How Kids Interpret the Things Their Parents Say
I had surgery last week, and my daughter announced to the entire soccer field: "My mom can't come to practice today because she is doing a poop test." I had to do colon prep, and wasn't physically able to make it away from the bathroom. I told her that I needed to stay close to the bathroom, and her interpretation was that I was doing a "poop test." Kids seem to have a knack for spreading family secrets and having a slightly skewed interpretation of our conversations. So if y
The 5 Pieces of Advice I'd Give About Screens If Parents Ever Asked
The explosion of tech and screens into the lives of children is outrageously obvious to me as a pediatrician. Besides the fact that most kids and parents seem to be attached to a phone or tablet when I enter the exam room, when I ask questions about how kids spend their days (and nights), screens seem to be part of everything. You'd think that I'd get questions from parents about screen time and about how best to use devices with their kids. But I don't. Like, never. This is
America's Most Admired Lawbreaker: Chapter 13, "Hardball"
A 'Hired Bazooka' Question: Mrs. Pledger, I think you told our jurors that during the time that you’re taking Mr. Pledger to doctors while he was on Risperdal, none of his doctors ever diagnosed gynecomastia? Benita Pledger: I never heard of gynecomastia. And, no, they did not. Question: At some point … you saw a commercial on TV for a Plaintiff’s law firm about Risperdal and lawsuits running?
… And it had a phone number 1-800, call if you have taken Risperdal? Pledger: It ha
Getting your Kid to Talk about School
As the first day of school quickly approaches, parents are asking me how to get their kids to talk to them more about school. We parents want information! We feel that in exchange for our nurturance and worry and everything we did to get them ready for school, we should at least get to know what's happening there! So how can you get more than a "fine" out of your kids when you ask them "How was school?" Drawing on techniques from some of the most brilliant people I know -- pa
10 Important Lessons I Learned after the First Week of School
We've made it! We survived our first week of Kindergarten...Or at least the hardest part for me - Waking up. You know me, I went a bit overboard documenting the occasion with pictures and video. Maybe it'll give you a few ideas if your little one is starting school soon. Here are some things I've learned after the first week of school. 1. The novelty wears off quick (for adults): It's fun and excitinggetting ready for the first day of school the night before, but by the third
Why I'm Nervous about the First Day of School for my Sons with Autism
The first day of school for my sons, Justin and Tyler, is getting close. This is going to be the first time in more than six years that I've only had one kid to take care of for most of the day (their baby brother). The first time I'm going to have a little free time in I don't know how long. I'm not going to be a complete ball of nerves most of the day, trying to take care and manage three very different personalities who all want my attention and never in the same way. To s
Boredom as a Teaching Opportunity
Dear Parents, You and your kids are currently in the midst of the summer wherever you may be and your kids are probably complaining about boredom every now and then. I know about this all too well. The teens and tweens tell me about this. Parents complain about not knowing how to handle it. Oh the irony. During the school year many kids wish that they had free time to worry about. I remember being a teen and also being told to clean out my closet when I complained about bored
An Open Letter to My Kids about Summer
Hey Kids, Feel free to leave your stuff wherever you want this summer. Half-finished smoothies in the family room? No problem. I got it. Socks in the hall. I'm on it. Dishes in the sink? Keep 'em coming. Legos? Everywhere? Love it. Oh, and feel free to drag your blankets all over the house and abandon them the moment you no longer want them. I'll fold them lovingly for you and return them to your rooms. And doors? Shutting them is optional. I'm right behind you, so, seriously
Kids and Anxiety: What Parents Should Know
Anxiety in kids gets a bad rap. So says Lynn Collins, a licensed clinical psychologist in Portland who works with families. Anxiety actually has its beneficial side, Collins told The Oregonian/OregonLive. "A little anxiety actually sharpens you intellectually," she said. It produces an adrenalin surge that speeds up mental reactions and processing speed. So if your kid has jitters about playing a soccer game or taking a history test, that's normal and healthy. But if anxiety
Characteristics of Autism Parents
You can find a lot of literature and books that list all the effective traits of being a good parent. Most often than none, those traits are very true. But what does it take to be a good autism parent? What does it take to be a good special needs parent? The parenting styles and traits are not comparable to parenting neurotypical kids with no disability. Since being a mom to two boys on opposite ends of the spectrum, I will tell you what I have learned that works with my boys