by Tripp Underwood on December 1, 2011
By Lois Lee, MD, MPH, an emergency medicine physician at Children’s Hospital Boston.
Now that the turkey and pumpkin pie are long gone, children have turned their holiday attention to what they think matters most—toys. But as you glance over those ever- growing wish lists, how can you be sure which toys are safest for your family? Fortunately for the safety conscious gift-giver in all of us, the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG) recently released Trouble in Toyland, their annual report on toy safety. This is the non-profit consumer organization’s 26th report, which for years has provided safety guidelines for consumers, as well as highlight toys currently on store shelves that could be potentially dangerous. It’s a great guide for parents, but by no means a rulebook; when shopping for your family, keep in mind that a little common sense goes a long way. Full story »
by Kristin Cantu on December 22, 2009
The holidays are supposed to be a time full of joy. Unfortunately, they can also bring with them stress, sadness and unrealistic expectations. Kids are affected by this just as much as adults. We talked to Children’s psychiatrist Stuart Goldman, MD, about how to help your kids cope with the holiday blues and make this a memorable holiday for the whole family.
The holidays can be especially tough for children who have lost a family member. What are your suggestions for helping a child cope with the loss of a loved one during these times?
The holidays bring back memories of things missed and that might have been. Parents need to give children permission to be sad and reminisce over the loss of a loved one. It’s okay to look through photo albums and have a remembrance at church or over dinner. It’s important for kids to remember the past and not have it shut off. Tell children that it’s okay to miss that loved one, but that you can still have a good holiday. Have them write a letter to Grandma who’s in heaven and start a new holiday tradition that will help make this year’s celebrations memorable. Full story »
by Claire McCarthy on December 17, 2009
Dr. Claire McCarthy is a primary care physician and the Medical Communications Editor at Boston Children’s Hospital. Along with her blogs here on Thriving, you can find her at the Huffington Post and Boston.com. Follow her on Twitter @drClaire.
It’s nearly school vacation time—and you’re probably making plans (or will, once your shopping is finished) for things that will keep the kids busy during their time off. Museums, concerts, playdates—whatever fills the days in a useful, educational way. Because you can’t leave the days blank, right?
Actually, you can. And sometimes leaving them blank is exactly what children (and families) need. Full story »
by Childrens Hospital Boston staff on December 16, 2009
by Jenny Kinne MS, RD, LDN, CLC, clinical nutrition specialist in Gastroenterology/Nutrition.
It’s beginning to look and feel a lot like the holiday season! With celebrations of all sorts just around the corner many people find themselves asking, how do you balance healthful eating with all the tempting treats and fun foods? Here are some tips to keep up healthful habits but also enjoy your holiday favorites. Full story »
Now that the turkey and pumpkin pie are long gone, children have turned their holiday attention to what they think matters most—toys. But as you glance over those ever- growing wish lists, how can you be sure which toys are safest for your family? Fortunately for the safety conscious gift-giver in all of us, the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG) recently released Trouble in Toyland, their annual report on toy safety. This is the non-profit consumer organization’s 26th report, which for years has provided safety guidelines for consumers, as well as highlight toys currently on store shelves that could be potentially dangerous. It’s a great guide for parents, but by no means a rulebook; when shopping for your family, keep in mind that a little common sense goes a long way. Full story »
