Growing Together

The shift back to “school mode” can feel like an abrupt end to summer. With a little planning, though, families can make the transition easier on everybody and foster a healthier, less stressful start to the school year.

My 3-year-old has taken to feeding our dog dinner with the duty and honor of the Swiss Guard, albeit with the consistency of, well, a 3-year-old. Some kibble ends up on the floor rather than in the bowl, but the dog takes care of most of it. My 3-year-old has taken to feeding our dog dinner with the duty and honor of the Swiss Guard, albeit with the consistency of, well, a 3-year-old.

You’re cut off in traffic, and you’d really like to lean on the horn and yell a few choice words, but something stops you. You know how tricky that intersection can be, and escalating the situation into road rage won’t help anyone. The jolt of anger passes, and you move on with your day.

No matter what grade your child is in, a fresh school year is a time filled with possibilities. Setting goals can help kids stay motivated, develop good habits and measure their progress as they grow and develop.

Starting the day with thoughtful calories can put anyone, especially young people, on the right track for school, sports, activities and mood.

From trick-or-treating to candy canes, the holiday season is packed with sugary temptations. While these treats are a fun part of celebrating, aim for tooth-friendlier treats like these:

Getting kids out the door in the morning or to bed at night can feel like a daily battle. If you’re tired of reminding, rushing and repeating yourself, a routine chart can help.

As families settle into a new school year, change is everywhere. New classrooms, new routines, changing friendships and growing independence all require children to adapt. While some transitions are exciting, others are much harder — and children don’t always have the words to tell us what they’re experiencing.

Research consistently shows students rise, or fall, to the level of expectations set for them. When you communicate belief in a child’s potential, they activate a self-fulfilling cycle: confidence grows, effort intensifies and performance follows.

If you are a parent of a child or teen with a skateboarding or cycling hobby, you’ve no doubt seen your share of bumps and scrapes. If you’re lucky, those injuries have been minor. However, there is a danger inherent to bikes, skateboards, skates and scooters that can escalate injury probability as well as seriousness. You might not be able to avoid the small stuff, but planning ahead might prevent (or prepare you for) something more serious.

Researchers have found that using screen time as a reward heightens a child’s attraction to it. There’s a dopamine connection that makes detaching from a screen feel painful — and for children who are still developing self-regulation, this can lead to meltdowns.

Among the many reasons why summer day camps are great for kids: the chance to try something new in a safe, supported environment. Some children jump right in at the chance to try a new activity. Among the many reasons why summer day camps are great for kids: the chance to try something new in a safe, supported environment. Some children jump right in at the chance to try a new activity, and some are more cautious. Our staff is trained to support them in whatever a child’

Did you know that babies only have 20 teeth, but adults have 32? Between gaining the first set of baby teeth, losing those, then replacing them with adult teeth — it’s a lot of transition for your kiddos. Here’s exactly what to expect… Those little chompers Babies will eventually have a total of 20 baby teeth, with 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom. In pediatric dentistry, we refer to baby teeth as primary teeth. These primary teeth usually erupt from six months to age two.

As children grow and seek greater independence, staying connected to their daily lives can feel more complex. Establishing thoughtful, consistent monitoring practices early makes it easier to support them while maintaining safety and trust.

It’s a question almost every parent hears at some point: “Why do I have to learn this stuff?” In most cases, your child is not being obstinate; they’re thinking critically, and that’s something to encourage.

If you’ve ever snapped at your child and regretted it moments later, you’re not alone. Parenting is deeply emotional work, and stress, fatigue and daily pressures can make it harder to stay calm.