Halloween is a chance for kids to put on creative costumes and pretend to be something else for the night. But whether your little one is dressing up as a pretty princess or frightening ghost, you’ll want to make sure they stay safe. And that’s where these tips come in. They’ll ensure your kids trick-or-treat without putting themselves at risk.…
A yearly physical exam by your family physician or pediatrician is an important part of your child’s health care. As children get older, back to school check-ups are sometimes the only visit kids and teenagers have with their doctor every year. An annual check-up gives the physician a chance to give the child a thorough physical examination. It also presents…
Minimalism is about living more with less. Incorporating that idea into a family dynamic can be difficult. How do you get kids – who always want the newest, best, and next – to scale down and simplify? Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, authors of the book Everything That Remains give the advice “spend half the money and twice the time with…
According to a study by Pew Research Center, 57% of American fathers believe fatherhood is central to their identity. Fatherhood poses unique challenges for men. From raising children to keeping themselves healthy, parenting is unlike any other experience. Andy Hetzel, VP of Corporate Communications at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan sat down with other fathers to discuss the joys and struggles…
Researchers estimate that up to 15 million Americans have food allergies, including 5.9 million children under age 18. This equates to one in 13 children suffering from food allergies. Offices, classrooms and even restaurants often have signs that warn of food allergies. These signs, which were once isolated, are now commonplace. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the prevalence…
About a month of summer has passed and it’s getting to the dreaded “I’m bored” statement from kids. With long, empty days to fill their time with different activities, it becomes more and more difficult for parents to keep their children busy. A great way to keep kids busy is by enrolling them in summer activities like sports camps or music lessons. Some structure, even in the…
Easter is not only a celebrated religious holiday, it’s also been known as a time for chocolate, candy, jelly beans and Easter basket treats. Trust me, I am not against chocolate or candy, but you want to be careful and not overdo it, especially for the kids. With a little creativity, you can come up with some healthy…
It is winter once again in Michigan which means parents and caregivers are looking for ways to beat those indoor winter blues. Although it is dark and cold, exploring nature both indoors and out will help foster independence, promote active learning and engage children in creative activities! Get Dressed and Go Out! Getting dressed in all our winter gear…
Diabetes is no longer just a problem for adults. In fact, the disease is being diagnosed in children with even greater frequency today than ever before, and is now considered to be one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents. So how did this happen, and why? The answer is more complicated than people may expect. Nationally, about…
Have a young child? Chances are you’ve used timeouts. Timeouts are considered very effective and one of the few strategies recommended a by the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP). However, timeouts only work when used properly-something most parents are failing to do! While three out of four parents use timeout to discipline, almost 85 percent (84.9%) make at least one…
