Welcome to the first edition of Growing Together with Pediatric Partners, our new bi-monthly newsletter!

Inside each edition you’ll find practice updates, practical parenting advice, a look at what’s going around town and tips for handling things at home — plus how to know when it’s best to bring your child in.

Congratulations to Dr. Mellick and Dr. Khaleghi!

We are thrilled to share that Dr. Jennifer Mellick has been awarded the Dennis M. Cooley Advocacy Award, a national honor recognizing pediatricians who make a meaningful impact on state and federal policy to improve children’s health.

For those who know Dr. Mellick, this recognition comes as no surprise. Her calm leadership, thoughtful advocacy, and unwavering commitment to kids and families shine far beyond the exam room.

We are also incredibly fortunate to have her as our Managing Partner. Dr. Mellick’s dedication to making Pediatric Partners a high‑quality, patient‑centered practice — and her commitment to supporting our staff — is the reason we’re able to do what we do every day. Her vision and steady guidance shape the culture we’re so proud of.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Mellick on this well‑deserved honor. We’re proud to have her leading our team and grateful for the work she does to make Kansas — and the country — a healthier place for children.

We are also so proud to celebrate Dr. Khaleghi for being honored with the Rising Star Award from the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics! 

This award recognizes early-career pediatricians who are making meaningful, lasting impacts on children’s health and physician well-being through their work in practice, community, and beyond—and Dr. Khaleghi is a perfect example of that mission in action.

Her dedication to supporting families in our community has been incredible. From launching breastfeeding support groups in partnership with Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County (ITSJC), to securing grants to sustain the program, to personally spreading the word in newborn nurseries, libraries, and online—her passion and commitment truly stand out.

We are proud to partner with ITSJC to offer free monthly lactation support groups, open to all breastfeeding families—not just our patients. You can learn more on our website's lactation (breastfeeding) page under Services on the menu.

Need parenting support?

Parenting a child with ADHD comes with unique challenges — but you don’t have to navigate it alone! 💛

Dr. Stuppy is thrilled to invite you to the Parenting Your ADHD Kid Summit, where 35+ top experts will share invaluable strategies to help you create a more peaceful, connected, and thriving home.

If you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start parenting with more confidence and ease, then you won’t want to miss the Parenting Your ADHD Kid Summit!Over 35 experts in ADHD, parenting, and child development for this complimentary summit on:

✔️ Build sensory-smart routines for your ADHD child

✔️ Make informed decisions about ADHD medication

✔️ Use diet and nutrition to support focus and behavior

✔️ Understand how ADHD shows up differently in girls

✔️ Discipline with connection—not yelling, shame, or punishment

… and so much more!

The event is LIVE May 11th-May 17th - don't miss signing up today.

How can parents help kids end the school year strong?

As the final weeks of the semester approach, the excitement for summer often leads to a dip in focus. However, finishing the academic year with intention is crucial for a child's confidence and long-term academic success. We see many families struggle with the "end-of-year slump."

To keep your child engaged, start by conducting a "final sprint" organization check. Help them clean out their backpacks, organize remaining assignments, and visualize the finish line. When kids see exactly what is left on their plate, the overwhelming feeling of the year's end becomes manageable. Maintaining a standard bedtime and morning routine until the very last day is also essential. While it is tempting to let things slide, the brain thrives on predictability during transitions.

Encourage your child to reflect on their successes this year. Ask questions like, "What was your favorite project?" or "What are you most proud of learning?" This positive reinforcement anchors their hard work and makes the transition into summer feel like a reward for a job well done, rather than just an escape from work.

If you notice significant gaps in your child's progress, school avoidance, or other concerning behaviors, check out our ADHD and Mental Health pages for resources to support your child.

What is summer brain drain and how do you prevent it?

Summer brain drain, often called "summer slide," refers to the loss of academic skills and knowledge that occurs when school is not in session. Research suggests that students can lose up to two months of mathematical skills and significant reading proficiency over the summer months. Preventing this doesn't mean recreating an eight-hour school day at home; it means integrating learning into everyday life.

Preventing skill loss is about consistency over intensity. You can keep your child's mind sharp by following these simple strategies:

• The 20-Minute Reading Rule : Ensure your child reads for at least 20 minutes a day. Whether it's a graphic novel, a sports magazine, or a fantasy series, keeping the habit of daily reading is vital.
• Real-World Math : Use grocery shopping or cooking to practice fractions, addition, and percentages. Asking a child to calculate how much to measure when doubling a recipe or finding the total price of three items keeps those math "muscles" active.
• Educational Travel : A trip to a local museum or park can be a learning opportunity. Build upon the experience at home with age-appropriate projects related to what you learn. Go to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art building on the Johnson County Community College campus and then make art at home. Visit the Museum at Prairiefire then go to the library to find books about dinosaurs. 
• Writing for Fun : Encourage journaling about summer adventures or writing postcards to grandparents. This maintains fine motor skills and sentence structure - and grandparents or other friends and family will love to get the updates!
• Gamified Learning : Use reputable educational apps or board games that require strategy and logic. Ask your child's teacher for suggestions before school is out or check out the list on Commonsense Media.

By framing these activities as "summer fun" rather than "school work," you reduce resistance and help your child view learning as a lifelong pursuit.

How to reduce family stress during transitions?

Transitioning into summer shouldn't be a source of constant conflict. Reducing family stress starts with setting realistic expectations. The first week of summer is often a "decompression week." Expect some irritability or boredom as your child’s brain adjusts to the change in pace. Instead of filling every hour with activities, allow for some downtime while keeping the basic structure of meals and sleep intact.

Effective communication is also key. Sit down as a family and create a "Summer Bucket List." This gives everyone a sense of agency and something to look forward to. When kids feel they have a say in their schedule, they are more likely to cooperate with the non-negotiable parts of the day, like chores or reading time.

If the transition feels particularly difficult, our Integrated Behavioral Health team is here to support you. We can help develop strategies tailored to your child's temperament and your family's needs. Remember, the goal of summer is to recharge. By balancing fun with a small amount of academic maintenance, you ensure your child returns to school in August feeling confident and ready to learn.

Key Takeaways for a Strong Summer:

• Maintain Routines : Stick to consistent bedtimes and morning habits through the end of the school year.
• Combat Brain Drain : Incorporate 20 minutes of daily reading and real-world math to keep skills sharp.
• Prioritize Well-being : Balance structured activities with necessary downtime to reduce family stress.
• Stay Active: Encourage at least 60 minutes of active play each day. Visit parks, pools, and trails. Play sports with a team or friends and family near your home.

Another local free resource:

We are also fortunate to have an incredible local resource: ADHDKC , our local CHADD Chapter. They offer monthly free events to learn about managing ADHD and related conditions for adults, middle and high schoolers, and parents.

These meetings are a fantastic way to learn from experts and peers right here in the Kansas City area. Connecting with other families who "get it" can be the most effective way to reduce the isolation that sometimes comes with neurodiversity.

Dr. Stuppy leads the online group for 10-18 year olds, ADHDKCTeen and interviews the upcoming parent group speakers for ADHDKC Conversations, and would love to see your family learn with ADHDKC!

Testimonials

Pediatric Partners has been a blessing for my family. Their convenience location, pristine offices, friendly staff, and wonderful providers make this practice the perfect fit for our family. We never have issues making an appointment. Providers are very responsive through portal messaging. I love the walk in hours. Overall, could not be happier with the care my kids receive.

Jennifer Pestinger

I love Pediatric Partners and the care they give my children. Dr. Tina Khaleghi is an exceptional physician. She is incredibly thorough and clearly very knowledgeable, and I truly appreciate that she bases her decisions on evidence-based care. She is kind, patient, and always takes the time to explain things in a way that’s easy to understand, which makes a big difference as a parent. I also want to recognize her nurse, Ashley D, who is wonderful—kind, professional, and always helpful. Together, they make every visit feel supportive and reassuring. I feel confident knowing my children are in such great care. Highly recommend.

Kelley Self

Everyone here was friendly and knowledgeable. They made the experience of changing pediatricians a little less stressful for me as a mom, and my son was instantly more comfortable with the pediatrician in particular. He never really warmed up to the one's we saw in Colorado.

Jacqueline Rutherford