Does this story feel familiar? You have a busy week ahead of you without a minute to spare. You have planned it all out – the errands you are going to handle, the school activity you are volunteering for, the project you have to finish for work, the dinners you are cooking, and the playroom […]

Since the day I wrote about my journey leaving the anti-vaccination movement, I have experienced the wrath of the anti-vaccination community. When I write about how important it is to vaccinate your child, I regularly receive comments like this: “It is worse than pre meditated MURDER to be telling people that vaccines are safe.” “You cannot […]

One of the top struggles of parenting sick children is giving them yucky tasting medications. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, I’m no stranger to watching a fresh dose of medication get spit right back up. With sick babies, this situation can be extra difficult, because they do not understand that the medication will actually resolve […]

As pediatrician Paul Offit said, “There’s no such thing as conventional or alternative or holistic medicine. There’s only medicine that works and medicine that does not.” Most of us parents today are constantly being fed information and suggestions from our friends and family, healthcare providers, and of course, from the internet. I regularly see articles […]

One of parents’ greatest concerns when their child is sick is whether or not their child is having difficulty breathing, or respiratory distress. Pediatric respiratory disorders are the second most common cause of pediatric ER visits across the United States. Tragically, breathing difficulties can and do lead to respiratory failure and death if not treated […]

Kids love toys. It’s true. I love educational toys, because playtime can absolutely be learning time, especially if you provide the right tools. I’ve put together a gift guide that will help you find the perfect toys to spark imagination and a love of learning in your child. Educational Toys For Kids I don’t have […]

Advil (also known by its generic name ibuprofen or the brand name Motrin) is a common, over the counter medicine used in children. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory used as both a pain reliever and fever reducer. Advil can be used to treat conditions like fevers, headaches, muscle aches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and minor […]

Tylenol (also known by its generic name acetaminophen) is a common, over the counter medicine used in children. It is an analgesic used as both a pain reliever and fever reducer. Tylenol can be used to treat conditions like fevers, headaches, muscle aches, and toothaches. Over the years, parents have asked me many questions about […]

I have been waiting on pins and needles for the release of the new heartwarming film, Wonder. Based on the New York Times best-selling book by R.J. Palacio, Wonder tells the story of 10-year old August “Auggie” Pullman, a young man born with severe disabilities. After having endured 27 surgeries, Auggie had extensive craniofacial abnormalities […]

Before I share a few reasons why urgent care isn’t always the best place for a sports physical, I want you to know that I understand. I understand that urgent care is convenient. I understand that you probably have a little-to-no wait time when you go there. I understand that you don’t have to make […]