Shyness, Ages 3 to 6
As your child moves into the preschool and kindergarten years, behavior that seemed understandable and even expected of a toddler — clinging to your leg when a stranger approaches, weeping during goodbyes, refusing to join in group activities — may …
Learn MoreMongolian Spots
Mongolian spots — more properly called slate grey nevi — are very common birthmarks. They are flat and bluish-gray, almost bruise-like. You might be concerned if such a mark show up on your baby, but there’s often little reason to worry. Mongolian s…
Learn MoreStressed-Out Parents: How to Stay Sane
Parenthood is the hardest job you’ll ever have, and like any new job, it takes practice to get good at it. In the old days, we had our parents and aunts and uncles nearby to help us learn (and to help take care of the kids). Now we’re apt to live thou…
Learn MorePoisonproofing Your Home
If you have toddlers or small children, you may have already poison-proofed your house. If not, the sooner you get started, the better.Children between the ages of 1 and 6 years old are at the highest risk for poisoning because they are mobile, curiou…
Learn MoreFlying With a Toddler
We have great memories of our family trip to New Zealand, but the time when our one-and-a-half-year-old son started throwing a fit over Tahiti is not one of them. Flying with a toddler can be a trying experience, especially during a long trip. Even th…
Learn MoreOne in Four
Just by coincidence, I usually see my breast surgeon in October, National Breast Cancer Awareness month, but I saw her early this year because she’s on maternity leave again. After my visit, I ran into a friend. When I told her where I was, she sudden…
Learn MorePlayground Safety
Spend an hour at a playground, and there’s a good chance that you’ll see a child in tears. As long as kids climb, play tag, and reenact superhero battles, a few bruises and scrapes will be part of the scene. But not all mishaps on the swings, slides, …
Learn MoreGetting the Lead Out
A few decades ago, Americans just weren’t that worried about lead. They breathed fumes from leaded gasoline and painted their houses with lead-based paint. Some even drank water from lead pipes and ate food from lead containers. Thanks to massive publ…
Learn MoreDid I Create This?
By Carol Matzkin OrsbornIn the Jewish Scriptures, it is written that every 49th year there is to be a Jubilee Year. In the Jubilee Year, all debts are forgiven and everyone is given a fresh start. As I approached my 49th birthday, I knew that somethin…
Learn MoreSunburns (Children)
What’s the best way to treat a sunburn?For starters, make sure your child drinks plenty of water; he’s probably dehydrated from being out in the sun. To soothe the sunburned area, apply a cold washcloth or let your child soak in a cool bath. (Adding b…
Learn More