Hello! Hard to believe another school year is coming to an end. This can be a bitter sweet time for everyone so the emotions may be running high in your home - I know they are in mine!
As the year ends, focus on the amazing firsts your kids have done and help them look at the next step as an continuation of the journey they have already begun. Many kids may be going on to new schools and may have some very mixed feelings about leaving familiar friends, teachers and walls behind. Your anxiety over those transitions will be sensed by them so do what you can to mask it. All change is an opportunity for growth in during tough economic times when schools have to make difficult choices. We're facing this in our town now and it hasn't been easy. But, at the end of each school year, that isn't what matters. What matters is the refrigerator filled with amazing creations from our kids. What matters is the new friendships made. What matters is realizing that next year, we'll have a new set of papers to put on our frig and a new set of friends to help arrange friendships with.
One of the best things about summer camp and summer vacations it it softens any angst our kids have for ending one year and starting the next. So, as this school year ends, get your kids busy with old fashioned summer outdoor fun.
In the meantime, if you find a few minutes for yourself, check out what's new this month on Pediatrics Now:
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Editor's Corner: Opening Day!  My family LOVES the Boston Red Sox. We follow the scores and flip on games constantly. And, create a great many family days all with a Sox theme. We've had Sox nights with Fenway Franks at home and created incredible barbeque meals knowing the Sox will soon be one.
Read more.... |
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Dr. Gwenn Is In: Childhood Obesity - Talk To Your Child! Childhood obesity is a challenging problem. As difficult as it is for a parent to acknowledge that their child is overweight, it is even more daunting for that parent to figure out how to even being to talk to the child about loosing weight. Many parents wonder if they should have the discussion at all.
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Ask Dr. Gwenn: Should I worry about autism if my infant has a big head? Dear Dr. Gwenn,
My grandson recently had his 9 months check up. At birth and 3rd month check up his head size was in the 55% range. His weight and height wereclose to the 90%.At the latest 9 months checkup, his head size was in the 90th% and his weight and height were lower than the earlier months...His developmental milestones have been very normal or above. He's smiley, happy, eye contact, verbal--lots of sounds including mama and dadada---. He crawls everywhere and up on everything.
Could his large head indicate autism? We've read something about that online.
Click here to read Dr. Gwenn's answer. |
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Small Changes, Big Results: Let's Get Un-Serious! This month Tony writes a great piece about what kids really need out of a work out. Here's a snip it:
"I don’t want the kids to dread coming to the gym, which is what I think happens when trainers and parents start taking it too seriously. There’s going to come a time when things will get more specialized. I just think it’s absurd when it starts at the age of ten."
click here to read more "let's get un-serious" |
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Bug Of The Week: MRSA, Lyme Disease and Fifth Disease  With summer just about here, a number of illness and concerns are lingering in our communities. The three I've been seeing a great deal of lately are MRSA, Fifth Disease and Lyme Disease from concern over tick bites. The Bug of The Week Bug Roll has the links to all of these common bugs, and many more that may be out and about by the time you read this!
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Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there, and congratulations to all for ending another fantastic school year. Parents and kids all deserve a big pat on the back - and a long summer vacation to enjoy some R&R.
Cheers!
Dr. Gwenn |
