Sleep is important for children (or, for that matter, for everyone). Poor sleep in infants and young children can be a source of significant family discord. Your child loves to spend time with you, but a routine is essential. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests building a regular bedtime routine that can ease conflict. Here are some tips for all ages.

One of the huge challenges of parenthood is trying to keep your child safe. Children under the age of 6 years are at the highest risk because they do not understand the consequences of touching something hot such as a heated stove-top or steaming hot water from a faucet. Even the most vigilant parent can be briefly distracted. In a brief moment, a toddler can be accidentally injured. Read the full article by Drs. Beach and O'Donohoe.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention release parent-friendly versions of the 2020 Recommended Vaccinations for birth to 18 years of age in English and Spanish. Download, share and learn about vaccine-preventable diseases and the vaccines that prevent them. Click the heading above to view immunization schedules in English and Spanish.

The Galveston County Daily News, January 15, 2020 In this installment of their popular column, UTMB’s Megan Berman and Richard Rupp help readers understand why it is important that adolescents receive the human papillomavirus vaccine.

The holidays are usually a happy and joyful time, but it can also be very stressful. Children stuck at home, along with an array of holiday tasks, can lead to stressful situations and spanking. Please don’t Spank Your Child for the Holidays! Several studies have shown that corporal punishment is ineffective in correcting behaviors in the long-term. Spanking has been shown to cause adverse outcomes in children during childhood and later in life.

Using e-cigarettes is sometimes called “vaping”. Some teenagers may talk about “Juuling”, which refers to the name of a company that produces electronic cigarettes. Parents may find it difficult to discuss vaping and other risky activities with their children. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers tips for parents on how to communicate with children and adolescents.

Help promote safe internet use among Adolescents. In the era of social media over-sharing, educate your kids on the value of privacy. While online friendships can be a healthy part of adolescent development, keep an eye on what digital platforms your child is visiting and who your child is talking to. (click on title to read the full article)

Traveling Abroad? Have you made travel plans yet? Taking care of your health is an important part of your travel plans. UTMB Pediatrics has an Adult and Child Travel Clinic that provides travel medicine consultations and vaccinations for travel to high risk areas.