Instilling Self-Confidence in Kids

“Here honey, let mommy do that,” said the mother as she reached for her daughter’s shoes to help put them on. The two year old looked squarely at her mother, yanked away the shoes and said, “I do it.” The little girl in this case was firmly expressing her self-confidence that she could put on…

Time for Back to School Check-Ups

As the start of the school year comes, it is time for children and adolescents to get their annual check-ups. Most families make the trip to their pediatrician prior to school to get sports physicals or various vaccinations that schools require. The benefits of annual well-child check-ups go beyond meeting school’s requirements. The check-up is…

Who’s the Boss in the Battle Over Juice?

The mother leaned over her little boy’s crib and asked, “Do you want your juice now? Do you?” The infant smiled and grabbed eagerly at the bottle the mother had offered. He greedily began to drink the juice. His mother smiled but was a bit concerned that her son’s appetite had decreased recently. It seemed…

Being There When Teens Need Help

The father could see there was something on his son’s mind. The boy had has forehead furrowed and he was looking slightly agitated. “Is there something on your mind son?” the father asked. That simple question seemed to break the ice as a look of relief passed over his son’s face. “Actually Dad, there has…