Here is what to do if your child tests positive for Covid. An article with clear tips for parents and a free download.

I grew up in Malawi, and my father treated people who had vaccine-preventable illnesses, such as Polio. I feel so lucky that I can raise my children in an era with vaccines. Yes, vaccine reactions are a nuisance, but they are often mild and self-limited. Hopefully these tips help you and your child get through them with ease!

Part of the fear of treatment stems from the fact that people think that medications are the only effective treatment for ADHD. This is not true! Although many of the medications can be tremendously effective, there are many evidence-based behavioral modifications and interventions that can be impactful as well, especially for younger children.

ADHD affects almost 10% of U.S. children under age 17. ADHD is a condition that interferes with your child’s ability to focus and learn, eventually potentially affecting school success and self-esteem.

Parents often think about strep when their child complains of a sore throat, but most of the time, the cause is something else. Viruses, allergies, reflux and even mouth breathing or dryness can also cause a sore throat.

Oral rehydration can be a good approach for mild symptoms but it is important to discuss with your pediatrician to determine at what point you need to step up the level of care.

Talk through what might happen during a fire with your children as matter-of-factly as possible. They may be woken up by the alarm, and they should not panic. Tell them that they should stay low to the ground, and check the door to see if it is hot. They should pick the safest, smoke-free route out. If the door is hot, KEEP IT CLOSED, place a wet towel under the door and choose the alternate route for escape. 

In most cases, you will also get to meet the anesthesiologist before your child’s procedure (sometimes for a pre-op visit a few days before, and always in the pre-operative area). This is a good opportunity to discuss risks and what you can do to keep your child comfortable before, during and after the procedure.

Pick out a dedicated space for home school and organize it so your child has easy access to all the tools they need, along with reliable internet access and a clock. Ambiance and consistency are key. Let your child personalize it so they enjoy the space. Remove distractions. Plan a consistent routine for before and during the school day which allows for breaks and snacks.

The correct way to wear a mask is to cover your nose and mouth fully. It is not safe for children under 2 to wear a mask.

School decisions need to be made taking into account the local infection rates, adherence to public health guidelines such as masking and social distancing, and individual/family risk factors.

Surgical masks or cloth masks with at least 3 layers are recommended by the World Health Organization.

COVID-19 is transmitted primarily by aerosols, or small droplets, that are ejected when speaking, singing, coughing and sneezing. People with COVID-19 can be asymptomatic and unaware that they are contagious. Wearing a mask protects those around you because it prevents those aerosols from being distributed in the air.

Learning to ride a bike is an important milestone and staying active is obviously something pediatricians encourage. But a recent study from the University of Michigan found that nearly 1 in 5 parents admit to not enforcing helmet-wearing when their children are on their bikes.