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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5 teen relationship red flags
I spend a lot of time talking to patients and parents about healthy relationships. It’s common for teens to have some less-than-great experiences as they take more ownership over their social lives. With support from schools, health care professionals and other trusted adults, parents can help adolescents prioritize positive connections and avoid harmful dynamics.
Resources for helping kids process the anniversary of the Super Bowl parade shootings
The horrific events that took place after the 2024 Chiefs parade and rally at Union Station may again strike fear a year later, especially for children and families who were at the parade and witnessed terrifying things. Anniversary reactions are a common part of the recovery process after tragic events, especially those that include loss and fear. To support your child, we've created resources and guidance on what to look out for.
How to support your kids through big life changes
Most children will experience impactful life changes – “big” changes. Even expected life transitions can be stressful and feel “big” to kids, such as a sibling leaving for college, transitioning from elementary school to middle school or having a new team or coach. Your goal as a parent or caregiver is to give your kids the skills and tools to navigate these changes successfully and help kids feel confident they can cope with these feelings and act in ways that help them adapt to change.
Understanding tuberculosis: A guide for parents
You may have seen recent news about a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas. Health officials are actively managing the situation to prevent further spread. But still, it’s important to remain informed and do what you can to keep yourself and your family healthy. Keep reading for information on what tuberculosis is, symptoms, treatment and ways to stay healthy.
How to celebrate Black History Month with your family
Across the calendar, heritage months pop up as an opportunity to lift up multiple cultures that at times may not have as much social representation. In the month of February, the United States honors Black History Month. While it is important to recognize the past contributions of the Black and African American culture, parents should consider celebrating Black History past, present and future.
What parents need to know about nosebleeds
Nobody likes a nosebleed, that includes kids and parents.That said, nosebleeds are extremely common. In fact, 3 out of 4 kids will experience at least one nosebleed in their childhood. Thankfully, they are often easily treated at home with proven methods. Read on to learn more about why kids’ nosebleeds happen, what you can do about them and when to seek medical care.
Understanding anaphylaxis: A guide for parents
Most parents have one main goal: to keep their kids safe. When there is something out of your control that threatens your child’s safety, it can be scary – and an allergic reaction is one of those things. Keep reading to unpack anaphylaxis along with its causes, symptoms and management strategies if your child is at risk.
10 ways to get out the winter wiggles
Brrrrr, it’s cold outside! But staying active during the coldest time of year has huge benefits for your family’s physical and mental health, including improved mood, energy and heart health. Check out our top 10 ways to keep your kids (and yourself!) moving in the winter.
Snowed in? S-no-w problem!
A winter wonderland may not seem so wonderful when you’re snowed in and cabin fever begins to take over. But fear not! There are LOTS of things your family can do inside the walls of your home to stay busy and have fun!
Cold weather car seat safety
Though we all want to stay inside where it’s cozy during the cold winter months, we still have places to go – kiddos included. While making sure our children are warm in the car, it’s also important to be sure they are safe. Keep reading for tips on keeping children safe and warm in their car seats this winter.
New Year’s resolutions your whole family can enjoy
New Year’s resolutions are always made with the best of intentions – but when life gets busy, they can be hard to follow through. But what if you had your whole family as accountability partners? While you can create any resolution that makes sense for your individual family unit, here are 8 ideas to consider while you plan for 2025.
Stories that inspired us in 2024
What a year! As 2024 comes to a close, we, like most of you, are looking back on our favorite memories from this year and found ourselves being inspired by the stories shared by patients and families who came through Children’s Mercy’s doors. Take a look at 10 stories that inspired us, made us smile and brought us joy this year.
Making the most of being inpatient and resources to make the most of your stay
As a mom, the last thing you want to hear your child’s doctor say is “I think you should be admitted to the hospital.” My 13-year-old son is generally a healthy boy, but he does have a medical diagnosis that has us visiting Children’s Mercy Kansas City every few months for checkups. So, we’re not unfamiliar with Children’s Mercy or the hospital environment, but this year was our first experience hearing that our son needed to be admitted for treatment.
COVID-19, RSV and the Flu: What you need to know
Viral respiratory season is quickly approaching. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory viruses seem to circulate in new patterns, so being prepared is important! According to the American Academy of Pediatrics last flu season was moderately severe for a lot of children, but there are steps your family can take to try and stay healthy. Keep reading for information on RSV, flu and COVID-19 for the 2024-25 respiratory virus season.
Modeling inclusivity this holiday season
Children notice what we do, how we respond, how we treat others and who we include. This time of year can be jam-packed with anxiety. Our schedules get full, sometimes we overload our resources and meanwhile children are watching. Be mindful that sometimes in moments of stress, it can be hard to remember kindness. But kindness is paramount, not just during these months, but all year, and for our neighbors as well our very own family.