Feb 14, 2023

What should caregivers know about hand, foot and mouth disease?

Children in child care settings are bound to be exposed to a number of ordinary viruses, from common colds to stomach bugs, in their first few years of life. One of the most common childhood illnesses is hand, foot and mouth disease, a scary-sounding viral infection that can cause painful sores on a child’s hands, feet and mouth.

Feb 7, 2023

How to help your child break a bad habit

Bad habits in childhood are usually actions or behaviors repeated over and over, most often to help soothe a child when they feel anxious or uncomfortable. Most children aren’t aware they are doing the bad habit, and bad habits can be picked up at any time for a variety of reasons. The most common bad habits seen in children include nail biting, nose picking, hair twirling, thumb sucking, teeth grinding, lip biting or licking, or excessive screen time. More serious bad habits include lying, hitting, and biting

Jan 24, 2023

What should parents know about melatonin?

Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is a problem with which anywhere from 15 to 25 percent of children or teens struggle. Increased screen time and exposure to ‘blue light,’ along with busy school and sports schedules, can make getting appropriate rest a challenge. In their quest for easier bedtimes or more restful sleep, parents and caregivers sometimes look to melatonin, an over-the-counter dietary supplement, to help. In fact, usage of the supplement is at an all-time high, and Nielson estimates sales of melatonin nearly tripled from 2018 to 2022. Here is what parents should know before they consider giving it to children.