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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Category: Health and Wellness
Debunking common autism myths
Families navigating an autism diagnosis often encounter a flood of conflicting information, especially online and in the media. Misinformation and myths can make it harder to understand what autism really is and how best to support autistic children. We're sharing some of the most common myths addressed using current research and clinical insights, with the goal of helping parents feel more confident and informed.
How to choose a pediatrician for your child – tips from real parents
We asked some parents in our community to share tips on how they chose the pediatrician that was right for their family. If you need a pediatrician, consider these helpful tips.
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.
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.
Let them play: Why play is the secret ingredient to your child's wellbeing
As parents, we often prioritize our children’s health, education and safety—but what if one of the most powerful tools for their development is something as simple as play?
Summer break guide: Boosting your kids' and teen's mental health
Summer break is a time of excitement and relaxation for many kids and teens, but it can also bring unique challenges to their mental health. Without the structure and routine of school, young people may experience increased anxiety, loneliness and boredom. But as parents, there are things you can do to help support your child's mental health during the summer months. Keep reading for tips for your whole family to have a great summer!
Welcome to motherhood: Tips to adjust to life with a little one
Becoming a mom is a big change filled with joy, challenges and lots of special moments. In honor of Mother's Day, we asked moms to think back on their motherhood journeys and share some helpful tips on how to adjust to life with kids. Whether you're just starting out or looking for some new ideas, these tips can help you through the fun and chaos of being a parent.
Tips to become a health literacy hero
As parents, we all want the best for our children. Especially when it comes to their health. Medical information can sometimes feel like a secret language, and you may wish you had a superpower to decode it. Good news - you do! Health literacy tips and tools are at your fingertips.
Life after transplant
Organ transplant is dramatic, from the excitement of hearing about a potential match to the surgery itself. It’s a huge turning point in a patient’s life! But the most interesting part of a patient's journey happens once they recover, go home and get to start a new life with a new organ. Here’s what post-transplant life is like for a heart transplant patient.
Understanding Measles: What parents need to know
As a parent, the health and safety of your child is always a top priority. With recent measles cases confirmed in the Midwest, it's more important than ever to be informed about this highly contagious disease. This blog aims to provide you with essential information about measles, its symptoms, how it spread and the importance of vaccination, so your family can stay healthy.
Global flavors: A parent's guide to exploring cultural cuisines with kids
While it can be easy to lean on your tried and true, family-favorite recipes, introducing children to diverse cuisines is a wonderful way to expand their understanding of different cultures while also trying new foods. As parents, we have the unique opportunity to use food as a tool for education and connection. Here are some tips on how to make this journey enjoyable and nutritious for your family.
Spring forward into great sleep!
If there is one consistent thing most parents dread…it’s the clocks changing. While you might be looking forward to longer days and more sunshine, you’re probably also grappling with the challenges of adjusting your schedule to daylight savings time. Here are some practical tips to help your family smoothly transition into daylight savings time.