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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Category: All ages
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.
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.
Building emotional intelligence in children
Unlock the secrets to emotional intelligence in children. Help them manage feelings and build strong friendships with our expert tips.
Understanding children’s mental health and phone use in schools
Explore how children's mental health and phone use impact emotional coping skills in school settings.
Kid logic: Make it make sense (…it won’t)
Explore the humorous world of kid logic with examples that reveal how children think creatively and differently.
Comparing same day care options: Pediatric urgent care, emergency room and express care
Navigate pediatric same day care options to get your child the care they need quickly.
How to build emotional vocabulary in children
Empower kids with emotional vocabulary through engaging activities, helping them identify and express their feelings effectively.
Celebrating uniqueness in children: A parent's guide
Explore ways of celebrating uniqueness in children. Teach them to embrace differences and build a positive self-image from an early age.