While there’s no set age to begin talking with your child about sex and reproductive health, establishing a foundation early in life is a good idea. Start by teaching kids to use correct anatomical names for their genitals when they are toddlers. Also, teach them who should and shouldn’t be able to see certain parts […]
Tips & Advice
Do young athletes need sports or energy drinks?
Sports and energy drinks fueled with caffeine are commonly consumed by kids and teens. While sports drinks, which contain carbohydrates and electrolytes (potassium and sodium), were invented to keep athletes hydrated and enhance their performance, research shows they are unnecessary for kids engaged in routine or play-based physical activity. “Most experts agree that the length […]
Social media’s impact on body image
The effects of social media on body image and disordered eating among adolescents are becoming clear, so it’s important for parents to be aware and take steps to blunt the negative influences. That’s the message from Dr. Crystal Cole of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Akron Children’s. New studies are showing a pronounced relationship […]
The ups and downs of teen emotions and how to help
It’s not easy for adults to manage their emotions, so imagine how difficult it is for kids. In the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Akron Children’s, Dr. Crystal Cole not only tends to physical health needs of her patients. At times, she helps them understand their feelings. Her patients are at an emotionally vulnerable age. […]
How to avoid feeling shame when others judge your parenting decisions
In baby’s first year of life, parents make thousands of decisions. Should I breastfeed in public? Which stroller is best for my child? Where should I deliver my baby? Which pediatrician is best? Should we sleep train our baby? The list goes on and on. Many of these decisions are based on instinct, while others […]
Sexting and sextortion: What parents need to know
Is your teen sexting? It’s a question many parents don’t want to think about their children doing, but it’s important to consider because it’s more common than you might think. Sexting, or sex texting, is on the rise, especially as more and more kids get smartphones. According to Common Sense Media, about 88 percent of […]
