Skip to content
Home / parenting / Page 3

parenting

Fun Family Activities

Trees leafing out and early flowers pushing their showy blooms out of the ground are true signs of spring in Michigan, and that’s all the invitation we need to gather our children or grandchildren and head outside to embrace some warmer weather.   Getting some fresh air is great. But with a little planning, you can turn your family time into… 

Tips for Discussing Mental Health with Children and Teens

April is Stress Awareness Month. Stress can directly affect children’s mental health. Here are some great insights and tips for parents to talk to their children about mental health. Mental health-related emergency room visits increased substantially for children and teens during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the proportion of related visits were up… 

Halloween Costumes: Dress Up For Spooky-Yet-Safe Fun

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.… 

What to Expect During Back-to-School Check-Ups

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… 

Table Talks: Discussing Dad Life

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… 

How to Spot Common Food Allergies in Children

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… 

The Importance of Unstructured Play Time for Kids

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…