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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8 traditions to make the first day of school one to remember
The first day of a new school year can come with a range of emotions – sadness to see the summer end, anxiety around change and excitement for new beginnings. Though however you’re feeling about the new school year, you can always find a way to celebrate. We asked our community to share some of their favorite back to school family traditions, so you can make your kiddo’s first day one to remember!
Sleepwalking – answers to your frequently asked questions
As a parent, it can be scary to wake in the morning and find your child is not where you laid them down the night before. While it can be jarring to find your child was sleepwalking through the night, this is a benign condition, and there is usually no underlying cause. But parents still want answers – what are the causes, when should I be concerned and how do I keep my child safe? We cover all your FAQs in our recent blog.
Back-to-school checklist: Essential steps for a successful start
School is right around the corner and so is the task of making sure your kids are prepared. On top of regular supply list, we’ve created a list of commonly overlooked tasks to help ensure your kids are ready.
How to talk with kids about foster care
Kids often come to parents with questions we aren’t prepared to answer. We may panic and shut down the conversation, put them to sleep with a wordy monologue, or tell them to ask another parent. But those aren’t our only options for talking about complicated topics like foster care. We’ve gathered a few tips based on our experience to help you and your child have a productive conversation you can feel good about.
4 ways to keep your Independence Day sparkling and safe!
Sparklers and fireworks are Independence Day pastimes. Unfortunately for some, this holiday can also include an emergency room visit due to a firework injury. By following a few tips below, you can make sure your holiday is one to remember – for all the right reasons!
Newborn basics
Newborns, unfortunately, do not come with instruction manuals. However, we can offer a few tips to help you keep your baby safe and healthy. Based on clinical experience and research, we’re sharing our best advice about eating, sleeping and more.
Summer fun around Kansas City!
It’s sweet summertime, and we want you to make the absolute most of it! We’ve curated the perfect summer to-do list that will get you out of the house and bring you great summer memories.
Are you a new parent feeling sad, tired or anxious? Here is a guide to help.
While many moms and other birthing people experience the “baby blues” in the first 2 weeks after having a baby (worry, sadness and tiredness), these symptoms usually resolve on their own. However, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) can be more serious
Growing your child’s emotional piggy bank
All humans have an emotional piggy bank, and throughout the day all your interactions result in a deposit or a withdrawal. All these little things add up, and if you’ve had more withdrawals than deposits, you may feel like you don’t have much left to give. As parents, you can make sure your children have plenty of deposits, so they can better deal with the withdrawals that come their way.
Ways to handle homesickness
Staying the night at an aunt’s house or an overnight sleepaway camp is often the first chance a child experiences a go of independence. Even the most confident of kids may experience homesickness and there are ways parents can help.
Be safe during any summer plan!
It’s finally sweet, sweet summertime! You’ve likely spent the cold, dreary months looking forward to this time of year – vacations, pool days, campouts under the stars and much more. Don’t let injuries or unsafe settings put a damper on your summer fun. However your family plans to make the most of this season, we have tips to keep you all safe – so the fun can keep going all summer long!
Tips for new moms – from those who have been there
Becoming a mom for the first time is exciting…and sometimes, a little terrifying. You’re overwhelmed with love for your new bundle of joy, with the stress of taking on this new role, with questions that sometimes don’t have answers and the list goes on. It truly takes a village to raise a child, so we’ve tapped into our village of Children’s Mercy moms to share their advice, hacks and support for new moms.
A thank you to nurses
Nurses do more than care for their patients medically. They are the hands the patients hold during times of uncertainty. They are the source of comfort and expertise families travel miles for. Their unwavering strength, commitment to their patients and inspiring work is why Children’s Mercy is Built for Kids
How transplant changed my life
On the outside, you may look at me and see a typical soon-to-be college graduate. I’m preparing for finals, making memories in my favorite activities and looking forward to starting my career as a music teacher this fall. But none of these things would have been possible without my life-saving liver transplant when I was 10 years old.
Anxiety and depression: what parents and caregivers should know
Mental health is becoming more commonly talked about and less stigmatized, which is a step in the right direction. Still, many adults are unsure of how to support children’s mental wellbeing. Sadness and nervousness are normal human emotions, so how do you know what type of support to give your child? We’re sharing guidance from our clinical expertise to help you answer that question.