Having a specific learning disability in learning to read is not because of low intelligence or being biliingual but does hurt school performance and consequently hurts the students’ self-esteem.

Fever itself is not a danger and is actually a benefit in fighting the infection. If the decision is made to treat the fever to make the child more comfortable, it is important to follow the direction for doses carefully. There is no evidence that using more than one fever reducer helps. Aspirin is never recommended for children. If your child looks and acts sick, seek medical help.

Attitude is a choice. Concentrate on overturning whining and complaining into something positive.

Attitude is a choice. Concentrate on overturning whining and complaining into something positive.

Sticking to family routines can help everyone cultivate a sense of peace amid the holiday rush. Make time for exercise, healthy meals, and plenty of sleep (including naps). Turning off devices or meditation can give the family time to slow down and simply “be”. Holiday hubbub can make children’s mood swing more intense with lack of sleep, lots of sugary snacks, intense media images of holiday parties and have-to-have gifts.

People have been studying for years about what is intelligence, what part of the brain is involved in “intelligence”, and how can we measure it? In general, intelligence is the ability to learn and to recall or remember what we have learned. In the 1960’s it was suggested that there were two “systems” of intelligence, fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence. Fluid intelligence involves the ability to understand, to reason and to solve problems. Crystallized intelligence involves recalling stored knowledge and past experiences

A recent article in the journal Pediatrics (Kim I, et al) reports that there has been an increase in calls to poison control centers for overdoses of benzonanate. Benzonanate (Tessalon) is not recommended for children under 10 years, is only sold by prescription, comes in small enticing gummy capsules and is used for coughs due to colds and flu. Benzonanate overdose symptoms can occur in children within 15-20 minutes and in children younger than 2 years 1-2 capsules can be an overdose.

Clean air is important for healthy children. In this “Keeping Kids Healthy” article, Dr. Sally Robinson explains that children are at risk because their lungs are still growing, are very active, and breathe in a great deal of air. Several studies show that children who grew up in more polluted areas have an increased risk of having reduced lung growth.

For the “wordbox” to learn and to do its job it needs lots of practice. It starts with a parent reading aloud to an infant to toddlers having parents help them read. In this Keeping Kids Healthy, Dr. Sally Robinson explains how the brain works to help us understand and produce spoken language.

In Keeping Kids Healthy, Dr. Sally Robinson writes about a recent review by Dr. Peter Rowe, MD in healthychildren.org, an interesting discussion about the long-haul COVID-19 in children and teens. Dr. Robinson mentions the most common symptoms of long-haul COVID conditions and reminds us that COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect your family.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are more likely to be in a fatal crash. HealthyChildren.org has some suggestions to help parents teach their teenagers to drive. After receiving their license, they are still in the process of learning. There should be clear guidelines or rules of the road and appropriate penalties for not following these rules.

The holidays are filled with festivals of light, sparkling ornaments, candles, music, holiday trees and plants, and many family traditions. When dealing with children in the holiday chaos, it is important to think about safety. The Academy of Pediatrics offers tips to make the holidays safe for the whole family. [Click Heading For Full Story]

Having imaginary friendships does not mean that a child is lonely or doesn’t have “real” friends. Imaginary friends are normal and beneficial. In this Keeping Kids Healthy, Dr. Sally Robinson shares the signs to look out for. Young children have rich imaginary lives and they can be very generous in sharing. [Click Heading For Full Story]

Using masks is about safety first. Concerns have been raised that masks will delay speech and language development. In this Keeping Kids Healthy, Dr. Sally Robinson shares information and tips for better communication with children during this time of mask-wearing. [Click Heading For Full Story]

There have been dramatic changes in the routine of our lives, family interactions, and the constant presence of electronic devices in all our lives. Some of these changes are very, very good, and some are very, very worrisome. It is very easy for kids to access material that is not intended for them. It is very important that we are aware of what children are doing online. In this Keeping Kids Healthy, Dr. Robinson lists advice for parents and the dangers of the internet. [Click Heading For Full Story]

Lullabies are used to soothe babies to sleep. We have inherited them, and we pass them along. Although lullabies sound soothing and reassuring, their lyrics are often dark and far from comforting. Recent research has shown that lullabies sung live can have beneficial effects on premature infants' physiological function and development. Lullabies are associated with encouraging the rapid development of the neurological system. [Click Heading For Full Story]

Healthy New Year resolutions in 2021 for children—resolutions should be achievable and age-appropriate. In this Keeping Kids Healthy, Dr. Sally Robinson shares a great list of resolutions by age. Everyone wants a better year, and by working together, we can make it happen! #2021

When songwriters, Joe Goodwin, Larry Shay, and Mark Fisher, wrote the above lyrics, they doubt they had studied the works of Charles Darwin and Paul Ekman on human expressions. However, they did express a universal human truth about smiling. It is the most positive reinforcement. Helping a child grow up with a smile, laughter, and satisfaction is a big part of development. Read full article.