Health & parenting blog
Trusted, pediatrician-written guidance for every stage of your child's growth.
behavioral health
Anxiety and OCD in Children: What's the Connection?
They overlap, they often occur together, and they respond to different treatment. Here's how to tell worry from OCD, why reassurance backfires, and what actually works.
August 5, 2026
behavioral health
ADD vs. ADHD: What's the Difference?
"ADD" hasn't been an official diagnosis since 1987 — but the thing people mean by it is real, and it's the presentation most often missed. Here's what the current terminology actually is and why it matters for your child.
August 5, 2026
seasonal health
How Are Allergies Tested in Children?
A plain-language guide to how allergy testing works in children, covering skin prick testing, blood IgE testing, what a positive result actually means, and why targeted testing beats broad panels.
August 5, 2026
developmental
Signs of a Learning Disability in Children
A bright child who struggles to read isn't lazy or behind — and "wait and see" costs years. Here's what dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia look like by age, and why they're so often mistaken for ADHD.
August 5, 2026
behavioral health
Sleep and ADHD: Which One Is Causing Which?
Poor sleep can look exactly like ADHD. ADHD makes sleep worse. And stimulant medication can delay sleep onset. Untangling this properly changes what treatment your child actually needs.
August 5, 2026
behavioral health
Tantrums, ODD, or Something Else?
Every young child has tantrums. A few patterns suggest something more — and the distinguishing features are specific enough to describe. Here's what separates normal from concerning, and what actually helps.
August 5, 2026
developmental
Understanding Autism: Levels, Diagnosis, and What Often Comes With It
Asperger's and PDD-NOS are no longer separate diagnoses. Here's how autism is described now, what the support levels mean, and the co-occurring conditions that are easy to miss but very treatable.
August 5, 2026
developmental
What Is a Psychoeducational Evaluation — and Does My Child Need One?
Parents often ask for "IQ testing." What they usually need is broader than that. Here's what a full evaluation measures, how school and private testing differ, and when it's worth doing.
August 5, 2026
seasonal health
When Does My Child Need an EpiPen?
Which children need an epinephrine auto-injector, what anaphylaxis looks like in kids, why epinephrine comes before antihistamines, how to store and use it, and school rules in Florida.
August 5, 2026
seasonal health
Does My Child Need an Inhaler at School?
Asthma symptoms often flare when school restarts — new classrooms, fall viruses, and outdoor PE all land in the same few weeks. Here's how to decide whether your child needs an inhaler at school, and what the school needs from you.
August 4, 2026
parenting
Can You Fill Out School Medication Forms for My Child?
If your child needs any medication during the school day — an inhaler, an EpiPen, insulin, or an ADHD prescription — Florida schools need paperwork signed by a provider first. Here's what to bring and when to start.
August 4, 2026
parenting
How Much Sleep Does My Child Actually Need?
Hour-by-hour recommendations from infancy through the teen years, why most American teenagers are running a deficit, and how to reset a summer schedule before school starts.
August 4, 2026
developmental
IEP vs. 504 Plan: What's the Difference?
Both give your child support at school, but they come from different laws and work differently. Here's a plain-language breakdown of which is which, how a child qualifies for each, and what your pediatrician can do to help.
August 4, 2026
developmental
Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?
Florida's cutoff is a date, but readiness isn't. Here's what kindergarten teachers actually look for — and it's much less about letters and numbers than most parents expect.
August 4, 2026
seasonal health
School Sports Season Is Here: Florida's New EKG Requirement for Student Athletes
Florida's Second Chance Act now requires a one-time EKG screening for incoming 9th graders and first-time FHSAA athletes in grades 10-12, on top of the standard sports physical. Here's what Central Florida families need to know before tryouts start.
August 4, 2026
vaccines
What Vaccines Does My Teen Need Before College?
Most colleges require proof of certain vaccines before move-in, and Florida has its own rules for students living on campus. Here's the checklist, why meningitis vaccines get special attention, and when to book.
August 4, 2026
behavioral health
Why We Screen Every Teen for Depression
Starting at age 12, your child will be asked about their mood at every annual visit — even if nothing seems wrong. Here's why universal screening is recommended, what the questionnaire is, and what happens next.
August 4, 2026
newborn care
My Newborn Has Bumps All Over Their Face: Should I Be Concerned?
Bumps or rashes on your newborn’s skin can definitely be alarming, but fortunately, they’re usually nothing to worry about. Here’s what’s usually to blame…
May 2, 2026
behavioral health
Why Is Medication Management So Important?
Managing your child’s medication isn’t just about making sure they take it — it’s about making sure their dose and routine stay tailored to their evolving…
April 6, 2026
seasonal health
Springtime Safety: 3 Tips to Keep Your Child Safe and Healthy
Spring brings sunshine and outdoor fun — and increased health risks for kids. Fortunately, with a little awareness and preparation, you can keep your child…
March 11, 2026
parenting
A Parent's Guide to Navigating Common Childhood Stomach Ailments
If your child has frequent bellyaches, it’s normal to be concerned. While your child’s symptoms might be nothing to worry about, they could be a sign of a…
February 24, 2026
parenting
5 Healthy Habits to Start With Your Child in the New Year
Start the year with simple, healthy habits that support your child’s growth and wellbeing. These simple steps help build consistency, confidence, and…
January 6, 2026
behavioral health
Is It More Than Just the Winter Blues? Recognizing Seasonal Depression in Your Child
Even in the Sunshine State, shorter days and routine changes can trigger seasonal depression in kids. Here’s how to spot the telltale signs of seasonal…
December 9, 2025
newborn care
When to Worry About Persistent Diaper Rash
Most babies have diaper rash at some point during their diaper-wearing years, and usually, it clears up with a little extra care at home. But a persistent…
November 10, 2025
newborn care
What is the Colic "Rule of 3s?"
Colic is a common cause of crying for many babies, but differentiating between colic and a more serious problem isn’t always easy. The “rule of 3s” helps us…
October 17, 2025
parenting
Why Your Child Gets Strep Throat Every Few Months
Strep throat isn’t just painful; it can lead to serious health problems, too. Fortunately, strep throat usually clears up with a course of antibiotics, but…
September 24, 2025
parenting
Immunotherapy for Allergies: Training Your Kid's Immune System
Millions of kids suffer from allergies, and while allergy medicines may help relieve symptoms, they don’t treat the root cause: an abnormal immune response…
August 11, 2025
seasonal health
Now's the Time to Schedule Your Child's School Sports Physical for the Upcoming Fall Season
There’s no denying that sports physicals are important for helping your child avoid injuries and helping them get the most from their sport. Here’s why…
July 7, 2025
behavioral health
7 Signs You Should Consider an ADHD Evaluation for Your Child
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions of kids, affecting their ability to feel confident, happy, and successful. Treatment can…
June 4, 2025
behavioral health
Recognizing the Signs of Adolescent Anxiety
Anxiety doesn’t just affect adults — it takes a toll on millions of adolescents, too. Fortunately, medical treatment can help, and that begins by recognizing…
May 1, 2025
vaccines
5 Common Myths About Childhood Immunizations, Debunked
Despite their many proven benefits, vaccines are surrounded by harmful myths that could prevent kids from getting protection from serious diseases. Here, we…
April 7, 2025
nutrition
What Foods Do I Really Need to Avoid During Pregnancy?
Good nutrition is especially important during pregnancy when the foods you eat need to nourish and support you and your growing baby. Here, learn which foods…
March 7, 2025
parenting
5 Skin Care Tips for Your Teen's Acne
Acne is so common during the teen years, it’s tempting to think of it simply as a rite of passage and not as a skin condition. Practicing good skin care is…
February 7, 2025
newborn care
When Can I Take My Premature Baby Out?
Babies born prematurely have special needs and special health concerns. knowing when it’s OK to take them out into the world is an important step of keeping…
January 21, 2025
newborn care
Why Won't My Newborn Latch?
Breastfeeding provides your child with important nutrition that supports optimal growth and development — but the nursing process isn’t always easy. Here…
December 11, 2024
parenting
Should I Schedule a Sick Visit Even If My Child Doesn't Have a Fever?
Fever is one reason to bring your child in for a sick visit, but there are other reasons, too. Here’s when to schedule a sick visit even if your child isn’t…
November 6, 2024
vaccines
Why You Want to Get Your Child's Flu Shot Early
Flu shots play an important role in helping your child stay healthy and avoid serious health complications. If you’re wondering when is the best time to…
October 1, 2024
newborn care
Newborn Care: What Every New and Expecting Mother Should Know
Being a parent is an odd mixture of excitement and nervousness, particularly if parenthood is an entirely new experience. These simple tips can help you feel…
September 20, 2024
seasonal health
Back to School Tips for Kids With Asthma and Allergies
The new school year can bring anxiety, especially for children with asthma and allergies. However, with some simple steps, you can help keep their symptoms…
August 21, 2024