Parenting Advice From Your Physicians at Kaiser Permanente

Childhood Habits and Tics – What’s a Parent to Do?

When one of my sons is focusing hard he chews on something – often his T-shirt collar or his earbuds. Another cracks his knuckles. These habits drive me nuts! READ MORE

Flu Vaccine and COVID-19 Vaccine? Yes and Yes!

It's the time of year again when your doctor recommends your family get the flu vaccine. If you went to the pediatrician recently, they likely asked you to protect your child with a flu vaccine. And I bet they doubled down and asked you to get the COVID-19 vaccine. I agree with this recommendation - any child six months or older should have both vaccines! READ MORE

Tips for New Parents From Pediatricians

I recently asked a group of pediatricians what 3 pieces of advice they wish all new parents knew. Life with a newborn can be surprisingly hard – what might make things easier? And how can new parents help keep their babies safer? The answers were remarkably consistent. We, pediatricians, seem to think alike! READ MORE

Emptying the Nest

This time of year, many parents have kids beginning their senior year of high school. Others are sending their newly graduated kids off to the next phase of their life, to college or elsewhere. During this time, it is absolutely normal for parents to be feeling a rollercoaster of emotions. Excitement? Pride? Worry? Sadness? Yup - I have felt all these feels each time one of mine has prepared to fly out of our home. READ MORE

Adventures in Pumping

While providing breast milk for your baby is natural and the healthiest choice for your baby, it’s often not easy on you, especially if you return to work. READ MORE

How to Discuss Violent Events and Disasters with Your Children

Even young children will hear about major news events – often from other children. It’s best if they get this information from you. READ MORE

Why Your Child Needs Vision Screening

To understand more about protecting kids' vision, I reached out to Dr. Daniel Greninger, a pediatric ophthalmologist. He explained that many parents wonder about their kids’ vision, especially when they are so young and might not even know their vision could be better and not blurry! READ MORE

Your 5-Year-Old Child

Five-year-old children are becoming very independent and this can be quite the challenge for their parents! One way that you may see this increasing independence is through their use of selective hearing. READ MORE