Pinworms
What are pinworms? Pinworms are small, white, threadlike worms that infect up to 50 percent of children. If your child’s infected, he’ll probably scratch and complain of itching around the anus, especially at night. You may be able to see the worms, w…
Learn MoreEarwax Problems
Can earwax interfere with my child’s hearing? Only if there’s a heavy buildup of it. Earwax serves to protect the ear canal and the paper-thin eardrum from dirt and germs, but if it accumulates it can cause temporary hearing loss. The tip-offs include…
Learn MoreRaising an Emotionally Intelligent Child, Ages 6-12
What is emotional intelligence? Your emotional IQ is your ability to handle your own feelings and be aware and respectful of those of other people. If your child has a high emotional IQ, he’ll be better able to cope with his feelings, calm himself dow…
Learn MoreBedtime Struggles
Why is it important to get my child to bed early? Kids need a lot of sleep to function at their best. Toddlers and preschoolers may need 11 and a half to 13 and a half hours of sleep every day, and at this age, a later bedtime doesn’t usually mean a l…
Learn MoreDyslexia, Ages 3 to 6
What is dyslexia? Although the term has fallen out of favor among some child psychologists, dyslexia is popularly used to mean a disability in processing language. There are three types: visual (trouble recognizing printed letters or words); auditory …
Learn MoreFlu and Kids
What is the flu? The flu (influenza) is an all-too-familiar illness for most parents, especially during flu season (November to April). This highly contagious respiratory tract infection can send a child to bed for three to five days with a high fever…
Learn MoreDyslexia, Ages 6 to 12
What is dyslexia? Although the term has fallen out of favor among child psychologists and other experts, dyslexia is popularly used to mean a disability in processing language. There are three types: visual (trouble recognizing printed letters or word…
Learn MoreFifth Disease
What is fifth disease? It’s one of five common contagious childhood ailments that cause fever and a rash. After doctors figured out what to call measles, rubella, roseola, and scarlet fever, they apparently ran out of catchy names and called the fifth…
Learn MoreCroup: Symptoms and Treatment
What is croup? Croup is a common childhood infection marked by labored breathing and hoarse coughing. It’s most likely to show up in toddlers, but it can occur at any age. Croup usually begins as a respiratory infection, and a child may have a runny n…
Learn MoreChildren’s Medicine Safety
Anyone can make mistakes taking medication, but kids are especially vulnerable. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, half of all kids don’t take their medicines properly. Of course, no one should expect a 6-year-old to read and follow the …
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