Parenting Advice From Your Physicians at Kaiser Permanente

Hiking with Kids

With warmer weather, it’s a wonderful time to be with your family in the great outdoors. Hiking is a great family activity, but it’s important to plan ahead to ensure you all stay safe. Here’s how:  READ MORE

What Are These White Patches on My Child’s Face?

During and after the summer season, we get lots of questions from parents about white patches appearing on their kids’ cheeks. Of course, without seeing your child’s skin, I can’t tell you for sure what they are – you’ll need to reach out to your pediatrician for that. But in most cases, they’re what’s called pityriasis alba. Pityriasis alba is a common, benign (non-harmful) skin... READ MORE

There’s a Fourth Trimester of Pregnancy?

Yes! The “fourth trimester” is another way to describe the postpartum period - the first three months after your baby is born. It’s a time of major adjustment for you, your baby, and for everyone else you live with. It can be rough - I wasn’t prepared for it, even though I’m an obstetrician! READ MORE

It Really Does “Take a Village to Raise a Child”

Breastfeeding isn't just between a mom and a baby, but in truth it “takes a village” to support any baby, especially when breastfeeding. If you’re part of a baby’s village, here are ways you can help the baby get breast milk and thrive. READ MORE

Reading From The Start

We know the more books a parent reads to them, the more words a young child learns. Studies show that kids who get lots of books, songs, and conversations from parents each day have a much more extensive vocabulary than those who don't. READ MORE

Why Playing with Your Kids Is Important

One evening during a family vacation while I was cooking dinner, my kids were out playing on the beach. One of them yelled up at me – “Come play, Mom!”    My first instinct was to say I was too busy. But something held me back, some sense of time passing too quickly made me pause and say:   “Play what?” READ MORE

How Emotion Coaching Can Transform Your Parenting

Emotion coaching is a parenting approach meant to help children understand and manage their emotions. Instead of dismissing, ignoring, or punishing their feelings, you help them constructively express their emotions. READ MORE

Advice to New Parents – From a Pediatrician

Congratulations! Welcome to the world of parenthood, where much is to be discovered—both about yourself and your new little one. While I can't promise smooth sailing, I can say that it will be the most unforgettable ride you'll ever take. Here are my top 10 tips to survive the first year of parenthood. READ MORE