Of course, you should still vacuum and clean linens. It can take up to two weeks for eggs to hatch. It’s better to be cautious.It takes four to six weeks for itching to start because of the lice saliva. When the note comes home with your child, the lice have had plenty of time and opportunity to spread.You can check your child for lice at home with a couple of sticks, sifting through the hair. Your pediatrician can also check the scalp, make recommendations, and provide prescriptions as needed.Lice are treated with over-the-counter medications like Nix (permethrin) and Rid (pyrethrum). Nix is used on wet hair and can kill eggs. Be sure not to use a conditioner before application. Rid is used on dry hair but doesn’t kill eggs. Consider the life cycle of the eggs. You should repeat treatment on day nine, and perhaps once more. Follow your pediatrician’s recommendation for the right medication.In this encore episode from March 2017, Listen as Dr. Corinn Cross joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to get rid of lice.

A recent report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics proves the importance of fathers in the development of young children.Engaged fathers are associated with better academic success, health, social skills, and confidence. Their children also have less delinquency and reduced likelihood of substance abuse.It really matters to get dads involved with children. They don't have to serve the same functions as mothers. It's great when fathers will jump in and change diapers and rock babies to sleep, but they can be involved in other ways. Daddies tend to be more playful with babies and tend to get more belly laughs. Fathers encourage their littles to climb to the top of the monkey bars and take risks on the playgrounds.Encouraging all fathers to get involved with children will improve those children's lives. Giving fathers paid parental leave will help with this.If your child's father is unavailable, this role can be filled by any male or person identifying as male in the child's life. Grandfathers, uncles, adopted fathers or males who are committed to the child's well-being can assist in the positive development of children.Listen in to this encore episode from June 2016 as Dr. Michael Yogman shares the importance of fathers (or father figures).

ACES or Adverse Childhood Experiences is a broad term for a number of stressful and negative events that can happen in a child's life and affect them for years to come. Well today, we are going to discuss what exactly this phrase means. We are joined by Andrew S. Garner, MD, Ph.D., FAAP, who is a pediatrician with Partners in Pediatrics in Westlake, Ohio, and is a member of the UH Rainbow Care Network, the region’s largest coordinated group of medical professionals providing care to children. He is also the Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.In this encore episode from July 2022, Dr. Garner & Melanie Cole cover the different types of ACES, toxic stress, and the differences between ACES & trauma.

The slowness of winter and the stress of the holidays can be a lot, even for our children. Hilary Bowers, MD, is the Director of Behavioral and Mental Health Services and a board-certified pediatrician providing care through the Children's Primary Care Medical Group (CPCMG). She is also a member of the UC San Diego Health Physician Network, and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP).She chats with Melanie Cole, MS, about the continued trends in mental health issues we've been seeing since the COVID-19 pandemic started, red flags parents can look out for in their kids in the wintertime, and how we get our kids up and moving in the cold, dark days of winter.

The beginning of a new year is always a time of resolutions and resetting your goals and intentions. So today we're chatting with Dr. Lanre Falusi in this encore episode from January 2022 about action vs. avoidance goals, reward systems, and good resolutions for our kids, such as drinking more water, looking out for bullying, making new friends, and getting more sleep. Dr. Falusi is a primary care pediatrician at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.Her work as a pediatrician for over 15 years has focused on ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. She and her husband are the parents of 3 energetic little girls. She is also the co-host -- along with another doctor- mom -- of a podcast called “Health and Home with the Hippocratic Hosts” about parenting, health, and finding balance in life.

Everyone craves a fresh start sometimes, even our children. Whether it's a brand new year, or just wanting to try something new at any point in the year, it's important to be realistic and healthy when it comes to setting goals. Joining us for this conversation is Nicole Cifra, MD, MPH, MHPEd, an attending physician in the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Her main area of interest is eating disorders, and she currently serves on the Medical Care Standards Committee of the Academy for Eating Disorders.How to set achievable and holistic goals with focus, harness gratitude, and avoid focusing on things like weight loss and physical appearance.

In a powerful new call to action, the American Academy of Pediatrics is demanding critical self-evaluation and fundamental changes in the practice of medicine to end long-standing inequities in health care.In a new policy statement, “Eliminating Race-Based Medicine,” the AAP observes that race is a historically derived social construct that has no place as a biological proxy. Over the years, the medical field has inaccurately applied race correction or race adjustment factors in its work, resulting in differential approaches to disease management and disparate clinical outcomes.Dr. Tiffani J. Johnson, MD, MSc, FAAP is a board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physician at UC Davis, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, and a scholar on race, racism, and its impact on child health. Her research portfolio reflects her commitment to improving the quality of care for underserved children. She is currently exploring the root causes of inequities in the healthcare and early childhood education settings, including research on bias and discrimination and their impact on the health and well-being of children.She is also the co-author of the AAP policy statement and joins Melanie in this encore episode from June 2022 to break down what it means, what critical changes need to be made, and what providers can do.

When we're out of our routines, that is the best time for chaos to enter the home. And with the holidays and winter breaks, all kinds of crazy injuries can happen. Even in the depths of winter. So today we're talking about the most common injuries doctors see this season (a lot of injuries in the kitchen), keeping kids out of medications, fireplace safety, and staying warm and safe when playing outside.Dr. Christina Johns is our guest for this episode. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her medical training at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. After completing her pediatric residency at Hopkins, she moved to Washington, D.C. for a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine at Children’s National Medical Center.She continued on the faculty at the George Washington University School of Medicine working as an attending physician and assistant division chief in the Emergency Medicine and Trauma Center at Children’s National for 15 years. During that time Dr. Johns obtained a master’s degree in education from the George Washington University School of Education. She is board certified in both pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine.

Marijuana is now legal for medical or recreational use in many U.S. states, with its use on the rise. Unfortunately, so is the unintentional THC poisoning risk these products pose to kids who get a hold of them.Kevin Osterhoudt, MD, MSCE, FAAP, FACMT, serves on the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention. He is an attending physician in the Emergency Department and Medical Director of The Poison Control Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.In this encore episode, learn more about accidental overdose, what to do if kids do get into your edible stash, and how to talk to teens about marijuana.

Between the seasonal flu, COVID-19, and the rising number of kids with RSV, it's time to talk about this triple-demic.Today we'll talk about the slight differences between these 3 big illnesses hitting us this winter, what kind of symptoms to look for, and what to expect for the rest of the year's flu season. Our guest for this conversation is Dr. Upma Suneja. Dr. Suneja is a Board-certified Pediatric Physician currently working as a part-time General Pediatrician at USF, Tampa. She graduated from Government Medical College in India after which she moved to the United States to pursue her Residency training in Pediatrics at Lincoln Hospital affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College, New York.

Watching your child play sports is exciting. You can support your child as an organized sports participant both emotionally and physically.Benefits of Organized Sports weight control time management organization skills better bone density improved mental health social skills feeling of competence Listen to this encore episode from September 2019 as Dr. Kelsey Logan joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how all children can participate and benefit from organized sports.

Today's children grow up immersed in digital media, which can have both positive and negative effects on healthy development. And it can be difficult to know when your child should have a phone of their own. Well, to help you out, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and AT&T have teamed up to launch a new, free PhoneReady Questionnaire and a free, enhanced Family Media Plan tool to help parents and caregivers create healthy digital habits for their families.Dr. Suzy Tomopoulos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and a member of the AAP Council on Communications and Media. She joins host Melanie Cole today to discuss cell phone use in children, monitoring what they use their devices for, and deciding the right time for your child to get a phone.

Let’s face it, your child learning to drive can be very stressful for you as a parent. You want them to gain independence while still keeping them safe.The most important investment you can make in terms of the safety of your driving teen is giving them a structured experience behind the wheel. The biggest single risk factor for teens is their lack of driving experience. Introduce them to safe but stressful situations while you’re in the car, like interstate driving and country roads. Be clear about driving restrictions for the first few months your child has a license.Before that learner’s permit is in your child’s hand, you can be a good role model as a driver and avoid distractions.Consider implementing the Parent-Teen Driver Contract provided by the AAP.Listen as Dr. Brian Johnston joins Melanie Cole, MS, in this encore episode from July 2019 to discuss safe driving for teens.

You've probably heard the term jaundice before, and that it makes yellow babies, but you may not really understand what it is.New guidelines released recently say jaundice is not something that we consider to be pathologic, but more physiologic, and it's actually quite common in newborn babies. In this episode, we cover just what jaundice is and how our doctors treat it with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie. She is an assistant professor of clinical pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Transgender, Gender Diverse, Non-Binary, Cisgender. There are a lot of words to describe sexual identity and presentation. And it can be difficult, especially if your child is figuring out who they are, and this may be new to you.So we've brought in Dr. Ilana Sherer to break down some of these terms and answer some common questions on gender and more in this encore episode from March 2022.Dr. Ilana Sherer has a general pediatrics practice in Dublin, California at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation/Sutter Health with a specialty in caring for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth. She is also a member of the AAP Section on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health and Wellness.

If you're a parent, you know that it can be incredibly frustrating and even scary at times when your kids are constipated. It's really common and it's something that so many parents go through, but we're gonna learn about it today and get all the information that you need so that you have informed decisions and you know what's really going on with your children.Joining us to discuss constipation in children is Dr. Patrick Reeves. He's an officer in the United States Army Medical Core with a clinical specialization in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. He's an assistant professor of pediatrics adjunct to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.He chats with Melanie about what causes constipation, how dangerous it could be, and some supplements and tips for frustrated parents.

Now that our kids are back to in-person schooling, some of them don't always wanna go. But there are a number of reasons for that.So today we're talking to Dr. Heidi Schumacher. She's a practicing pediatrician and she also serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Health and Wellness at the DC office of the State Superintendent of Education. So she is seeing many sides of this attendance issue, the anxiety issue, the whole school avoidance, and also the health implications and benefits of really that routine, that school attendance. In this episode, Melanie and Dr. Schumacher look at the research on school attendance, why kids are missing school these days, dealing with technological distractions and sleep, and how parents fit in the mix.

If your child is having trouble at school, your pediatrician may be able to help. Risk factors or difficulties during pregnancy or early life could contribute to a learning difficulty.First, speak with your child’s teacher and/or principal. Ask questions about what’s happening inside and outside the classroom. Get more information on your child’s school life.Next, speak with your pediatrician. As possible sources are eliminated, ask your pediatrician what else could be causing the difficulty.Then, ask your child what kind of help you can provide to assist in learning. They may prefer help from a tutor instead of your watchful eye.All children want to succeed.Listen as Dr. Laura McGuinn joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how your pediatrician can help with learning challenges.

The milk crate challenge, the blackout challenge, the sleepy chicken challenge, and of course the Tide pod challenge. These were all internet games based around the social media app TikTok.While social media can be good for children who want to learn about the world at large or find other kids with common interests outside their school, it can also be quite dangerous when these challenges get risky or even lethal. Dr. Nicole Baldwin is a member of the AAP Council on Communications and Media and joins Melanie to talk about how these challenges come to be, the allure of going viral, and how to keep your kids from doing stunts for social media attention.

When confronting the challenge of disciplining their children, moms and dads often default to the ways their own parents disciplined them, sometimes with harmful results.But mom and practicing pediatrician Dr. Candice Jones shows parents a better way, helping parents understand child development and how the ways that children are disciplined shape not only their behavior but their overall health and well-being.Dr. Jones coaches parents to understand their child’s developmental stages and their own motivations to create a family discipline plan that manages misbehavior and encourages good behavior. Her advice is packed with developmentally appropriate strategies to tame tantrums, stop sibling squabbles, and reward better behavior, to create a calmer, more harmonious home.Listen to this encore episode from January 2022 as she talks about the power of positive discipline, different styles of parenting, and her new book High Five Discipline.

Kids are now back in school and social situations with their peers. And we know that anxiety levels have been at an all-time high throughout this pandemic. So today we're talking about anxiety, depression and how that manifests physically in eating disorders, and more. We talk about how the easing of the pandemic is changing the mindset in our kids, why anxiety is increasing now in kids even as restrictions decrease, and how we can help our kids get through this tumultuous time. Dr. Katherine Williamson is board certified in pediatrics and is a member of the CHOC Primary Care Network, treating kids and teens in Orange County California. She is also the AAP Orange County President, as well as a spokeswoman for the AAP.

The AAP released updated recommendations on breastfeeding a few months ago, which have been a bit controversial because they call for supporting moms who breastfeed 2 years or beyond (from the previous recommendation of 1 year.)Our goal is to normalize breastfeeding in the U.S. and help women achieve whatever breastfeeding goals they have surrounding feeding their babies. So today, Dr. Lauren Crosby joins our host Melanie Cole to discuss the new guidelines, giving our newborns the best nutrition in those early days & weeks, and how we can get rid of stigmas surrounding breast & bottle feeding moms. Dr. Lauren Crosby is a nationally recognized parenting expert and pediatrician.  She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and is an Official Spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is a Pediatric Expert for television news, serves on the Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, is a medical reviewer for What to Expect, and is a Founding Member of Hope in A Suitcase.

This is not a discussion any parent wants to have with their kids. We don't even wanna think about it but think about it we must. Our kids have a unique issue that we did not have.They must be prepared for school shootings, mass attacks, and gun violence in a way that we never did. I hate that we even have to talk about this, but. We have to do this because it is incumbent on us to bring these issues out into the open so that parents can have these discussions. Joining our host Melanie Cole, MS for this critical conversation is Dr. Lois Lee, she's an attending pediatric emergency medicine physician at Boston Children's Hospital and an associate professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine at Harvard Medical.In this episode, Melanie and Dr. Lee discuss the humbling statistics of gun-based deaths, teen suicide, how to discuss safe gun storage with your child's friends' parents, and teaching kids to be aware and alert to what they see on social media.

We do a lot of podcasts here at Healthy Children on parenting tips and ways we could be better parents and ways to keep our kids healthy and safe.But what about being a conscious parent? These days with so many distractions and cell phones, we are not very present. The advice Melanie gives all the time as a parent of a 19 and 22-year-old is "don't blink" because if you do, you miss it, it goes by in an instant. Pediatrician and medical geneticist, Dr. Bob Saul has been guiding parents and their children’s physical, behavioral, and mental care for over 40 years.  Dr. Bob Saul developed the Parental Awareness Threshold, a simple framework that guides parents and guardians to actively parent with self-awareness, empathy, and compassion. Dr. Saul has been a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics since 1982.He joins Melanie today to discuss the importance of raising community-oriented children, radical empathy, and teaching our kids to be good citizens! These ideas are all based on his most recent book,  "Conscious Parenting: Using the Parental Awareness Threshold."

Play is important to child development. It should be a priority in children’s lives.Why Play is Priority Play with caregivers, peers and teachers affects brain structure and function. Playful learning is a fundamental part of healthy development. Play helps develop the safe, nurturing relationships with parents and caregivers to mitigate toxic stress and promote resilience. Fifty percent of parents don’t go outside to play with their children. Thirty percent of kindergartens don’t have recess--a sacrifice made in order to focus on testing skills. Unsafe outdoor conditions often lead children to stay indoors with screens.Toys are fantastic for developing problem-solving ability. Parents may limit the child’s interactions by telling the child how to play. You can ask prompting questions if the child seems stuck, but let the youngster resolve the toy.Listen as Dr. Michael Yogman joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the importance of play.

Pediatricians around the country are voicing concern over federal and state actions that could threaten the medical rights and safety of teenagers seeking reproductive healthcare, including pregnancy counseling and abortion services.Joining us for this very important topic today is Dr. Elise Berlin. She's a professor in the department of pediatrics at the Ohio State University College of Medicine and a specialist in adolescent medicine in Columbus, Ohio.She is a co-author of two AAP policy statements regarding protecting teens’ rights to reproductive health care and the right to confidential care when considering abortion.Listen as Dr. Berlan and our host Melanie discuss adolescents being at high risk for unplanned pregnancy, increasing access to quality sexuality education, barriers to abortion care, and their hopes for the future of this type of care in the US.

After spending so much time at home these last few years, and doing school online, some children may not be excited to go back to the classroom. And we know anxiety and depression have been on the rise in young people as well. So how can we get our kids eased back into the old ways of socialization and in-person school? Dr. Emily Frank is an assistant professor of pediatrics at UCSF and a public school teacher in Oakland. In addition to providing primary care in the clinic, she treats patients with urgent medical needs in the emergency departments at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. Seeking to inspire and bring about change, she has a particular interest in working with young people to develop their abilities to obtain and use health-related information and to advocate for better care.She shares some ways anxiety can manifest in our children, signs to look out for that might be worrisome, creating a support system at school for when kids feel overwhelmed, and how we can prep our anxious kids in these last days of summer.

All summer long, your children most likely have been staying up all night, sleeping in, and have lost track of any type of schedule. So as the season comes to an end, its time to prep your kids for going back to school, and getting back into the rhythms that will help them succeed in the classroom.Dr. Emily Frank is an assistant professor of pediatrics at UCSF and a public school teacher in Oakland. In addition to providing primary care in the clinic, she treats patients with urgent medical needs in the emergency departments at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. Seeking to inspire and bring about change, she has a particular interest in working with young people to develop their abilities to obtain and use health-related information and to advocate for better care.She talks with Melanie in this episode about how we can get that good sleep, resetting bedtimes, and getting your kids all around active and focused for a new school year.

Millions of children across the United States are being raised by their grandparents.Grandparents have always played a role in children’s lives, but their involvement in raising the children has increased in the past twenty years. Their involvement can go beyond serving as a sitter or providing care while the parents are working.Grandfamilies are often formed under stress. Grandparents typically step in as primary caregivers because of a crisis. Relearning how to parent in modern times with today’s challenges means a learning curve for grandparents.Listen as Dr. Andrew Adesman joins Melanie Cole, MS, in this encore episode from January 2019 to discuss how grandfamilies are formed and resources available to families to manage the new commitment and responsibilities these grandparents have.

In the last couple of years with this pandemic and these unprecedented times, we've seen anxiety and stress-related disorders really shooting up among our youth.Many times, these can lead to disordered eating and eating-related issues. So this is a very important time for parents and families to certainly be aware of how to nurture positivity around food and the eating experience and for kids also to support and listen to their own bodies in terms of what makes them hungry and full.Dr. Anisha Abraham, MD, MPH is a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent health specialist with 25 years of global experience.  Anisha treats and counsels young people with a variety of issues including social media use, drug use, and stress.  As a recognized educator, Anisha provides training on adolescent health and wellness to faculty, teens and parents.  Anisha's clinical and research work combined with her experience with cultures and transition is the basis for her passion and interest in making the lives of global teens better. She gives us tips for balanced eating and cooking vegetables for kids (including her own), how parents can be the best role models for their kids, and fostering a love of a variety of foods.

Drug abuse has been an issue that really all generations have had to deal with. And Gen Z is no different.But what should we tell our teens about using drugs, and what should we mention about our own history with drugs?Dr. Gary Kirkilas is back to help us discuss drugs with our teens and young adults. He is a pediatrician in Phoenix, Arizona with a unique mobile practice, as well as a spokesperson for the AAP.He'll tell us all about what age to start talking about drugs, how to approach these conversations, and what the future of legalization means for teenage drug use in this encore episode from February 2021.

Digital and social media grow at such a fast, continual pace it's difficult to keep up. But our kids sure are good at it. In the last couple of years, we've seen a barrage of misinformation online, making it hard to discern what is real and what is fake.Dr. Donald Shifrin joins us today to discuss digital literacy in an age of misinformation today. He is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics Emeritus at the University of Washington School of Medicine and was a practicing clinician and hospital attending in the Seattle Area for 39 years.He talks about using the internet to self-diagnose, credible sources, critical thinking skills, and how parents can help children parse out quality information vs. junk.

The stereotype stepparents we saw in the movies growing up are outdated. Step-parents of all genders, blended families, co-parenting, and more are becoming more the norm.Elizabeth Meade is a pediatric hospitalist, the Medical Director of Patient Safety for Pediatrics at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, and a step-parent herself!She joins Melanie Cole in this encore episode from August 2020 to talk about the journey of introducing a new parent figure to children, how and when to discipline as a step-parent, and tips to settle disputes.

ACES or Adverse Childhood Experiences is a broad term for a number of stressful and negative events that can happen in a child's life and affect them for years to come.  Well today, we are going to discuss what exactly this phrase means. We are joined by Andrew S. Garner, MD, Ph.D., FAAP, who is a pediatrician with Partners in Pediatrics in Westlake, Ohio, and is a member of the UH Rainbow Care Network, the region’s largest coordinated group of medical professionals providing care to children. He is also the Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.In this episode, Dr. Garner & Melanie Cole cover the different types of ACES, toxic stress, and the differences between ACES & trauma.

As a parent, we do our best to know what our children are doing when we can't be with them. But when it comes to vaping and e-cigarettes, they're a bit easier to hide than traditional marijuana use or cigarette smoking.Dr. Susan Walley is a Pediatrics Specialist, as well as the chair of the AAP Section on Tobacco Control.In this back-to-school episode from September 2021, she breaks down what e-cigarettes are, why people think they're "safer" when they're really not, and all of the lung problems that affect vape users.

Giving birth is such an intimate and unique experience for every parent & couple. But when it comes to creating a birth plan, there are actually a range of options other than just rushing to the closest hospital, to make you as comfortable as possible.  Dr. Dawn Nolt specializes in caring for children with infectious diseases at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital, one of America's leading pediatric hospitals. She has a particular interest in infections in children with malignancies, immunodeficiencies, and cystic fibrosis. She also is the medical director for infection prevention and control, antimicrobial stewardship, and transplant/oncologic infectious diseases.She walks us through the history of alternative birth plans and shares some of those birthing options such as vaginal seeding, lotus births, and water births.

If you're a parent of preteens, tweens, or teenagers, you're going to want to listen to this episode, as we dive into talking to your kids about their sexual health.Information is more accessible now than ever, but it's not always correct, so it's still important to sit down and have this conversation with your child.Joining us is Dr. Laura Grubb, an adolescent medicine specialist, and general pediatrician.In this encore episode from November 2020, Dr. Grubb and Melanie discuss the patterns we're seeing in teens these days, how to answer questions about sex and our bodies, and when to start those conversations.

What should we do about lice? Why does my child keep getting strep? Why does my child hate me? As a parent, you've probably run to the computer with questions like these. Well, you're not alone, they are just some of the Top 10 Questions Parents Google All the Time.Dr. David Hill wrote an article on these common questions for Parents Magazine and joins us to discuss! So it's ok, step away from the phone or laptop. As a pediatrician and a dad of five, he has got answers you can trust.Dr. Hill currently works as a hospitalist pediatrician for Goldsboro Pediatrics in Wayne County, NC. He admits and cares for newborns and pediatric inpatients, including stabilizing critically ill children and consulting in the emergency department. Dr. Hill is also the co-host of the AAP’s flagship podcast, Pediatrics on Call.

In a powerful new call to action, the American Academy of Pediatrics is demanding critical self-evaluation and fundamental changes in the practice of medicine to end long-standing inequities in health care.In a new policy statement, “Eliminating Race-Based Medicine,”  the AAP observes that race is a historically derived social construct that has no place as a biological proxy. Over the years, the medical field has inaccurately applied race correction or race adjustment factors in its work, resulting in differential approaches to disease management and disparate clinical outcomes.Dr. Tiffani J. Johnson, MD, MSc, FAAP is a board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physician at UC Davis, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, and a scholar on race, racism, and its impact on child health. Her research portfolio reflects her commitment to improving the quality of care for underserved children. She is currently exploring the root causes of inequities in the healthcare and early childhood education settings, including research on bias and discrimination and their impact on the health and well-being of children.She is also the co-author of the AAP policy statement and joins Melanie to break down what it means, what critical changes need to be made, and what providers can do.

​Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been significant shortages of infant formulas in some stores. Shortages continue to be caused largely by supply chain issues and a recall of several contaminated baby formula products. To help ease the impact of shortages, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises buying no more than a 10-day to 2-week supply of formula. But if you're still struggling to access baby formula at this time, we are going to discuss today what we can do until we get back to normal.Joining us for this important conversation is Dr. Steven Abrams. Dr. Abrams is a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Dell Medical School. Abrams has developed and championed the use of stable isotopes to determine mineral requirements and physiological turnover rates in infants and children.

Today we're diving into an important conversation: how to understand and support your children when they come out as gay, bisexual, lesbian, or any other sexual identity and/or sexuality. Dr. Naveen Mehrotra is joining us again for this episode, he is a board-certified pediatrician with a special interest in child development and early intervention. He utilizes his interest in complementary and alternative medicine to bring an integrated approach to improving a child's health. In this encore episode from April 2021, we'll talk about what to say to your children when they open up and come to you with this announcement, what NOT to say, and how we can help families come together and discuss this.

May is National Foster Care Month. And with 463,000 American children and youth in foster care, it's important to know how this system works, and the many types of fostering available. And to remember that no child who has been removed from their home has had it easy.Dr. Sarah Springer is a general pediatrician with Kids Plus Pediatrics, who thoroughly enjoys spending time with children. She especially enjoys caring for children with complex medical and developmental needs and partnering with their families to help those children to thrive.She joins Melanie to discuss the difference between kinship & foster care, what is expected of foster parents, and the goal of reuniting families when the biological parents are ready again.

A new dog or other family pet has brought so much joy to uprooted lives during this pandemic. But with increased numbers of pet adoptions come more opportunities for bites, scratches, and other dog or pet woes.Dr. Alison Tothy is back on the show, she is a pediatric emergency medicine physician and a spokesperson for the AAP, and says dog bites have increased with kids being home more this past year.She tells us in this encore episode from June 2021 about this strange side effect of the pandemic, dealing with animal fears, allergies, and deciding as a family when to get a pet.

Heading into the warmer, summer months can bring up a lot of feelings when our kids & teens think about wearing shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits.Eating disorders and body dysmorphia occur all year long, but wearing fewer clothes in the summer heat can trigger a lot of emotions. So today we are focusing on eating disorders: signs and symptoms, mental illness, and treatments, and how to talk about bodies & weight with our children.Joining us today for this conversation is Dr. Nicole Cifra. She is a third-year pediatric fellow at the University of Rochester Medical Center and currently serves on the Medical Care Standards Committee of the Academy for Eating Disorders.

Tattoos and body piercing are gaining popularity as a form of personal expression. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommendations for your child’s safety with these body modifications.Basic Guidelines:- Know that each state has a set of rules and regulations for minimum age. Proper identification is needed and so is parental accompaniment in some cases.- Look for a clean and sanitary establishment.- Watch someone else undergo a tattoo or piercing at your chosen establishment.- Meticulous guidelines for care of the wound is important.- It’s expensive to get a laser tattoo removal and it isn’t covered by insurance. Consider long and hard before getting a tattoo. A temporary or henna tattoo is a smart first step.- No tattoo artist or piercer will do a procedure on someone under the influence.- Make sure tetanus, hepatitis and other immunizations are up to date.- If the procedure site is red, hurts more than the initial needling, red streaking above or below, pus or fever, contact your doctor immediately.Speak with your child’s pediatrician if he is considering a body modification. She can share risks and complications if your child is passionate about getting a tattoo or piercing.Listen as Dr. Cora Breuner joins Melanie Cole, MS, in this encore episode from 2018 to share how to make sure your child is safe when getting a body modification.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.What are we looking for, and some real workable advice on why your baby might be crying, and how to calm them down with Dr. Shalon Nienow. Dr. Shalon Nienow is division director of Child Abuse Pediatrics at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, interim medical director at the Chadwick Center for Children and Families, assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, and clinical director of Child Abuse Pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine.As a child abuse pediatrician, Dr. Nienow provides medical evaluations for children who are alleged victims of all forms of child abuse/neglect. She frequently serves as an expert witness in civil and criminal legal proceedings related to all aspects of child maltreatment.

Just when it seems like these challenges are out of the news, something else pops up.Social media rewards outrageous behavior. No one is getting “likes” for cleaning up their bedroom.Teens are impulsive. Their brains haven’t developed enough to fully grasp the consequences of dangerous behaviors.How do you talk to kids about these dangerous challenges?If it says "challenge," it’s probably a horrible idea. There are exceptions, like the ALS ice bucket challenge. But, as a general rule, they should avoid things labeled as challenges.Encourage your kids to try to freak you out with the most shocking thing they’ve encountered. You’ve seen some things in your day. The trick is not to freak out when they tell you the crazy thing that happened. Help them build the skill of judging risk by talking about what they witnessed and what could happen next in a similar situation. They have to learn how to think through these things for themselves.Listen as Dr. David Hill joins Melanie Cole, MS in this encore episode from 2018, to discuss how to help your kids develop the judgment to keep them away from dangerous behaviors.

These have been unprecedented times for medical care really across the board. But for pregnant women, this was an especially difficult time to navigate.Dr. Wendy Hasson joins Melanie this episode to talk about pregnancy during COVID-19, the safety of vaccines, and how they affect the baby and shares her own story of how she got vaccinated & boosted while carrying her second child. At the time of this taping, she was 37 weeks pregnant!Dr. Hasson is the Medical Director of the PICU at Randall Children's Hospital.

It seems straightforward to show love to your kids. But, every parent and every child is different.First, your words have an impact. Sarcasm and mocking can be upsetting to your child. Be positive and find kinder ways to communicate that don’t make your child feel inferior.Second, express gratitude and respect for your child. “Please,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome” are important phrases for communication. They may just help you get that smart device set aside for family time by respectfully making requests.Additionally, hugging is important. They’re great for expressing love and encouraging physical closeness. Hugs can be calming for parents and children alike.Schedule family times and be sure to keep them. Give your children the time they need. You’re cultivating the way they succeed in their future relationships.Listen as Dr. Naveen Mehrotra joins Melanie Cole, MS, in this encore episode from 2018 to share how you can demonstrate your love for your child.

Masks are still an incredibly important tool in the fight against COVID-19. But protests, politics, and overall COVID fatigue are leading to many people taking them off in public now. But masks can still help our kids head into big crowds at school whether it's a kindergarten class or a college lecture.Dr. Hannah Lichtsinn joins us today to talk about the history of masks, how they're still helping and why you should still send your children to school masked up for the time being.

Stories on gay, trans, and gender-nonconforming kids have been all over the news lately with Florida's "Don't Say Gay" Bill and Texas suggesting state agencies investigate certain gender-affirming services as child abuse.So what can we do to combat this harmful rhetoric? Joining us for this conversation is Dr. Kathryn Lowe. She is a pediatrician on the executive committee of the Section on LGBT Health and Wellness with the AAP. She is also an author of the new book called You-ology: A Puberty Guide for Every Body, published by the AAP, which is a gender-inclusive book about puberty for all kids.

Transgender, Gender Diverse, Non-Binary, Cisgender. There are a lot of new words to describe sexual identity and presentation especially if your child is figuring out who they are, and this may be new to you.So today we've brought in Dr. Ilana Sherer to break down some of these terms and answer some common questions on gender and more.Dr. Ilana Sherer has a general pediatrics practice in Dublin, California at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation/Sutter Health with a specialty in caring for gender-nonconforming and transgender youth. She is also a member of the AAP Section on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health and Wellness.

It’s imperative to encourage reading in your family.Reading to your young child can boost vocabulary and reading skills before entering school. Cultivating a love of reading in your older children can open up a world of imagination and opportunity.Time spent reading with your infant is actually conversation time. You can still read the words in the board book but interact with your child by talking about the pictures.Make time to read as a family. Younger children will enjoy the tale. Look up information about topics with older children to learn more about the story.Build excitement for reading by taking your child to get a library card. Encourage older children to belong to a book club. Share books that are meaningful to you so you can discuss them. Make reading important in your home.Listen as Dr. Corinn Cross joins Melanie Cole, MS in this encore episode from August 2017, to share how you can create lifelong readers.

Human milk has been shared since the olden days. Informal milk sharing takes place when one mother has a surplus of breast milk and another has a need. These moms get together so their babies both receive sufficient nourishment.Formal milk sharing or milk banking takes place when moms donate their surplus breast milk to a profit or non-profit agency. That agency then screens, pasteurizes, and distributes the milk.With informal milk sharing, there are some risks. The health of the donors is the primary concern. Moms should be in good health after a healthy pregnancy. Blood testing is valuable to prevent the passing of hepatitis B or C or HIV. Current eating habits, smoking, and alcohol consumption are also concerns. Toxin exposure, regular medications, and supplements are good to know. How is the milk expressed and stored? The milk should contain no additives (like cow’s milk) or be watered down. You want your baby to have the safest, best possible sustenance.If you are considering informal milk sharing, an in-person conversation with the donor mother should help you assess her fit as a donor for your child.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has a policy statement for pre-term infants in a hospital setting, strongly endorsing the use of pasteurized donor milk. There isn't currently a policy statement regarding informal milk sharing for healthy infants in the home setting. The AAP doesn’t currently endorse the practice, but it is common. You should discuss it with your pediatrician if you are considering participation in informal milk sharing.High-risk infants have an immature immune system and are at high risk for infection. Pre-term infants should stick to pasteurized donor milk from a milk bank where donors are screened.Listen as Dr. Margaret Parker and Dr. Michelle Brenner join Melanie Cole, MS in this encore episode from 2018, to share their best advice for milk sharing.

It’s imperative to encourage reading in your family.Reading to your young child can boost vocabulary and reading skills before entering school. Cultivating a love of reading in your older children can open up a world of imagination and opportunity.Time spent reading with your infant is actually conversation time. You can still read the words in the board book but interact with your child by talking about the pictures.Make time to read as a family. Younger children will enjoy the tale. Look up information about topics with older children to learn more about the story.Build excitement for reading by taking your child to get a library card. Encourage older children to belong to a book club. Share books that are meaningful to you so you can discuss them. Make reading important in your home.Listen as Dr. Corinn Cross joins Melanie Cole, MS in this encore episode from August 2017, to share how you can create lifelong readers.

The CDC released its latest numbers in a report on autism in December of 2021.An estimated 1 in 44, 8-year-old children have been identified with autism according to an analysis of 2018 data. This is higher than the previous estimate published in March 2020.We are discussing these findings today including racial and ethnic disparities in autism, and early identification with Dr. Kristin Sohl. Dr. Sohl chairs the AAP subcommittee on autism as part of the Council on Children with Disabilities and is a pediatrician with extensive experience in medical diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of children with a concern of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Parents want to help kids feel great. Many look to herbal supplements to aid health and performance. How do you know these supplements are safe?First, the health supplement industry is not regulated. They could potentially be contaminated with something unsafe. There can also be potency irregularities on the shelf.However, many companies self-regulate. Check the label for evidence of screening by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). This means it isn’t contaminated and potency matches the label.Additionally, tell your providers what products you’re giving your child. Some herbal products react poorly to medications. Your provider can prescribe medications with full awareness of your child’s supplements.A healthy diet and enough sleep go a long way to support your child’s wellness.For children on antibiotics, probiotics can nurture good bacteria. Start probiotics at the same time you begin antibiotic treatment.Zinc reduces the duration of respiratory symptoms by three to four days. Start zinc within 24 to 48 hours of the start of infection. It can cause the loss of a sense of smell in some people, so zinc supplements are not recommended on a regular basis.Fish oils or omega-3s are often lacking in the foods we eat. They promote better mental health and can support the efficacy of psychiatric medication.Be wary of anecdotal recommendations. Just because it worked for your friend doesn’t mean it will work for you.Listen as Dr. Cora Breuner joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss which supplements you can share with your child and when, and which supplements it’s better to avoid in this encore episode from November 2018.

January is always a time of New Years Resolutions, and resetting your goals and intentions. This year is no diffferent, but COVID sure has thrown us some curveballs in health, lifestyle, and wellness.So today we're chatting with Dr. Lanre Falusi about action vs. avoidance goals, reward systems, and good resolutions for our kids, such as drinking more water, looking out for bullying, making new friends, and getting more sleep. Dr. Falusi is a primary care pediatrician at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.Her work as a pediatrician for over 15 years has focused on ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. She and her husband are the parents of 3 energetic little girls. She is also the co-host -- along with another doctor- mom -- of a podcast called “Health and Home with the Hippocratic Hosts” about parenting, health, and finding balance in life.

Dating can be thrilling for teens. However, some young relationships can become violent.As teens try to figure out how the world works, they may endure emotional, mental, and physical abuse in the name of “love.”Red flags can include social media control, sexting stalking, cyberbullying, and bruisesOpen conversation with your child to find out who is being texted and how young relationships are going. Don’t pass judgment but ask questions and listen. You have to be an ally if your teen needs help leaving a bad relationship.Call 1-800-SAFE or text Love Is Respect at 22522 for help.Listen as Dr. David Hill joins Melanie Cole, MS to discuss teen dating violence in this encore episode from February 2019.

When confronting the challenge of disciplining their children, moms and dads often default to the ways their own parents disciplined them, sometimes with harmful results.But mom and practicing pediatrician Dr. Candice Jones shows parents a better way, helping parents understand child development and how the ways that children are disciplined shape not only their behavior but their overall health and well-being.Dr. Jones coaches parents to understand their child’s developmental stages and their own motivations to create a family discipline plan that manages misbehavior and encourages good behavior. Her advice is packed with developmentally appropriate strategies to tame tantrums, stop sibling squabbles, and reward better behavior, to create a calmer, more harmonious home.Listen as she talks about the power of positive discipline, different styles of parenting, and her new book High Five Discipline.

Setbacks and failures can be educational, but you hate to see your child experience disappointment.It’s important to differentiate between traumatic events and disappointments. Traumatic events are usually harmful and result in a permanent change of one’s psychological makeup. Disappointments come from reaching for something and falling short of that goal.Children manage disappointments differently over time. Youngsters may be upset and take action; shouting, hitting, crying. As they grow older, they may think about how things could be different.Invite discussion about the disappointment. Let your child come up with answers. Change the language to suit your child’s age and maturity level. "I see that you (had an action) when you (experienced disappointment)." "I think you did that because you (experienced disappointment). Is that right?" "Next time you (experience disappointment), what would be a better way to let us know you’re disappointed?" Listen as Dr. Arthur Lavin joins Melanie Cole, MS, in this encore episode from May 2019 to discuss how to help your kids cope with setbacks.  

The first time your child starts interacting with an invisible friend it can be a little worrying. But it turns out, it's much more common than you think!Imaginary friends help build social and communication skills, imagination, and more.Joining us to talk about all kinds of magical and mystical friends, and why you most likely don't need to be worried, is Dr. Datta Munshi. Dr. Munshi is a community pediatrician with a strong interest in pediatric behavioral health. She completed her pediatric training in Philadelphia before moving to Georgia in 2001 and has worked in the urgent care setting at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and private practice in the North Fulton, and South Forsyth area for more than 15 years. She is currently completing her Masters in Population Health Management at Johns Hopkins University and is working towards increasing collaborative and comprehensive mental healthcare for our children.

With gadgets so integrated into daily life, it can be tough to find non-digital gifts for your children. How do you manage your child’s holiday expectations?Discuss how wish lists work. Items on the list are not guaranteed. Manage those expectations.Non-Digital Gifts by AgeLittle ones: pop-up tunnels, stacking blocks and cups, board books, pretend play sets, modeling dough, crayonsSchool-age children: model planes and cars, building kits, board games, toys that stimulate the imaginationTweens & teens: board games, journals, art supplies, cookbooks, things that can bring people togetherListen as Dr. Corinn Cross joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share ideas for non-digital gifts.

Firearm ownership is hotly debated. No matter your opinion, it is imperative to keep children safe. Firearms should be locked in a child-proof manner with ammunition stored and locked separately. Firearms should be unloaded when stored. While your child may be trained in firearm safety, any visitors they bring into your home may not. Always treat weapons as if they are loaded at all times. Children are curious and don’t always have the best judgment. Be mindful of weapon-like toys and non-powder weapons. They send projectiles through the air at various speeds. Make sure players are appropriately shielded around the face and eyes, and there should be adult supervision when these are in play.Listen as Dr. David Hill joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss firearm safety tips in this encore episode from January 2020.  

We've all probably had to deal with picky eaters at some point (even some adults). But when it comes to our kids, how can we teach and cultivate a diet that's not only healthy but diverse! Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RDN, CSSD, FAAP, FACSM is on a mission to help families thrive. She does this through many roles including as an award-winning author, pediatrician and registered dietitian, and educator. She helps families improve health in 5 key areas (nutrition, activity, sleep, stress management, and screen time limits) as the founder and director of the Children's Primary Care Medical Group W.E.L.L. nutrition clinic and Walk with a Doc-Carlsbad. She also teaches college students about nutrition as an adjunct assistant professor at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. Today we talk about the importance of a mother's diet during pregnancy & breastfeeding, how the strategy changes for picky eaters at different ages, and when to bring up the issue with your pediatrician. 

Holidays bring stress, even though the goal is a fun and festive time. There’s a lot of buildup for any holiday, making it tough for the day to live up to the hype.Acknowledge the special day but recognize that it’s another day. Not everything will be thrilling. There will still be frustrations and disappointment. Reduce expectations so the day doesn’t fall short.Mental Health Tips:-Get adequate sleep to arm yourself for the holiday excitement. Sleep supports mental health.-Exercise. Intense exercise is a great stress buster, even if you do it in four-minute blocks.-Eat well. Consume a reasonable amount of fresh food. Make a decision about what you’ll eat before the food is in front of you.-Set a budget for gifts. It’s better to give things that are memorable than to give filler presents. Give presents that will make a difference for the recipient.Listen as Dr. David Hill joins Melanie Cole, MS to discuss mental health tips for the holidays in this episode from December 2019.

Kids are now back in school and social situations with their peers. And we know that anxiety levels have been at an all-time high throughout this pandemic. So today we're talking about anxiety, depression and how that manifests physically in eating disorders, and more. We talk about how the easing of the pandemic is changing mindset in our kids, why anxiety is increasing now in kids even as restrictions decrease, and how we can help our kids get through this tumultuous time. Dr. Katherine Williamson is board certified in pediatrics and is a member of the CHOC Primary Care Network, treating kids and teens in Orange County California. She is also the AAP Orange County President, as well as a spokeswoman for the AAP.

Many states are legalizing marijuana for recreational and medical use. This adds complications for parents when discussing marijuana.The Federal government still classifies marijuana as illegal, even though 27 states have legalized marijuana for different uses.Parents must have age-appropriate conversations with children. Six percent of high school students report having used marijuana before age 13. Discuss short-term and long-term effects of marijuana.Listen as Dr. Margaret Stager joins Melanie Cole, MS to discuss marijuana in this encore episode from February 2020.

By this time of year, our kids have gone back to school and most of them are now in person.Some of them are masking, some of them are vaccinated if they're lucky, but we're also concerned about other things that go on in school. There are lice and there's still colds and there's still all of these other things. But one of the things that pediatricians and physicians have been seeing is an uptick in respiratory infections.Dr. Claire McCarthy joins us today to talk about these infections. She's a primary care pediatrician at Boston Children's Hospital, as well as an assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. And of course, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.This episode will cover what RSV's are, the overlap we're seeing of all of these viruses this year, and how masks are helping.

It is an especially difficult time to be a parent, with all of the different forms of schooling going on during the pandemic. Whether you're homeschooling, helping with virtual lessons, or sending your kid to physical classrooms, learning is not what it used to be.Helping us navigate through all of these options today is Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, he is a pediatrician and spokesperson for AAP, as well as an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.In this encore episode from October 2020, he tells Melanie how to best help your child with this challenging start to the school year, how to keep your kids from doing school in bed, and a reminder that teachers are learning to deal with all of this as well.

Organized sports pretty much came to a halt when the rest of the world stopped during COVID-19. So today we are talking all about navigating youth team sports with school and sports starting up again even as the pandemic rages on.We'll touch on deconditioning and overuse injuries, the benefits of sports and social interaction, as well as managing that COVID-19 infection risk. Joining us is Dr. Susannah Briskin is a Pediatric Sports Medicine specialist in the Division of Sports Medicine, and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.

If you're a parent, you know that this school year looks a little bit different. Even from last year! It certainly did when our kids were staying home, some of us got to save on some school supplies! But now most are back to learning in person. So what about this school year is different due to the COVID-19 pandemic still going on? What's the best type of mask for a full day at school? and how have supply lists and classroom managing styles changed with the coronavirus?Joining us for this discussion is Dr. Heather Haq. She's an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine.

As a parent, we do our best to know what our children are doing when we can't be with them. But when it comes to vaping and e-cigarettes, they're a bit easier to hide than traditional marijuana use or cigarette smoking.Dr. Susan Walley is a Pediatrics Specialist, as well as the chair of the AAP Section on Tobacco Control. In this back-to-school episode from September 2021, she breaks down what e-cigarettes are, why people think they're "safer" when they're really not, and all of the lung problems that affect vape users.

If you're a parent of preteens, tweens, or teenagers, you're going to want to listen to this episode, as we dive into talking to your kids about their sexual health.Information is more accessible now than ever, but it's not always correct, so it's still important to sit down and have this conversation with your child.Joining us is Dr. Laura Grubb, an adolescent medicine specialist, and general pediatrician. In this encore episode from November 2020, Dr. Grubb and Melanie discuss the patterns we're seeing in teens these days, how to answer questions about sex and our bodies, and when to start those conversations.

Building relationships with your children can be difficult (especially teens). But having that stability helps them in the future to overcome adversity, build resiliency, and face any tough times ahead.Dr. Michael Yogman is chair of the Massachusetts American Academy of Pediatrics Child Mental Health Taskforce, as well as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. He joins us to talk about what resilience is, and how it applies to our children, reserving judgment, and how trusted relationships are beneficial to their emotional growth. 

The daunting challenge of stopping climate change can feel like a lot. Especially when you are a kid or a teen. Really it's their future we're trying to save. So how can young people help ease the effects of climate change, and be more earth-conscious? In honor of Earth Day this week (April 22nd), we're talking all about ways kids can do their part to help the planet. With the release of the UN's disheartening climate report last month, we thought it was a good idea to revisit this episode from April 2021. Dr. Steph Lee is joining us for that chat. She is a pediatrician with Penn State Health and specializes in preventive medicine. She is a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and often speaks to the media about parenting and public health issues, including climate action and immigrant health.

Our kid's schedules are all over the place these days, that also includes their eating schedules. Some kids are stressed and not eating at all, while others are bored and home all day eating more and more. So how can we tell when a problem is budding, and how can we get our kids back to eating healthy? Dr. Anisha Abraham, MD, MPH is a frequent guest on Healthy Children, she is a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent health specialist with 25 years of global experience.  Anisha treats and counsels young people with a variety of issues including social media use, drug use, and stress.  She tells us about all of the different terms associated with eating disorders, signs to keep an eye out for that may be red flags, and cultivating a healthy and happy self-image. 

Are you concerned about your child’s weight? You don’t want to ruin their self-esteem by bringing something up that may not be a problem, but you also don’t want your child to endure the health risks connected with being overweight or obese.Processed foods are dense in calories but not necessarily packed with nutrients. Today’s children aren’t as active as those in the previous generation because of technology and cultural lifestyle shifts. Environmental toxins are everywhere and hard to completely avoid.If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, first look at the big picture. There is some time to think and plan to improve your child’s health. Don’t panic. Make a lifestyle change together, getting the entire household on board with exercise and nutritional adjustments. Start slowly with doable changes where the behavior will lead to little wins before selecting the next change to make.Children facing obesity and who are struggling with health problems that could be reversed may be candidates for bariatric surgery. This is not a quick-fix option. Discuss your concerns with your pediatrician.Listen to this encore episode from December 2019 as Dr. Sarah Armstrong joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss concerns over weight and bariatric surgery.

Developing a healthy body image and sense of self in our children is so important. And as we round out the end of summer, you might be heading to the mall or other store to pick up some new clothes for your kids for this school year. So how can you keep that experience positive and constructive?Ellen Rome, MD, MPH, currently serves as Head of the Center for Adolescent Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital. She is a board-certified pediatrician who was also among the first in the United States to be board-certified in Adolescent Medicine.We talk today about eating disorders, social media, social standards and trends in fashion, as well as how parents can steer clear or talking weight in front of their kids.

Our kids are heading back to school soon, most likely in person this time. But after a year of staying home with no routines, it can be a bit nervewracking to think about heading back to the busy halls of a bustling school.Dr. Jaime Friedman is back on the show today, she is a board-certified pediatrician in San Diego, California. She runs a practice in 4S Ranch for Children’s Primary Care Medical Group, which is affiliated with Rady Children’s Hospital.Today these moms talk about making transitions to new schools or college, some red flags to keep an eye out in anxious children, restarting those old routines to get back to "normal," and tips for when the parents are the anxious ones heading into this school year. 

Climate change affects all of us. Your children may have concerns. You want to be able to talk to them about it without affecting them with your own anxiety.Tell your children the truth but frame it with hope. We have the ability to act on climate change right now. Many of the things we can do to help the planet improve our own lives in the short term. Advocacy by young people brings attention to the concerns.Work to empower your children to do what they can to improve conditions.Listen to this encore episode from January 2020 as Dr. Aparna Bole, Chair of the AAP Council on Environmental Health, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how to talk to your kids about climate change.

Today we are diving into a new and interesting topic here on the show: cross-cultural kids.Dr. Anisha Abraham, MD, MPH is a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent health specialist with 25 years of global experience.  Anisha treats and counsels young people with a variety of issues including social media use, drug use, and stress.  As a recognized educator, Anisha provides training on adolescent health and wellness to faculty, teens, and parents.  Anisha's clinical and research work combined with her experience with cultures and transition is the basis for her passion and interest in making the lives of global teens better.In this encore episode from February 2021, she talks with Melanie about what a cross-cultural kid is, the challenges that parents face, and how we can teach our children who may have grown up in one place to be global citizens.

Protests in the summer of 2020 raged on in most major cities for weeks protesting the death of George Floyd, police brutality, and in support of black lives. All of these are incredibly heavy and complex topics to discuss with children, so where do you begin?In this encore episode from last summer, Dr. Nia Heard-Garris joined Melanie Cole, MS, to help parents discuss this moment in history with our kids. Dr. Heard-Garris is a pediatrician and a researcher in the Department of Pediatrics at Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University; and also in the Division of Academic General Pediatrics and Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Research, Outreach, and Advocacy Center at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

When are your kids old enough to make their own breakfast? There's no one-size-fits-all with breakfast preparation, but responsibility can vary by age range.A four-year-old child could put prepared and measured ingredients into a very simple recipe. No knives, no electricity, no stoves or ovens. Yogurt parfaits are perfect for your child to mix with ingredients from containers.Older children can take more responsibility, using the microwave or stove with supervision. Cultivate independence and self-confidence by allowing them to make breakfast at the right level for their age and ability.Listen to this encore episode from February 2020 as Dr. Suanne Kowal-Connelly joins Melanie Cole, MS to discuss kids making breakfast.

We'd all like to go on vacation this summer, but what should we know before we head on that road trip or plane during this almost post-pandemic time?We're talking about the current recommendations for summer activities, vaccinated vs unvaccinated, what to do with kids on flights, and how concerned you should be about masks & sanitizing on the road. Our guest today is Dr. Lauren Crosby, a nationally recognized parenting expert, pediatrician, and Official Spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

As the summer gets into full swing, and we're starting to think about cookouts and gatherings again, it's important to remember both COVID-19 and regular safety rules when getting together for the 4th!Dr. Jaime Friedman is a board-certified pediatrician in San Diego, California. She runs a practice in 4S Ranch for Children’s Primary Care Medical Group, which is affiliated with Rady Children’s Hospital.She joins us to talk about social distancing rules, the danger of backyard fireworks (even sparklers!), and cautious grilling to keep your parties fun and safe.

A new dog or other family pet has brought so much joy to uprooted lives this pandemic. But with increased numbers of pet adoptions come more opportunities for bites, scratches, and other dog or pet woes.Dr. Alison Tothy is back on the show, she is a pediatric emergency medicine physician and a spokesperson for the AAP, and says dog bites have increased with kids being home more this past year.She tells us about this strange side effect of the pandemic, dealing with animal fears, allergies, and deciding as a family when to get a pet. 

We've heard about it every summer for years, but somehow it still happens, kids dying in hot cars.On average 40 kids die in hot cars every year, with most incidents happening towards the end of a typical work week.Dr. Benjamin Hoffman is a pediatrician and expert on child safety and sits down with Melanie Cole in this encore episode from August 2020 to discuss how fast cars can get too hot, how long it takes for kids to be affected by heat, staying hydrated, and the importance of parents keeping to their routines.And when it comes to kids in hot cars, if you see something, say something.

Summer is on its way, and being outside is still the best place to have fun during the COVID-19 pandemic. With some restrictions being lifted, more people will be traveling to beaches, hotel pools, and other summer fun spots near the water. So today we are talking all about swim safety and drowning prevention.Dr. Gary Kirkilas is one of our regular doctors here on Healthy Children. He is a pediatrician in Phoenix, Arizona with a unique mobile practice, as well as a spokesperson for the AAP. We talk about designated pool watchers & lifeguards, pool safety vs. beach & lake safety, lifejackets, and when to start swim lessons

This summer everyone is excited to make up for 2020 and get as many plans in as they can. But there is still so much that's unknown about the virus still. So, is sending your kid away to summer camp okay?Well, Dr. Alison Tothy says summer camp is a go this year! Dr. Tothy is a fan favorite here at Healthy Children: she is a pediatric emergency medicine physician and a spokesperson for the AAP.In this episode, she guides up on why it's important to get your kids back to camp, how to ask your program about their COVID guidelines, and staying safe in another (slightly easier) pandemic summer. 

COVID-19 vaccines recently opened up to kids ages 12 and up, so what does that mean for you and your children?Dr. Hina Talib breaks down the rule changes for the Pfizer vaccine, dosage, side effects, and more.Dr. Talib (She/Her) is a board-certified Pediatrician and Adolescent Medicine specialist, writer, and teen media creative based in New York City and Bridgehampton. She is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology & Women’s Health at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, where she has practiced adolescent medicine for over 10 years.

The pandemic has affected our children in so many ways, including their sleep patterns. With new school routines and quarantining, sleep has fallen to the waste side, and bedtimes are all over the place. Sleep has actually been on the decline in recent years in our kids. Listen as Dr. Cora Collette Breuner talks about the ongoing mental health crisis that contributes to sleep issues, managing wake-up times (even on the weekends), and of course, cutting that screen time at night. Dr. Cora Collette Breuner is a member of the Division of Adolescent Medicine and the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Department at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She is a Professor of Pediatrics and Adjunct Professor of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

As our children grow into teens (and eventually adults), there comes a time where we need to sit them down to talk about handling and advocating for their own health. Whether it's nutrition, a chronic health problem, or personal hygiene, sometimes kids as early as 11 or 12 are ready to take on these activities. While the timing comes down to your child and their maturity level, there are a general set of tips that can help any parent whenever it's time to pass that responsibility along. Dr. Elizabeth Alderman is a nationally recognized specialist in adolescent medicine and the chair of the AAP Committee on Adolescence. In this encore episode from September 2020, listen as she joins Melanie Cole to talk about when to let children go to the doctor alone, how to push kids to keep them active during quarantine, and utilizing teachable moments.

A disturbing trend has been on the rise in the United States: racism against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.So how do we discuss this hate and violence with our children? Bring up the topic of racism in general, and simply teach empathy?Dr. Steph Lee is back again to help us approach this conversation with our children. She is a pediatrician with Penn State Health and specializes in preventive medicine. She is a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and often speaks to the media about parenting and public health issues, including climate action and immigrant health.

While your younger kids probably won't be vaccinated this summer, most adults in this country will have the option to be! This means we have a few more freedoms back this vacation season. So what CAN we do this year? Listen to this episode for some safe summer vacation ideas, should you go to summer camp?, tips for traveling safely, and of course, ways to get your kids outside in nature, still, the safest place to be.Here with us is Dr. Cori Cross, a board-certified pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) where she completed both her internship and residency training, as well as a spokesperson and member of the National AAP’s Council on Communications and Media (COCM).

The daunting challenge of stopping climate change can feel like a lot. Especially when you are a kid or a teen. Really it's their future we're trying to save. So how can young people help ease the effects of climate change, and be more earth-conscious? In honor of Earth Day this week (April 22nd), we're talking all about ways kids can do their part to help the planet. Dr. Steph Lee is joining us for that chat. She is a pediatrician with Penn State Health and specializes in preventive medicine. She is a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and often speaks to the media about parenting and public health issues, including climate action and immigrant health.

It is an especially difficult time to be a parent, with all of the different forms of schooling going on during the pandemic. Whether you're homeschooling, helping with virtual lessons, or sending your kid to physical classrooms, learning is not what it used to be.Helping us navigate through all of these options today is Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, he is a pediatrician and spokesperson for AAP, as well as an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.In this encore episode from October 2020, he tells Melanie how to best help your child with this challenging start to the school year, how to keep your kids from doing school in bed, and a reminder that teachers are learning to deal with all of this as well.

Today we're diving into an important conversation: how to understand and support your children when they come out as gay, bisexual, lesbian, or any other sexual identity and/or sexuality.  Dr. Naveen Mehrotra is joining us again for this episode, he is a board-certified pediatrician with a special interest in child development and early intervention. He utilizes his interest in complementary and alternative medicine to bring an integrated approach to improving a child's health. We'll talk about what to say to your children when they open up and come to you with this announcement, what NOT to say, and how we can help families come together and discuss this.

In a previous episode on sex and dating, we didn't focus as much as we could have on the boy's side of the conversation. How do we teach our sons and other young boys in our life how to respect women when it comes to dating? Well, we brought Dr. Gary Kirikilas back on to talk about just that.   He is a pediatrician in Phoenix, Arizona with a unique mobile practice, as well as a spokesperson for the AAP.So in this follow-up show, Dr. Kirkilas covers consent, the public conversation that has grown around the topic in recent years, condoms, starting the conversation with our boys, and navigating sex, alcohol, and drugs. 

This week is Poison Prevention Week (March 21 - 27 2021) so we're talking about keeping chemicals away from our kids. It's so scary and really so easy for kids to get into things like laundry pods, drugs and alcohol, and other household goods.  Dr. Kevin Osterhoudt is an attending physician in the Division of Emergency Medicine and the medical director of the Poison Control Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). He talks about the importance of safety locks, keeping adult beverages and items up and away from kids, small batteries, and other things you might not have thought of. The National Poison Control Hotline is (800) 222-1222

Our kid's schedules are all over the place these days, that also includes their eating schedules. Some kids are stressed and not eating at all, while others are bored and home all day eating more and more. So how can we tell when a problem is budding, and how can we get our kids back to eating healthy? Dr. Anisha Abraham, MD, MPH is a frequent guest on Healthy Children, she is a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent health specialist with 25 years of global experience.  Anisha treats and counsels young people with a variety of issues including social media use, drug use, and stress.  She tells us about all of the different terms associated with eating disorders, signs to keep an eye out for that may be red flags, and cultivating a healthy and happy self-image. 

As sexuality and gender continue to expand and be more fluid, it can be hard to catch up as a parent with what our kids identify as.Here to help us break down all of these terms and identities is Dr. Naveen Mehrotra, he is a board-certified pediatrician with a special interest in child development and early Intervention. He utilizes his interest in complementary and alternative medicine to bring an integrated approach to improving a child's health. He talks about what he sees in his own practice when it comes to sexuality and sex, pronouns, and making sure they are supported and understood in their journey.

Even with the pandemic going on, it's still important to catch up with well visits and routine vaccines in person. Dr. Anisha Abraham, MD, MPH is a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent health specialist with 25 years of global experience.  Anisha treats and counsels young people with a variety of issues including social media use, drug use, and stress.  Anisha's clinical and research work combined with her experience with cultures and transition is the basis for her passion and interest in making the lives of global teens better.Today she talks with Melanie about the #CallYoupediatrician campaign, why these visits can't be done over zoom, why vaccines are important in general, and a bit about the COVID vaccine. 

The last few years have been difficult, and for a while, it felt like every day we were presented with a new and unfathomable piece of news. And social media keeps us more engaged than ever, almost too much.Dr. Donald Shifrin is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and on the show today he'll break down kids accessibility to news and media these days, dealing with news from uncredible sources, creating hope for your family, and using this onslaught of news as teachable moments.

Resiliency is so important to build in our children, but it's especially important during these winter COVID months when we're stuck indoors because of the cold and the pandemic. Dr. Anisha Abraham, MD, MPH is a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent health specialist with 25 years of global experience.  Anisha treats and counsels young people with a variety of issues including social media use, drug use, and stress.  Anisha's clinical and research work combined with her experience with cultures and transition is the basis for her passion and interest in making the lives of global teens better.She joins Melanie on the show again this week to talk about having resiliency and bounce, "R.E.S.P.E.C.T," self-care for kids, and maintaining routines during this extra difficult time of year. 

Today we are diving into a new and interesting topic here on the show: cross-cultural kids.Dr. Anisha Abraham, MD, MPH is a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent health specialist with 25 years of global experience.  Anisha treats and counsels young people with a variety of issues including social media use, drug use, and stress.  As a recognized educator, Anisha provides training on adolescent health and wellness to faculty, teens, and parents.  Anisha's clinical and research work combined with her experience with cultures and transition is the basis for her passion and interest in making the lives of global teens better.She talks with Melanie about what a cross-cultural kid is, the challenges that parents face, and how we can teach our children who may have grown up in one place to be global citizens.

Drug abuse has been an issue that really all generations have had to deal with. And Gen Z is no different.But what should we tell out reens about using drugs, and what should we mention about our own history with drugs? Dr. Gary Kirkilas is back to help us discuss drugs with our teens and young adults. He is a pediatrician in Phoenix, Arizona with a unique mobile practice, as well as a spokesperson for the AAP.He'll tell us all about what age to start talking about drugs, how to approach these conversations, and what the future of legalization means for teenage drug use.

Approaching the dating & sex talk with our kids is difficult. What age is appropriate, what words to use, and what do they actually know already from being online?! Well, Dr. Gary Kirkilas is here to help us out. He is a pediatrician in Phoenix, Arizona with a unique mobile practice, as well as a spokesperson for the AAP.He'll tell us how to talk about pregnancy, babies, good & bad touch, terminology, and more, to help you get the conversations going within your own families.

Among all the things canceled this year, school and other sports have all but been canceled. Some are missing out on whole seasons of training and competition. Dr. Christopher Snyder is a pediatric cardiologist at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, and he is on the show today to talk about staying healthy and getting movement in during lockdown, the importance of school sports both physically and socially, and how to ease back into exercise if you did get COVID-19. 

A lot of parents, including our host Melanie, are wondering about well visits for our children. Is it worth it to head to the doctor's office during COVID-19?To help us navigate doctors' visits and staying up to date on vaccinations during this crazy time is Dr. Candice Jones, a pediatrician, and spokesperson for the AAP.She talks about safety precautions doctors' offices are taking to stay clean, the importance of immunizations, and the myths about vaccines and autism. You can also listen to Dr. Candice's own podcast KIDing Around with Dr. Candice.

Today we are discussing postpartum and maternal depression, a difficult but important topic to discuss and watch out for in new moms.Dr. Marian Earls has extensive experience in this field. She is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, is the medical director of Guilford Child Health (GCH), Inc., a large, non-profit, private pediatric practice in her home state of North Carolina that serves families at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. She tells us about her work in early childhood development and mothering, how common these issues are, the difference between postpartum and baby blues, and looking for red flags in the mothers in our lives. 

We are all going through an unprecedented time and our stress levels are extremely high. For our kids, however, this can be magnified as they may be feeling the strains of social isolation and intense worry. Joining to help us to understand COVID 19 and kids is Dr. Margaret Stager is the Director of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at MetroHealth Medical Center and a spokesperson for the AAP.How do we go about leveling expectations? Can my kid have one or 2 friends over outside? Can they use the bathroom inside? Can they safely hang out with friends that have also been "good?" We go over all this and more. 

We've had months to learn it, but virtual learning just doesn't seem to get any easier - for parents of the kids! We're all homeschoolers at this point, and it's driving some of us a little mad.Dr. Arthur Lavin has been in pediatric practice for more than 25 years. He has served on several national committees of the AAP, as president of the Northern Ohio Pediatrics Society, and continues his work in Cleveland, Ohio. He is back on the show to talk about maintaining those old school day routines, knowing your child's learning styles, getting good sleep and the mental health effects of not going to in-person school.

One of the hardest parts of this pandemic is not being able to see or hug our older loved ones. Whether it's parents or grandparents, we have to be extra careful to not get these people in our lives sick, and staying away is really the easiest way to do that, even when it hurts.Dr. Arthur Lavin has been in pediatric practice for more than 25 years. He has served on several national committees of the AAP, as president of the Northern Ohio Pediatrics Society, and continues his work in Cleveland, Ohio. He is on the show today to help us maintain relationships with our grandparents and older relatives during this ongoing pandemic. He and Melanie talk about the best ways to stay in touch without visiting in person (including the old fashion phone call) and cultivating some optimism

The number of children who have tested positive for COVID-19 is expected to surpass 1,000,000 very soon. Which is scary for parents especially as we plan for school breaks and winter holidays.Dr. Alison Tothy joins us today for this conversation, she is a pediatric emergency medicine physician and a spokesperson for the AAP.We'll hear about how to handle kids coming home from college, if and how you should gather for holidays, how to keep kids occupied through lockdowns and school breaks, incentives, and how to tell when your kids are having an especially difficult time with all of this change.

Getting through the holidays during COVID 19 is going to be difficult. With kids of any age, there will be a lot of saying no and changing plans and traditions. Here to help us with this challenge is Dr. Arwa K. Nasir. She is a pediatrician in Omaha and is an Associate Professor, Division of General Pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.She walks us through some tips for keeping kids resilient during the holidays, including maintaining routines, continuing to get exercise to stay busy through the school break, how to deal with seeing friends, and getting kids out of a winter rut (and their bedrooms).

One of the worries all parents have is that their kids might get bullied at school, on the sports field, or now even online. Bullying is an even bigger problem now as it takes on many forms and can happen really all the time on social media. Today we're talking to who works in Pediatric Emergency at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and has noticed a significant impact in bullying on her pediatric population there with manifestations including both medical and mental health effects.She talks with Melanie about why kids bully, what to do if your child is getting bullied, teaching our kids to intervene if they witness bullying, and keeping an eye out for cyberbullying.

If you're a parent of preteens, tweens, or teenagers, you're going to want to listen to this episode, as we dive into talking to your kids about their sexual health.Information is more accessible now than ever, but it's not always correct, so it's still important to sit down and have this conversation with your child.Joining us is Dr. Laura Grubb, an adolescent medicine specialist, and general pediatrician. She and Melanie discuss the patterns we're seeing in teens these days, how to answer questions about sex and our bodies, and when to start those conversations.

Teaching our kids to enjoy reading can be difficult, but while we're spending more time at home with our families, now might be the perfect time to try and instill a passion for reading in our young ones.Joining us to talk about reading is Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, he is a pediatrician and spokesperson for AAP, as well as an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.He talks about sharing that love of reading with our children and our family, how to find books your little ones will enjoy, and separating reading for school and reading for pleasure.

We have never been more dependent on technology than during this pandemic. Between video calls for fun, for work, and many kids going to school virtually, we are on the internet and on screens almost all of the time. As kids become more adapt to technology, the AAP is calling for more regulation when it comes to digital advertising and our children.  Dr. Yolanda "Linda" Reid Chassiakos is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, and the Director and Medical Chief of Staff at the Klotz Student Health Center, at California State University Northridge. She tells us about the changing landscape of marketing to children online and teaching digital literacy.

Halloween is just a week away now, have you finalized your plans for this year? Halloween 2020 will be one to remember with the COVID-19 still raging on. So how will Halloween change this year, is trick or treating safe? Can we still have costume parties? What should you do if you are hitting the streets Halloween night?We are joined once again today by Dr. Shelly Vaziri Flais - she is a practicing pediatrician, mom of 4, AAP author, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. And she will be giving us some tips to navigate this year's spooky season. 

Today's episode is a bit personal for our host Melanie, as she kept her son home this semester instead of sending him back to college. He is miserable, but she thinks she made the best decision! Well, we're going to talk all about colleges in the time of COVID with Dr. Yolanda “Linda” Reid Chassiakos, the Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, and the Director and Medical Chief of Staff at the Klotz Student Health Center, at California State University Northridge.She discusses with Melanie what we've seen so far with colleges reopening and reclosing again, how peer pressure can be used in a positive way, and how to move forward with a college-age child.

It is an especially difficult time to be a parent, with all of the different forms of schooling going on during the pandemic. Whether you're homeschooling, helping with virtual lessons, or sending your kid to physical classrooms, learning is not what it used to be.Helping us navigate through all of these options today is Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, he is a pediatrician and spokesperson for AAP, as well as an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.He tells Melanie how to best help your child with this challenging start to the school year, how to keep your kids from doing school in bed, and a reminder that teachers are learning to deal with all of this as well.

We've done a lot of shows about COVID-19, but today we're going to breakdown testing for the virus. The different kinds, antibody vs diagnostic, and other confusing parts of the process.Joining us is Dr. Yolanda "Linda" Reid Chassiakos, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, and the Director and Medical Chief of Staff at the Klotz Student Health Center, at California State University Northridge.She tells us how there is no textbook to turn to diagnose or do the appropriate testing, and how we the public are learning just like the doctors, as we go when it comes to testing for COVID-19.

It's stressful already being a parent during this pandemic, but now we have an upcoming cold & flu season to worry about as well. Epidemiologists around the globe are worried about what the overlap of illness will look like this winter.Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson joins us once again - she is a pediatrician and a spokesperson for the AAP and is here to guide us through this next season. She breaks down the difference between each sickness, the importance of those flu shots, and keeping calm heading into fall.

As a parent, we do our best to know what our children are doing when we can't be with them. But when it comes to vaping and e-cigarettes, they're a bit easier to hide than traditional marijuana use or cigarette smoking.Dr. Susan Walley is a Pediatrics Specialist, as well as the chair of the AAP Section on Tobacco Control. She breaks down what e-cigarettes are, why people think they're "safer" when they're really not, and all of the lung problems that affect vape users.

These times are unprecedented, people have been saying that for months now. But as the pandemic continues into those last half of 2020, one thing is for certain: masks arent going anywhere anytime soon. So how can we convince our young ones to keep them on, whether we're heading to the store or heading back to school? Dr. Jennifer Shu is a board-certified pediatrician and a spokesperson for the American Academy of PediatricsShe is back on the show to talk about the most difficult ages to get the masks on, teens who don't take mask-wearing seriously, and tips to get them on ( and staying on) your child's face.

Childcare has always been an issue in this country for working parents and has only become more urgent and difficult to find in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between licensing, cost, and just finding a place with available slots - it can be hard to access good, reliable childcare, especially when schools may not be open in your area. Dr. Danette Glassy is a Pediatrician in practice at Mercer Island Pediatrics and joins us today to talk about all things childcare, especially as we head into fall with the pandemic still raging on around us. She's here to tell us about how to find the safest childcare, what to look for in a facility and how staff can keep their care centers and kids as safe and clean as possible at this time.

As our children grow into teens (and eventually adults), there comes a time where we need to sit them down to talk about handling and advocating for their own health. Whether its nutrition, a chronic health problem, or personal hygiene, sometimes kids as early as 11 or 12 are ready to take on these activities. While the timing comes down to your child and their maturity level, there are a general set of tips that can help any parent whenever its time to pass that responsibility along. Dr. Elizabeth Alderman is a nationally recognized specialist in adolescent medicine and the chair of the AAP Committee on Adolescence. She joins Melanie Cole to talk about when to let children go to the doctor alone, how to push kids to keep them active during quarantine, and utilizing teachable moments.

We've heard about it every summer for years, but somehow it still happens, kids dying in hot cars.On average 40 kids die in hot cars every year, with most incidents happening towards the end of a typical work week.Dr. Benjamin Hoffman is a pediatrician and expert on child safety,  and sits down with Melanie Cole to discuss how fast cars can get too hot, how long it takes for kids to be affected by heat, staying hydrated, and the importance of parents keeping to their routines.And when it comes to kids in hot cars, if you see something, say something.

The stereotype stepparents we saw in the movies growing up are outdated. Step-parents of all genders, blended families, co-parenting, and more are becoming more the norm.Elizabeth Meade is a pediatric hospitalist, and the Medical Director of Patient Safety for Pediatrics at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, and a step-parent herself. She joins Melanie Cole again this episode to talk about the journey of introducing a new parent figure to children, how and when to discipline as a step-parent, and tips to settle disputes.

Having a baby is typically a joyous and exciting time. But now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, going to and spending time in the hospital is worrisome, and the idea of bringing a new life into the world amidst all this can be overwhelming. Elizabeth Meade is a pediatric hospitalist, and the Medical Director of Patient Safety for Pediatrics at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, and joins Melanie Cold to discuss many common questions about labor during COVID-19 like visitor policies, if breastfeeding is safe, what to expect at the hospital and after delivery.

As we move toward a more digital world, many parents are weighing the benefits of electronic devices - are they good or bad?With schools moving to online classes because of the pandemic, kids are on phones and computers now more than ever.So can kids be addicted to devices, how can you move kids offline, and what counts as screentime? Dr. Nusheen Ameenuddin is a general pediatrician at the Mayo Clinic and joins us this episode to talk about managing electronic devices.

One of the most important parts of being a parent, besides keeping your children alive, is helping them to navigate adolescence to become successful adults, giving them roots and wings.It's inevitable your teens will one day become adults, so ensuring those values in them now will only help them as they grow into adults.Dr. Ken Ginsberg joins Melanie Cole for another conversation about nurturing adolescents. He is the Founder of the Center For Parents and Teen Communication.

Times are tough for everyone these days, but especially teens who haven't been in school and can't hang out with their friends like they used to. Building resilience in teens is always important, but more critical now than ever in making them feel seen, and making sure they have the resources to get through whatever troubles they may be facing.Dr. Ken Ginsberg is the Founder of the Center For Parents and Teen Communication and talks to us about how we can talk to our teens.

Parents, especially White Parents, should be having conversations with children about race anyway, protests or not. Institutionalized racism is as old as America, so parents need to be talking to their children about power and privilege early on. Reading books that discuss racism and have different characters with different races, ethnicities, and cultures is recommended. Only by starting this conversation early can we ever expect to have a more loving, less hateful world.Regarding the protests specifically, parents should consider these two things: a) What is my child actually asking so I can stay on track and only give them the information they are curious about? and b) What is developmentally appropriate, given my child’s actual and emotional age?Dr. Colleen Cira joins Melanie Cole to talk about protests, riots, racism, and how to talk to your kids about these issues and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on kids. The mental, psychosocial aspects of social distancing and isolation are starting to pile up as we enter another month of this new normal.But as the weather gets warmer, kids are trying to see their friends, head to a park or a pool, and play outside. But what activities are safe this summer amid the pandemic? Dr. Tanya Altmann is a best-selling author, network television parenting expert, and an American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson, and gives us some tips to navigate a summer with kids during coronavirus.

Summer is here, and everyone is itching to get outside after a long spring indoors. So whether you're heading to the lake, the ocean, or a backyard pool, its still important to keep swimming safety and drowning in mind. To talk about water safety in the summer is Shelly Vaziri Flais, MD - a practicing pediatrician, fellow mom, AAP author, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Protests have been raging on in most major cities for weeks now protesting the death of George Floyd, police brutality, and systemic racism. All of these are incredibly heavy and complex topics to discuss with children, so where do you begin?Dr. Nia Heard-Garris joins Melanie Cole, MS, to help parents discuss this moment in history with our kids. Dr. Heard-Garris is a pediatrician and a researcher in the Department of Pediatrics at Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University; and also in the Division of Academic General Pediatrics and Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Research, Outreach, and Advocacy Center at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Your responsibility as a parent is to encourage an understanding and appreciation for diversity. Racism affects all people.First, you have to acknowledge that bias is real. Then, you have to encourage individuals who have conscious biases to be better. Discuss the challenges that come up for yourself and your children.Biases start early. Your children are exposed to biases as early as preschool. Establish a safe space to talk about the things they hear and see in the world.Listen as Dr. Jackie Dougé joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss racism and bias.

We know parents have a lot of questions and fears concerning the spread of COVID-19 and some might be reluctant to bring their child to the doctor, even when it’s an emergency. Dr. Alison Tothy joins Melanie Cole, MS, to talk about what she’s seeing in patients these days and what parents should do in case of an emergency or other less urgent problems.

Thinking of sending children back to schools this fall brings up a range of emotions. - is it relieving that they'll be out of the house and taught by teachers once again? or scary, the idea of going back to crowded classrooms? Whether it's going back to a local public school or sending older children away to college - schools will inevitably be open in most places after the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways.Sara Goza is the President of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is joining Melanie Cole M.S. to talk about these feelings and how you can prepare as a parent as well as prepare your children to head back to school safely. 

As more people are taking extra steps to sanitize their homes, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rise in calls to the Poison Control Center. Dr. Benjamin Hoffman is a pediatrician and nationally recognized expert in child injury prevention and education. He currently serves as Director of the Tom Sargent Safety Center at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.Dr. Hoffman joins host Melanie Cole, MS, to share information on poison risks during this time, as well as how to keep children safe and away from injury or poison via things like cannabis products or medications during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pediatric suicide is a difficult topic but parents may be able to help children who are at risk. Bullying is rampant in pre-teens and teens. In the age of social media, bullying doesn't stop once the school day is done. Find out how much time your child is spending online. Those who are already prone to anxiety and depression are at greater risk for self-harm and suicide. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) lead to higher potential for depression. Feeling unworthy, lonely or trapped can trigger suicidal thoughts. Call 1.800.273.TALK (8255) or text TALK to 741741 if you or someone you know seems to be at risk. Listen as Dr. Cora Breuner joins Melanie Cole, MS to discuss suicide risk.

By this time in the COVID-19 pandemic, your kids might be going a little stir crazy... or a lot. Social distancing was designed to reduce the risk of the virus to thrive. But your kids, especially the little ones, don't understand why they can't have a play date or go to the playground. Older kids are also trying to find ways to sneak out of the house to meet up with their friends.It's critical for the health of your family, your community, and the world for us to remain steadfast with social distancing and self-isolation. Jennifer Variste, MD, joins Melanie Cole, MS, to explain what exactly social distancing is, why it's so important, and what kids can do during this time.

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone, in different ways.How are children with special healthcare needs uniquely impacted -- especially those who often receive important care during the school day?Dr. Lynn Davidson says that parents and family members are required to "get creative" in getting access to necessary therapies. She also advises that parents be okay with doing the best they can, given the circumstances. Some of that involves getting "back to basics;" things like using cooking lessons to teach measurements or flash cards for word development.Listen as Dr. Davidson joins host Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how families can cope with the current situation.Additional Resources for Families of Children with Special Healthcare NeedsAmerican Academy of Pediatrics General COVID-19 resources: https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/ Information for Families (HealthyChildren.org): https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/COVID-19-Information-for-Families-of-Children-and-Youth-with-Special-Health-Care-Needs.aspx Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Frequently Asked Questions about CYSHCN and COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html?deliveryName=USCDC_1054-DM26731#Children-and-Youth-with-Special-Healthcare-Needs Information for People with Disabilities: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-disabilities.html Family Voices General COVID-19 Resources: https://familyvoices.org/coronavirus/ COVID-19 e-Blasts for Families: https://familyvoices.org/resource/resource-eblast-covid-19-series/ Autism Speaks COVID-19 Information and Resources for Families: https://www.autismspeaks.org/covid-19-information-and-resources-families Understood.org Coronavirus: Latest Updates and Tips https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/coronavirus-latest-updates School system websitesLook at your school system websites, they have many resources for distance learning.1. Reach out to your children’s teachers and therapists2. School system websites for resources for distance learning (e.g. https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learn-at-home/information-on-remote-learning)

The coronavirus is causing uncertainty among us all. It's been a total disruption of what we consider "normal."How long will the social-distancing and self-isolation last? One cannot tell -- meaning the disruption continues. For families with children at home, whether small children, school-aged kids, or even young adults home from college, it can be even more challenging. How can you keep your kids busy and in continued health, despite the restrictions?Donald Shifrin, MD, provides some simple, effective tips for keeping everyone out of a place of fear and anxiety, as well as how to manage the amount of screen time your kids (and yourself) are getting during these home-bound times.

COVID-19's presence in our society, our communities, our households is the cause of a great deal of anxiety.While children may not fully understand what's going on, they can still pick up on the fear and anxiety circulating within the their environment. They also may not comprehend the importance of social distancing. They're disappointed by the reality of the situation. Allow them to own that disappointment (don't deny it), but try to find ways to explain why social distancing is so critical for the health of the family and the health of the world.Dr. David J. Schonfeld is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician and Professor of the Practice in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and Pediatrics at the University of Southern California and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share tips for parents on creating structure and consistency, discussing feelings of fear and anxiety, and how to best get through these uncertain times.