It's not perfect. It's parenting.
Sometimes you need answers to the little everyday things that parents encounter. And sometimes, you just need someone to encourage you through all of the craziness and challenges of parenthood. Welcome to Parent-ish, a blog from the experts at Children's Mercy.
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Saying goodbye to the pacifier: A gentle guide for parents
Let’s be real — pacifiers can be a lifesaver, especially in those early days. They help babies calm down, feel safe and sometimes stop a meltdown before it starts. But as your child grows, you might wonder when it’s time to let go of the pacifier. And how do you do it without a lot of tears? Here’s a simple guide to help you through it.
Kid safety 101 for grandparents
Grandparents, you’re a vital part of your grandkids’ lives — and an essential source of mental health respite for parents, too. The Children’s Mercy 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment found there are 7,811 households with grandparents raising grandchildren in the Kansas City area alone! Whether you're watching your grandkids on a regular basis or having them stay for a visit, we have some essential tips to help keep your little loved ones safe.
Why free play is so important for your child
Kids love to play — and that’s a good thing! Play isn’t just fun, it helps children grow strong, think better and feel happier. One of the best kinds of play is called free play. It’s simple, fun and super important for your child’s health and development.
Helping your child balance extracurricular activities
Kids today are busier than ever. Sports, music, clubs and more — there are so many great things to try. But how do you know when it’s too much? Keep reading to learn what to look for and how to have the conversation with your child.
“I don’t want to go to school:” What it really means – and how to help
As the new school year quickly approaches, many families are prepping for new routines —packing lunches, managing homework and adjusting to earlier bedtimes. But for some children, the return to school brings more than just the usual jitters. It can trigger a deeper struggle: school avoidance.
Tantrums 101
Tantrums. If you're a parent, you've likely encountered them—maybe in the cereal aisle, during bedtime or right before school. While they can be frustrating and exhausting, tantrums are a normal part of childhood development. The good news? With the right tools and understanding, you can navigate them with more confidence and calm.
How to transition infants from milk to solid foods
Every new phase of a baby’s life comes with a real mix of emotions. It’s exciting! It’s stressful! It’s joyful! It’s messy! The weaning stage is all of that and more. Before you feel too overwhelmed, take it from us: there’s no such thing as perfect weaning and every kid is one of a kind. But, we're here for tips on how to tackle starting solid foods so baby can be happy, fed and safe.
What to do when your child gets an animal bite
Children are naturally curious, and sometimes that leads to unexpected encounters with animals—whether it’s a playful pet or a wild creature. While most bites are minor, some can lead to serious infections or require special medical attention. Here's what parents need to know about keeping their children safe and ensuring proper treatment for an animal bite.
Crafts for the uncrafty
Children are likely to spend more time on screens during the summer months. One way to get their minds working is…crafts! Stimulating activities like crafts can calm the mind, encourage creativity and advance fine motor skills in children.
Outbreaks don’t come with a manual – but this can help
Let’s be real: parenting during an outbreak like the flu or measles is like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle—on a tightrope—over a pit of Legos. It’s a lot. And while we can’t make the germs go away (if only!), we can help you feel a little more prepared, a little more grounded and a lot more supported.
Pediatric emergency visits: what parents need to know
Summertime is in full swing! It’s time to be active outdoors and take advantage of longer days with swimming, outdoor dining, bicycling and more. This also means it’s time to use extra care in preventing injuries that could lead to an emergency department visit. If an emergency visit cannot be avoided, consider taking your child to a pediatric emergency department. We have all the information below on why pediatric-specific emergency departments are a great fit for kids.
Adulting 101: Helping your teen build a resume and land their first job
Watching your child take their first steps into the working world is both exciting and a little nerve wracking. Whether they’re looking for a summer job or starting to explore long-term career interests, your support can make a big difference. We’ve outlined 7 ways you can help them navigate job applications and build a strong resume.
Brain full? How parents are lightening the mental load
Parenting is a full-time job — and then some. Beyond the visible tasks like school drop-offs and bedtime stories lies the often invisible “mental load”: the constant planning, remembering and organizing that keeps a household running. For many families, this load can fall on one partner more than the other, leading to stress and burnout. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Essential summer safety tips for your family
Summer is here, bringing with it pool days, barbeques and family vacations. To ensure you have a fun and safe summer, we've outlined some essential tips to keep your family protected while enjoying the summer sun.
Addressing body image concerns in teen boys
While stereotypes may say differently, body image issues are not exclusive to girls; they are increasingly prevalent among teen boys as well, often leading to significant mental and physical health challenges. As parents, understanding these issues and knowing how to support your son or other teen boys in your life is crucial. Keep reading for insight into common signs of body image issues, the role of social media and ways to help foster a healthy body image.