As the temps rise throughout the Southeast, more and more people are drawn to bodies of water to help them cool off. Whether you have a favorite public pool, local river or lake, or even a pool in your own backyard, water safety this time of year is paramount, especially if you have young children. Summer is also a time of travel and vacation, so be prepared with some of our tips!
Good communication is vital to maintaining healthy relationships and boundaries well into adulthood, and it starts at home, modeled by a child’s parents. As a parent, you want the best for your child and you want them to grow and succeed in life, and teaching them healthy communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal are key to a secure attachment style and encourages high self-confidence and resilience. When there’s a breakdown in communication, it can be incredibly difficult for everyone in your family, or even in other parts of your life.
Did you know that May 1-7 is Children’s Mental Health Week, and the month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Mental health is just as crucial as physical health, not only for adults but for children as well. Mental health has been receiving a lot more attention lately than in previous years, with the pandemic exacerbating mental health concerns and illnesses for many people. There’s been a lot of talk about ending the stigma around mental health and creating safe places for people, including children to talk about it and get their concerns addressed.
Talking to your child’s doctor about your child’s mental health can be a source of anxiety for many parents who may not know how to address these issues. Other parents may feel as though it’s their fault their child is struggling with mental illness or they may not know what is developmentally appropriate for their children in terms of mental health and may not know how to approach the issue. Starting the conversation with your child’s doctor can feel overwhelming.
Published 9:50 am ET April 10, 2023 | Updated 2:49 pm ET April 10, 2023
Pediatrician Dr. Anne Smith knows firsthand the impact diseases have on young lives that could have been prevented through routine vaccination.
The benefits of playing with and connecting with your child through play cannot be overstated. As children learn how to interact with and thrive in their environment, playing is an important way that exercises children mentally, emotionally, and physically. Children who have parents and caregivers that play with them and connect with them through play are often happier, more confident, and more resilient in times of hardship.
You don’t have to be a super parent to play with your child or come up with complicated lesson plans, or a constant stream of things for them to do to qualify as play. In fact, children respond well to simple activities that are often driven by their own sense of play and games.
Part of connecting with your child through play is being present. Put away your phone, turn off the TV or tablet, and have fun! Keep reading below for some tips!