All posts in Health & Safety

Jan 24, 2023

What should parents know about melatonin?

Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is a problem with which anywhere from 15 to 25 percent of children or teens struggle. Increased screen time and exposure to ‘blue light,’ along with busy school and sports schedules, can make getting appropriate rest a challenge. In their quest for easier bedtimes or more restful sleep, parents and caregivers sometimes look to melatonin, an over-the-counter dietary supplement, to help. In fact, usage of the supplement is at an all-time high, and Nielson estimates sales of melatonin nearly tripled from 2018 to 2022. Here is what parents should know before they consider giving it to children.

Jan 3, 2023

How do I talk to children about disabilities?

Many parents have had the experience of being out with their child when they encounter someone with disabilities. Children are naturally curious and such encounters may often end in long stares, abrupt questions and perhaps some parental embarrassment. Whether it’s a classmate on the autism spectrum, a family member with Downs Syndrome, or a stranger in a wheelchair, parents need to be prepared to address their child’s curiosity and help them learn from the encounter. Here are a few suggestions on how to discuss disabilities with your child when they come to you with questions.

Jul 19, 2022

Pacifier use in babies: The good, the bad and when to wean

Most new parents and caregivers will reach for a pacifier at some point when it comes to settling an upset baby. While pacifiers go by many names, the goal is usually the same—to satisfy a baby’s natural need to suck and offer comfort to a fussing baby. Pacifiers are safe to use from birth and have shown some benefits for children, especially in the first six months of life. Long-term pacifier use, however, can come with complications. Here’s a look at how to introduce a pacifier to your baby, when and how to use it effectively, and signs it may be time to let it go.

Jul 12, 2022

Should I have my child vaccinated for COVID-19?

In mid-June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced their recommendation of COVID-19 vaccines for young children previously unable to be vaccinated, ages 6 months through 5 years. Two vaccination protocols, one three-dose immunization series from Pfizer and one two-dose immunization series from Moderna, were granted emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and vaccine appointments should begin to open nationwide. Here is what parents and caregivers of young children may want to know.