It's not perfect. It's parenting.
Sometimes you need answers to the little everyday things that parents encounter. And sometimes, you just need someone to encourage you through all of the craziness and challenges of parenthood. Welcome to Parent-ish, a blog from the experts at Children's Mercy.
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Child firearm safety: How secure storage protects kids
Learn child firearm safety tips: secure, lock, unload guns and talk to kids to prevent accidents and suicides.
Childhood vaccine schedule explained: Changes, safety and guidance
Answers to parents' questions about the childhood vaccine schedule, safety and talking with your pediatrician.
Helping your child adjust to a new school: Tips for parents
Practical tips for helping your child adjust to new school with routines connections and support to ease anxiety and build confidence.
Parents as superheroes: Kids' view of mom and dad
Cute stories showing parents as superheroes—turning off the sun, defeating monsters and making kids feel safe.
Easy kitchen science experiments for kids
Discover easy kitchen science experiments for kids using pantry items to learn flavors, chemistry and growth in minutes.
Teaching consent to kids at every age
Practical tips for teaching consent to kids: simple boundaries, age‑by‑age guidance, and everyday phrases to build respect and safety.
Cyclospora in children: Symptoms and what to do
Learn symptoms, causes, prevention and when to call the doctor about Cyclospora in children so you can protect your family.
Preventing heat-related illness for student-athletes
Heat-related illness prevention for student athletes: tips on hydration, cool workouts, clothing, and recognizing heat stroke symptoms.
Firework safety for kids: Tips for families
Learn firework safety for kids: tips to prevent burns, eye injuries, and how to respond if an accident happens.
Talking to children about intolerance: A guide
Talking to children about intolerance: simple, honest tips to teach empathy, fairness and respectful behavior at every age.
Pediatric emergency preparedness: Tips for parents
Learn pediatric emergency preparedness tips for parents to stay calm, share medical info, and support kids during urgent care.
Early childhood brain development tips
Support early childhood brain development with simple daily activities: reading, play, music, and conversation to build lifelong learning and resilience.
AI understanding for kids: A parent’s guide
Enhance AI understanding for kids by helping them navigate the digital world with real relationships and open conversations.
Child therapy insights: What happens in a session
Curious about child therapy? Learn what happens in a session and how it can help your child thrive emotionally and socially.
How to encourage outdoor play every day
Discover fun ways to encourage outdoor play for kids, boosting their health, confidence, and connection to nature every day.