Parent-ish
2019
Kids behind the wheel (they’re still kids)
My dad taught me to drive in a cemetery. Why? Because there’s no traffic. It’s impossible to get lost. “And you can’t hurt anyone because there aren’t any living people in a cemetery.” Even still, we were very respectful. Life was simple back in 1997.
Flu season is here: Shaping up to be longer, more severe
Earlier this year, we shared a blog about the importance of getting your flu shot. (Click here if you missed it.) Since our team at Children’s Mercy have seen more cases of influenza earlier than usual, we wanted to follow up on this important subject.
5 Ways to Make Magical Memories this Holiday Season
I can’t remember the gifts I received on Christmas morning. But I remember how I felt. A mix of excitement, pure joy and anticipation for a day spent together as a family. I remember waking up way too early and climbing into bed with my sister on Christmas morning until everyone else was awake.
5 tips for “balance” as a working mom
My phone rang and I went into full panic mood. My son was supposed to be napping but was screaming in his crib. It was time for my weekly conference call with a client and I was home with my son without any help. So, I did what was necessary in the moment.
Failure as a gift
Webster Dictionary defines failure as “lack of success” or “falling short.” As well-known comedian, Ellen De Generes stated, “When you take risks you learn that there will be times when you succeed and there will be times when you fail, and both are equally important.”
Halloween safety: 5 things parents should (and shouldn’t) do
The countdown is on until Halloween, but before your kids head out to trick-or-treat here are some lesser-known safety tips to help keep your ghosts and goblins safe.
Is my child being bullied?
Children often experience issues at school that go beyond classwork. Kids may have a fight with a friend, or they aren’t sitting by the same group of kids at lunch anymore. While we often worry kids are being bullied, they may not be.
A back-to-school refresher on school avoidance
Back-to-school nights have come and gone and calendars have quickly filled with school activities. Most students have settled into their school routine. But for some, being back in school might be a struggle. School avoidance can emerge, consciously or not. Knowing what to look for allows you to address it and ask for help if needed.
Addicted to Awake: The Consequences of Energy Drinks in Adolescents
How often do you come across advertisements for energy drinks: once or twice a week, or perhaps every day on your morning commute? Rarely do we escape a day without energy drink companies promoting how they can “give you wings” or provide the five hours of energy you need to make it through the afternoon grind.
5 simple steps to keep your kids germ-free
Now that back to school time is in full swing, so are the germs! It might sound simple, but handwashing is truly like a “do-it-yourself” vaccine that stops the spread of germs. In fact, regular handwashing, is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick.