Growing Together with Pediatric Partners

Healthy Habits, Happier Holidays & Helpful Updates

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 11:30:01 GMT

November 5, 2026

Growing Together with Pediatric Partners: Healthy Habits, Happier Holidays & Helpful Updates

The holiday season is approaching, bringing opportunities to celebrate, connect with loved ones, and ake special memories. It can also bring extra stress, busy schedules, and plenty of questions about keeping our kids healthy!

In this edition of Growing Together with Pediatric Partners, we're sharing practical ways to help children and teens manage holiday stress, along with guidance on using antibiotics wisely during cold and flu season. We're wrapping up our Healthy Eating Together series with tips for screen-free meals, preventing food allergies through early introduction of common allergens, and helping protect children with food allergies in shared spaces.

You'll also find important tips on using our portal and an important reminder about sending patient portal messages when your usual provider is away, plus opportunities to learn, connect, and find support through ADHDKC's free community events.

As always, our goal is to provide useful, evidence-based information that helps your family thrive at every age and stage. We hope these resources make the months ahead a little healthier, less stressful, and more connected.

Thank you for letting Pediatric Partners be part of your family's journey. We wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!

Here’s what’s inside:

IMPORTANT: Tips for using your portal successfully, including what to do when you can't find the name you want when sending a portal message
Cinnamon Recall Information
Helping Kids and Teens Manage Holiday Stress
Using Antibiotics Wisely - including evidence-based changes to how long infections require treatment
Part 4 of our Healthy Eating Series: Benefits of Family Meals, Mindful Eating, and Preventing and Managing Food Allergies
Learn to support learning and behavioral challenges at ADHDKC Events - all are free and open to the public and no diagnosis of ADHD is required, just an interest to learn.

This newsletter is for you, so I’d love to know what you want to see next. If there’s a topic you’ve been wondering about, or something you’d like explained more clearly, let me know. Your suggestions guide future editions and keep me inspired when I’m staring at a blank page. Use the button to let us know what you want to read about in future editions of this blog.

Using Antibiotics Wisely With New Evidence-Based Recommendations

Cold and flu season is upon us, and we frequently see patients who are under the weather. Fortunately, most of them can go home and use home remedies to feel better as their body's immune system works to tackle the infection. Some will benefit from an antibiotic to help a presumed bacterial infection go away, but parents might notice some different things about the prescriptions compared to years past.

Healthcare professionals have learned a lot about how to use antibiotics safely.

Two ideas guide care today:

Use an antibiotic only when it is really needed.
When one is needed, use it for the shortest time that still cures the infection.

Recent high-quality studies show that for many common childhood infections, shorter courses work just as well as the longer courses used in the past. And another bonus with a shorter course is that we see fewer side effects. This is good news for your child.

Why not just use antibiotics "to be safe"?

Antibiotics only kill bacteria. They do nothing for infections caused by viruses, such as:

Common colds and most coughs, even many pneumonias
Most sore throats
Flu and most "chest colds" (bronchitis)
Runny nose with green or yellow mucus (this alone does NOT mean a bacterial infection)

Giving an antibiotic for a virus will not help your child get better faster, will not prevent a bacterial infection, and can cause real harm:

Side effects such as diarrhea, rashes, vomiting, and allergic reactions.
Resistant bacteria ("superbugs") that no longer respond to antibiotics, making future infections harder to treat.
Disruption of the healthy bacteria in your child's gut, which has been linked in studies to problems like certain gut infections (C. difficile) and possibly allergies and asthma.

For these reasons, your child's prescriber may recommend comfort care and watchful waiting instead of an antibiotic. For some ear infections the prescriber may even give a "wait-and-see" prescription to fill only if your child is not improving.

Why shorter courses?

For many infections, the bacteria are cleared early in treatment.

Finishing a longer course than needed adds extra days of side-effect risk without extra benefit. Shorter courses also mean you don't have to remember to give the medicine or fight with your child to take it as long.

Studies in pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and ear infections have shown shorter courses cure the infection just as well as traditional 10 day courses.

Always give the full course prescribed, even if your child feels better. "Shorter" means the length your prescriber chooses based on current evidence, not stopping early on your own.

snap prescriptions

Many common childhood infections get better on their own without antibiotics. In some situations, though, it can be hard to know on day one whether an infection will improve naturally or eventually need treatment.

That's where a Safety Net Antibiotic Prescription (SNAP) comes in.

A SNAP is a prescription your child's healthcare provider gives you just in case . Rather than starting the antibiotic right away, families are encouraged to focus on comfort measures such as rest, fluids, pain relief, and other home treatments for a few days. Many children improve during that time and never need the antibiotic.

The prescription is there as a backup plan. If symptoms worsen, new symptoms develop, or your child is not improving after the timeframe discussed with your provider, you can fill the prescription and begin treatment without needing another office visit.

This approach helps children avoid unnecessary antibiotics while ensuring treatment is available if it's needed. Fewer unnecessary antibiotics means fewer side effects, less disruption to the body's healthy bacteria, and a lower risk of antibiotic resistance.

Think of a SNAP like carrying an umbrella when the forecast calls for a chance of rain. You may never need it, but it's reassuring to have it available if the weather changes.

SNAP is Commonly Used for Ear Infections

Many ear infections get better in 2-3 days without antibiotics but we cannot tell who will get better on their own versus who will need antibiotics to clear the infection early in the illness. Children who meet criteria can be safely monitored for 2-3 days to see if symptoms improve without antibiotics. During this time they can receive treatments that help alleviate symptoms, such as extra fluids and acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain.

If symptoms are not better in 2-3 days, or if symptoms worsen, (temperature > 102.2F, ear pain is not controlled with pain medications, or new drainage is seen from ear,) the antibiotic should be started.

Patients Who Qualify for a SNAP:

6-24 months old: mild symptoms and infection in 1 ear
Over 24 months old: mild symptoms and infection in 1 or 2 ears
Mild Symptoms: no more than mild ear pain for less than 48 hours, fever lower than 102.2 F

Patients Who Do NOT Qualify for a SNAP:

Severe signs and symptoms at any age. (Severe ear pain, fever higher than 102.2)
Infants under 6 months
Children 6-24 months with ear infection in both ears
Immune deficiencies
Medical conditions involving the ear
Ear tubes in place (oral antibiotics are generally not necessary, antibiotic ear drops can be used for any drainage)
Ruptured ear drum (ear drainage present)
History of recent or hard-to-treat ear infections

Common antibiotic Treatment Time Changes

Your prescriber will choose the appropriate antibiotic, dose, and how long to give it based on your child's age, weight, type of infection, and how sick they are. Your prescriber will tailor the plan. If you have questions, be sure to ask!

Helping Kids and Teens Manage Holiday Stress

The holiday season is often filled with celebrations, family traditions, and time with loved ones. But for many children and teens, it can also bring stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. Changes in routines, end-of-semester finals and projects, busy schedules, family gatherings, travel, financial worries, and pressure to make the holidays feel “perfect” can be a lot for young people to manage.

A little extra understanding and support can help make the holidays happier and healthier for the whole family.

How Families Can Help

Keep routines when possible . Late nights, travel, and busy schedules can disrupt sleep, meals, and other routines. Try to maintain consistent sleep schedules and allow time for rest.
Make room for downtime . Children and teens may need breaks from social activities, noise, and crowds. It's okay to skip an event or leave early if someone feels overwhelmed.
Listen without judgment . Ask how your child is feeling about upcoming plans, family gatherings, or holiday expectations. Let them know their feelings are valid, even when those feelings differ from your own.
Set realistic expectations . The holidays don't have to be perfect! Focus on connection and meaningful experiences rather than creating an ideal celebration.
Respect individual needs . Some children love large gatherings, while others find them exhausting. Give kids and teens opportunities to recharge, spend time alone, or participate in ways that feel comfortable.
Watch for signs of stress . Irritability, withdrawal, changes in sleep, frequent stomachaches or headaches, and increased emotional outbursts may signal that your child is struggling. Offer support rather than assuming they're simply being difficult.
Make time for connection . A walk together, a favorite activity, or a quiet conversation can help children feel supported during a busy season.

It's Okay to Ask for Help

If your child or teen seems persistently anxious, sad, overwhelmed, or is having difficulty managing emotions, professional support may help. You don't have to wait until a problem becomes a crisis to reach out.

At Pediatric Partners, our clinical social worker, Sean Haley, works with children and teens to help them navigate emotional challenges, develop coping strategies, and build skills for managing stress. He can also help families find ways to support their child's emotional well-being.

The holidays don't need to be perfect to be meaningful. By slowing down, listening to one another, and making space for everyone's needs, families can create a season that feels more connected and less stressful.

When to return for another check or give us a call

Your child is not improving after 2–3 days on an antibiotic
High fever that will not come down, or a child who seems much sicker
Trouble breathing, trouble drinking, or very low urine output
Severe rash, swelling of the face or lips, or trouble breathing (possible allergy — seek emergency care)

The takeaway for parents

Not every infection needs an antibiotic, and when one is needed, shorter is often better.

Trusting this approach protects your child from unnecessary side effects and helps keep antibiotics working when your child truly needs them.

Cinnamon Recall: What Parents Should Know About Lead Exposure

You may have heard about a recent recall of Wise Wife brand ground cinnamon because of elevated lead levels. While this news may be concerning, we want to help families understand what the recall means, what steps to take, and when lead testing may be appropriate.

Lead exposure is something we take seriously, especially in young children whose brains and nervous systems are still developing. The good news is that a brief or short-term exposure is not likely to cause a significant increase in a child's blood lead level. However, if your family has used the recalled product, it's worth reviewing your child's potential exposure and discussing testing with us if you have concerns.

Which cinnamon is included in the recall?

Wise Wife Brand Ground Cinnamon has been sold in Kansas. The recalled product has these identifying features:

110 g (3.88 oz) clear plastic container
Black screw-top lid
Best Before date: 4/25/2027
UPC: 0688474302754

It was distributed to stores in Kansas and 13 other states between September 2025 and June 2026.

The recall was announced October 29, 2026, after testing found elevated lead levels in a sample of the product.

If you have this product, stop using it. Discard it or return it to the store where you purchased it for a refund. Do not continue using it, even if it looks or smells normal.

Why are we concerned about lead?

Lead can affect a child's developing brain and nervous system. Over time, significant or prolonged exposure has been associated with:

Learning difficulties and lower IQ
Problems with attention, impulse control, and behavior
Slowed growth and development

Some effects can be long-lasting, which is why identifying exposure and removing its source are important.

One reassuring point: A brief exposure or occasional use of a contaminated product is not likely to cause a significant increase in a child's blood lead level. The greatest concerns are with ongoing exposure over weeks or months. However, there is no known safe level of lead exposure, and we cannot determine a child's lead level based on how much cinnamon they may have eaten or whether they seem healthy.

Most children with elevated lead levels have no obvious symptoms. A blood test is the only reliable way to know whether exposure has resulted in an elevated level.

When should my child be tested?

At Pediatric Partners, we routinely screen children for lead exposure at well visits before age 6. Blood tests are done for all children at 12 months and again for some children at 24 months and as recommended based on screening results. We also recommend testing outside of routine screening when a child has potential lead exposure or other risk factors.

If you have been using the recalled cinnamon, or if you discover another possible source of lead exposure in your home or environment, please talk with us about whether your child should have a blood lead test.

Other possible sources of lead include:

Paint and dust in homes built before 1978, especially during remodeling or repairs.
Older plumbing and water sources.
Imported spices, candies, traditional medicines, cosmetics, pottery, toys, and jewelry.
Soil near older buildings or busy roads.
Dust brought home on clothing or shoes from certain jobs and hobbies, such as construction, auto repair, welding, or pottery making.

We're here to help!

We don't want families to panic over a potential exposure, but we do want parents to know when testing may be helpful. Identifying lead exposure early allows us to find and eliminate the source and monitor your child's health and development.

If you have questions about the cinnamon recall, possible lead exposure, or whether your child needs testing, please contact our office. We're happy to help you decide on the appropriate next steps.

Your child's health and development matter to us, and we're here to partner with you!

Healthy Eating Together, Part 4: Mindful Meals, Screen-Free Eating, and Food Allergy Awareness

Helping children build healthy habits means thinking beyond what's on their plates. How we eat, how we connect during meals, and how we protect one another from food allergies all play a role in family wellness.

Over the past three articles in our Healthy Eating Together series, we've explored how families can build healthy eating habits, recognize hidden sugars in foods marketed as healthy, and make time for family meals that nourish both body and mind.

For our final article, we're bringing those ideas together with three important topics: eating with intention, reducing screen distractions, and helping children safely explore foods while respecting the needs of people with food allergies.

These habits can benefit children at every age, from babies beginning solid foods to teenagers learning to make independent choices.

Put down the screens and reconnect with your food

Think about the last time you ate a meal while watching television, scrolling through your phone, or answering messages.

Did you notice how the food tasted? Did you recognize when you were comfortably full? Or did you look down and discover that your plate was empty before you really realized you had eaten?

This is an example of distracted eating.

When our attention is focused on a screen, we may pay less attention to the food we're eating and to our body's signals of hunger and fullness. Research suggests that distracted eating can affect how much we eat and how well we remember the meal afterward.

For children, mealtimes are also opportunities to practice recognizing their own hunger and fullness cues. Screens can make that learning more difficult by shifting attention away from the experience of eating.

But the effects go beyond nutrition.

When everyone is absorbed in a device, families miss opportunities to talk, listen, share stories, and notice how one another is doing.

A screen-free meal is an opportunity to nourish both the body and family relationships.

Why intentional eating matters at every age

Babies and toddlers: Eating together provides opportunities to observe caregivers, explore new foods, and practice feeding skills. Babies learning to eat need close supervision and attentive caregivers.
School-aged children: Meals provide time to learn about different foods, notice hunger and fullness, and practice conversation and social skills.
Teenagers: Shared meals can offer a low-pressure opportunity to connect with parents and siblings during a busy stage of growing independence.
Parents and caregivers: Adults benefit, too. Slowing down can make meals more enjoyable and create space to reconnect after a hectic day.

Intentional eating doesn't mean analyzing every bite or forcing children to eat slowly. It means giving food and the people sharing it our attention.

How to make family meals more screen-free

You don't have to change every family habit overnight. Start with one meal or snack each day.

Try these practical strategies:

Create a device-free zone. Keep phones and tablets away from the table, including adult devices when possible.
Turn off the television during meals. If your family is used to eating with the TV on, start with a few screen-free meals each week.
Make conversation easy. Ask everyone to share a highlight of their day, something that made them laugh, or something they're looking forward to.
Let children help. Choosing the menu, preparing food, or setting the table can make meals feel more engaging.
Set realistic expectations. A family with demanding schedules may not be able to eat together every night. Focus on the opportunities you have.

If your child struggles to sit at the table or finds mealtimes difficult, consider whether the environment is helping or making things harder. Some children need movement, sensory accommodations, or shorter meals. The goal is connection and nourishment, not forcing everyone to sit perfectly still.

Screens aren't inherently bad, and there will be times when using a device during a meal makes sense. The goal is to establish regular opportunities to eat attentively and connect without digital distractions.

Helping prevent food allergies: Why early introduction matters

For many years, parents were advised to delay introducing foods such as peanuts and eggs to babies in the hope of preventing food allergies.

Research has changed that advice.

Studies, including the landmark Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) trial, found that introducing peanut-containing foods during infancy can significantly reduce the risk of developing peanut allergy in certain children. Other research supports introducing well-cooked egg and other common allergens when babies are developmentally ready for solid foods, usually between 4 and 6 months.

This is an important shift in how we think about food allergy prevention.

When should babies try common allergens?

Most babies are ready to begin complementary foods at around 4 - 6 months, when they show developmental signs of readiness. Allergenic foods can be introduced alongside other age-appropriate foods rather than deliberately delayed.

Common food allergens include:

Peanut and tree nuts
Egg
Milk and other dairy products
Wheat
Soy
Sesame
Fish and shellfish

Babies do not need to try every allergen on their first day of solid foods. Introduce foods in safe, age-appropriate forms, and continue offering foods that they tolerate.

Peanut introduction deserves special attention for babies with severe eczema, an existing egg allergy, or both. These infants may benefit from evaluation and guidance from their healthcare provider before peanut is introduced. For some high-risk babies, introduction may be recommended as early as 4–6 months, once they are developmentally ready.

What does safe introduction look like?

You don't need to prepare complicated recipes to introduce allergens.

Peanut

Mix smooth peanut butter with warm water, breast milk, formula, or puree until thin and smooth.

Peanut powder can also be mixed into a soft food.

Peanut introduction guidelines from FARE.

Egg

Offer thoroughly cooked egg in a soft, age-appropriate texture, such as soft scrambled egg.

Dairy

Plain, pasteurized yogurt is one option for babies who are ready for solids. Many little ones love various cheeses.

Cow's milk can be used in foods, but it should not replace breast milk or infant formula as the main drink before 12 months.

Never give babies whole peanuts or whole nuts, thick spoonfuls of nut butter, or other foods that pose choking risks. Food texture and supervision are essential.

When introducing an allergen for the first time, offer a small amount when your child is well and you can observe them. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations if your child has eczema, a known food allergy, or a history of a possible allergic reaction.

Once a food is tolerated, keep it in the child's diet regularly in an age-appropriate form. Early introduction is not a guarantee that a child will never develop a food allergy, but it can reduce risk, particularly for peanut allergy.

If a child develops symptoms such as hives, swelling, or vomiting after eating a food, stop offering that food and seek medical advice. Breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, collapse, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction require emergency treatment. If anaphylaxis is suspected, use prescribed epinephrine promptly and call 911.

Food allergy awareness: Helping everyone eat safely

Preventing food allergies and protecting people who already have them are two different, equally important goals.

For a child with a serious food allergy, eating a food that is normally nutritious for someone else can cause a life-threatening reaction. Families, schools, childcare centers, camps, and community organizations can all help make shared spaces safer.

Food allergy awareness doesn't mean we need to fear food or eliminate every common allergen from every public setting. It means understanding the risks, following relevant safety policies, and taking reasonable steps to prevent accidental exposure.

Understand cross-contact

Cross-contact occurs when a food allergen is unintentionally transferred to another food, utensil, hand, or surface.

For example:

A knife used to spread peanut butter is then used to prepare another child's sandwich.
A child handles a snack containing an allergen and then touches a shared toy or table.
Crumbs or food residue are left on a picnic table or restaurant high chair.
A serving spoon is used in multiple dishes at a buffet.

Even small amounts of an allergen can trigger a reaction in someone with a food allergy. Simply picking an offending ingredient out of a dish does not reliably make the remaining food safe.

Simple ways families can protect others

Wash hands with soap and water.
After eating, especially when handling common allergens, wash hands before touching shared toys, equipment, or other people's food. Hand sanitizer alone does not reliably remove food allergens.
Clean eating surfaces.
Remove food residue from tables, high chairs, and counters using appropriate cleaning products. Brushing away crumbs may not be enough.
Don't share food or utensils.
Teach children not to trade snacks, share drinks, or use another person's utensils. This is especially important in schools and childcare settings.
Follow allergy safety plans.
If a school, daycare, camp, or activity has specific food allergy policies, follow them. Families managing allergies should communicate with staff about ingredients, cross-contact risks, and emergency plans.

These precautions can make a meaningful difference without requiring every family to follow the same food restrictions in every setting.

What about choosing foods to eat in public?

Families can be thoughtful about the foods they bring to shared spaces, especially when they know someone present has a serious allergy.

Consider these practices:

Check with schools, childcare centers, and activity organizers about their food policies.
Choose foods that are easy to contain and clean up when eating in shared spaces.
Avoid leaving sticky residue, crumbs, or discarded food where other children may touch it.
Keep allergen-containing foods separate from allergy-safe foods.
Be willing to accommodate a specific, reasonable request from a family managing a severe allergy.

For example, if you are attending a small gathering and know a child has a severe peanut allergy, ask the host about the safest way to handle food rather than assuming that any snack is fine.

At the same time, there is no universal rule that everyone must avoid all peanuts or other allergens in every public place. Policies should be based on the setting, the individual's allergy plan, and practical safety considerations.

Severe food allergies deserve respect, and children with allergies should be included in meals, parties, and activities whenever possible.

Teach empathy, not fear

Children can learn that people have different medical needs without becoming afraid of foods themselves.

You might explain: “Peanut butter is safe for many people, but it can make some people very sick. We need to follow the rules that help keep everyone safe.”

This helps children understand that food allergy precautions aren't about being difficult or overly cautious. They are about caring for other people.

And when children see adults taking allergies seriously, they learn that inclusion and safety are shared responsibilities.

Bringing it all together: Small habits, lifelong benefits

Healthy eating is about more than choosing the right foods.

It's about creating routines that support physical health, helping children develop a positive relationship with food, making space for meaningful family connections, and recognizing that food choices can affect other people, too.

Across this four-part series, we've explored ways to:

Build balanced eating habits without expecting perfection - Part 1.
Recognize added sugars in foods marketed as healthy - Part 2.
Use family meals to support nutrition, communication, and connection - Part 3.
Reduce screen distractions and eat more intentionally - above.
Introduce common allergens safely during infancy and help protect people with food allergies - above.

You don't need to change everything at once.

Choose one realistic step your family can work on this week. Maybe it's putting phones away during dinner, adding a fruit or vegetable to breakfast, reading a food label together, or learning more about safe allergen introduction before your baby begins solids.

Then build from there.

The goal isn't to create perfect eaters. It's to raise children who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to nourish themselves, care for their health, and respect the needs of others.

Those are habits worth carrying into adulthood—and passing along to the next generation.

This article is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about introducing allergens, especially if your baby has severe eczema, an existing food allergy, or a history of a possible allergic reaction.

Resources

Understanding How Our Patient Portal Works

As we head into the holiday season, we wanted to share a few reminders about patient portal messaging and how it is handled in our office.

One of the biggest misconceptions about patient portals is that messages are monitored continuously by a shared team. In our practice, that's not how the system works. Our physicians and nurse practitioners personally review and respond to their own portal messages. If a provider is out of the office, on vacation, or unavailable, they will not see messages sent to them during that time.

To help prevent delays, messaging options may be turned off when a provider is away or unable to manage their message volume. If you do not see your provider's name available for messaging, please do not reply to an old portal message thread as a workaround. Messages sent through old conversations may not be reviewed promptly and can create duplicate work when providers return.

Portal Messages Are for Non-Urgent Concerns

Portal messages should be used for routine, non-urgent questions only. Messages are reviewed during office hours, not evenings, weekends, holidays, or vacations. If your concern is urgent, please call the office rather than sending a portal message.

Because providers answer their own messages, there may occasionally be a delay of several days, especially during busy seasons. Sending both a portal message and a phone call about the same issue doesn't speed up the process and often creates duplicate work for staff and providers who must sort through multiple requests for the same concern.

If Your Provider Isn't Listed

If your physician or nurse practitioner is not available in the messaging system, please call the office. Our staff can often help directly or route your concern to the covering provider when appropriate. This is the fastest and safest way to ensure your message reaches someone who can assist you.

A Few Additional Portal Tips

Please log into the portal account of the person whose care you are asking about. The portal is part of the medical record, so questions about one child should not be sent through another child's chart.
When requesting a pharmacy change, include the pharmacy name and location to help us process the request efficiently.
If you upload forms for completion, be sure all parent sections are completed before submission. Blank forms cannot be signed.
Photos can sometimes be helpful, but many conditions, including rashes, cannot be adequately evaluated through images alone and may require an office visit.

Our goal is to provide timely, thoughtful responses while maintaining safe and accurate medical care.

Understanding how portal messages are managed helps us serve everyone more efficiently, especially during holidays, vacations, and other busy times of the year.

Thank you for your partnership and for helping us keep communication running smoothly.

Learn About Upcoming Free Community Events from Our Local CHADD Chapter

Founded in 2012, ADHDKC is Kansas City’s Award Winning Non-Profit CHADD Chapter. ADHDKC provides support for thousands of area families thriving with ADHD and related conditions. Every month ADHDKC sponsors events online and around the KC Metro to help parents, adults, and adolescents learn how to regulate emotions, better manage executive functioning, and more.

We know many of you live with the challenges of having ADHD in the home. The good news is that you can learn to better support your family. ADHDKC offers monthly events for parents, adults, and teens to help you learn to thrive with ADHD.

ADHD KC Conversations is their podcast, which is shared on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and in video form on YouTube . It offers a glimpse into upcoming parent group speakers with a short interview released a month prior to their talk and longer episodes of the parent group talks.

All ADHDKC Events are free and open to the public. No diagnosis is required! You just need an interest in the topic to join us. Feel free to share this with friends and family who would benefit.

If you enjoyed this edition of Growing Together with Pediatric Partners, share it with a friend.

A Season of Connection, Safety, and Well-Being

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

October 22, 2026

Welcome to another edition of Growing Together with Pediatric Partners!

This month, we're sharing stories and resources focused on caring for ourselves, our families, and our community. From our team's Year of Balance to practical guidance about head bumps, seasonal illnesses, and choosing the right type of medical visit, there's something here for every family.

We're also kicking off a new series about healthy eating, sharing important updates about measles and respiratory viruses in our area, and helping you prepare for seasonal vaccines.

Here’s what’s inside:

Another update on how we're supporting a Year of Balance for our employees
What will you find in your pediatrician's medicine cabinet? Each of our physicians has a favorite.
Part 3 of our 4-part series on healthy eating
Halloween safety tips for your home, costumes, trick-or-treating and more
Keep kids with food allergies safer this Halloween
Halloween jokes to share with your kids
There are still spots at the second October Youth HeartCheck
Learn to support learning and behavioral challenges at ADHDKC Events - all are free and open to the public and no diagnosis is required, just an interest to learn. Dr. Stuppy leads the group for middle and high schoolers and is co-host on their podcast. She loves to welcome new and familiar faces.

If you missed our introduction of our Year of Balance or the last update, you can find them here and here .

This month we're sharing how Pediatric Partners is supporting a nurse during this Year of Balance.

"This has been a year of home improvements for my family. We put a new cover on our chimney, replaced wood rot and had our house painted. Then our oven quit working and we had to replace it. Your generous gift helped relieve some of the financial burden we have experienced. I am so thankful for my work family!"

- Nurse

What Pediatricians Keep in Their Medicine Cabinet for Their Own Kids

If you peeked inside a pediatrician's medicine cabinet, you might be surprised by what you do or don't find. After taking care of children for decades, I've learned that a well-stocked medicine cabinet doesn't need to be complicated. I want a few inexpensive, useful products that can handle the common problems kids bring home: fever, congestion, coughs, itchy bug bites, dry skin, scrapes, and the occasional stomach bug.

I've asked our pediatricians what they think is important to keep at home for middle-of-the-night things that pop up -- because it always seems to be late at night that stuff is needed and the closest pharmacy is closed.

Our personal top choices:

Dr. Carter - acetaminophen and cetirizine (for itch, allergies, hives, bug bites, etc)
Dr. Khaleghi - dosing amounts for Tylenol and ibuprofen for each child and nasal saline
Dr. Mellick - urine drug screening test, narcan
Dr. Ratliff - a lock box for meds
Dr. Stuppy - saline

We have an Amazon store that shares products we commonly recommend to families. Products listed are examples of good options, but many other high-quality products may fit your needs. Inclusion in this list does not imply an official endorsement.

A few notes before we start:

Medication doses for children are based primarily on weight and age , and infants have special considerations. Always check with a dosing chart when you're unsure about a medication or dose. Dr. Khaleghi is smart to keep the dosing amounts with her medicine so she doesn't have to search for it in the middle of the night, but you can always find dosing on our website .

Always use the proper dosing device, not spoons designed for food. A syringe allows you to measure small doses accurately, which is particularly important for babies. Older kids can use the measuring cup that comes with the medication or a syringe.

Use single-ingredient medications, not multi-symptom cough and cold products.

Keep a current list of your child's medications, allergies, weights, and the dosing instructions available for all caregivers, including babysitters, to use as needed.

1. Pain and fever reducers

Acetaminophen for 2 months and up

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is one of the medications used for pain or discomfort from things like injuries, headaches, or fever if it makes a child uncomfortable.

The correct dose depends on your child's weight. Don't guess. Find dosing in our website's resources here .

What about ibuprofen?

We'd also keep ibuprofen available for children who are old enough to take it—generally 6 months and older . It can be particularly useful for pain and inflammation.

Again, dose by weight and use the correct measuring device.

2. A good thermometer

Every household with children should have a reliable thermometer. It can help guide whether or not you can send your child to school or if the "they feel warm" child truly has a fever or not.

You don't have to treat every fever. If your child has a fever but is comfortable, drinking, and playing, there may be no reason to bring the temperature down. We treat the child , not just the number on the thermometer. Hot and happy, no treatment needed. Treat hot and bothered.

When to treat a fever with medication

Fever is often the first sign of illness. Most infections are treated by managing the symptoms. Here's a temperature guide for treatment of fever as a symptom:

100°F – 102°F (Low-grade): Generally do not treat , as these fevers help the body fight the infection.
102°F – 104°F (Moderate-grade): Treat only if the child is uncomfortable, fussy, or in pain.
104°F – 105°F (High-grade): Treat the fever .
Above 105°F (Very high): T reat the fever and seek medical evaluation.

You don't need the fanciest thermometer on the market. You need one that:

works,
you know how to use,
and you can find when your child wakes up at 2 a.m.

Digital thermometers are inexpensive and easy to use. Keep the thermometer somewhere you can find it easily, not buried behind the Halloween decorations in the linen closet.

3. Saline: AN ALL NATURAL TREATMENT

If I could convince parents to buy just one product for all the childhood colds that are coming their way, it would be saline . Saline is salt water. It can be used in all ages and repeated as often as needed. It comes as drops, spray, mist, and rinses to use to loosen mucus and clean noses.

Yes, this was my personal pick and one of Dr. Khaleghi's favorites. I love saline and use it for colds and allergies routinely, and even found it helped when I had a nosebleed once.

For babies

For infants, saline drops or spray followed by gentle suction can make a huge difference—especially before feeding or sleeping.

I prefer a nasal aspirator where the parent provides the suction or a battery-operated aspirator over the traditional bulb syringe. Bulb syringes can be difficult to clean thoroughly. Moisture and mucus can remain inside the bulb, creating an environment where germs can grow.

Whatever device you use, follow the manufacturer's instructions and clean it carefully.

For children who can rinse their own noses

Once children are old enough to participate, saline rinses can be remarkably helpful.

One resource I frequently recommend is Nasopure . Their instructions and videos walk families through teaching children to rinse their noses, including age-specific guidance. Nasopure states that its system is intended for children age 2 and older and emphasizes that the child—not the parent—should control the rinse.

One important safety point: nasal-rinse water needs to b e distilled, sterile, or appropriately boiled and cooled. It is not recommended to use ordinary tap water for a nasal rinse.

4. Honey instead of cough syrup

Here's another item in my medicine cabinet: Honey.

For children over 1 year old , honey can be surprisingly effective for coughs. Studies have found that honey can reduce coughing and improve nighttime symptoms. It often works better than the over-the-counter cough products parents are tempted to buy and have wasted money on. Those products have never been shown to work well.

A small spoonful of honey can be given directly or mixed into warm water or tea.

Never give honey to a baby under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism. This is from a toxin that could be in honey that can lead to paralysis. Infants are at risk due to their immature gut and immune system.

Why not cough medicine?

Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines aren't recommended for young children because they don't work particularly well and can cause significant side effects.

Large studies of various cold and cough medications found no benefit over placebo for antitussives, antihistamines, decongestants, or antitussive/bronchodilator combinations, and medicines containing antihistamine and dextromethorphan were associated with side effects, including death in young children. Stick with honey.

We know it's tempting to try medicine when you're watching your child struggle with cough, so most families will at some point try a cough medicine. If your older child seems to improve with a cough medication, you can continue it at the recommended dosage on the bottle. If it does not seem to help, stop giving it. Even if you're tempted to give your young child a cough medicine, remember that it is especially important to avoid cough medications in children under 6 years due to increased risk of significant side effects, including death, at this age.

Cough drops?

Cough drops or lozenges can soothe an irritated throat.

The AAP recommends using them with physician guidance ages 4 - 6 years due to choking risks and for older children per package instructions.

Vapor rubs or pads?

Menthol/camphor rubs for the skin or pads to use in vaporizers or humidifiers are products that many feel help them breathe easier when sick. These have low-quality evidence for sleep relief and may be a reasonable option in older children, but should never be used under 2 years of age.

Risks of menthol and camphor products include:

Seizures from ingestion
Liver damage in infants
Eye injury
Skin sensitivity and rash
Damage to the respiratory tract (lipoid pneumonia)

If used, follow these general rules:

Don't use under age 2 .
Older children should get it no more than 3 times daily.
Use only on intact skin (not overly dry and cracked skin or in areas of wounds).
Do not use near the eye, nose, and mouth.
Never heat it.
Store it out of reach.
If swallowed, contact Poison Control - 800-222-1222

5. A once-daily antihistamine

I remember when Benadryl (diphenhydramine) seemed to be the answer to everything itchy or allergy. Doctor's even once thought it had benefits over newer antihistamines.

We've learned a lot since then.

For routine allergy symptoms, it is now preferred to use newer, longer-acting antihistamine, s uch as:

cetirizine (Zyrtec) - one of Dr. Carter's favorites
loratadine (Claritin)
fexofenadine (Allegra)
levocetirizine (Xyzal)

These provide longer-lasting allergy control without the same degree of sedation and other side effects associated with diphenhydramine. The AAP specifically notes that newer antihistamines are generally safer choices for routine allergy symptoms.

And remember: if a child is having a serious allergic reaction—with trouble breathing, throat swelling, or other signs of anaphylaxis— epinephrine is the emergency medication , not an antihistamine of any type. After epinephrine, a 24-hour antihistamine is preferred over Benadryl.

6. Hydrocortisone cream for itchy things

A tube of 1% hydrocortisone cream is another staple.

It can be useful for:

itchy bug bites
mild allergic skin reactions
irritated patches
mild eczema flares
poison ivy and similar itchy rashes

For a small, itchy area, a thin layer can help reduce mild inflammation and itching. For more significant eczema or skin conditions a prescription strength topical steroid is preferred.

But remember that even over-the-counter hydrocortisone is still a medication. Use it per package directions, keep it away from young children, and if it is not working, schedule a visit to discuss other options.

What about Benadryl cream?

If a bug bite is itchy, I would rather use:

a cool compress,
1% hydrocortisone,
and, when appropriate, an oral antihistamine.

I don't recommend topical diphenhydramine (Benadryl cream) . Topical antihistamines can themselves cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Large areas of application or repeated use can lead to overdose.

What about calamine lotion?

Calamine lotion can help relieve itching and dry out oozing or weeping rashes, such as those caused by poison ivy, insect bites, or minor skin irritation. It works by providing a cooling, soothing effect and helping the skin dry out.

However, calamine lotion does not treat the underlying cause of the rash or speed up healing. Its main benefit is temporary symptom relief, and while it is commonly recommended and widely used, there is limited high-quality research showing how well it works.

In other words, it can help your child feel more comfortable, but it won't make the rash go away faster.

7. Plain petroleum jelly

This is one of the cheapest and most useful things in the house. I'm surprised it wasn't one of the favorites chosen because it is highly recommended.

Petrolatum (Vaseline or another plain petroleum jelly) can be used for:

dry, cracked skin
irritated noses during colds
chapped lips
minor scrapes
protecting the skin barrier
eczema-prone skin

It also has an important role in wound care.

For a simple cut or scrape:

Wash your hands.
Clean the wound gently with water and mild soap.
Apply a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly .
Cover it with a clean bandage.
Change the bandage daily and keep the wound moist and covered while it heals.

Keeping a wound moist rather than allowing it to dry out and form a thick scab can support healing and may reduce scarring.

The American Academy of Dermatology specifically recommends petroleum jelly rather than routine topical antibiotics for uncomplicated minor wounds. And this is one place where my medicine cabinet has changed over the years: I don't routinely use antibiotic ointment on every cut.

In particular, I don't recommend routinely reaching for products containing neomycin . Topical antibiotics can cause contact dermatitis and allergic reactions, and most clean, minor wounds don't need an antibiotic at all.

If a wound becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen, painful, drains pus, develops red streaking, or your child develops a fever, that's different. It may need medical evaluation.

What about Aquaphor?

For most uses, plain white petrolatum is the better default: it works better, has almost no risk of causing allergy, and costs less.

Aquaphor is less greasy and may feel nicer to use, but it contains lanolin alcohol and bisabolol, which are known contact allergens. That matters most in eczema ( atopic dermatitis) and in wound care.

In short, choose the cheaper petrolatum jelly.

8. A serious supply of moisturizer

If your child has eczema or chronically dry skin, your medicine cabinet should probably contain more moisturizer than medication.

For eczema, thick, fragrance-free creams or ointments rather than thin lotions are recommended.

Good options include products such as:

CeraVe cream
Vanicream
Eucerin cream
Cetaphil cream
plain petroleum jelly

You don't have to buy the most expensive eczema-branded product. The important characteristics are:

Thick + Fragrance-free + Something your child will actually tolerate

The AAP and American Academy of Dermatology recommend fragrance-free creams or ointments and emphasize applying moisturizer regularly, especially immediately after bathing while the skin is still damp.

General moisturizer rule:

Cream is better than lotion. Ointment is even better when your child will tolerate it.

And don't wait until the skin looks terrible to moisturize. Dry weather is coming and that leads to dry skin for many of us, especially those prone to eczema.

Regular moisturizing helps maintain the skin barrier even when the skin looks good. Once skin is dry and cracked, it is harder to repair.

Another good rule for skincare:

Skip the fragrance.

"Unscented" and "fragrance-free" are not the same thing.

Fragrance can be an irritant for children with sensitive skin. Look specifically for fragrance-free products.
"Unscented" products often contain chemical masking agents designed to neutralize or hide the natural odor of base ingredients and these can irritate skin.

9. A gentle cleanser

You don't need antibacterial soap for everyday bathing.

Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and short, lukewarm baths or showers.

Hot water damages the skin, so if your child looks like a lobster after bathing and struggles with dry skin, turn down the heat.

Bubble baths are particularly good at making eczema-prone children miserable, which means they are not good for kids with sensitive skin. Avoid them and find another way to make baths fun, such as water toys to encourage bath-hesitant kids to hop in.

10. Bandages and tools for wound care

Kids are going to get hurt. You will need bandages. I recall a time I had to buy a box of band aids because my child got injured in the store and my purse supply was out of stock.

It's good to keep:

assorted adhesive bandages
larger sterile gauze pads
medical tape
nonstick pads for larger scrapes
petroleum jelly (see above)
a small pair of clean scissors
tweezers for splinters
a small flashlight

You don't need an elaborate emergency-room-in-a-box kit.

You need enough supplies to clean something, cover it, and get your child comfortable.

If wound is gaping open, won't stop bleeding, or otherwise concerns you, seek medical attention. We can repair mild cuts and lacerations, but some require an emergency room due to time of day (wounds must be closed quickly to avoid bacterial contamination), need for sedation if fear or age prevents the child from holding still enough for a safe and accurate closure, or the size and depth of the wound requires specialized closure. Give us a call if you're unsure of where to go.

11. Oral rehydration solution

It's a great idea to have a few packets or bottles of oral rehydration solution available. Vomiting has a way of starting at 11 pm when your grocery store and pharmacy are closed.

For most mild illnesses, children can stay hydrated with their usual fluids. But when vomiting or diarrhea is significant, an appropriately formulated oral rehydration solution can help replace both fluid and electrolytes.

This is one of those things you hope you never need—but you'll be very happy to have it when you do.

12. A cool-mist humidifier

Not technically a medicine-cabinet item, but absolutely worth having. A cool-mist humidifier can make dry winter air and congested noses more comfortable.

But there is an important catch: Clean it. A dirty humidifier can become a lovely little ecosystem for mold and bacteria, which is not exactly what we're trying to add to the bedroom.

And while it's great during the dry months, using it in the summer heat isn't advised. The humidity is already high when the AC is running, so adding more water to the air isn't needed. Use it when your heater is on.

13. Sunscreen

A reliable broad-spectrum sunscreen should be available for everyday use.

For children, I generally look for something that is:

broad spectrum
SPF 30 or higher
water resistant when needed
something my child will actually allow me to apply

For the first time in more than 25 years, the FDA has approved a new sunscreen ingredient called bemotrizinol (BEMT) . It provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA rays (which contribute to skin cancer and skin aging) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn). BEMT is highly stable in sunlight and, unlike many mineral sunscreens, does not leave a white cast on the skin. Products containing BEMT are now becoming available in U.S. stores.

The best sunscreen is the one you will use generously and consistently.

14. Narcan: A medication every family should consider keeping on hand

You might have been surprised to see urine drug tests and Narcan (naloxone) listed as Dr. Mellick's favorites, but Narcan is definitely something that belongs in a pediatrician's medicine cabinet, and it's worth considering for every household.

Narcan is a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose, including one caused by prescription pain medications or illicit opioids such as fentanyl. It is available as a nasal spray and can be lifesaving when given promptly.

Why keep it if no one in your family uses opioids? Accidental exposures can happen, counterfeit pills may contain fentanyl, and an overdose could occur in a friend, relative, visitor, or someone in your community. You don't have to know someone is at risk to be prepared.

A few important things to know:

It is safe to have on hand. Naloxone does not cause harm if given to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose.
It is available without a prescription in the United States at many pharmacies. Over-the-counter (OTC) brand-name Narcan (two 4 mg nasal spray devices per box) typically costs between $34.97 and $44.99 at major retail pharmacies and online stores.
It works quickly, but its effects can wear off. Emergency medical care is still necessary, even if the person wakes up or appears to recover.
It does not replace calling 911. If you suspect an overdose, call 911, administer naloxone according to the package instructions, and follow the emergency dispatcher's directions. Give additional doses as directed if the person does not respond or symptoms return.
Know the signs of an opioid overdose: inability to wake the person, slow or absent breathing, unusual snoring or gurgling, and blue or gray lips or fingertips.

Narcan is not a substitute for securely storing medications. Keep all medications—including prescription pain medicines—locked away and out of children's reach. Never assume a pill is safe because it resembles a familiar prescription medication.

We hope we never need it, but keeping naloxone available is a simple step that could save a life. Learn more at Narcan.com or ask for a prescription at your next visit. Insurance may help cover the cost.

As pediatricians and parents, we know that preparation matters. Having naloxone available is another way to protect our families and the people around us.

When might parents keep an at-home urine drug test kit?

As mentioned above, you might be surprised to see a urine drug test kit on Dr Mellick's list of medicine cabinet essentials. After all, routine or secret drug testing isn't generally recommended as a way to monitor teens. But there is another reason some parents choose to keep a kit at home—and it has less to do with catching their teens and more to do with helping them say no.

Dr Mellick shared why she kept urine drug screens at home while her teenagers were growing up: she wanted her kids to have an excuse to decline drugs without having to lie to their friends.

If a teen is offered drugs and feels uncomfortable saying no, they can honestly say, "I can't. My mom keeps urine drug screens at home and will test me if she's concerned."

Her philosophy? She was perfectly happy to let her daughters portray her as a slightly overbearing—or even a little crazy—mom if it gave them a socially acceptable way to turn down drugs and save face with their friends. That seemed like a small price to pay for an extra layer of protection.

Fortunately, her daughters felt comfortable simply telling friends they weren't interested in drugs. But not every teen has that confidence, even within the same family!

Could this approach work for your family?

Some teens are comfortable standing their ground. Others worry about being teased, excluded, or pressured to go along with what their friends are doing. Giving teens a ready-made excuse can help them get out of an uncomfortable situation without feeling they have to defend their decision.

Parents might consider keeping an at-home drug test kit available as one possible tool, while making it clear that the goal is safety—not punishment or surveillance. You could even discuss this strategy before your teen ever encounters peer pressure.

For example, you might say:

"If you're ever in a situation where someone offers you a substance and you don't want to look uncool by saying no, you can always blame me. Tell them I might test you. I'll gladly be the overprotective parent if it helps you get out of a situation you're uncomfortable with."

It's also worth practicing other ways to decline, such as "No thanks," changing the subject, leaving with a friend, or texting you for a ride home—no questions asked until they're safe.

A few important cautions:

Keeping a test kit at home doesn't mean routine testing is necessary or that testing should happen secretly. Drug tests have limitations: a negative result doesn't rule out substance use, a positive result may need confirmation, and standard kits may not detect fentanyl or every substance a teen could encounter. If you have a specific concern about your teen's substance use, talk with their pediatrician about the best next steps.
And remember, if your teen ever calls or texts for help because they've used a substance or are worried about a friend, prioritize safety over consequences. A teen who trusts that you will help first and discuss what happened later is more likely to reach out when it matters most.

The bottom line: We want our teens to feel empowered to say no, but we also know that peer pressure can be hard to navigate. Sometimes, giving them permission to blame us can be one more tool in their toolbox. And if being the slightly overprotective parent helps keep your teen safe, that may be a role worth embracing!

Why using home drug kits are generally discouraged

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) cautions against at-home drug testing without a teen's knowledge and consent. Routine or surprise testing can undermine trust and may make teens less willing to talk honestly about substance use.

Home tests have important limitations:

A negative result doesn't rule out drug use. The test may not detect the substance, or the timing may fall outside its detection window.
A positive result doesn't tell the whole story. Some medications can cause false-positive screening results, and a positive test may require confirmation.
Not every test detects fentanyl. Parents should not assume a standard drug-screening kit can identify all dangerous substances.
A positive test cannot diagnose addiction or determine impairment. It is only one piece of information.

If you suspect your teen is using substances, start with a calm, direct conversation. Explain what you've noticed, ask open-ended questions, and focus on safety rather than punishment. Consider involving your teen's pediatrician, who can help to assess the situation, determine whether testing is appropriate, and connect your family with support if needed.

If testing is recommended, involve your teen in the decision, explain what the test can and cannot tell you, and agree ahead of time on how the results will be handled. Testing should be part of a plan to support your teen, not simply a way to prove that they're doing something.

Important: If your teen is difficult to wake, has slow or irregular breathing, or may have overdosed, don't wait for a drug test. Call 911 and administer naloxone (Narcan) if an opioid overdose is possible.

The goal is not to catch our teens. It's to keep them safe, help them make healthier decisions, and make sure they know they can come to us when they need help.

What we don't recommend stocking

Here's a short list of things that you can skip at the pharmacy:

Combination cold medicines - They're not very effective and can cause side effects, particularly in young children.
Antibiotic ointment - Clean minor wounds generally need cleaning, petroleum jelly and a bandage—not antibiotics.
Neomycin-containing ointments - The potential for contact allergy makes them a poor routine choice for minor wounds.
Benadryl / diphenhydramine - Newer, longer-acting antihistamines are preferable for safety, efficacy, and cost.
Fancy "baby" versions of everything - Sometimes the baby version is simply a smaller, more expensive package of essentially the same product.
A cabinet full of cough syrups - Honey is often more helpful for children over 1, and simple supportive care goes a long way.

Final tips

You don't need to treat every symptom.

Kids get runny noses. They cough. They get fevers. They get scraped knees and bug bites. Their skin gets dry in the winter. Most of these things don't require a medicine for every symptom.

Sometimes the best treatment is saline, honey, moisturizer, a bandage, fluids, a cuddle—and time.

And sometimes your child really does need medical care. The trick isn't having a medicine for everything. It's knowing when home care is enough and when it's time to call your pediatrician.

Spending more does not mean you'll get a better product.

One general rule: skip infant products that are the same as children's products.

I made some quick calculations based on online prices of generic and name brand infant and children's acetaminophen, as seen in the image above.

The liquid acetaminophen sold today for infants and children is the same concentration: 160 mg per 5 mL. The old, more concentrated infant drops that caused dosing confusion are no longer the standard product.

Name brand and generic medications are the same.

Instead of buying a tiny bottle labeled "infant acetaminophen" at a much higher price, I generally recommend buying the children's liquid acetaminophen and an oral dosing syringe. Even purchased separately, you'll save money. Just make sure it has the dosing you need. For example, low weights often require less than 1 ml, so if you get a 1 ml syringe that's very thin, it is easier to draw up a small amount accurately.

Choosing a generic version also saves money.

Hallo ween Safety Tips: Keep the Treats, Skip the Tricks!

Halloween is a favorite time of year for kids and families, with costumes, candy, and spooky fun around every corner. A few simple precautions can help everyone enjoy the festivities while avoiding preventable injuries and emergencies.

At Pediatric Partners, we want every little ghost, goblin, and superhero to have a safe and happy Halloween! Here is a series of safety tips to keep the frights fun and not actual risks.

1. Pills Aren't Candy — Keep Medications Out of Reach

Children and teens may not recognize the difference between a pill and a piece of candy, especially when medications are colorful, small, or resemble candy-coated treats. Even adults can mistake look-alike products for something edible!

Store all prescription and over-the-counter medications in their original, child-resistant containers and locked or otherwise securely inaccessible storage.
Keep vitamins, gummies, supplements, melatonin, and medications away from candy bowls, snack drawers, and other places where kids might look for treats.
Be especially careful with cannabis edibles, nicotine products, and other items that may resemble candy or snacks. Keep them secured away from children and teens.
Never refer to medication as candy, even when trying to make it easier for a young child to take.
If you suspect a child has swallowed an unknown pill or substance, don't wait for symptoms. In the U.S., call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate guidance. Call 911 for severe symptoms, including trouble breathing, seizures, or unresponsiveness.

2. Make Sure Trick-or-Treaters Can Be Seen

Halloween often means children are walking around at dusk or after dark, when drivers may have difficulty seeing them.

Add reflective tape to costumes, treat bags, jackets, and shoes.
Give children glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen.
Choose bright colors when possible, or add reflective accessories to darker costumes.
Remind children to look both ways before crossing streets and to use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever available.
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing rather than assuming a driver has seen them.

A fun costume shouldn't make a child invisible!

3. Choose Costumes That Are Safe to Wear

Costumes should be fun, comfortable, and easy to move in. A few adjustments can prevent trips, falls, and other injuries.

Make sure costumes are short enough to prevent tripping.
Choose well-fitting shoes instead of oversized shoes, high heels, or footwear that makes walking difficult.
Use face paint or makeup instead of masks that block vision or make breathing difficult.
Test makeup on a small patch of skin first, and remove it before bed.
Choose flame-resistant or flame-retardant costume materials when possible.
Check props for sharp edges or pointed tips. Choose flexible, soft accessories instead.
Keep long wigs, capes, and loose fabric away from candles, fire pits, and other open flames.

Practice walking, seeing, and moving in the costume before heading out.

4. Drivers: Slow Down and Watch for Children

Drivers have an important role in keeping Halloween safe, even if they aren't participating in trick-or-treating.

Drive slowly in residential neighborhoods and be extra cautious near parks, schools, and popular trick-or-treating areas.
Watch carefully for children crossing between parked cars or darting into the street.
Take extra time at intersections, driveways, and crosswalks.
Avoid distractions, including texting and checking your phone.
Turn on headlights early so children can see your vehicle.
Be especially alert during the hours when trick-or-treating is most active.

If you're driving on Halloween, expect children to be excited, distracted, and unpredictable. Plan accordingly.

5. Inspect Treats Before Kids Dig In

Children are often eager to start eating their Halloween haul as soon as they get home. Take a few minutes to check everything first.

Give children treats from trusted sources and inspect them before eating.
Discard candy with open, torn, or damaged packaging, unusual discoloration, or anything that looks suspicious.
Avoid homemade treats from people your family doesn't know well.
Remove choking hazards for young children, including hard candies, gum, whole nuts, and small toys.
Keep candy out of reach of young children when it isn't being supervised.

There is no need to panic about every imperfect wrapper, but anything suspicious should go in the trash.

6. Make a Trick-or-Treating Plan

A little planning helps children stay safe while enjoying their independence.

Young children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Older children who are ready to go without an adult should travel in a group, stay in agreed-upon areas, and have a set check-in time.
Make sure children know their full name, a caregiver's phone number, and what to do if they become separated from their group.
Establish clear rules about crossing streets, entering homes, and approaching unfamiliar animals.
Carry a charged cell phone if appropriate for the child's age and maturity.
Stick to well-lit streets and familiar neighborhoods.

Set expectations before leaving home, when everyone is calm and listening.

7. Keep Decorations and Jack-o'-Lanterns Safe

Halloween decorations can create fire hazards and tripping risks if they aren't placed carefully.

Use battery-operated candles or LED lights in pumpkins instead of open flames.
Keep decorations away from doorways, stairs, sidewalks, and other walking paths.
Secure extension cords so no one trips over them.
Keep flames, space heaters, and other heat sources away from costumes and decorations.
Check outdoor lights and cords for damage, and use outdoor-rated equipment outside.

A glowing pumpkin is just as festive without a real flame.

8. Protect Pets From Halloween Hazards

Halloween can be stressful for pets, with frequent doorbells, unfamiliar visitors, and tempting treats.

Keep chocolate, sugar-free candy containing xylitol, raisins, and other potentially toxic foods away from pets.
Keep glow sticks, wrappers, and small toys out of reach.
Consider keeping pets in a quiet, secure room to reduce stress and prevent escapes through an open door.
Don't assume every pet enjoys wearing a costume. Avoid anything that restricts movement, vision, or breathing.

If your pet eats something potentially toxic, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service promptly.

10. Know When to Call for Help

Even with precautions, accidents can happen. Know what to do if something goes wrong.

Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency, such as severe breathing difficulty, a seizure, or loss of consciousness.
For suspected medication or chemical ingestion, contact Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222. Don't induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional.
If a child is injured, assess the situation and seek appropriate medical care.
If a child has a known food allergy, follow their emergency action plan immediately if symptoms develop.

Save important emergency numbers in your phone before the festivities begin.

11. Keep kids with allergies safe

Food allergies are more common and dangerous than many realize, so we'll go into this one in detail below.

Part 3: Why Family Meals Matter

If you missed part 1 or part 2 of our healthy eating series, you can find them by clicking on the respective number.

There is something special about sitting down together to eat.

It doesn't have to be a picture-perfect dinner with everyone at the table at exactly 6:00 PM. It might be breakfast before school. Pizza around the kitchen island after soccer practice. Leftovers eaten together on a Sunday afternoon. Or a teenager finally coming downstairs to eat at the same time as everyone else.

The important part isn't perfection. It's connection.

Family meals provide an opportunity to nourish our bodies while also checking in with the people we love. Research has found that regular family meals are associated with better diet quality and a number of positive social and emotional outcomes for children and adolescents.

And those benefits aren't limited to young children. Families can benefit from eating together throughout childhood, adolescence, and even into the young-adult years.

Family meals nourish more than our bodies

When we think about healthy eating, we often focus on nutrients: protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

Those things matter. But there is another ingredient in a healthy meal that doesn't appear on the nutrition label:

Connection.

Regular family meals can provide children with a predictable opportunity to interact with their parents and siblings. Conversations around the table can help children feel seen and heard. They give parents a chance to notice when something is bothering a child—and sometimes those conversations happen more naturally over food than during a formal “How was your day?” conversation.

For younger children, family meals also provide opportunities to practice:

Conversation
Listening
Taking turns
Trying new foods
Using utensils
Following social expectations
Expressing preferences appropriately

For older children and teens, the benefits shift. The dinner table can become a place where they talk about friends, school, activities, relationships, stress, or something funny they saw online. Sometimes they tell you something important without even realizing they are doing it. These are the moments that help strengthen family bonds.

Family meals are associated with better nutrition

Children who regularly eat meals with their families tend to have healthier dietary patterns.

Family meals are associated with increased consumption of foods such as:

Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Protein-rich foods
Calcium-rich foods

They are also associated with lower consumption of some less nutritious foods and beverages.

There is an important caveat: family meals don't cause all of these benefits by themselves.

Families who regularly eat together may also have other health-promoting habits. They may have more predictable schedules, greater access to nutritious foods, or more opportunities for parents and children to connect.

But that doesn't make family meals unimportant.

Instead, it reminds us that family meals are one piece of a larger picture of family health.

Family meals and mental health

One of the most interesting reasons to make time for family meals is that the potential benefits extend beyond physical health.

Research has found associations between more frequent family meals and better psychosocial outcomes in children and adolescents, including lower rates of some emotional and behavioral problems.

Why might this be?

It probably isn't because sitting at a table magically prevents anxiety or depression.

Rather, the meal may provide a consistent opportunity for connection, communication, and belonging.

Children need to know that they are part of something.

A shared meal says, "We have time for each other." That message can be especially important during the teen years, when children are naturally becoming more independent.

The teen years are an especially important time

Parents sometimes assume that teenagers don't need family meals anymore. They do.

In fact, adolescence is a time when family connection can be particularly important.

Teenagers are navigating:

Increasing academic demands
Friendships and relationships
Social media
Body image
Growing independence
Risk-taking opportunities
Mental health challenges
Decisions about their future

A family meal provides a regular opportunity to maintain connection during a stage when children are spending increasingly more time outside the family.

And here's an important parenting tip: Don't turn every family meal into an interrogation.

If every dinner starts with:

“Did you finish your homework?”

“Why is your grade missing?”

“Did you text your coach?”

“Why haven't you cleaned your room?”

—you may discover that your teenager suddenly has somewhere else to be.

Instead, let meal time simply be enjoyable. Talk about funny things. Tell stories. Ask silly questions. Share something about your own day. Ask about their favorite show, team, or a movie they recently watched.

Connection doesn't always require a serious conversation.

Family meals don't have to be dinner

The phrase “family dinner” can make this sound impossible for families with complicated schedules.

Maybe one parent works evenings.

Maybe a child has sports practice until 8:00 PM.

Maybe there are three different school schedules.

Maybe parents are divorced and children split their time between households.

Maybe your family doesn't look like the traditional picture of everyone sitting around a dining table.

That's okay.

A family meal doesn't have to happen at dinner, and it doesn't have to happen every day.

Try:

Breakfast together
Weekend lunch
A shared snack after school
Eating together before evening activities
Saturday morning pancakes
Sunday dinner
A meal together on the nights when everyone's schedules overlap

Even a few shared meals each week can create opportunities for connection.

And remember that “family” can mean many things. A family meal might include parents, grandparents, siblings, foster children, chosen family, or other important people in a child's life.

The goal is connection—not recreating a particular version of family life.

What if your child doesn't want to talk?

Don't force it. Sometimes simply being together is enough.

Children may not be ready to talk when you ask, “What's wrong?” But they may start telling you a story while you're passing the vegetables. Or talking about that latest movie. Or while you're cleaning up. Or three hours later.

The routine of being together creates repeated opportunities for conversation.

You don't have to make every meal meaningful. You just have to keep creating opportunities for connection.

Make the meal a low-pressure place

Family meals should not become another battleground.

Try to avoid making the table a place for:

Arguments about how much a child eats
Comments about weight or body size
Pressure to clean the plate
Criticism about food choices
Bribes to eat vegetables
Shaming a child for refusing a food

Instead, provide nutritious food and allow children to gradually develop their own relationship with eating.

This doesn't mean there are no expectations.

Families can have reasonable mealtime rules, such as:

We sit together when possible.
We speak respectfully.
We don't criticize someone else's food.
We try new foods without pressure to finish them.
We clean up after ourselves.

The goal is to create a positive food environment , not a perfect one.

Family meals can teach independence

As children grow, family meals can become an opportunity to gradually hand over responsibility.

A toddler might:

Help put napkins on the table
Choose between two vegetables
Practice feeding themselves

A school-aged child might:

Help plan the menu
Wash produce
Set the table
Pack part of a lunch
Help prepare a simple meal

A teenager might:

Grocery shop
Prepare dinner
Read nutrition labels
Plan meals around sports or activities
Learn to cook independently

Eventually, your child will leave home. The goal isn't for you to continue telling them what to eat or for them to rely on eating out every day.

The goal is to give them the skills to feed themselves well when you're no longer sitting at the table with them.

What about picky eaters?

Family meals can actually be a useful setting for children who are selective eaters—but only if we take the pressure off.

Try serving at least one food you know your child will usually eat alongside other foods. For example, if you're serving chicken, roasted vegetables, and rice, perhaps your child's familiar food is the rice.

You don't need to prepare an entirely separate meal for every family member, but you also don't need to force a child to eat something they dislike.

Repeated exposure matters. A child may need to see and experience a food many times before deciding they like it.

And sometimes they never will. That's okay.

The goal is variety over time, not winning a battle over broccoli tonight.

If your child has a very limited diet, this is something to schedule a visit to discuss. Nutritional deficiencies should be investigated, reasons behind the pickiness should be addressed, and a plan for moving forward can be made at an office visit.

Turn off the screens

One of the biggest barriers to intentional family meals today isn't the food. It's the distraction.

Phones, tablets, televisions, and other devices can easily take over the table.

When everyone is looking at a screen, we lose some of the very benefits that make family meals valuable in the first place.

Screens can interfere with:

Conversation
Paying attention to hunger and fullness
Noticing the flavors and textures of food
Social interaction
Family connection

That doesn't mean every meal needs to be completely silent and screen-free or that your family has failed if someone occasionally checks a phone when they're watching for an important message. Sometimes pizza on movie night is just what your family needs.

But creating regular screen-free meals gives everyone an opportunity to actually be present.

We'll explore this more in Part 4, including why screens can interfere with intentional eating and how families can establish realistic screen-free meal habits.

The goal isn't more rules. It's more connection.

If your family doesn't currently eat together regularly, don't worry about suddenly creating a nightly formal dinner.

Start small.

Choose one meal.
Put the phones away.
Sit down.
Eat something relatively simple.
Talk.

Then do it again.

Maybe your family eventually gets to several meals a week. Maybe your schedules mean that breakfast works better than dinner. Maybe “family meal” means eating together in the car between activities once in a while.

It all counts.

Because the most important thing on the table may not be the food.

It may be the message your child receives every time you sit down together: You belong here. We have time for you. You matter to us.

And that is a pretty powerful ingredient in a healthy childhood.

Halloween Treats for Every Child: Supporting Kids with Food Allergies

Halloween is full of excitement for kids: choosing costumes, decorating pumpkins, walking through the neighborhood with friends, and, of course, collecting treats! But for children with food allergies, Halloween can also bring extra worry. Many traditional Halloween candies contain common allergens, and even treats that seem safe can pose a risk because of cross-contact during manufacturing or handling.

The good news? A few thoughtful choices can help make Halloween more inclusive, safer, and more fun for every child.

Whether you're a parent, a neighbor handing out candy, or a family hosting a Halloween party, you can help children with food allergies feel included without making Halloween complicated.

Why Halloween Can Be Tricky for Kids with Food Allergies

Food allergies are more than a food preference. For children with food allergies, eating even a small amount of a food they are allergic to can trigger an allergic reaction. Some reactions can be severe and potentially life-threatening.

Common food allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame. These ingredients appear in many popular candies, cookies, baked goods, and other Halloween treats.

Even when a candy doesn't appear to contain a child's allergen, there may be risks from cross-contact during manufacturing. Ingredients and manufacturing practices can vary by product and change over time, so checking the label matters.

For families managing food allergies, Halloween can mean carefully reading every wrapper, sorting through a bucket of candy, and explaining why a child can't eat some of the treats their friends enjoy.

Imagine being a child who has to give away most of the candy you worked so hard to collect. Or watching your friends eat a treat you can't safely have. Even when parents handle these situations with care, children may feel disappointed or left out.

Inclusion doesn't mean every child needs to eat the same treat. It means making sure every child has something fun to enjoy.

The Teal Pumpkin Project: A Simple Way to Make Halloween More Inclusive

Have you ever seen a teal pumpkin on someone's porch at Halloween? It may be part of the Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative started by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to make Halloween safer and more inclusive for children with food allergies.

A teal pumpkin signals that a household offers non-food treats as an alternative to candy. This simple idea helps children with food allergies participate in trick-or-treating without having to rely entirely on food.

The project also benefits children who have other dietary restrictions or who may not be able to eat traditional candy for other reasons.

You don't need to eliminate candy from your trick-or-treat bowl to participate. You can offer both candy and non-food options so families can choose what works for their children.

Learn more at FARE's Teal Pumpkin Project .

What Can You Hand Out Instead of Candy?

Non-food treats can be inexpensive, easy to find, and just as exciting for many kids as candy. Think about small items that spark creativity, encourage play, or add a little Halloween fun.

Small school supplies

Halloween stickers, pencils, erasers, bookmarks, and mini notepads are useful options that children can enjoy long after Halloween.

Toys and trinkets

Consider glow sticks, spider rings, bouncy balls, small figurines, mini slinkies, or temporary tattoos. Choose age-appropriate items and avoid small parts for children under 3 because of choking risks.

Activities and creative fun

Mini bubbles, stamps, crayons, coloring sheets, and small craft kits give kids something to do beyond eating sweets.

A choice of treats

Keep candy in one bowl and non-food treats in another, or let children choose from a mixed assortment. A separate bowl makes it easier for children to select a non-food option without having to explain why.

You can often find affordable non-food treats in multipacks at dollar stores, craft stores, online, and general retailers. You don't have to spend a lot to make a difference.

If You Prefer to Hand Out Candy, Here's How to Help

Non-food treats are a wonderful option, but there are other ways to support children with food allergies, too.

1. Keep candy in its original packaging

Individually wrapped treats make it easier for parents to review ingredient labels and allergen statements. Avoid homemade treats or unwrapped candy when you don't know a child's specific allergy needs or how the food was prepared.

2. Check labels every time

Don't assume a familiar candy is safe because it was safe in the past. Ingredients and manufacturing practices can change, and different sizes or varieties of a product may have different ingredients.

Parents should check the actual package and any applicable allergen statements rather than relying on a candy's name or appearance.

3. Don't promise that a treat is allergy-safe unless you know

It's tempting to reassure a parent that a particular candy is safe, but allergen needs differ from child to child. If you're unsure, be honest. Let the family decide whether a treat is appropriate.

4. Offer a non-food choice without making it a big deal

Children shouldn't have to explain a medical condition to get an alternative treat. A simple, friendly question like, "Would you like candy or a toy?" allows every child to make a choice without feeling singled out.

5. Be thoughtful about shared bowls

Keep non-food items separate from candy when possible, and wash your hands before handling treats. While a separate bowl can help reduce contact with food allergens, it doesn't guarantee that an item is allergen-free.

Prepare Children for a Safer Halloween

Parents and caregivers of children with food allergies can help make the evening less stressful with a little planning.

Talk about the plan ahead of time. Explain that the family will check treats together before anything is eaten.
Bring a safe alternative. If your child has a favorite treat that you know is safe for them, consider having it available at home or bringing an appropriate option along.
Make sorting part of the fun. After trick-or-treating, spread out the treats and review labels together. Children can learn to recognize their allergens as they grow.
Follow your child's allergy action plan. If your child has a prescribed epinephrine autoinjector, bring it along and make sure adults supervising the child know how to use it. Avoid eating treats with uncertain ingredients.
Practice a simple response. Children can learn to say, "No, thank you," or "I need to check with my grown-up first."

These habits help children build the skills they need to manage their allergies while still enjoying Halloween traditions.

A Few Things to Remember About Food Allergy Safety

Food allergies can be serious, and no single Halloween strategy eliminates every risk. A teal pumpkin indicates that non-food treats are available; it does not mean the entire home or every item offered is allergen-free.

Likewise, choosing a non-food treat doesn't require a child to disclose their allergy or explain their needs. The goal is to create a welcoming environment where families can make informed choices.

And remember that food allergies are not the same as food preferences. A child with a food allergy isn't being picky or difficult by avoiding a particular treat. Their family is making decisions to protect their health.

A little understanding goes a long way toward helping children feel safe and included.

Make Halloween a Little More Inclusive This Year

Halloween should be about costumes, imagination, neighborhood connections, and making happy memories. Children with food allergies deserve to enjoy those traditions just as much as everyone else.

This year, consider adding a few non-food treats to your trick-or-treat bowl, displaying a teal pumpkin, or sharing the Teal Pumpkin Project with your neighbors. If you're attending a Halloween party, ask the host how you can help make it more inclusive.

Small gestures can make a big difference to a child who might otherwise feel left out.

Let's make this Halloween about more than candy. Let's make it a celebration where every child feels welcome!

See if your kids can get any of these jokes...

Spots still available for the 2nd heart screen of the month!

The screening in Olathe earlier this month was efficiently run and got many screenings done.

Our Overland Park office will host a screening on Wednesday, Oct. 28th from 5pm to 8pm.

My HeartCheck is a trusted community partner that provides comprehensive, non‑invasive heart screenings for individuals ages 8–25 — and participants do not need to be Pediatric Partners patients to schedule.

Each 30‑minute screening includes:

• ECG (electrical activity)

• Echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound)

• Blood pressure check

• Health & family history review

• Results reviewed by a pediatric cardiologist

The cost is $179 , and financial assistance is available so no child misses the opportunity for early detection and peace of mind.

If this session is full, remember that our patients can go to any of their public screenings and that we'll host them again soon.

Learn About Free Community Events from the KC CHADD Chapter

If you enjoyed this edition of Growing Together with Pediatric Partners, share it with a friend.

Growing Together with Pediatric Partners: Helping Kids Through Fall, Illness & Everyday Challenges

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 06:00:00 GMT

October 8, 2026

Growing Together with Pediatric Partners: Helping Kids Through Fall, Illness & Everyday Challenges

Fall is officially here, and with it comes cooler weather, respiratory illnesses, school routines, and plenty of everyday parenting challenges.

In this edition of Growing Together with Pediatric Partners, we’re sharing practical information to help your family navigate the season—from what to do when your child’s symptoms linger after an illness to ways you can help make shots, blood draws, and other medical procedures less stressful.

We’re also talking about something that can make a big difference in your child’s health: learning to look beyond the words on food packages and recognizing that “healthy” doesn’t always mean what we think it does. Plus, we have an important reminder about how to contact us when your child’s usual provider is away, information about an upcoming youth heart-screening event in Olathe, car-seat safety, opportunities for young artists, and ways to connect with our local ADHDKC community.

As always, our goal is to give you practical, realistic information you can use—not to add more to your already-full parenting to-do list.

Here’s what’s inside:

IMPORTANT - please read: How Portal Messaging Works
Helping Your Child Through Shots, Blood Draws & Other Medical Procedures
When Symptoms Linger: Post-Viral Recovery in Children
Heart Screening at each of our locations coming again soon!
Part 2 of our Healthy Eating Series: "Healthy” Isn’t Always Healthy
Calling all artists! TAP-TAM is accepting entries for their winter art contest .
Survey Question: When can big kids ride up front?
Learn to support learning and behavioral challenges at ADHDKC Events - all are free and open to the public and no diagnosis of ADHD is required, just an interest to learn. Dr. Stuppy is co-host of the group for middle and high schoolers, on their podcast, and for the parent group. She is also excited that they've started a walking group for families to get some outdoor exercise while getting to chat with others soon. She loves to see new and familiar faces at all the ADHDKC events.
Testimonials

When Symptoms Linger: Post-Viral Recovery in Children

Most children bounce back quickly after a cold, the flu, COVID-19, or RSV. But doctors are increasingly recognizing that some children have symptoms that linger for weeks after the infection itself is gone. This is sometimes called a "post-viral" or "post-acute" condition. The good news: these lingering symptoms are usually temporary, and many of the infections that cause them can be prevented.

Lingering symptoms are more common than many parents realize

A large study of 5,740 children ( Bedir and Demir, Medicine, 2026 ) looked at how often symptoms were still present 4 to 6 weeks after three common respiratory viruses. Roughly 1 in 5 children still had at least one symptom:

RSV: about 24% of children
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): about 22% of children
Influenza (flu): about 21% of children

The main message from this study is reassuring but important: lingering symptoms typically self-resolve but are not unique to COVID-19. RSV and the flu can also leave children feeling unwell for weeks, so it is worth paying attention after any of these illnesses.

Each virus tends to leave a different pattern of lingering concerns.

As seen in the table and graph above, the type of lingering symptom depends a lot on which virus the child had, and on the child's age:

After RSV (mostly babies and infants): lingering cough, wheezing, harder or faster breathing, and feeding difficulties. Infants who had low oxygen levels, who were born prematurely, or who were under 6 months old were most likely to have lasting symptoms.
After COVID-19 (mostly school-aged children): tiredness (fatigue), trouble sleeping, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. School-aged children and those who were more severely ill were most affected but these have been seen even after infections that were so mild they were not recognized.
After the flu: tiredness, muscle aches, and prolonged or returning fever. Children who had a long fever during the illness were more likely to have lasting symptoms.

When to check in with us

Most lingering symptoms slowly improve on their own. Schedule a visit* if your child has:

A cough, wheezing, or fast/hard breathing that is not improving after a few weeks
An infant who is feeding poorly or not returning to their normal eating
Ongoing tiredness, headaches, sleep problems, or trouble concentrating that affects school or daily life
Fever that keeps coming back or lasts more than about a week

*Any symptom that lasts more than a few weeks is not suitable for urgent care unless there is a change, such as trouble breathing, blue lips, dehydration, or a child who is very hard to wake or unusually unresponsive. Any of these significant worsening of symptoms deserve urgent or emergent care, but scheduling with your primary provider is best for all chronic concerns. Do not put it off until your child's next well exam / annual physical. These are not well topics and need their own time to discuss and evaluate sufficiently.

Prevention: many of these infections are vaccine-preventable

RSV, flu, and COVID-19 spread mainly through the air and through respiratory droplets when people cough, sneeze, or talk, and by touching contaminated surfaces and then the face. Preventing the infection is the most reliable way to avoid a lingering post-viral illness.

Vaccines and immunizations:

Flu vaccine every year (6 months and older): Across recent flu seasons, flu vaccination lowered a child's risk of a flu-related doctor visit or hospitalization by roughly one-third to two-thirds (Olson et al., Pediatrics, 2026; AAP, 2025). In the youngest children (6 months to 4 years), protection was highest. Despite this, half or more of children go unvaccinated each year.
COVID-19 vaccine: Updated vaccines reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 and hospitalization, and some evidence suggests vaccination may lower the risk of long COVID in children (Scott et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2025). Follow current recommendations for your child.
RSV protection for babies: A single dose of an antibody shot for infants (nirsevimab) lowered RSV hospitalizations in babies under 1 year by roughly 80% (Scott et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2025). Alternatively, an RSV vaccine given during pregnancy passes protection to the newborn. Only one of the two is needed for most babies (CDC/ACIP, 2023). After these products became widely available, RSV hospitalizations in the youngest infants dropped substantially (Patton et al., MMWR, 2025).

These vaccines can generally be given at the same visit when recommended, which makes it easier to stay up to date.

Everyday habits that reduce airborne spread:

Handwashing with soap and water often, especially after coughing, sneezing, or wiping noses
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the elbow, not the hands, and throw tissues away
Keep sick children home when they are ill to avoid spreading it to others
Clean shared surfaces and toys regularly, since viruses like RSV can linger on objects
Improve airflow indoors (open windows when practical, good ventilation), since crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces drive a large share of spread
Consider well-fitted masks for older children and caregivers during periods of high respiratory illness in the community or when someone at home is sick

During the COVID-19 pandemic, these same simple measures — handwashing, distancing, and masking — were shown to sharply reduce not just COVID-19 but flu, RSV, and other respiratory viruses in children.

The bottom line for parents

Lingering symptoms after RSV, flu, or COVID-19 are common and usually improve with time. Keep an eye on your child's recovery, check in with your pediatrician if symptoms drag on, and remember that staying up to date on recommended vaccines and practicing everyday healthy habits are the best ways to keep these airborne, vaccine-preventable illnesses — and their after-effects — away in the first place.

Helping Your Child Through Shots, Blood Draws & Other Medical Procedures

“It’s just a quick shot. It won’t hurt!”

Many of us have said something like this to our children because we want to make a painful procedure seem less scary. But there are better ways to help your child through shots, blood draws, stitches, and other procedures—and they are backed by science.

Pain and fear can become connected. A difficult experience today can make the next medical procedure even more stressful. The good news is that parents have an important role in changing that experience. Simple strategies can reduce pain and distress while helping children feel more calm, confident, and in control.

Start with a plan

Don't wait until your child is sitting in the exam room with the needle in front of them. Talk about the plan ahead of time.

For an older child, you might say:

“You’re going to have a blood draw tomorrow. It may hurt for a moment, but we can make a plan for what will help you. Do you want to watch a video, listen to music, or have me talk with you about something fun?”

Giving children appropriate choices can help them feel that they have some control over what is happening.

Don't promise that it won't hurt

It can be tempting to say, “It won't hurt!” But if it does hurt, your child may feel like you weren't being truthful—and that can make future procedures harder.

Instead, be honest without making the pain the focus:

“You may feel a quick pinch. I'll be right here, and we'll use some things that can make it more comfortable.”

Comfort your child rather than holding them down whenever possible

When a child is frightened, our first goal should be to help them feel safe and supported—not to simply hold them down and get the procedure over with.Comfort your child rather than holding them down whenever possible

When a child is frightened, our first goal should be to help them feel safe and supported—not to simply hold them down and get the procedure over with.

A comfort position can be very helpful. Depending on the child's age and the procedure, this might mean sitting on a parent's lap, being held close, or having a parent provide a secure hug while keeping the part of the body needed for the procedure accessible. These positions can reduce distress and often make it easier to safely complete the procedure.

But let's also be realistic: sometimes a procedure simply has to be done.

You may have tried distraction, breathing, preparation, a comfort position, a favorite video, and reassurance—and your child may still be crying, kicking, or trying to get away. Some procedures cannot be postponed indefinitely. A vaccine has been prepared and needs to be administered. A blood sample may be needed for an important medical decision. A wound may need to be treated. And in a busy medical office, we cannot always spend an unlimited amount of time waiting for a child to become completely calm.

In those situations, safety comes first . Sometimes a child needs to be held still long enough for the procedure to be completed safely. That isn't the outcome we want, but it is sometimes the reality of providing necessary medical care.

The important distinction is how we get there .

We don't want to begin with holding them down. We want to give the child a chance to use coping strategies and maintain as much control and comfort as possible. If those strategies aren't enough and the procedure still needs to happen, the healthcare team can use the least restrictive, safest approach necessary to complete it .

And once it's over, don't shame the child for how they responded. A child who needed to be held still wasn't “bad,” “dramatic,” or “difficult.” They were overwhelmed. You can say:

“That was really hard. You were scared, and you got through it. I'm proud of you.”

This is also an opportunity to make the next procedure easier. Talk with your child's healthcare team about what worked, what didn't, and what could be done differently next time. For children who have significant procedural anxiety, planning ahead can make a big difference.

Give their brain something else to do

Distraction isn't just “trying to make them forget.” It is an evidence-based strategy for reducing pain and distress during many procedures. Depending on your child's age, try blowing bubbles, playing a game, watching a favorite video, listening to music, telling a story, or having a conversation about something completely unrelated to the procedure.

And parents can help by participating in the distraction rather than repeatedly asking, “Are you okay?” or “Does it hurt?”

Reduce the pain when you can

Pain management doesn't have to mean simply helping a child cope with pain. We should also look for ways to prevent or reduce the pain itself .

Depending on the procedure and your child's age, options may include topical numbing medication, comfort positioning, vibration, cooling, breastfeeding for infants, and other techniques. Ask your child's healthcare professional what is appropriate for the particular procedure.

Your calm matters—but you don't have to pretend

Children are remarkably good at picking up on our emotions. That doesn't mean you need to act as though you're completely fearless. Instead, try to be a calm coach .

Rather than:

“Oh no! Don't be scared! This is going to be okay!”

Try:

“I know this isn't your favorite thing. You can do hard things. I'm right here. Let's use your plan.”

The goal isn't to convince your child that there is nothing to be afraid of. The goal is to teach them that they have tools to get through something that is uncomfortable or scary.

A great resource for parents

One of my favorite resources for learning more about helping children through painful procedures is the MEG Foundation . They have practical, evidence-based resources for parents and kids, including comfort plans for shots and blood tests, information about numbing cream, comfort positioning, distraction, and other strategies.

Medical procedures don't have to be something children simply endure. We can help them experience less pain, less distress, and more confidence—and those skills can make the next experience easier, too.

If you need more

Our clinical social worker, Sean , can work with your child to learn how to manage needle phobia and other medical procedures.

Don't wait until your child's next well visit to talk about this. Working with any therapist to manage needle phobia typically takes 6 to 12 sessions (about 2 to 3 months), though some individuals can show significant improvement in as few as 2 to 6 sessions.

Preparing ahead of anticipated shots can make a world of difference. Call our office to schedule your first session about 3 months before anticipated shots or other medical procedures.

Calling all artists!

We are thrilled to share information about the TAP-TAM annual Winter Artwork Contest and invite youth to submit winter-themed drawings. This not only lets young artists show their talents, but also supports vital pediatric initiatives across Kansas.

Two winning designs will be featured on TAP-TAM and KAAP T-shirts, available for purchase in early November.

Entries are due by October 24th and should be sent to michelle.horst@kansasaap.org. Your TAP-TAM site is Pediatric Partners - they are the sponsors of all the books we give to kids.

Each winner will receive a free T-shirt and a TAP-TAM Reading at Home Package, promoting literacy and comfort. Proceeds from T-shirt sales will directly benefit TAP-TAM and KAAP programs.

Join us in celebrating creativity and supporting pediatric health!

A Direct Line to Your Child’s Provider: How Portal Messaging Works

Did you know that our physicians and nurse practitioners answer their own patient portal messages?

Unlike some healthcare practices where nurses or other staff manage portal communication, your message at Pediatric Partners goes directly to the person who knows your child’s care best.

We love that this provides a direct line of communication between you and your child’s healthcare provider. However, it also means that when your provider is out of the office, messages may not receive a response until they return.

What happens when your provider is away?

Our physicians and staff are deeply committed to providing the best possible care to our patients. When we are at work, we work hard to meet your healthcare needs. Just as everyone does, however, we also need time away from work.

Sometimes that time is for vacation, sometimes it's to care for family members, attend important family events, or simply take care of responsibilities at home. Whatever the reason, time off is important and necessary.

When a provider is out of the office, they are not expected to monitor portal messages, review laboratory results, or manage routine patient care tasks. Important or urgent issues are addressed by the on-call provider to ensure patient safety and continuity of care.

To help us maintain this balance, please do not send portal messages to another provider asking them to answer or forward a message to your preferred provider while they are away. Providers disable portal messaging when out of the office for this reason. If you have a question or concern, please call the office, and our staff will direct your message to the most appropriate person.

We appreciate your understanding, patience, and respect for the time our physicians and staff spend away from work. Taking this time allows us to return refreshed and ready to provide the high-quality care you deserve.

Unfortunately, sometimes people find an older message and reply to that conversation. While this may seem like a reasonable way to reach out if you don't see their name in the drop down of options, those replies may not be seen for several days. Families then understandably call the office to speak with a nurse about the same concern.

Here’s where things become more complicated behind the scenes:

The nurse discusses the concern with the on-call provider to determine how best to help your child.
The nurse also sends a message to your child's usual provider, who is out of the office, to keep them informed.
The returning provider then has messages from both you and the nurse regarding the same issue when they get back.

This leads to a very full in box and confusion as to what has already been addressed and what still needs to be handled.

How you can help

If you cannot send a new portal message to your child's provider or another staff member, please call our office instead.

Calling allows our nursing team to address your concern promptly, consult with the on-call provider when needed, and ensure the appropriate information is shared with your child's usual provider.

This approach helps you get an answer sooner, reduces duplicate communication, and allows our team to focus on providing the best care possible for all of our patients.

Thank you for helping us make communication more efficient while preserving the direct connection you value with your child's healthcare provider!

Part 2 of Healthy Eating Together: "Healthy Isn't Always Healthy

The Truth About “Healthy” Snacks: Reading Between the Labels

Healthy eating starts with making informed choices—but sometimes the foods marketed as healthy aren't quite what they seem.

Walk through a grocery store and you'll find plenty of foods promising to help your family eat better. “All natural.” “Made with whole grains.” “Good source of vitamins.” “No artificial ingredients.” “Packed with real fruit.”

These claims can make shopping feel easier. After all, if a package says it's healthy, why wouldn't we choose it?

The challenge is that a food can have some nutritional benefits and still contain more added sugar than you might expect.

Understanding food labels and looking beyond marketing claims can help families make choices that support health without turning grocery shopping into a stressful research project.

And as we discussed in Part 1, this isn't about perfection. It's about learning how to make informed choices most of the time.

Why Does Added Sugar Matter?

Sugar is not inherently bad. Our bodies use glucose for energy, and naturally occurring sugars are found in nutritious foods such as fruit and milk.

The bigger concern is excessive intake of added sugars—sugars added to foods and beverages during processing or preparation.

Many children consume more added sugar than recommended, often without realizing it. Sugary drinks, snacks, breakfast foods, and desserts can contribute significant amounts throughout the day.

Too much added sugar over time can contribute to:

Dental cavities
Excess calorie intake
Increased risk of unhealthy weight gain
Higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease when part of an overall unhealthy dietary pattern

For some children, sugary foods and drinks can also displace more nutrient-dense choices. A child who fills up on sweetened beverages may have less appetite for foods that provide protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

The goal isn't to eliminate sugar. It's to recognize where it shows up and make thoughtful choices.

Foods That May Not Be as Healthy as They Appear

Let's look at some common examples.

1. Flavored Yogurt

Yogurt can be an excellent source of protein and calcium. It may also contain beneficial live cultures.

But some flavored yogurts contain substantial amounts of added sugar—especially those marketed toward children.

A better option: Try plain yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit mixed in. You can also choose a lightly sweetened yogurt and gradually transition toward less added sugar.

For younger children, full-fat plain yogurt may be a useful option depending on their developmental stage and overall dietary needs.

You don't have to make the switch overnight. Even mixing half plain yogurt with a child's usual favorite can be a reasonable starting point.

2. Granola Bars and “Healthy” Snack Bars

Granola bars often have a wholesome image because they contain oats, nuts, or whole grains.

But some varieties also contain added sugars, syrups, chocolate coatings, or candy-like ingredients.

That doesn't make every granola bar a poor choice. It simply means the label is worth checking.

Look for: Whole grains, nuts or seeds, fiber, and protein, with less added sugar when possible.

A granola bar can be a convenient snack—particularly for busy families. Just remember that convenience and nutrition can coexist without every bar being a nutritional powerhouse.

3. Breakfast Cereals

Some cereals provide whole grains, iron, and other important nutrients. Others are essentially sweetened snacks served in a bowl.

Even cereals that contain added vitamins and minerals may still have considerable added sugar.

Try comparing labels. Look for cereals with whole grains listed among the first ingredients and less added sugar.

You can also combine a sweeter cereal with a lower-sugar option rather than demanding that your child immediately abandon a favorite.

Serve cereal with milk or yogurt and fruit to create a more balanced breakfast.

4. Smoothies

Smoothies can be a wonderful way to combine fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and other nutritious ingredients.

But not all smoothies are created equal.

A smoothie made with whole fruit, plain yogurt, and milk is different from one made primarily with fruit juice, flavored yogurt, and sweetened ingredients.

Even a homemade smoothie made entirely from fruit can contain a substantial amount of naturally occurring sugar while providing less fiber than eating whole fruit, depending on preparation.

A better approach: Include protein and fiber, such as plain yogurt, nut butter, seeds, or oats, and use whole fruit rather than juice as the base.

Smoothies don't need to be avoided. Just think about what goes into them.

5. Fruit Snacks

The word “fruit” on a package can be misleading.

Many fruit snacks are made primarily from fruit juice concentrates, added sugars, and gelatin or other ingredients. They may contain little of the fiber found in whole fruit.

Whole fruit is generally a better everyday choice.

Apples, berries, oranges, bananas, and grapes provide fiber and require children to experience different textures and flavors.

Fruit snacks can still be an occasional food. They simply shouldn't replace fruit as a regular part of the diet.

6. Flavored Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a nutritious whole grain that provides fiber and can be a great breakfast choice.

But some flavored oatmeal packets contain added sugars that turn a healthy base into a much sweeter meal.

Try plain oats with:

Bananas or berries
Cinnamon
Peanut or other nut butter, if tolerated and age-appropriate
Chia or ground flax seeds
Milk or yogurt
Chopped nuts for older children who can safely eat them

This allows your family to control the sweetness while adding nutrients and flavor.

7. Honey

Honey has a reputation for being a healthier alternative to table sugar. It's natural, comes from bees, and contains small amounts of antioxidants and other plant compounds. So many parents feel better adding honey to their child's oatmeal or smoothie than adding ordinary sugar.

We even recommend honey for those over a year of age to help treat their cough. It does have great properties!

But when it comes to added sugar, honey isn't the health food many people believe it is. It is still primarily sugar (mostly glucose and fructose) and your body processes those sugars much like the sugars found in table sugar. While honey may contain trace amounts of antioxidants and minerals that aren't present in significant amounts in refined sugar, those small nutritional differences don't outweigh the fact that honey contributes added sugar to the diet.

The American Heart Association includes honey among the sweeteners counted as added sugars. The body doesn't give honey a free pass simply because it comes from a natural source.

Some people point out that honey may have a slightly lower glycemic index than table sugar, depending on the variety. This means it may cause a somewhat different rise in blood glucose.

However, this doesn't make honey a low-sugar food or mean you can use unlimited amounts. The total amount of sugar consumed still matters, and honey can contribute to excessive added sugar intake just like other sweeteners.

What should you use instead?

If you're sweetening oatmeal or a smoothie, consider letting the natural sweetness of fruit do the work:

Add mashed banana to oatmeal.
Blend berries or mango into a smoothie.
Sprinkle cinnamon for extra flavor.
Choose plain yogurt and add fruit rather than relying on sweetened varieties.

And if you enjoy honey? There's no need to fear it or eliminate it. A little honey is fine, but it should be viewed as a sweetener, not a nutritional upgrade over sugar.

One important reminder for families: Honey should never be given to infants younger than 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.

The bottom line: Whether sweetness comes from a bee, a sugar cane plant, or a factory, it is still added sugar when we mix it into our food.

How to Read a Food Label Without Becoming Overwhelmed

You don't need a degree in nutrition to make informed choices.

Start with three simple steps.

1. Look at the serving size

The nutrition information is based on the listed serving size—not necessarily the amount your child will eat.

A package may contain two or more servings, even if it looks like a single snack.

2. Check the added sugars

The Nutrition Facts label separates total sugars from added sugars.

Total sugars include naturally occurring sugars, such as those in fruit and milk, as well as added sugars.
Added sugars are those introduced during processing or preparation.

When comparing similar products, looking at added sugar can help you identify which options are less sweetened.

3. Scan the ingredient list

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight.

If sugar, corn syrup, honey, or another sweetener appears near the beginning of the ingredient list, the product may contain a significant amount of added sugar.

And remember, sugar can have many names, including:

Cane sugar
Brown sugar
Honey
Maple syrup
Agave nectar
Corn syrup
Rice syrup
Fruit juice concentrate

Some of these ingredients may sound more natural, but your body still processes the sugars they contain.

Natural-sounding ingredients aren't automatically healthier.

Don't Let “Natural” or “Organic” Do All the Thinking for You

Words such as “natural,” “organic,” “multigrain,” and “made with real fruit” may describe something about a product, but they don't tell the whole nutritional story.

Organic and conventionally grown foods have very similar amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients.

Natural is an unregulated marketing term, so it is not helpful to look for "natural" on the label when choosing foods to serve your family.

For example:

A cookie can be organic and still high in added sugar.
A granola bar can contain whole grains and still be heavily sweetened.
A fruit drink can contain 100% real fruit juice and still be a sugary beverage.
A product labeled “multigrain” may contain several grains without being primarily whole grain.

Marketing is designed to catch our attention. Nutrition labels help us understand what we're actually buying. Neither requires us to become suspicious of every package. They simply remind us to look at the whole picture.

Simple Swaps That Can Make a Difference

Small changes often work better than dramatic overhauls.

Swap plain yogurt with fruit instead of sweetened yogurt.
Offer water for most drinks and save sugary drinks, including fruit juice, for special occasions.
Serve fresh, frozen, or canned fruit in water instead of fruit snacks.
Skip the sweetened oatmeal and make plain oats with fruit and cinnamon.
Make smoothies with some or all of the following: fruit, plain yogurt, vanilla, vegetables, oats, nuts
Bake 2-ingredient cookies with banana and oats and consider adding cinnamon, nuts, and other healthy flavors for variety instead of giving traditional cookies.
Use unsweetened peanut butter rather than the popular sugar-added brands.

These are suggestions, not strict rules.

Kids will resist change, so start slow. If your child loves sweetened yogurt, try combining it with plain yogurt. If they only eat one particular cereal, mix it with a less-sweetened variety. If your family relies on convenience foods, look for small improvements rather than eliminating everything that comes in a package.

A healthier choice is still a healthier choice—even if it isn't the “perfect” choice.

What About Juice?

Juice deserves special attention because it is often perceived as a healthy drink.

Fruit juice can provide some vitamins and minerals, but it lacks much of the fiber found in whole fruit and can deliver a significant amount of sugar.

For most children, whole fruit is the better everyday choice.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting juice intake, particularly in young children:

Infants younger than 12 months should not routinely be given fruit juice.
Children ages 1–3 years: No more than 4 ounces daily.
Children ages 4–6 years: No more than 4–6 ounces daily.
Children ages 7–18 years: No more than 8 ounces daily.

Water and milk are generally better everyday beverages.

And don't forget that many drinks marketed to children—including sports drinks, flavored waters, and fruit beverages—may contain added sugar.

Teaching Children Without Creating Food Fear

As parents, we want to help our children make healthy choices. But how we talk about food matters.

If children hear that sugar is “poison,” that certain foods are “bad,” or that eating dessert means they have failed, they may begin to associate food with guilt or anxiety.

Instead, try neutral, informative language:

“This cereal has a lot of added sugar. Let's compare it with another option.”
“Fruit gives us fiber and vitamins, while fruit snacks are a sweet treat.”
“Water helps keep our bodies hydrated.”
“We can enjoy cookies sometimes and also eat foods that help our bodies grow.”

The goal is to teach children how to think about food—not to make them afraid of it.

This becomes especially important as children grow into teenagers and young adults, when they will make more food choices independently.

Healthy Eating Doesn't Have to Be Expensive or Complicated

Some families worry that eating healthy means buying expensive specialty products or spending hours preparing meals. There are healthy options that are not going to break the bank or take a lot of prep time.

Nutritious, budget-friendly choices can include:

Oatmeal
Eggs
Beans and lentils
Frozen vegetables
Canned fruits packed in water
Peanut butter or other nut butters
Brown rice
Whole-grain pasta
Plain yogurt
Seasonal produce

Frozen and canned foods can be incredibly helpful for busy families. They last longer, reduce food waste, and can make it easier to include a variety of foods throughout the week.

The healthiest plan is one your family can realistically maintain.

The Bottom Line: Awareness, Not Perfection

Learning to recognize hidden sugars and understand food labels can help families make better choices.

But this isn't about scrutinizing every bite or turning grocery shopping into a test.

It's about gradually building awareness, helping children understand that foods serve different purposes and making nutritious foods accessible while allowing room for enjoyment.

And it's about modeling balance rather than perfection because healthy eating is not defined by one snack, one meal, or one day. It's the pattern we create over time.

In Part 3 of our Healthy Eating Together series, we'll explore why sitting down to eat as a family can benefit far more than nutrition.

A Few Questions to Consider This Week

Is there one food or beverage your family consumes regularly that you could compare with a less-sweetened alternative?
Could you add one more fruit or vegetable to a meal each day?
Can you involve your child in reading a label or choosing between two options at the grocery store?

Small changes count. And every opportunity to teach children about nourishing their bodies is an investment in their future.

Heart Screening Events Are Coming to Our Offices Again

Our Olathe location will host a My HeartCheck youth heart screening on Tuesday, October 8th from 5–8 PM.

Our Overland Park office will host a screening on Wednesday, Oct. 28th from 5pm to 8pm.

Each 30‑minute screening includes:

• ECG (electrical activity)

• Echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound)

• Blood pressure check

• Health & family history review

• Results reviewed by a pediatric cardiologist

The cost is $179 , and financial assistance is available so no child misses the opportunity for early detection and peace of mind.

If this session is full, remember that our patients can go to any of their public screenings and that we'll host them again soon.

Since the last blog, our survey only had one submission: When can big kids sit up front in the car?

Keep Kids In Back: The front seat is safe for teen s and adults only

Another question from our Survey: When can big kids sit up front?

The short answer: Children younger than 13 are safest riding in the back seat, no matter how mature or tall they seem .

This is the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and it applies every trip, every time.

Why the back seat is safer

It is farther from the crash. In most serious collisions, the front of the car takes the worst impact. Riding in the back puts more of the car between your child and the point of impact.
The numbers are clear. Studies show children riding in the front seat have roughly a 40% to 70% higher risk of injury than children riding in the back. The back seat protects in side-impact crashes too—children in the rear are about 62% less likely to be hurt.
Front airbags are built for adults, not kids. Airbags deploy with tremendous force and speed to protect a full-grown adult. That same force can seriously or fatally injure a child, striking the head, neck, and chest. This danger is why the recommendation to keep children in the back began in the first place.

Why 13 is the cutoff

Children under 13 have smaller, under-developed bones, especially their breastbones (sternum) and skulls. If they are not at least 4 ft 9 inches they also sit too low for the air bag to hit their chest, and it instead may hit their head. This makes them more vulnerable to the blunt-force trauma of an adult-sized airbag. Even tall kids do not have the bone maturity of teens, so are at higher risk in an accident.

Research shows that the safety benefit of the back seat holds for children up to about age 13. Around the teen years, a child's body is closer to adult size, and the front seat becomes as safe for them as it is for adults. Smaller teens will still be safest in the back seat.

A few important reminders and tips

Always use the right restraint for your child's size —rear-facing seat, forward-facing seat, booster, or seat belt—and keep them in each stage as long as they fit within the height and weight limits. Do not rush the next step.
A seat belt alone is not enough until it fits properly: the shoulder belt across the middle of the chest and shoulder (not the neck), the lap belt low across the hips (not the belly), with your child sitting all the way back with knees bent at the seat edge. This usually happens around 4 feet 9 inches tall and between ages 10 and 12.
The center of the back seat, when a good belt or seat fit is possible there, is often the safest single spot because it is farthest from all sides of the car.
If a child must ride in front (for example, a truck with only one row of seats), move the seat as far back as it goes and, if possible, have the front passenger airbag switched off.

The bottom line for parents

Keeping your child in the back seat until age 13 is one of the simplest, most effective things you can do to protect them in the car. Buckle up correctly, back seat, every ride.

Manage your home with better strategies

Patient Testimonials

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Finding Balance, Building Healthy Habits & Caring for Your Family

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:00 GMT

September 24, 2026

Welcome to another edition of Growing Together with Pediatric Partners!

We're also kicking off a new series about healthy eating, sharing important updates about measles and respiratory viruses in our area, and helping you prepare for seasonal vaccines.

Here’s what’s inside:

How we're supporting a Year of Balance for our employees
See how our staff builds teamwork over lunch
We're starting a 4-part series on healthy eating. See Part 1 here .
Measles in the area: what you need to know
Acute flaccid myelitis: a rare summer risk
Another follow up to a survey question: what should you do when your child gets a goose egg or huge bump on the head?
Should you schedule a visit, walk in to our "urgent care" or go to the ER? Let us help you decide what's best for the situation.
An update about our flu vaccine clinics, COVID vaccines, and RSV immunizations
Learn to support learning and behavioral challenges at ADHDKC Events - all are free and open to the public and no diagnosis is required, just an interest to learn. Dr. Stuppy leads the group for middle and high schoolers and is co-host on their podcast. She loves to welcome new and familiar faces.

�� The Year of Balance: Taking Care of the People Who Take Care of You

Last month we introduced our Pediatric Partners Year of Balance — our 2026 effort to support our staff in finding balance at work, at home, for the future, and through personal well-being .

We believe that taking care of the people who care for your children is important. Each staff member is given money to spend in ways that support their own definition of balance. And because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to balance, everyone gets to choose what works best for them. And because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to balance, everyone gets to choose what works best for them.

Last month we highlighted Dr. Mellick and one of our nurses . This month we're highlighting Loren, Valerie, and Dr. Stuppy , who each chose to invest in physical activity but in very different ways!

I chose to use my funds for the fitness activities that I enjoy and that have become an important part of my self-care. Working out is something I genuinely love to do, and it has been so beneficial for not only my physical health, but my mental health as well. I take classes at a local cycling studio, and I also work out with a personal trainer who is a longtime friend of mine.

As healthcare workers, we spend so much of our time caring for others that it can be easy to lose balance and unintentionally neglect ourselves. I often have to remind myself that you can’t pour from an empty cup. We have to make time to show up for ourselves so that we can continue to show up fully for the people around us. I’m so grateful to work somewhere that recognizes the importance of balance and encourages us to prioritize our own well-being, too.

-Loren RN

I chose to use my funds towards a personal trainer at the gym.

I struggle to motivate myself to get to the gym and exercise and it's been amazing to have someone challenge me and encourage me to work out.

— Valerie

I chose to use my funds on a Tai Chi class — because balance starts to decline in mid life and I was really starting to notice it. Not only did my balance decide to retire, but my joints started filing daily complaint forms. My supportive shoes just weren't enough anymore, though I will never go back to cute sandals without support.

Since January, I’ve been out there doing slow-motion tai chi moves, and I'm seeing the benefits. My balance is better, my joints are less achy, and I’m moving through the day feeling a little more graceful and a little less like a creaky folding chair. Those duck walk demonstrations during summer well visits went better this year compared to last!

Unexpected perk: it’s fun, and I actually look forward to seeing the others in my classes. We chat and laugh while stretching and moving with the movements.

— Dr. Stuppy

Finding the Right Kind of Movement

Exercise doesn't have to look the same for everyone. A personal trainer, Tai Chi class, walking, dancing, swimming, or simply finding an activity you enjoy can all be ways to add more movement to your life.

Regular physical activity can support physical health, strength, balance, mobility, mood, and overall well-being . The most beneficial activity is often the one you enjoy enough to keep doing!

That's really the point of our Year of Balance: finding what works for you.

We'll continue sharing stories from our staff in the second newsletter of each month , so you can get to know a little more about the people who care for your families—and maybe find an idea that inspires you to invest in your own balance, too.

Balance isn't just for our staff. We hope every member of your family finds ways to make room for health, connection, fun, rest, and the things that help you feel your best. ��

TEAM BUILDING

Each month our offices sponsor an activity for staff to do over lunch together.

This month our Overland Park staff made tie-dye shirts!

Watch to see if you catch us wearing these when you're in the office.

Sick season is here! Do you know which type of visit your child needs?

One of the questions we hear a lot this time of year is: “Does my child need to be seen—and if so, what kind of appointment should I schedule?”

Not every concern needs the same type of visit. Choosing the right visit helps us make sure your child gets the right amount of time with the right provider.

SICK VISITS = sudden problems that need attention now

Our portal can be used to schedule many sick visits and we have walk in clinics 6 days a week. Both scheduled sick visist and walk in visists are appropriate for things such as:
• Fever
• Ear pain
• Sore throat
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing or wheezing
• Minor cuts or injuries
• Possible concussion
• Other sudden illnesses or minor injuries

WELL VISITS = routine preventive care = schedule in advance

Annual well visits are for checking in on your child's overall health and development, including:
• Physical and developmental milestones
• School, sports and activity needs
• Nutrition, sleep and lifestyle
• Immunizations
• Growth and puberty
• Preventive health and safety

If problems are identified at these visits, we may ask that you follow up at another time so we can discuss the concerns in more detail. Many times families will hold off on coming in with concerns and plan on talking about it during the routine preventive care visit, but this does not allow time to discuss concerns. If your child or teen is having problems, schedule a visit with their usual physician or nurse practitioner so we have time to discuss those concerns rather than trying to squeeze them into the well visit's agenda. We cannot address everything sufficiently when we try to cover too much in one visit.

Well visits can be scheduled through the portal or by calling, but we recommend scheduling as you leave each well visit to avoid forgetting to schedule. Even if it needs to be moved due to a schedule change, the appointment itself serves as a reminder that it needs to be done. If you missed our scheduling tips to avoid family chaos with conflicts in our last blog, visit it here .

CHRONIC CONDITIONS & MENTAL/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH = schedule with our staff

Concerns such as ADHD, anxiety, sleep problems, headaches, asthma, chronic abdominal pain, and other ongoing conditions deserve dedicated time. These visits often take longer than a typical sick visit.

Please call and talk with our staff to schedule these appointments rather than using a sick-visit appointment online. Our team can make sure your child is scheduled with the appropriate provider and that enough time is reserved to address the concern well.

SPORTS PHYSICALS = usually done with the annual well visit, but timing might be off

If your child's annual well visit is already completed but falls outside the timeframe required by the school for a sports physical, we can schedule a separate sports physical. These are cash-pay visits because insurance generally does not cover a separate sports physical.

A better long-term strategy is to plan ahead with your annual well visits. As kids get older, consider gradually shifting their yearly visit later in the year so that, by middle school, the visit falls:

After February 1 in Missouri
After April 1 in Kansas
…and before the fall sports season begins.

This may take several years of scheduling annual visits 13–14 months apart, so think ahead when scheduling well visits for fall and winter birthdays.

If your child needs a sports physical, please call us to schedule it so we can make sure the appointment is scheduled appropriately. If their annual well visit already falls within the school's required timeframe, sports forms can usually be completed at that visit.

Still not sure which visit your child needs? Just ask!

Our staff can help you figure out the best way to get the care your child needs.

Since the last blog, our survey only had one submission:

Bumps and bruises. Toddlers fall often, how to know if a head bump needs seen by doctor or time to heal.

This is a great question because it's such a common concern. The pictures below were taken about 3 hours from one another. You can see in the first that there's a huge bump that lifts the hair at the hair line and even distorts the eyebrow. It is impressive, but 3 hours later after a bit of ice and TLC, the bump itself is gone and there only remains an abrasion and bruising.

If you aren't receiving Phreesia messages, they may have been filtered as spam or the number may have been blocked on your phone.

If the Phreesia messages are marked as spam, try these steps or use the buttons below for more information on managing your messages:

�� iPhone

Open the Messages app and check Filters → Spam. Apple says messages that are incorrectly identified as spam can be marked Not Spam and moved back to your regular messages.
Check whether the Phreesia number has been blocked: Settings → Privacy & Security → Blocked Contacts. If you find the number there, remove it from the blocked list.
If you previously reported Phreesia as spam, make sure future messages aren't being filtered.

�� Android / Google

Open Google Messages.
Tap your profile picture → Spam & blocked.
If you see a Phreesia message there, select the conversation and tap Unblock. Google says this removes the spam report and returns the conversation to your regular messages.

A Rare Complication to Know About: Acute Flaccid Myelitis

We know that reports of a rise in respiratory viruses can make parents worry, so we want to put the recent Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) alert into perspective so when you hear the news you don't excessively worry.

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is very rare , and having a respiratory infection— including enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)—does not mean a child will develop AFM. In fact, KDHE notes that increases in EV-D68 have occurred in recent years without a corresponding increase in AFM cases.

KDHE is seeing increased EV-D68 activity in some Kansas communities this summer and fall. EV-D68 most often causes a mild respiratory illness with symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, cough, and muscle aches. Some children, particularly those with asthma or underlying conditions, can develop more significant respiratory symptoms, including wheezing or difficulty breathing.

The reason we want families to be aware of AFM is that, although it is uncommon, it can progress quickly. AFM is a neurological condition that can occur in the weeks following a viral infection. The key symptoms to watch for are sudden weakness or loss of strength in an arm or leg, decreased muscle tone (“floppiness”), or noticeably decreased reflexes.

If your child develops new or sudden limb weakness , especially following a recent respiratory illness or fever, seek medical attention promptly rather than waiting to see if it improves. Early evaluation is important because weakness associated with AFM can progress rapidly.

The good news is that there are simple things families can continue doing to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses: wash hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, wear a well-fitted mask when you or those around you are sick, stay home when ill, and keep recommended vaccinations up to date.

Bottom line: There is no reason to panic about AFM. It is rare. We simply want parents to recognize the specific warning sign of sudden limb weakness so that if it ever occurs, your child can be evaluated quickly.

Why We Recommend Vaccines On Time

You never know when you’ll cross paths with a preventable illness — and that’s exactly why staying up to date on vaccines matters. Recently, a person with measles visited several locations in our community:

Jackson County Public Health , 3651 NE Ralph Powell Road

Sept. 8, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Sept. 10, 12 p.m.–4 p.m.

Kyoto Sushi & Steak , 6792 W. 135th St., Overland Park

Sept. 7, 12 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Pan‑Asia Supermarket , 12035 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park

Sept. 7, 2 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

Measles is highly contagious , and people can spread it before the rash appears , which is one reason outbreaks can grow quickly.

What Measles Typically Looks Like

A general timeline families can keep in mind:

Days 7–14 after exposure:

Fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes

A few days later:

Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)

Day 10–21 after exposure:

Rash begins on the face and spreads downward

If your child develops symptoms like these, please stay home and call our office for guidance. DO NOT go anywhere without healthcare guidance if you suspect measles. It is highly contagious and preparations must be made prior to a person suspected to have measles entering public areas.

Healthy Eating Together: A 4-Part Family Wellness Blog Series

This 4-part blog series is designed for families with children of all ages, from babies and toddlers to teens and young adults. The goal is to encourage realistic, sustainable habits that support physical health, emotional well-being, and stronger family connection. The tone should be supportive, practical, and nonjudgmental while acknowledging the realities of busy family life.

Part 1: Healthy Eating Starts at Home: Building Better Habits Together

Healthy eating can sometimes feel like one more thing parents are expected to get “right.” There are endless opinions about what children should eat, how much they should eat, and which foods are healthiest. Add busy schedules, picky eaters, school lunches, sports, work, and different food preferences within the same family, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed.

The good news? Healthy eating does not have to be perfect to make a difference.

The habits we build around food as a family can help children grow, learn, sleep, play, and develop a healthy relationship with food. And those habits can continue to benefit them long after they leave home.

Healthy eating is about more than what is on the plate

Food provides the energy and nutrients children need for growth and development. A balanced diet supports the brain as children learn, helps maintain energy throughout the day, supports a healthy immune system, and provides the building blocks for strong bones, muscles, and organs.

Nutrition also plays a role in long-term health. The eating patterns children develop over time can influence their risk for conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity later in life.

But healthy eating isn't simply about nutrients. Food is also part of our social and emotional lives.

Meals can provide a predictable time to connect. Preparing food together can teach independence and confidence. Trying new foods can be an opportunity to explore. And sitting down together can create a space for conversation that might not happen anywhere else during a busy day.

That's why we want families to think about healthy eating as a pattern of habits—not a perfect diet.

There is no need for a “perfect” diet

One healthy meal doesn't make a child healthy, and one less-nutritious meal doesn't make a child unhealthy.

Think about what your family eats over days and weeks rather than focusing on individual foods or meals.

A birthday party with cake is part of childhood.

A drive-through dinner on a busy night is sometimes necessary.

A bowl of cereal for dinner is not a parenting failure.

What matters is the overall pattern.

Instead of labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” try talking about foods in terms of what they provide. Some foods give us protein to build and repair our bodies. Others provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, or energy. Some foods are simply foods we enjoy.

All foods don't have to serve the same purpose to have a place in a healthy life.

This approach can also help children develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies as they grow.

Start with the basics

You don't have to completely change your family's diet overnight. Small, consistent changes can add up.

When possible, build meals around a combination of:

Fruits and vegetables for vitamins, minerals, fiber, and a variety of nutrients
Protein such as eggs, beans, lentils, fish, poultry, meat, tofu, yogurt, or cheese
Whole grains and other sources of carbohydrates for energy and fiber
Healthy fats from foods such as avocado, nuts and nut butters, seeds, olive oil, and fish
Water as the primary drink

You don't have to accomplish all of this at every meal. Think about balance over the course of the day.

And remember: frozen, canned, and pre-cut foods count!

Frozen vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh ones. Canned beans and fruit can make meal preparation easier. Pre-washed salad greens and baby carrots may cost a little more but can be worthwhile if they make it more likely that your family will actually eat them.

Healthy eating has to fit into your actual life.

Healthy eating looks different at different ages

What a healthy eating pattern looks like changes as children grow.

Babies and toddlers

Early childhood is a time of exploration. Babies and toddlers are learning what food tastes, smells, and feels like.

Offer a variety of nutritious foods and give children repeated opportunities to try them. Don't be discouraged if a toddler rejects a food today that they happily ate last week—or refuses something they've never tried before.

It can take many exposures before a child accepts a new food.

Whenever developmentally appropriate, allowing children to participate in feeding themselves also helps them learn about hunger and fullness.

And remember that young children have small stomachs. Their appetites can vary considerably from one meal to the next.

School-aged children

As children become more independent, involve them in the process.

Let them:

Choose between two healthy options
Help make a grocery list
Wash fruits and vegetables
Stir ingredients
Pack part of their lunch
Help choose a family meal
Grow herbs or vegetables

These small responsibilities teach children that food doesn't magically appear on the table—and help them develop skills they will eventually need to feed themselves.

Teens

Teenagers need increasing independence, but they still benefit from having nutritious foods readily available at home.

Rather than trying to control every food choice, help teens learn how to make choices for themselves .

Talk about how food affects energy, concentration, sports performance, sleep, and overall health rather than making conversations primarily about weight.

Keep easy options available for busy teenagers: fruit, yogurt, cheese, nuts or nut butter, whole-grain foods, leftovers, eggs, vegetables, and other foods that require little preparation.

Teaching a teen how to make a quick balanced meal may be more valuable than telling them what they should eat.

Your child is watching you

One of the most powerful ways to teach healthy eating is to model it .

Children notice what adults eat, how we talk about food, and how we respond to our own bodies.

If children regularly hear adults say things like “I can't eat that,” “I was bad today,” or “I need to lose weight,” they can begin to associate food with guilt and body image.

Instead, let children see you enjoying a variety of foods. Eat fruits and vegetables. Drink water. Try new foods. Enjoy dessert sometimes. Stop eating when you're satisfied.

You don't have to lecture children about healthy eating when they can learn so much simply by watching you.

Make healthy choices the easy choices

We all tend to eat what is convenient—especially when we're hungry and tired.

Try making nutritious choices easier to reach:

Keep fruit where children can see it.
Have easy-to-grab vegetables available.
Keep nutritious snacks in backpacks and cars when appropriate.
Prepare extra food at dinner for tomorrow's lunch.
Keep water bottles accessible.
Have a few reliable “emergency meals” for nights when everything goes wrong.

This isn't about banning less-nutritious foods. It's about making nutritious foods easy to choose.

Don't forget the family part of family eating

Healthy eating isn't just about nutrition.

How we eat matters, too.

When families can share meals—even if it isn't every night—they have an opportunity to slow down, talk, listen, and connect. Children learn social skills and mealtime routines. Parents get a glimpse into what's happening in their child's world.

And that matters for children of every age.

For a toddler, it might be practicing using a spoon.

For an elementary school child, it might be telling you about something funny that happened at school.

For a teenager, it might be the one time of day they actually put their phone down long enough to talk.

The meal doesn't have to be elaborate. The connection is the important part.

We'll talk more about the benefits of family meals—and why making time to eat together can have lasting effects on both physical and mental health—in Part 3 of this series.

Small changes are still changes

If your family's eating habits aren't where you'd like them to be, don't try to fix everything at once.

Pick one small change .

Maybe it's adding fruit to breakfast.

Maybe it's replacing one sugary drink with water each day.

Maybe it's keeping healthier snacks available.

Maybe it's having one family meal together each week.

Once that becomes routine, build on it.

Healthy eating isn't a short-term challenge or a test your family can pass or fail. It is a collection of habits that develops over a lifetime.

And the goal isn't to raise children who eat perfectly.

The goal is to help children grow into adults who understand how to nourish themselves, enjoy food without guilt, recognize what their bodies need, and have the skills to make healthy choices most of the time.

That's a pretty healthy foundation.

Don't miss our next blog for Part 2 in the series, “Healthy” Isn’t Always Healthy — Understanding Hidden Sugars and Smarter Choices.

Appointment reminders are a courtesy

Not receiving the text does not cancel or change your appointment.

Families are still responsible for knowing their appointment date, time, and location and for arriving on time with the pre-visit check in completed.

�� Please Don't Miss Your Phreesia Check-In!

Before scheduled visits, you should receive a text message from Phreesia with a link to complete your check-in. This may include several questionnaires and health surveys that are important for your child's care.

Please complete the check-in before arriving at the office to not only save time in the waiting room but also so you have time to contemplate the answers about your child that you are unsure of. This is especially helpful for the developmental questions that help us assess your young child at well visits.

The Phreesia message also includes your child's appointment date, time, and office location, so please take a moment to review that information carefully. If you have a conflict, please let us know more than 24 hours in advance to avoid a no-show fee.

Toddlers fall. A lot. Learning to walk, run, and climb means tumbles are part of everyday life, and most of those falls end with a good cry, a quick cuddle, and a small bump that fades on its own.

Older kids also take risks, such as riding their bike without a helmet and climbing trees, so they also get many bumps and bruises.

Risky play can be healthy, especially if proper safety measures are used. But with risk comes injury sometimes. The hard part for parents is knowing the difference between a normal "goose egg" and a bump that needs a doctor's eyes. Here is a practical guide.

Most head bumps are minor

The good news first: the vast majority of everyday falls in toddlers cause only bruising to the scalp, not injury to the brain. A raised, firm swelling (sometimes called a "goose egg") is simply blood and fluid collecting under the skin, and it can look alarming while being completely harmless. These usually shrink over hours to days and may change color like any bruise.

What you can safely do at home

For a child who bumped their head but is alert, acting like themselves, and consoles normally after crying:

Apply a cold pack (wrapped in a cloth) for 10–20 minutes to reduce swelling.
Offer comfort and let them rest quietly if they want to, but they do not need to be kept awake.
Watch them closely over the next 24 hours, including checking on them periodically while they sleep.
Give acetaminophen for pain if needed and appropriate for their age.

Most children with a minor head injury recover fully, though a few may have symptoms such as fussiness or clinginess that can take up to a couple of weeks (occasionally longer) to fully settle.

Call our office to see if it is appropriate to be treated in our clinic or an emergency room if your child has a head injury with:

Vomiting (especially more than once, or vomiting that starts hours later)
A large, boggy swelling on the head, particularly on the side or back of the head
Any brief loss of consciousness ("passing out"), even for a few seconds
Not acting normally: unusually drowsy, hard to wake, very irritable, or "just not themselves"
A severe or worsening headache in a child old enough to tell you
The fall was from a significant height (roughly higher than 3 feet) or a high-impact mechanism
Age less than 2 years. Children under 2 years old deserve a lower threshold for being checked, because injuries can be harder to detect at this age.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room now if you see:

A seizure (shaking, stiffening, or staring spell)
Repeated vomiting or vomiting that will not stop
Difficulty waking the child, extreme sleepiness, or loss of consciousness
Clear or bloody fluid draining from the nose or ears
Bruising around both eyes or behind the ears
Weakness, trouble walking, slurred speech, unequal pupils, or vision changes
A deep cut, a dent in the skull, or bleeding that won't stop

A word on imaging

Parents often ask whether their child needs a CT scan for concussion diagnosis and are surprised to hear a CT is not used at all to diagnose a concussion. They are used to identify bleeding in the brain, brain swelling, and skull fractures. Because there are risks involved with CT scans, including radiation effects on a developing brain, healthcare practitioners use validated checklists to decide if imaging is needed or not. Most children with head injuries do not need a scan, but the risk of the scan vs the benefits given the situation are assessed on an individual basis.

The bottom line

A crying toddler who quickly calms down, stays alert, and goes back to playing is almost always fine to watch at home. Persistent vomiting, abnormal drowsiness or behavior, loss of consciousness, a seizure, or any of the emergency signs above mean it is time to be seen.

When in doubt, reach out to us or call 911 if the injuries appear serious.

Seasonal Vaccines: What Families Need to Know

We have begun administering flu and COVID vaccines for the season, and RSV protection (Beyfortus) will be available for eligible infants starting October 1 .

Patients who do not have insurance or have Medicaid will be using VFC supplied vaccines . These are separate from the vaccine supply we purchase for those with commercial insurance. The vaccines are of equal quality, the only difference is how we get the vaccine. Availability of the vaccine supplies will vary based on insurance due to this. We are not allowed to "share" vaccine between VFC and private stock. Your local health department or pharmacy are other locations to get vaccinated if we are out of stock and you want to get your child protected.

Flu Vaccines

We currently offer both:

Injectable flu vaccine for children 6 months and older
FluMist for children 2 years and older

Flu vaccines can be given during any regularly scheduled visit for eligible patients and their family members. If parents or siblings would like to receive a flu vaccine at the same appointment, please let our staff know at check‑in so we can prepare.

Delivery of flu vaccine has been limited , so we are not currently able to vaccinate parents or hold early flu vaccine clinics as expected. We expect more to come, but do not know delivery dates.

Flu vaccine clinic dates will be announced through Phreesia text messages , and all scheduling will occur through your child’s patient portal .

COVID Vaccines*

Children under 12 years : COVID vaccines will be available at scheduled office visits for eligible patients.
Patients 12 and older : We recommend this vaccine for any family that desires it, but vaccination will need to occur at a pharmacy or the health department , as demand in this age group has been very low in recent years and most families prefer those locations.

RSV Protection (Beyfortus)*

Beyfortus, a single‑dose monoclonal antibody that helps protect infants from serious RSV lung infections, will be offered to:

Babies under 8 months of age , and
High‑risk infants and toddlers , if they meet eligibility criteria.

*Insurance and Waivers

Because insurance coverage is not guaranteed for non‑required vaccines, we are again asking families who choose COVID or RSV protection to sign a waiver acknowledging responsibility for the cost if insurance does not cover it . This helps ensure we can continue offering these vaccines without significant financial loss.

This is not applicable to those who use VFC stock, since those vaccines are purchased through VFC and are fully covered.

Check Beyfortus coverage before you come in

You can check with your insurance company to see if they cover Beyfortus and what your out of pocket cost will be. You can ask about coverage for the codes that apply to your baby.

There are two codes associated with each vaccine because medical billing splits charges into two independent parts: the cost of the medicine itself (the product) and the administration (the medical expertise, labor, and specialized infrastructure required to safely deliver that medicine).

CPT Codes (the product)

90380 : 0.5 mL dosage (for infants under 11 lbs)
90381 : 1.0 mL dosage (for infants 11 lbs and over. High-risk second-season patients may require 2 mL)

Administration Codes (the professional service)

96380 : Administration by intramuscular injection, with counseling by a physician or other qualified health care professional.

Coverage From Last Season

To help families understand typical coverage, here are details of how many vaccines we gave and what families were responsible to cover:

COVID Vaccines (220 given)

1 patient had to pay for the vaccine itself (a BCBS plan; most BCBS plans did cover it).
37 families paid all or part of the administration fee, usually $20–$30 .

Beyfortus (209 given)

2 patients had to pay for the injection (both BCBS of KC; many other BCBS plans covered it fully).
207 injections were fully covered.
5 families paid all or part of the administration fee, ranging $5–$35 .

We encourage you to ask your insurance company in advance if you are interested in one of these vaccines for your child but are concerned about coverage. We do not know details of any individual plan.

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Back to School…Now What? Find your rhythm.

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:00:11 GMT

September 10, 2026

Back to School…Now What?

Helping your family find its rhythm when school, sickness, and everyday life collide

School is back - how is it going?

After the summer break, most days families are getting back into the routine of getting everyone up and ready to be out the door on time for kids to get to school. We've already seen several kids need to stay home due to illness, and of course schools have already had shortened weeks due to planned days off, so getting into a reliable routine can be even more challenging.

In this edition of Growing Together, we’ll talk about juggling work when kids are home from school, deciding when they need to stay home sick, and why meltdowns might be happening after school. We'll also give tips to manage screen time and answer a parent question submitted in the last edition's survey. You can submit your questions and suggested topics from first button below this top section.

Here’s what’s inside:

Fever Season is upon us. Learn all you need to know about fevers.
Scheduling tips to avoid conflicts, forgetting appointments, and more .
Who needs to stay home from school when sick and when can you send your child to school when they're under the weather or recovering?
Why is behavior suddenly worse?
Managing screen time .
From our survey - three submissions addressed
Recommended follow up on heart screens
COVID vaccine recommendations
Sunscreen guidance and and ALL-NEW OPTION
Learn to support learning and behavioral challenges at ADHDKC Events - all are free and open to the public and no diagnosis is required, just an interest to learn. Dr. Stuppy is co-host of the group for middle and high schoolers, on their podcast and parent group. She loves to welcome new and familiar faces.

How do we get back to normal screen-time habits?

Over the summer kids often get to enjoy more screen time, but once school starts and their free time is shortened, it is important to put limits on screen time so they have time for other things. We no longer define recommended time on screens by the number of minutes per day, but rather how the screens are being used and if a child can control its use or if there are signs that the screen is in control.

Screens are not all bad, but we do know they are linked to poor sleep, obesity, worsening mental health, and decreased academic performance, so establishing ground rules for the entire family is important.

Devices are designed to keep us engaged. This is different from when I was a kid and we watched shows that had a defined time of 30 - 60 minutes. Now it's a series of games, social media posts, or videos. Even if we're looking at something that's not very interesting, our brain wants to keep watching because something better might come next. Your child's brain is waiting for the next reward and it's really hard to stop. That's not necessarily a problem with your child, it's the way the platforms are designed.

Sleep is one of the things that suffers when we're on our devices too much. It's important to understand that screens keep kids from sleep in many ways. When we spend time on a device, we often lose track of time, leaving less time for necessary tasks, which often leads to staying up late to complete them. If we're looking at a screen later in the evening, the light from the screen blocks the production of melatonin, which is important for sleep. Also, the interesting show or video, group texts, social media posts, or games all trigger the brain and make it hard to get to sleep if there's not a wind-down screen free time before bed. Once asleep, the brain may not move through healthy sleep cycles properly if it is overstimulated before bed, so the quality of sleep is decreased.

Many families find that it's too hard for kids to transition to another activity after screen time, so they don't allow screens at all during the school week. This is very effective because there are limited hours after school and asking kids to do other important things, whether it's homework and chores, going outside to get needed fresh air and exercise, or going to practice or rehearsal, keeps them busy until close to bedtime. And that is never a good time for screens.

Have a family meeting to talk about screen time. Collaboration with your kids can help everyone work together to set time management priorities. Talk about how we all need to balance the following things in our lives:

Brain - sleep, school, homework, downtime/brain rest
Body - food, showering, brushing teeth, moving/exercise
Social - family, friends, face-to-face time is always better than online chats
Life - hobbies, goals, activities, things they care about

The AAP's Family Media Plan can help you set goals and limits. Keep the conversation positive and frame it as having time for other enjoyable things, such as outdoor play, their favorite sport or craft, and spending time with friends in real life. Talk with kids about all the things they need and want to do, and how those things often get forgotten or left out if time is lost playing online. The cost of screen time isn't always the screen time itself. It's what gets squeezed out around it.

As with all things, modeling the behavior is important. Kids will do as you do, not as you say, so take a look at how you use your devices and try to limit use to specified times.

If your child is struggling with undesired behaviors related to screen time, such as sneaking devices when they are not supposed to be using them, having tantrums or anger outbursts when asked to get off, or are not able to balance the brain, body, social, and life activities due to lost time online, call to schedule an appointment with our behavioral health clinician, Sean . He can help you work through these challenges and support a healthier relationship with devices.

Building a “No‑Surprises” Family Calendar

Parents need to juggle personal, work, and family calendars. With all the activities, days off school, and appointments, it can be challenging to keep it all straight. The school year runs smoother when your calendar is a frequently updated and reviewed tool, not something you check only when chaos hits. A few minutes of planning each week can prevent hours of stress and costs later.

The Cost of a Missed Event

Money in fees for missed appointments
Embarrassment at forgetting an important meeting or event
Stress of running late or missing deadlines
Lost opportunity when a deadline has passed

30 seconds entering appointments and tasks into a calendar correctly and building time into each day to use the calendar

Suddenly the system seems worth it when you consider these options.

We frequently see families miss appointments because of an unrecognized conflict and we know that many parents struggle with coordinating all the family events and deadlines.

The good news is there are strategies that take minimal time and offer a lot of benefits for all your family activities to minimize the chaos.

1. Load your calendar with everything that impacts your family

Parents often rely on school and appointment reminders, but those are just reminders. The real power comes from proactively adding key dates to your calendar:

School holidays & breaks
Teacher in‑service / professional development days
Early release days
Class parties & performances
Big tests, finals, and project due dates
Parent–teacher conferences
Sports schedules, club meetings, rehearsals
School supply drop-off days, picture day, spirit weeks
Transportation changes (late bus days, carpool rotations)
Anything that affects pickup, drop-off, or family logistics
Medical, dental, hair, and other appointments

Even though dates may shift, having them visible helps you avoid overscheduling and gives you time to adjust when changes happen. When adding them, look for potential conflicts and things that need to be adjusted to make it work.

2. Weekly & Daily Habits That Prevent Last-Minute Panic

Weekly Check-In (5 minutes) - Do this once a week—Sunday evening works well:

Look at the week ahead for conflicts, double-bookings, or days that need prep.
Scan the month ahead for big events creeping up (projects, holidays, tournaments).
Adjust appointments or commitments before they become problems. Put needed changes on your To-Do list and do what needs to be done to remove the conflict.

Daily Check-In (30 seconds) - Each morning and/or the night before:

Review the day ahead to reaffirm what’s coming.
Note anything that needs to be packed, signed, or prepped.

These tiny habits save families from forgotten spirit days, missing supplies, or scrambling to rearrange schedules.

3. Family Calendar Systems That Actually Work

Make the calendar visible to everyone

A large printed calendar in the kitchen or mudroom
A shared Google Calendar or Apple Calendar
A family calendar app (Cozi, TimeTree, FamCal)

Kids can’t follow a schedule they never see. Parents won't know a teen's work schedule if they don't share it.

Teach tweens & teens to use their own planner

This builds independence and reduces the “Mom, I forgot…” moments.

Show them how to write down project due dates the day they’re assigned
Help them break big tasks into smaller steps
Encourage them to share major deadlines with you early
Model how you use your own calendar—they learn by watching

Create a “Supply Alert” habit

Identify a way for kids to share with you materials they need for projects the day they are made aware of them. Pair this with:

A shared note or checklist for school supplies if your child uses an electronic calendar
Ask your child to add this to their daily planner to review at home
A quick daily question: “Anything new assigned today?”

Color-code calendars for clarity

Use colors for:

Each child
School vs. sports vs. family events
High-priority items (tests, medical appointments)

Color-coding helps you see conflicts instantly.

Add buffer time

If pickup is at 3:30, block 3:15–4:00.
If a game starts at 6:00, block 5:30–7:30.

Buffers prevent accidental double-booking.

Set reminders intentionally

One reminder the day before
One reminder an hour before
Optional: a “prep reminder” (need snacks for soccer team and get poster board on your usual shopping day)

Keep a “Pending” list

For events not yet confirmed, keep a small section labeled Pending so you remember to add them once dates are finalized or add them when they are most likely to happen with a note clarifying it's not finalized and a reminder to check on it before that date.

The Big Picture

A well-managed calendar isn’t about perfection, it’s about reducing friction. When families know what’s coming, mornings are calmer, kids feel more prepared, and parents aren’t constantly reacting to surprises.

A few minutes of planning each week truly saves hours of stress later.

parent SURVEY FOLLOW UP:

We have had three submissions to our survey since the last newsletter and blog. They will each be covered below.

If a heart screening has been done previously in a child and it was normal, for an active child, how often would that be recommended?
COVID vaccine recommendations this year.
Fall time reminder promoting sun protection all year around if outdoors no matter what the temperature outside is.

If a heart screening has been done previously in a child and it was normal, for an active child, how often would that be recommended?

Our last newsletter announced another heart screening offered at our Overland Park location through My Heart Check . A parent asked how often this should be repeated if it was found to be normal. That's a great question, and the answer is a bit nuanced.

First, the United States does not have any standard guidelines for this type of screen at all. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have stated that adding a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to the history and physical examination is "reasonable" for preparticipation cardiac screening of competitive athletes, but they do not recommend universal ECG screening or specify an interval at which these should be done. They also do not recommend echocardiograms (ECHOs) to screen for heart abnormalities.

The European consensus suggests repeating screening (history, family history, physical exam, resting 12-lead ECG) every 2 years until age 16 in healthy athletes. After 16 they use adult guidelines. This recommendation is based on the fact that a 14-point history (which is in all the questions asked at sports physicals) alone has poor sensitivity (only catching 10%–20% heart conditions), and adding an ECG raises sensitivity to over 90%. There is a risk of initial testing having false positives, which can lead to anxiety and increased cost of further testing (though they have universal healthcare in Europe).

ECG does not find all abnormalities, which is why ECHO is offered with these heart screenings. Echocardiograms are images of the beating heart, so it can view the chambers, blood flow, and heart valves to look at the structure and function of the heart.

Even with normal findings, a normal result of the ECHO and ECG today does not guarantee the heart will stay problem-free, especially if the initial testing is done before puberty. Some inherited heart conditions do not show up until later — often during the teenage years and puberty, as the body changes. The company who performs the heart screens recommends all 8-12 year olds have a repeat screening in the teen years.

What cautious follow-up could look like

Annual physical exam and 14-point questions of personal and family history.
Repeat screening every 2 years with the above and another ECG.
A repeat echocardiogram is usually NOT needed on a regular schedule. In most cases the ECHO is a one-time test. It is only repeated if there is a new symptom, a new finding on the exam or ECG, or new heart problems discovered in the family.

Update the family history at each visit

Tell your doctor if any blood relative develops a heart condition or if anyone in the family dies suddenly or unexpectedly, especially before age 40. This new information can change what screening your child needs.

Warning signs — do not wait for the next scheduled check

Contact your child's doctor promptly, and seek urgent care for severe symptoms, if your child has any of these — especially during or right after exercise:

Fainting or nearly fainting
Chest pain or chest tightness
Racing, pounding, or skipping heartbeats (palpitations)
Unusual shortness of breath or getting tired much faster than teammates
A sudden, unexplained drop in athletic performance

An important safety point

No heart screening is perfect. Rarely, a serious heart problem can still occur even after normal tests. Because of this, it is worth knowing whether your child's school or sports team has an emergency plan — including coaches trained in CPR and a defibrillator (AED) that is easy to reach quickly.

The bottom line

A normal ECG and ECHO are genuinely good news. The plan going forward is simple: keep up with recommended repeat check-ups, share any new family heart history, and speak up right away about warning signs — especially those tied to exercise.

COVID Vaccine Recommendations

It’s seasonal vaccine time, and we know there is still a lot of confusion and misunderstanding surrounding COVID vaccines. It’s understandable that one of the survey questions asks about our recommendations for this Fall.

We will have COVID vaccines available for infants and children under 12 years of age , and we recommend vaccination for these age groups based on the information outlined below.

For adolescents, most families now choose to receive COVID vaccines at local pharmacies, and demand in our office has been very low in recent years. Although we continue to recommend vaccination for adolescents who are at higher risk or who prefer to be vaccinated , we no longer stock the vaccine for this age group due to consistently low utilization.

Who SHOULD receive the COVID vaccine?

All children age 6 months through age 23 months, since they are at high risk for severe COVID and hospitalization .
Children and teens age 2 years through 18 years with these risk factors:
Health conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID
Obesity - defined as BMI greater than the 95th percentile for age. Find your child's BMI in their portal chart.
Conditions that affect the immune system
Sickle cell disease
Heart disease or congenital heart conditions
Lung disease (including asthma)
Diabetes
Neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy
Chronic kidney disease
Complex medical conditions, including some that require breathing or feeding tubes, or home ventilators.
Living in long-term care facilities or other group settings
Never vaccinated against COVID
Having household contacts who are at high risk for severe COVID

Who CAN receive the COVID vaccine?

Children age 2 through 18 years without risk factors but wanting a booster vaccine.

Hot and Happy or Hot and Bothered?

This is the time of year when we get lots of questions about fever. Young children tend to get fevers more often than older kids, and some viruses—like influenza, enteroviruses, and adenoviruses—can cause particularly high temperatures.

But the number on the thermometer doesn't tell you how serious the situation is. How your child looks and acts matters more.

Fever is scary—but usually not dangerous.

Parents often worry about fever seizures or brain damage and ask, “How high is too high?”

There is no magic temperature that tells us a child is seriously ill. A fever is a normal immune response to infection, and most childhood fevers are caused by viruses that improve within 3–5 days.

Pay attention to your child, not just the thermometer. A child who is dehydrated, shows signs of trouble breathing, has painful urination or blood in the urine, or is in extreme pain needs medical attention regardless of the temperature.

Fever is uncomfortable.

Fever can cause body aches, headache, chills, sweating, fatigue, a flushed face, faster breathing, and a pounding heart. Fever reducers are for comfort , not to get the temperature back to normal. Remember that fever is the immune system at work. Don't try to break the fever if your child is comfortable. Let the fever do its job.

If your child is miserable, use the appropriate fever reducer based on their weight and focus on helping them feel better.

“Do I really have to keep my child home?”

School means the return of coughs, runny noses, stomach bugs and fevers. Yes, kids tend to be sick a lot, often 8-12 times a year - and mostly during the next several months. Knowing when to keep a child home from school can feel challenging.

The balance of keeping kids home to let them rest and to help stop spread of the illness in the classroom versus answering to the attendance office as they warn of too many absences leading to consequences is hard. We want to help you decide when they should stay home, when they can return to school, and when it's best to have them evaluated to help with their medical care.

Of course, staying up to date on all vaccines, including seasonal vaccines, can help prevent significant infections, leading to fewer missed school and work days. We're planning several flu vaccine clinics this Fall. Scheduling these is done through the portal. RSV and COVID vaccines will be given during scheduled visits to eligible patients.

Fever can decrease appetite.

Don't worry if your child doesn't want to eat for a few days. Fluids are more important than food.

Encourage water and other fluids to prevent dehydration. Most kids make up for lost calories once they feel better.

Fever is inconvenient.

We all have places we'd rather be: school, work, parties, recitals, games and tournaments.

Unfortunately, giving a fever reducer doesn't make an infectious illness stop being contagious.

Keep kids home when they have a fever. Generally, they can return to school or daycare after being fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.

Good handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, filtering and ventilating the air, and avoiding close contact with others can help prevent the rest of the family from getting sick. When appropriate, masking can also reduce respiratory virus spread.

Fever is most common at night.

It can be frustrating when a child seems relatively okay during the day but feels much worse overnight. Changes in the body's hormones and immune response can make symptoms more noticeable at night.

Unfortunately, it can mean less sleep for everyone. But that's typical and common. Expect it.

Some children need more attention.

Fever can be more serious in infants under 3 months and children who are immunocompromised .

Any infant under 3 months or immunocompromised kids with a temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) needs prompt medical evaluation. Don't wait to see how high the fever gets.

What should you do?

Keep a fever reducer at home and know the correct dose for your child's weight.
Treat the child, not the thermometer—use medicine for comfort.
Encourage plenty of fluids.
Let your child rest.
Stay home while feverish and until fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
Bring your child in to see us if the fever lasts more than 3–5 days, has signs that there may be a treatable condition, such as Strep throat, a urinary tract infection, an ear infection, or walking pneumonia.
If your child is dehydrated, has trouble breathing, is in extreme pain, or simply isn't acting right, call us to see where the most appropriate place for evaluation is.
For healthy, immunized children over 3 months, don't chase a specific temperature. Look at your child, not just the thermometer.
For more tips on managing symptoms, visit the many resources on our website.

Keep your child home if they have:

Fever of 100.4°F or higher — they should stay home until fever‑free for 24 hours without medication.
Vomiting or diarrhea — return once they’ve gone 24 hours without symptoms and are eating/drinking normally.
Severe sore throat , especially with fever or swollen glands — may need evaluation for strep.
Persistent cough that disrupts sleep, breathing, or classroom participation.
Eye drainage with redness and discomfort.
A rash that is spreading, painful, or accompanied by fever.

They can return to school when:

Symptoms are improving , and they can participate comfortably in normal activities.
They’ve been fever‑free for 24 hours without medication .
Vomiting/diarrhea have resolved for 24 hours .
Any contagious condition (like strep throat or pink eye) has been treated long enough to no longer be infectious — typically 24 hours after starting antibiotics , if prescribed.

wHEN should you Bring your child for medical care?

Bring them to our office to get evaluated if:

Fever lasting more than 3 days - or any fever in an undervaccinated child or infant under 3 months
Ear pain, especially with nighttime waking or new drainage
Sore throat with fever, swollen glands, or difficulty swallowing
Cough lasting more than 10–14 days , or worsening instead of improving
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers/voids, no tears)
A rash that is painful, blistering, or spreading quickly
Any symptom that’s keeping your child from eating, drinking, sleeping, or participating in daily routines

We offer same day sick appointments and walk in clinics six days a week. You can call during office hours to schedule, or you can use the portal to schedule . We have a few sick visits available in the portal to use for acute illnesses, but if all are full, please call to schedule or use our walk in clinic.

Please note: Neither portal scheduled sick visits or our walk in clinic should be used for chronic condition management or mental health. Those visits should be managed by your primary care provider and have a different workflow than acute sick visits.

When should you seek urgent/emergent care

Our office can manage some of these conditions, but it's best to call us first during office hours to make sure it's not beyond our level of care.

After hours you can call our triage service for guidance or go to the nearest urgent care or emergency department, one designed for kids if possible if your child is under 18 years of age.

If Your Child Has These Symptoms: Call Us for Guidance of Where to Go

Trouble breathing , rapid breathing, or using extra muscles to breathe
Severe abdominal pain
Signs of dehydration
Head injury with vomiting, severe headache, confusion, or concerning behavior
Signs of an allergic reaction — swelling of lips/face, difficulty swallowing, or breathing changes
A stiff neck , unusual sleepiness, or difficulty waking
Injury with skin gaping open that may require repair
Suspected broken bones
Any symptom that feels sudden, severe, or “not like your child”

“Why is my child's behavior so much worse?”

School takes a lot out of kids. Holding it together all day, following directions, navigating friendships, managing sensory input, and keeping track of belongings can leave children with very little energy for self-control when they get home.

So if your child seems fine at school but falls apart the minute they walk through the door, you’re not imagining it—and it doesn’t necessarily mean they're “choosing” to misbehave.

The after-school meltdown is real

By the end of the school day, kids may be hungry, tired, overstimulated, and out of coping strategies. The expectations that seemed manageable in the morning can feel impossible now.

For children who have to work hard to do all the expected behaviors at school, they are spent by the time they get home. They don't have any energy left to continue to be at their best behavior.

Once in a while, we can all experience this end-of-day exhaustion, but if it's happening regularly, it can signify an underlying problem.

What can help?

Instead of jumping straight into homework, chores, questions, or corrections, consider giving your child a predictable decompression period after school.

Try:

Food: Offer a protein-rich snack and water soon after getting home.
Downtime: Give them some quiet, low-demand time to reset.
Reduce stimulation: Some children need a quieter environment after a busy school day.
Movement: A walk, playing outside, or another favorite physical activity can help release stress.
Keep expectations predictable: Knowing what happens after school can reduce the need to make decisions when their brain is already tired.

And remember: connection often needs to come before correction. A child who is overwhelmed may not be able to respond well to another lecture, demand, or consequence. Help them regulate first, then address the behavior when everyone is calmer.

When behavior feels bigger than typical after-school exhaustion

Frequent or intense meltdowns deserve attention, especially when they interfere with family life, friendships, school, sleep, or your child's ability to function. Behavior can sometimes be a sign that a child is struggling with ADHD, anxiety, learning difficulties, sensory challenges, sleep problems, or other concerns.

You don't have to figure it out alone.

Your primary care provider can help identify underlying medical concerns. Don't wait for your annual well visit to discuss worrisome behaviors. They deserve their own time and attention at a dedicated visit.
Our clinical social worker can help families work through parenting and behavior-management concerns, identify strategies that fit your child's needs, and help assess whether there may be an underlying issue contributing to challenging behaviors.

Call our office to schedule a visit to discuss behavior challenges with your primary care provider or social worker, Sean.

Sometimes the question isn't “How do we get our child to behave better?” but rather “What is making this so hard for them right now?” Finding that answer can make a big difference.

Manage your home with better strategies

Patient Testimonials

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Backpacks, Bugs & Balance: What’s New at Pediatric Partners

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:00:01 GMT

August 27, 2026

�� Back to School, Back to Germs — and a Few fun Things You’ll Want to Know

School is back, and that means more than new backpacks and routines! In this edition of Growing Together, we’re sharing what’s happening around Pediatric Partners—from our team’s Year of Balance to tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season, important appointment reminders, and upcoming opportunities for flu vaccines and heart screening.

Here’s what’s inside:

How we're supporting a Year of Balance for our employees
We're planning our Fall Flu Vaccine Clinics - learn about them and other seasonal vaccines here
No one wants to wait at the doctor's office - here's how you can help us stay on schedule
Learn what parents need to know about back to school germs this sick season, with a highlight on Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
The next heart screening is nearly full, but you might find a spot or at least see the fun video staff put together about myths and facts of heart exams here
Learn to support learning and behavioral challenges at ADHDKC Events - all are free and open to the public and no diagnosis is required, just an interest to learn. Dr. Stuppy leads the group for middle and high schoolers and is co-host on their podcast. She loves to welcome new and familiar faces.

�� Please Don't Miss Your Phreesia Check-In!

Before your visit, you should receive a text message from Phreesia with a link to complete your check-in. This may include several questionnaires and health surveys that are important for your child's care.

What if I don't receive the text?

This is a good reminder to talk with your adolescents about staying safe. Chlamydia is common in our community , which is why we routinely screen females over age 15 at well visits. Every year, we find and treat several positive cases, but prevention is still best. Don't assume your child will never be at risk. Open conversations without judgement about how to stay safe can be helpful.

As the risk of cryptosporidiosis winds down, it's still a good time to reinforce the basics: rinse fresh produce, cook food thoroughly, and wash your hands before preparing food and before eating.

And now that school is starting, we're entering the season of more colds, coughs, and other common childhood illnesses.

⚠️ Did you previously text STOP?

Phreesia uses STOP to unsubscribe from its text messages. If you previously opted out and want to receive Phreesia messages again, reply UNSTOP to 8664671139.

If you're still not receiving messages after checking these settings, please make sure we have your current cell phone number on file.

If you aren't receiving Phreesia messages, they may have been filtered as spam or the number may have been blocked on your phone.

If the Phreesia messages are marked as spam, try these steps or use the buttons below for more information on managing your messages:

�� iPhone

Open the Messages app and check Filters → Spam. Apple says messages that are incorrectly identified as spam can be marked Not Spam and moved back to your regular messages.
Check whether the Phreesia number has been blocked: Settings → Privacy & Security → Blocked Contacts. If you find the number there, remove it from the blocked list.
If you previously reported Phreesia as spam, make sure future messages aren't being filtered.

�� Android / Google

Open Google Messages.
Tap your profile picture → Spam & blocked.
If you see a Phreesia message there, select the conversation and tap Unblock. Google says this removes the spam report and returns the conversation to your regular messages.

Please help us stay on schedule

We know life with kids is busy, and we appreciate everything families do to prepare for appointments. At the same time, being on time and completing the Phreesia check-in before your visit makes a big difference for everyone.

When check-in isn't completed ahead of time, our staff may need to spend additional time getting forms and surveys completed when you arrive. When a family arrives late or isn't able to complete the necessary check-in, it can put the entire schedule behind. That affects your child's visit, our staff, and the families who are scheduled after you.

This is especially important for well visits and routine follow-up visits. When an appointment is missed, we need to find another appointment for your child. That can mean using two appointment slots instead of one —the missed appointment and the new appointment—which makes it harder for all of our patients to get timely care.

A few important reminders

Your Phreesia text is a reminder, not the only way to know when your appointment is scheduled.
Please review the date, time, and office location in the message when you receive it.
Complete all requested Phreesia forms and surveys before arriving whenever possible.
If you don't receive the text, please check your spam/blocked messages and your patient portal. If you do not find it, call the office to verify that we have the correct number on file.
Please arrive on time for your appointment with check in complete.
Missed appointments and appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a no-show fee .
After 3 missed appointments for a family in a calendar year , the family may be subject to dismissal from the practice.

We truly appreciate your help.

Our staff is working hard every day to keep appointments running on time and make sure every child gets the attention they need. Taking a few minutes to complete your Phreesia check-in and double-check your appointment details helps us do that—and helps us keep appointment availability open for all of our patients.

�� The Year of Balance: Taking Care of the People Who Take Care of You

Taking care of children is rewarding, but it can also be hard work. The same is true for the people who care for your children every day at Pediatric Partners.

We believe that taking care of our staff is an important part of taking care of our patients. When our team has opportunities to recharge, learn, spend time with the people they love, pursue interests outside of work, and plan for their future, they can come to work with a healthier mindset and be better prepared to care for your family.

From Mental Health to Balance

Last year, our focus was Mental Health . This year, we're building on that foundation with our 2026 Year of Balance: At Work, At Home, In the Future, and Of Self.

We're supporting our staff in a number of ways throughout the year, including:

Small team-building activities and opportunities to have fun together
Recognition awards celebrating teamwork and positivity
Balance Talks on topics such as budgeting, retirement, and stress management
A Ted Lasso watch club
Mid-year rewards and opportunities to recharge outside of work

Over the next few months we'll introduce you to a few members of our team and share how they're using their balance funds.

You'll get a little glimpse of the people you know from the office outside of their Pediatric Partners roles —what they're learning, doing, creating, enjoying, or pursuing this year.

We hope you'll enjoy getting to know our team in a different way!

❤️ And Balance Isn't Just for Our Staff

Our Year of Balance may have started as an initiative to support our employees, but we hope the idea extends well beyond our office.

We want you to find your balance, too.

For parents, that might mean making time for something you enjoy, taking care of your physical or mental health, connecting with friends, learning something new, or simply giving yourself permission to rest.

For kids and teens, balance might mean making room for sleep, movement, friendships, hobbies, family time, school, and downtime—not just filling every minute with activities and responsibilities.

And for families, it can mean finding ways to care for everyone , including the adults who spend so much time caring for everyone else.

We're grateful to have a team that works hard to care for your children—and we're committed to helping them care for themselves along the way.

Here's to a healthier, happier, more balanced year—for our staff, our patients, and all of our families.

�� Back to School Means Back to Germs!

This summer, “explosive” diarrhea made the news, but thankfully, the outbreak affected relatively few people in our community. Fewer than 20 people in Johnson County—and even fewer in surrounding counties—were affected. Check the graphic below for the numbers. And while you're looking at it, move left to see the chlamydia numbers . ��

Appointment reminders are a courtesy

Not receiving the text does not cancel or change your appointment.

Families are still responsible for knowing their appointment date, time, and location and for arriving on time with the pre-visit check in completed.

Prevent Illness With These Tips

T aking time to clean frequently touched surfaces, washing hands, immunizing against seasonal infections, opening windows for fresh air, running HEPA filters, and wearing a mask when around those who are sick, can help prevent spread. It also helps to get sufficient sleep, eat healthy, and exercise regularly to help keep your immune system in shape. The more layers of protection you use, the better they work!

Manage Symptoms of Infections

If your child is feeling under the weather, visit our “Are You Sick?” page for information about common illnesses, home care, and when to call us. You'll always find it under Resources in the menu on our home page — or use the button below to go directly there.

�� Finding our Own Balance

This year as part of our Year of Balance, staff members are given money to spend on their own personal balance . Each person gets to decide what balance means for them and how they want to use their money.

That might mean investing in professional growth through continuing education, conferences, books, or courses. It might mean taking a cooking, art, or photography class, going to a concert or sporting event, or spending time on a hobby. It could be massage, yoga, fitness, counseling, meditation, or another form of self-care.

There isn't one definition of balance.

What helps one person recharge may be completely different from what helps someone else.

�� See What Our Team Is Doing!

This week we'll focus on two staff and what they're doing with their Year of Balance money. We'll learn about others over the next few months until the end of the year.

Another MyHeartCheck Screening is coming!

Many electrical and structural heart conditions don't cause symptoms and may not be detected during a routine sports physical.

My HeartCheck provides a comprehensive screening—including blood pressure, a 12-lead ECG, an echocardiogram, and review by a pediatric cardiologist—to help identify conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed.

We’re hosting a session on Thursday, September 10 , and it’s open to anyone ages 8–25 , but spots are quickly filling. If you miss this session, there are more to come. Watch our Facebook page and this blog for announcements.

Each screening includes:

• Echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound)

• EKG

• Blood pressure screening

• Health + family history review

Results read by a pediatric cardiologist and shared with families and their physicians.

The visit takes about 30 minutes and costs $179 . Scholarships are available to help families access this important heart health check.

Learn more or schedule your appointment at MyHeartCheck.org

Seasonal Vaccine Season Is Coming!

We are planning several opportunities for your children to get their flu vaccines this fall. At this time all plans discussed are preliminary and will depend on receiving vaccines. Please refrain from calling about these vaccines. All information will be shared on our website as soon as details are known. Staff will not have more information and calls take their time away from helping those who need scheduling help or medical care.

If vaccine supply is available as expected, we will begin administering flu vaccines on September 1 . We do not anticipate any shortages or delays but do not receive much advance notice of when it ships so cannot give specific details yet.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older before Halloween. Two doses are recommended for infants and children under 9 years of age who have not yet had a flu vaccine.

We will offer these seasonal vaccines:

�� Injectable flu vaccine for children 6 months and older at scheduled visits and during vaccine clinics

�� Nasal spray (FluMist) for children over 2 years of age at scheduled visits and during vaccine clinics

�� COVID vaccine for children 6 months to 12 years at scheduled visits

�� RSV vaccine for newborns through 8 months of age and high risk older infants at regularly scheduled visits and nurse visits

Scheduling for all flu vaccine clinics will be available through the portal as each is confirmed.

�� Drive-Through Flu vaccine Clinics

We're bringing back our popular drive-through flu clinics at our Overland Park office! These will be offered on four Sunday mornings in September and October. Specific details are pending arrival of the vaccines.

Drive-through tip: Dress your child so an arm or leg is easily accessible without removing clothing. Children will remain buckled in their car seats during the clinic.

�� In-Office Flu vaccine Clinics

We are planning to have our first in-office flu clinics at both our Overland Park and Olathe offices on Thursday, September 17.

More clinics will be announced as the season progresses.

�� Please Use the Patient Portal to schedule vaccine clinics

Our flu vaccine clinics tend to fill up quickly, so we encourage families to sign up through the patient portal when appointments become available.

Don't worry if you can't get an appointment at one of the first clinics! We will have additional opportunities to get your child vaccinated throughout the season.

Your child can also receive their flu vaccine:

At their well visit
During a sick visit , as long as they aren't too sick to receive the vaccine
During a sibling's appointment - please request to check them in for a flu vaccine when checking the sibling in for their visit
At additional flu clinics as they become available

If your child is overdue for a well visit, you will not be able to schedule a flu vaccine clinic appointment. Instead, schedule the well visit and we can give the flu vaccine during that appointment. This gets them up-to-date on their annual check up and vaccinated - a two-in-one bonus!

Clinic dates will be announced through portal messaging . If you've opted out of these messages or missed the announcement, you can log into the portal to search for available flu clinic appointments.

��‍��‍��‍�� What About Parents and Siblings?

Parents and siblings may also be able to receive a flu vaccine while accompanying a patient at an office visit , as long as they are eligible and we have vaccine available.

If you would like a family member vaccinated during the visit, Phreesia check-in must be completed so that the flu screening questions and vaccine consent are completed.

A Note About Vaccine Supply

We have separate vaccine supplies for patients with commercial insurance and those who qualify for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program .

VFC vaccines are available for eligible patients who have Medicaid or who are uninsured. These vaccines are the same quality as the vaccines we purchase with private funds —the difference is simply how the vaccine is supplied to our office.

Because VFC and private vaccine supplies cannot be shared, VFC vaccines are not available at our mass flu clinics because of our limited supply. If you have questions about where your child can receive a VFC vaccine, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment provides a list of other VFC providers.

Important: Flu Clinics Are for Flu Vaccines Only

Our flu clinics are specifically for influenza vaccination . If your child needs another vaccine, please call the office to schedule an appointment. We can give the flu vaccine at that visit as well, which saves you a trip for two separate vaccine visits and leaves a spot open in the flu vaccine clinics for someone else.

What About COVID Vaccines?

We will have COVID-19 vaccines available for patients 6 months through 11 years of age . Children 12 years and up can be vaccinated at pharmacies or the local health department.

What About RSV Vaccines?

RSV is one of the most common causes of childhood respiratory illness and results in annual outbreaks of respiratory illnesses in all age groups. It is especially dangerous for infants.

Products are now available to protect the newborn through passive immunization when given during late pregnancy or to the baby during RSV season if the immunization was not given more than two weeks prior to delivery.

Beyfortis will be available to eligible patients at their regularly scheduled visits and as scheduled nurse visits for those eligible without an upcoming appointment starting October 1st.

Manage your home with better strategies

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What's Trending, What's Helpful, What's Harmful

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:15:00 GMT

August 13, 2026

OpenEvidence was used to research these topics.

We’ve officially made it through the back‑to‑school transition, and this edition is packed with updates you’ll want to know. All summer long, we found ourselves talking with families about a few recurring topics — trendy but risky nail styles, supplements that aren’t as harmless as they seem, and seasonal allergies now that ragweed is here. We’ll cover those after a few office announcements.

Staff Celebrations

If you visit either of our offices, you'll notice a new fun decor that celebrates our long-term staff.

At Pediatric Partners, we're incredibly proud of the people who make our practice feel like home. That's why each of our locations now features a Wall of Service , recognizing team members who have been with us for 5, 10, 15, and 25 years.

Those years represent so much more than time. They represent relationships built with families, familiar faces greeting children as they grow - some now parents themselves bringing their kids to the practice, and a team that works together to provide the consistent, compassionate care our patients deserve.

Continuity matters. When our staff stay, they get to know your family, celebrate your milestones, and help make every visit a little more comfortable.

To our amazing team: thank you for your dedication, kindness, and commitment to caring for children year after year.

And to our patients and families: thank you for trusting us with your children's care. Your support has helped create a workplace where people want to stay, grow, and serve our community for decades.

This is a long edition - sometimes I’m looking for topics, but this time I had too many things I wanted to cover. To be able to cover each topic sufficiently, I’m going to use anchors to hit what you want to read. I’m still refining this new newsletter format, but the section anchors should make it easy to navigate.

The links on the newsletter didn't work right - sorry about that, but you can use the links below to jump right to the topics you care about. Some will bring you to separate pages, but there will be a link back to this page, which has it all in one place.

Wall of Service
Top Docs
How the Executive Order On Vaccines Will Change What We're Doing
Heart Screenings Coming To Our Overland Park Location
Risks of popular fingernail styles
Allergy management - a guide to manage your family's allergies this ragweed season (and again in the Spring)
Is A Supplement Right For Your Child Or Teen - includes creatine, protein products, caffeine, vitamin D, iron, and more - separated into tiers based on safety and efficacy
Creatine - is this popular supplement right for your child/teen - or even for you?
Caffeine and Energy Drinks - many of us use this daily, but how should you advise your kids and teens?

Another MyHeartCheck Screening is coming!

Many electrical and structural heart conditions don't cause symptoms and may not be detected during a routine sports physical.

We’re hosting a session on Thursday, September 10 , and it’s open to anyone ages 8–25 — not just our patients.

Each screening includes:

• Echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound)

• EKG

• Blood pressure screening

• Health + family history review

Results read by a pediatric cardiologist and shared with families and their physicians.

The visit takes about 30 minutes and costs $179 . Scholarships are available to help families access this important heart health check.

Learn more or schedule your appointment at MyHeartCheck.org

Pretty Doesn't Always Mean Safe:

What Parents and Teens Should Know About Artificial Nails

This summer we've seen a few patients who had very traumatic experiences with artificial fingernails. We want you to be aware of the risks and have conversations with your kids and teens about them.

Long acrylic, gel, and press-on nails may be trendy, but they can also increase the risk of injury, especially during sports, dance, cheer, and other activities where fingers are likely to get bumped. A forceful hit can cause the artificial nail to catch and partially or completely tear off the natural nail underneath, which is extremely painful and may require medical treatment.

Artificial nails can also t rap moisture and bacteria, increasing the risk of nail infections. They are known to weaken or damage the natural nail with repeated application and removal. They can sometimes cause allergic reactions from the nail glues or gel/acrylic ingredients, which can lead to a painful rash around the nails or even on the face and eyelids.

Safer choices:

Keep nails short, whether natural or artificial.
Consider short press-on nails for special occasions rather than wearing long nails continuously.
Remove artificial nails before sports or activities where finger injuries are common.
Stop using nail products if redness, swelling, itching, or pain develops.

Healthy nails are always in style. If your child wants to express themselves through nail art, choosing shorter nails and taking breaks between applications can help keep their natural nails healthy while reducing the risk of painful injuries.

Allergy Management: A Guide for Parents and Families

Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. This guide will help you understand the best ways to manage allergy symptoms for children, teens, and adults in your family.

Reduce Your Exposure —

Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference

The most important first step in allergy treatment is reducing contact with the things that trigger symptoms. Here are practical steps your family can take:

Remove shoes at the door. Shoes track in pollen, mold spores, and outdoor allergens throughout your home.
Shower and wash hair before bed. Pollen and allergens collect in hair and on eyelashes throughout the day. If you don't wash them off, you transfer allergens to your pillow and breathe them in all night. At minimum, wash your face and eyelashes before bed.
Sleeping cap tip: On nights when hair washing isn't possible (especially for young children), a smooth cotton or silk sleeping cap can help reduce pollen transfer from hair to the pillow. The cap should be washed frequently. This is a helpful backup, but washing hair remains the best option.
Change clothes after spending time outdoors during allergy season.
Keep windows closed during high pollen days. Use air conditioning instead.
Use HEPA filters. Place high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter air purifiers in bedrooms and main living areas. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. These devices remove pollen, pet dander, dust mite particles, and mold spores from the air.
Cover mattresses and pillows with dust mite–proof encasements.
Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
Keep pets out of bedrooms if anyone in the family is allergic to pet dander.
Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50% to discourage dust mites and mold.
Check local pollen counts (websites like pollen.com) and limit outdoor time when counts are high.

Kansas City Pollen Calendar —

Know Your Allergy Seasons

In the Kansas City area, outdoor allergy season runs from about March through October. There are three main pollen waves, plus mold:

Tree Pollen (Spring)

When: Late February through early May
Peak: April
Common trees: Oak, elm, maple, cedar
Tip: If you are allergic to tree pollen, start your nasal spray and antihistamine by mid-February — before symptoms begin

Grass Pollen (Late Spring – Summer)

When: Late May through July
Peak: June
Tip: Limit time outdoors on windy days during this period; mow the lawn when pollen counts are lower or wear a mask while mowing

Ragweed Pollen (Late Summer – Fall)

When: Mid-August through the first frost (usually mid- to late October)
Peak: Late August to early September
Tip: Ragweed pollen is highest around midday (not early morning, as many people think). If you are ragweed-allergic, start your medications by early August
Fun fact: A single ragweed plant can produce up to one billion pollen grains per season

Mold Spores (Spring – Fall)

When: Present throughout warm months, worst in late summer and fall
Worse after rain and in humid conditions
Tip: Keep indoor humidity below 50% and clean damp areas regularly

Important note: Allergy seasons are getting longer. Over the past 30 years, pollen season in the U.S. has lengthened by about 20 days and pollen levels have increased by 21%, largely due to climate change. This means symptoms may start earlier and last longer than they used to.

When to start medications

The best approach is to begin daily nasal corticosteroid sprays and antihistamines 2 to 4 weeks BEFORE your expected allergy season starts. This gives the medications time to build up their protective effect.

Don't wait until you're already miserable!

Saline (Salt Water) Nasal Rinses

Rinsing the nose with salt water is a safe, drug-free way to relieve allergy symptoms for all ages . Saline rinses work by:

Washing allergens (pollen, dust, dander) out of the nasal passages
Thinning mucus so it drains more easily
Soothing swollen, irritated nasal tissue

You can use a squeeze bottle, neti pot, or saline spray. For children, a simple saline spray is often easiest.

Nasopure brand has instructions for use and videos to help kids get comfortable with using a saline rinse.

Safety tip: Always use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water — never use tap water straight from the faucet, as it can contain harmful organisms.

Saline rinses can be used alone for mild symptoms or alongside allergy medications for added relief.

Choosing the Right Allergy Medication

Nasal corticosteroid sprays — the most effective allergy treatment

For moderate to severe allergy symptoms — especially nasal congestion, which antihistamine pills don't treat well — nasal corticosteroid sprays are the most effective treatment available. Here are the options and the youngest age each is FDA-approved for:

Approved for ages 2 and up:

Mometasone (Nasonex) — 1 spray per nostril once daily for ages 2–11
Fluticasone furoate (Veramyst) — 1–2 sprays per nostril once daily for ages 2–11
Triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24HR) — 1 spray per nostril once daily for ages 2–5

Approved for ages 4 and up:

Fluticasone propionate (Flonase) — 1 spray per nostril once daily for ages 4–11

Approved for ages 6 and up:

Budesonide (Rhinocort) — approved for ages 6 and up

These sprays work by reducing inflammation directly inside the nose. They are safe for daily use and many are available over the counter.

Important tips for nasal sprays:

They work best when used every day during allergy season — they are not "as needed" medications
It may take several days to a couple of weeks to feel the full benefit
Aim the spray toward the outside wall of the nose (away from the center wall/septum) to reduce the chance of nosebleeds
The most common side effect is minor nosebleeds; if this happens, take a short break and restart

We recommend 24-hour antihistamines (and avoid diphenhydramine/Benadryl)

There are two types of antihistamines:

Older "first-generation" antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine
Newer "second-generation" 24-hour antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), and levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and other older antihistamines cause significant side effects

Drowsiness and sedation — this can impair school performance in children and driving ability in teens and adults
Impaired thinking, memory, and coordination — these effects can happen even when a person doesn't feel drowsy
Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and difficulty urinating
Rapid heartbeat
In overdose, they can cause hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythms, and even death
They wear off quickly (every 4–6 hours), so symptoms return and doses must be repeated
The body builds tolerance to the sedating effect within days, but the other side effects remain

The newer 24-hour antihistamines do not cross into the brain the way older ones do, so they cause far less drowsiness and do not impair thinking or coordination. They last all day with a single dose and are available over the counter. They are safe for long-term daily use in children, teens, and adults.

For people with both nasal and eye symptoms, combining a nasal corticosteroid spray with a 24-hour antihistamine often provides the best relief.

When to Consider Allergy Testing and Immunotherapy (Allergy ShotS)

Talk to your doctor about allergy testing if:

Symptoms are not well controlled despite using the medications above correctly
Medications cause bothersome side effects
Symptoms last many months of the year or are getting worse over time
You want to reduce the need for daily medications
Your child has allergies along with asthma, recurrent sinus infections, or ear problems

If your child's allergies are not well controlled and you want to consider allergy testing, please schedule a visit to discuss options.

Quick Summary by Age

Children ages 2–3:

Saline sprays, allergen avoidance, sleeping caps, and HEPA filters are safe starting points
24-hour antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) in age-appropriate doses
Nasal corticosteroid sprays: Nasonex, Veramyst, or Nasacort (the three brands approved for age 2+)
Avoid diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and use 24 hour antihistamines

Children ages 4–5:

All of the above, plus Flonase becomes an option at age 4

Children ages 6 and up:

All of the above, plus Rhinocort becomes an option at age 6
Fexofenadine (Allegra) can be added as an antihistamine option
Consider allergy testing if symptoms are persistent or poorly controlled

Teens and adults:

All of the above, plus combination nasal sprays (corticosteroid + antihistamine) for stubborn symptoms
Immunotherapy for long-term control when medications aren't enough
Be especially cautious with diphenhydramine — it impairs driving and academic performance

When to schedule a visit

Allergy symptoms interfere with sleep, school, work, or daily activities
Over-the-counter treatments aren't providing enough relief
You notice wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath (these may indicate asthma )
You have frequent sinus infections or ear infections along with allergies

Supplements Teens See On line:

What Works, What Doesn't, and What's Risky

Start Here: The Big Picture

A well-balanced diet meets nutritional needs for almost every teen and adult. Supplements are typically not required, and no supplement makes up for inadequate sleep, poor nutrition, or an unstructured training plan.

Supplements are not approved by the FDA before they are sold. Companies do not have to prove a product works, and they do not have to prove it is safe before putting it on the shelf. What's on the label isn't always what's in the bottle.

Social media is not a reliable source. Most influencers are paid to promote products, and teens report getting supplement information mainly from friends, coaches, and the internet.

How to Choose a Product If You Decide to Buy One

1. Look for third-party certification . These organizations independently test what's actually in the container:

NSF Certified for Sport — the strongest option for athletes; also screens for banned substances
Informed Sport / Informed Choice — batch-level testing for banned substances
USP Verified — verifies identity, potency, and purity
ConsumerLab — independent testing and reviews

2. Purchase single-ingredient products. A tub labeled simply "creatine monohydrate" is far easier to verify than a 22-ingredient blend.

3. Read the full ingredient list. If you can't identify what something is, look it up before taking it.

4. Check the caffeine content in anything labeled pre-workout, energy, or fat burner. Add it to what you already get from coffee, tea, and soda. Be aware that many products have energy boosters that are not included in the caffeine count. More on caffeine.

5. For athletes: Check every ingredient against your league's banned substance list. "I didn't know it was in there" is not an accepted defense, and contaminated supplements are a known cause of failed drug tests.

6. Tell your doctor and pharmacist. Bring the actual bottle or a photo of the label to appointments. Supplements can interact with prescription medications.

Tier 1: Reasonable Evidence, Generally Safe

Creatine Monohydrate

What it does: Improves strength, power, and lean muscle when combined with resistance training. Helps with short bursts of intense effort — lifting, sprinting, interval work.
What it doesn't do: It is not a steroid, does not damage kidneys in healthy people, does not cause hair loss, and does not cause dehydration or cramping. It does not help endurance sports.
Dose: 3–5 g/day. A "loading phase" is not necessary.
Note: Expect 1–3 lbs of water weight, held inside muscle — not fat.

This has become a very popular supplement for athletes and non-athletes alike. What started as part of this blog grew to be too much to cover. Use the button below to learn more. There is a link to return to this page from the creatine page.

Protein Powder

What it does: A convenient way to hit daily protein targets, which supports muscle growth alongside training.
Reality check: It is food, not magic. Most teens eating a normal diet with meat, dairy, eggs, beans, or soy already get enough. Whole food is cheaper and works just as well. Plus, food usually tastes better.
Watch out: Testing of protein powders has found low levels of heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic in some products, more often in plant-based powders. Third-party certification matters most here.

Caffeine

What it does: Genuinely improves endurance and alertness in adults. One of the few supplements with strong performance evidence.
The teen problem: Caffeine hits kids and teens harder than adults. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children not have any beverages with caffeine and adolescents never consume energy drinks. High-dose caffeine from energy drinks, powders, and pills has caused abnormal heart rhythms, QT prolongation, high blood pressure, and seizures in teens.
Sources of caffeine are not just in coffee, tea, sodas, and energy drinks. You might be surprised to learn it's in chocolate and other popular products kids consume. Due to its popularity and surprising sources, I made a separate page with much more information. There is a link to return to this page from the caffeine page.

Vitamins and Minerals

We prefer that kids eat most of their vitamins and minerals (except vitamin D), but they often fall short of this and require supplements.

If you think your child needs a vitamin, be sure to ask at a visit. If you have specific concerns about picky eating, a dedicated visit to talk about what might be going on is warranted . It's tempting to try to talk about this at routine visits, but sometimes it is too much to cover in a visit that has it's own agenda. Quick questions are able to be addressed, but significant concerns like restricted diet deserve their own time.

Vitamins are helpful to correct an actual deficiency if a child does not get the necessary amount in their diet or from the sun. If levels are normal, adding more provides little to no extra benefit, increasing your costs. Sometimes too much can be harmful.

Two vitamins that deserve special mention

Vitamin D is recommended for all infants and children because sunlight is the best source and we recommend sun protection. Even if fortified formula or milk is taken regularly, there is not enough vitamin D at recommended intake amounts so a supplement is needed. From birth through 6 months, 400 IU/day is recommended, then at least 600 IU/day is recommend after that. We do not recommend routine testing because insurance rarely covers the cost and the answer is the same regardless if they're low or not. They need supplementation. If they haven't been on a supplement and there are symptoms of low vitamin D, you can use a higher dose for a few months then go to the standard recommended dose. Learn more about Vitamin D supplementation here .
Iron deficiency is relatively common and in early stages is hard to identify without checking the level of ferritin. We screen toddlers for anemia at the one year visit, but even this can miss iron deficiency early on. A new recommendation just out this summer is to screen not just hemoglobin, but also ferritin, which is an indicator of iron deficiency. The updated American Academy of Pediatrics 2026 Guidance recommends that breast-fed infants have hemoglobin and ferritin checked at 9 to 12 months of age and formula fed infants tested at 15 to 18 months of age. Additional tests are recommended if young children have excessive milk intake or poor iron food intake. In the teen years, once menstruation begins the risk of iron deficiency rises, so testing about a year after the periods start is now recommended. Ferritin is not available as an in-office test, and we know from past experience before we could do hemoglobin in the office, when we order labs to be done elsewhere, most parents don't do the requested labs. Due to this and other factors, we have not yet incorporated this brand new recommendation into our workflow. If there are specific concerns, such as fatigue, sleep problems, or other signs of iron deficiency, please schedule a visit to discuss what testing is recommended for your child or ask at your next well visit. It is NOT recommended to start an iron supplement without first testing because too much iron is not safe. Learn more on our iron and ferritin page .

Tier 2: Modest, Narrow, or Uncertain Benefit

Beta-Alanine

Small benefit (about 3%) only for efforts lasting longer than 60 seconds. No benefit for short efforts.
Commonly causes tingling/pins-and-needles in the face and hands — harmless but unpleasant, and often mistaken for the product "working."

Beetroot Juice / Nitric Oxide "Pump" Products

Results are mixed. Any benefit is small and mostly in endurance events.
Arginine and citrulline supplements offer little to healthy young athletes already eating enough protein.

Collagen Peptides

May modestly help joint pain and tendon-related discomfort; less convincing for muscle building.
For skin and hair claims, evidence is much weaker than the marketing suggests.
Not a superior protein source — collagen is a low-quality protein for building muscle.

Melatonin

Modestly shortens time to fall asleep (roughly 18–30 minutes of improvement) in teens.
Not a first-line solution. Sleep hygiene and behavioral strategies should come first.
Over-the-counter melatonin content is often inaccurate compared with the label.
Long-term safety in children and teens is not established, and there is a theoretical concern about effects on puberty hormones.
Use short-term only and involve a doctor.
For more on melatonin and other sleep aids, visit Dr Stuppy's blog .

HMB

Small strength gains in untrained people; essentially nothing in trained athletes.
Generally safe short-term but low value for the money.

Ashwagandha

Popular for stress and sleep, with some supportive studies but inconsistent quality.
Important safety concern: Multiple documented cases of liver injury, including jaundice, itching, and in rare cases liver failure requiring transplant. Injury has occurred within 2–12 weeks of starting.
Not recommended for children or teens . Anyone with liver disease should avoid it entirely.

"Greens Powders"

Marketed as replacing vegetables.
There is little rigorous evidence they improve health outcomes.
They are expensive, and eating actual fruits and vegetables is better supported.

Tier 3: Risky — Avoid

Fat Burners / "Thermogenics" / Weight-Loss Supplements

Among the highest-risk categories. Roughly one-third of users of certain weight-loss products report adverse effects.
Linked to palpitations, chest pain, fast heart rate, high blood pressure, and emergency room visits — most commonly in people aged 20–34.
Frequently spiked with undeclared stimulants or banned drugs.

Pre-Workout Powders

About 1 in 4 users report side effects. Doses of stimulants are often high and poorly disclosed under "proprietary blends."
Many contain multiple stimulants stacked together. Some have been found to contain unapproved amphetamine-like compounds.

SARMs (Ostarine, RAD-140, LGD-4033, "Enhanced Athlete" products)

No FDA-approved SARM exists. These are not legal supplements, and they are banned in all levels of organized sport.
Documented harms: liver injury , suppressed natural testosterone, shrunken testicles, tendon rupture, heart muscle inflammation, and reduced HDL cholesterol.
Products bought online are frequently contaminated with other undisclosed drugs.
More than half of users in survey data report significant side effects.

"Testosterone Boosters," Prohormones, and DHEA

Prohormones had the highest rate of reported side effects of any supplement category (about 35%).
Often contain hidden anabolic steroids.
Teens who use legal supplements are significantly more likely to go on to use anabolic steroids, and more than half of all anabolic steroid use begins in high school.

Anabolic Steroids

In teens there is a premature closure of growth plates (permanently shorter adult height), acne, hair loss, mood swings and aggression, testicular shrinkage, infertility, gynecomastia (breast development) in males, and voice deepening and facial hair in females. Some of these side effects do not reverse.

Turkesterone / Ecdysterone

Heavily promoted online with almost no quality human evidence.
Product testing has repeatedly found that many contain little to none of the advertised ingredient.

Weight-Loss Teas, "Detox" Products, and DNP

No legitimate detox benefit. Laxative-based teas can cause dehydration and electrolyte problems.
2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) is sold illegally for fat loss and has killed users. Never use it.

Red Flags in Supplement Marketing

Be skeptical of any product that:

Promises dramatic or fast results ("gain 20 lbs of muscle in 8 weeks")
Uses the words "steroid alternative," "legal steroid," "SARM," or "prohormone"
Lists a "proprietary blend" without disclosing individual ingredient amounts
Is sold primarily through influencers with discount codes
Claims to "cure," "treat," or "reverse" a disease
Has a name suggesting extremity ("Hardcore," "Extreme," "Ripper," "Shred")
Is only available from an overseas website or a research-chemical vendor

Bottom Line On Supplements

Worth considering: creatine monohydrate, protein powder (as food convenience), and correcting a documented vitamin deficiency.
Overhyped but mostly harmless: collagen, greens powders, BCAAs, nitric oxide boosters, most "recovery" products.
Genuinely risky: fat burners, high-stimulant pre-workouts, SARMs, prohormones, testosterone boosters, and anything sold as a "legal steroid."
Always: buy third-party tested, choose simple formulas, and tell your doctor what you're taking.
Remember: No supplement outperforms consistent training, adequate protein and calories, and 8–10 hours of sleep.

Manage your home with better strategies

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Master Your Back to School Routine for Kids: 2026 Guide

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:15:01 GMT

July 30, 2026

The first day of school often brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a few butterflies for both kids and parents! After the relaxed pace of summer, getting back into school routines can be challenging. The good news is that a little preparation now can make mornings smoother, improve learning, and help everyone feel more confident.

Building an effective back to school routine for kids involves gradually shifting sleep schedules two weeks before classes begin, establishing organized morning habits, and providing emotional support for school-related anxiety. Consistency and early preparation are essential for helping children transition from summer freedom to structured academic environments successfully.

This edition, we're focusing on three of the biggest back-to-school challenges based on our reader survey:

Getting sleep schedules back on track
Getting out the door without the morning chaos
Helping children manage back-to-school anxiety

Plus, learn about upcoming free community events that can help with getting homework done

Workshop for middle and high schoolers to learn how to get unstuck when they don't want to do homework
Event for parents to learn how to help their teens build executive function skills

Every school year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and build confidence. Whether your child is starting preschool, entering middle school, or heading off to high school, remember that routines take time to develop. Celebrate small successes, offer encouragement during challenges, and know that you're not alone—we're here to partner with you every step of the way.

Here's to a healthy, happy, and successful school year from all of us at Pediatric Partners!

How much sleep does my child really need?

One of the biggest adjustments after summer is returning to an earlier bedtime. Many children stay up later during vacation, making those first few weeks of school especially exhausting. If you're dreading that first day back, start planning now!

Rather than waiting until the night before school begins:

Move bedtime earlier by 15-20 minutes every 2-3 nights
Wake your child up earlier each morning, even if they're tired
Open curtains first thing in the morning or spend a few minutes outside to help reset the body's internal clock
Get kids moving early in the day - exercise can help sleep patterns
Keep bedtime and wake time consistent — even on weekends

Build a calming bedtime routine

Children sleep best when bedtime is predictable. Train their brain to anticipate sleep by the time they hit the pillow.

Try a routine like:

Bath or shower
Pajamas
Brush teeth
Read together
Lights out

Avoid screens for at least 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Phones, tablets, gaming systems, and TVs can make it harder for the brain to produce melatonin, the hormone that helps us fall asleep.

Is my child getting enough sleep?

Most school-aged children need:

Preschoolers (3-5 years): Need 10 to 13 hours of sleep per day, including naps.
School-aged children (6-12 years): Require between 9 and 12 hours of consistent rest.
Teens (13-18 years): Still need a substantial 8 to 10 hours of sleep for optimal health.

Children who don't get enough sleep often appear:

Irritable
Hyperactive
Distracted
Emotional
Forgetful

Sleep is not just about avoiding grogginess; it is a critical component of cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical growth. When children are sleep-deprived, their ability to concentrate in the classroom diminishes, and they may struggle with behavioral issues that mimic or worsen existing conditions like ADHD .

Sometimes what looks like "bad behavior" is actually an overtired brain. If your child struggles to get the sleep they need, schedule a visit to help us identify why. There are underlying treatable conditions that make it hard for kids to sleep.

The gradual sleep schedule shift

Beyond just the timing, the quality of sleep is paramount. Environmental factors play a huge role in how quickly a child falls asleep and how deeply they rest. We often discuss "sleep hygiene" during Well-Child Visits . This includes keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.

One of the biggest disruptors of modern sleep is blue light from screens. Tablets, smartphones, and televisions suppress the natural production of melatonin, the hormone that signals to the brain it is time to sleep. Establish a digital curfew: all electronics should be turned off and moved to a central charging station outside the bedroom at least one hour before lights out. Replacing screen time with a book or a calm conversation can significantly improve sleep onset.

Consistency also extends to the weekends. While it is tempting to let kids stay up late on Friday and Saturday, keeping a similar schedule year-round prevents the "Monday morning slump." A variation of more than an hour can confuse the body’s internal clock, making Sunday night particularly difficult. Proper rest ensures your child is physically ready to tackle the challenges of a new grade level.

How can we make school mornings stress-free?

If every morning feels like a race against the clock, you're not alone.

The secret isn't moving faster—it's doing more the night before.

A smooth back to school routine for kids depends heavily on what happens before the sun even comes up. The goal of a morning routine is to minimize the number of decisions that need to be made during the early hours. When everyone is rushed and forced to make choices while half-asleep, stress levels skyrocket, which can set a negative tone for the entire school day. Turn chaos into calm with a few tried and true tricks.

Create a Launch Pad

Establishing a "launch pad" is a game-changer for many busy families.

This is a designated spot near the exit—a basket, a hook, or a shelf—where everything needed for the day lives. Backpacks, sports gear, musical instruments, and coats stay here. This simple organizational hack prevents the frantic, last-minute search for a missing shoe or a permission slip as the bus is pulling up.

Choose one spot near the door where everyone keeps:

Backpack
Shoes
Jacket
Lunchbox
Water bottle
Library books
Sports equipment

No more searching the house when you need to be out the door.

Prep the night before

Spend 10-15 minutes each evening:
✔ Pack backpacks

✔ Charge school devices

✔ Fill water bottles

✔ Pack lunches (or at least gather supplies unless buying school lunch)

✔ Check tomorrow's calendar and review it together so there are no surprises (on Sunday look at the week ahead)

✔ Check tomorrow's weather to choose the best clothing, boots, raincoats, and more

✔ Lay out clothes

✔ Decide what breakfast will be and prepare for it as much as possible by setting out non-perishables and plates or bowls

Use visual checklists

Many children—especially younger kids and those with ADHD—do better with pictures or written routines.

Morning checklist:

☐ Get dressed

☐ Brush teeth

☐ Eat breakfast

☐ Take medicine / vitamins ( Vitamin D is recommended for everone!)

☐ Put on shoes

☐ Grab backpack

☐ Grab lunch

☐ Out the door!

When children own the checklist, parents spend less time repeating reminders.

Build in extra time

If your family usually needs 20 minutes to get ready, plan for 30. Unexpected spills, missing shoes, or last-minute bathroom trips happen to every family.

Leaving just five minutes earlier often makes the entire morning feel calmer.

Special Tips for Children with ADHD

Back-to-school transitions can be especially difficult for children with ADHD because routines, organization, and time management are all changing at once.

A few strategies that help:

Start school routines 1-2 weeks early.
Use timers to keep mornings moving.
Break large tasks into smaller steps.
Keep backpacks organized with designated pockets.
Communicate early with teachers if accommodations are needed.
Praise effort, not perfection.

Remember: the goal isn't a perfect morning—it's helping your child become a little more independent each week.

Optimizing the morning flow

Breakfast is another pillar of the morning routine. Studies consistently show that children who eat a balanced breakfast have better concentration and more energy throughout the morning.

Focus on protein and fiber to provide sustained energy, rather than sugary cereals that lead to a mid-morning crash. If your child isn't hungry immediately upon waking or your teen overslept their alarm and doesn't have time to sit and eat, a smoothie, Greek yogurt, or hard-boiled egg can be eaten on the way to school. Some protein is better than nothing.

Remember to build in a 10-minute "buffer." If you think you need to leave at 7:30 AM, aim for 7:20 AM. This extra time accounts for the inevitable spilled milk, need to toilet, or heavy traffic. Reducing the rush reduces the cortisol levels for both you and your child, making for a much smoother morning.

Managing back-to-school anxiety and nerves

Some children can't wait to go back to school.

Others may suddenly complain of stomachaches, headaches, trouble sleeping, or clinginess.

These can all be signs of anxiety.

Common worries include:

Will my teacher like me?
Will I know anyone?
What if I get lost?
What if my friends changed?
What if the work is too hard?
What if I embarrass myself?

These worries are normal.

Listen before you solve

Instead of saying:

"Don't worry."

This tells them their feelings aren't important and doesn't help them feel better.

Try:

"Tell me what you're most worried about."

Children often feel better simply because someone listened.

Validate feelings

You can acknowledge their emotions without agreeing that something bad will happen.

Try saying:

"Starting something new can feel scary."
"Lots of kids feel nervous on the first day."
"I believe you can handle hard things."

Confidence grows when children face challenges—not when they avoid them.

Practice ahead of time

If your child is anxious:

Visit the school playground.
Walk through drop-off.
Practice opening lunch containers.
Try on new shoes and backpacks.
Review the daily schedule.

Familiarity makes new situations feel less overwhelming.

Keep goodbyes short

Long, emotional goodbyes often increase anxiety.

Instead:

Give a hug
Say you'll see them after school
Leave confidently

Your calm helps your child feel safe.

For more specific strategies, see our Anxiety Tips from Pediatric Partners .

What are the signs of serious school-related stress?

While first-day jitters are standard, some children experience more intense anxiety that interferes with their daily life. Watch for signs that the stress has become unmanageable to help identify when things are beyond the typical nervousness so you can help your child learn to mange the stress in a healthy way.

If your child exhibits any of the following for more than two weeks, it may be time to schedule an appointment:

Frequent physical complaints, like stomachaches or headaches, especially in the morning or Sunday nights.
Significant changes in eating or sleeping habits.
Refusal to go to school or extreme tearfulness during drop-off.
Withdrawal from activities or friends they usually enjoy.
Preoccupation with what could go wrong.

We offer Mental Health screenings at annual well visits for older kids and teens to help identify significant issues, but if things show up between visits, don't wait for your next well visit to discuss concerns. Sean, our Behavioral Health Clinician , is available to help with more in depth evaluations and early interventions.

Often, early intervention with a behavioral clinician can provide the child with the tools they need to thrive. Addressing these issues early prevents them from snowballing as the academic workload increases throughout the semester.

What about melatonin, magnesium, and other sleep aids?

Many families try lotions, oils, gummies, supplements, or weighted blankets to help kids sleep — and it’s easy to see why. The sleep aisle is overflowing with products that promise quick fixes.

But sleep problems are usually a symptom, not the diagnosis. Kids may need better sleep habits, support for anxiety, evaluation for ADHD or sleep apnea, or even a check of their iron levels.

Because many sleep products aren’t well studied in children — and some carry real risks — it’s important to understand what the evidence actually shows before spending money or relying on them. And when sleep becomes a struggle, a dedicated visit is the best way to sort out what’s really going on and what we recommend.

If we recommend a supplement to help with sleep, it’s important to remember that supplements aren’t regulated the same way medications are. Quality can vary widely, which is why we recommend choosing products that have been independently evaluated. Parents can look for seals from third‑party testers — such as USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab — on the label to know a product has been reviewed for purity and accuracy.

You can find some recommended brands in our Metagenics and Amazon stores . Products listed there are examples many families find helpful, but plenty of other high‑quality options may fit your needs. Inclusion isn’t an endorsement. Some links are affiliate links — they never increase your cost, but we may earn a small commission from purchases.

Want to learn more? Tap the button below to read Dr. Stuppy's full sleep‑aid breakdown.

Learn About Upcoming Free Community Events from Our Local CHADD Chapter

Founded in 2012, ADHDKC is Kansas City’s Award Winning Non-Profit CHADD Chapter . ADHDKC provides support for thousands of area families thriving with ADHD and related conditions. Every month ADHDKC sponsors events online and around the KC Metro to help parents, adults, and adolescents learn how to regulate emotions, better manage executive functioning, and more.

All ADHDKC Events are free and open to the public . No diagnosis is required!

Want More?

For Tweens & Teens

Homework Challenges: Getting Started, Staying Motivated, and Finishing What Matters

A common challenge for parents is helping their kids and teens get homework done . Tweens and teens don't need another lecture about "being more responsible." They need strategies they can use right away to get organized and get stuff done.

Dr. Stuppy will be leading an interactive online workshop for middle and high school students to learn how to get homework and other non-preferred tasks done - even when they don't feel like doing it.

This workshop is through Kansas City's local CHADD chapter, ADHDKC, and is free and open to the public. Middle and high school students who want homework to feel a little less overwhelming are welcome to join the group, whether they have ADHD or not.

Dr. Stuppy leads these workshops each month and loves to see kids who come to learn each month, and is excited to see familiar faces new to the group.

Parents:

Are You Feeling Like Your Teen is Overwhelmed, Scattered, or Constantly Playing Catch-up?

Teen life today demands strong executive function skills —but many teens (especially those with ADHD or other learning differences) are still developing these critical abilities.

Managing schoolwork, keeping track of a busy schedule, and navigating social expectations can quickly become overwhelming—for both teens and their parents.

You’re not alone—and there are ways to help.

Executive Function Coach, Sarah Kesty , will guide parents through brain-friendly ways to support teens in building the skills they need to thrive—at home, at school, and beyond.

This isn’t about “trying harder.”

It’s about working smarter with how the brain actually functions.

Preparing for a healthy school year

Finally, ensure your child is physically prepared. This means being up-to-date on Vaccines and Immunizations and having a current sports physical if they plan to participate in athletics. A healthy body is the foundation upon which a good routine is built. If your child has a chronic condition like asthma or allergies , make sure their school action plans are updated and that the school nurse has all necessary supplies.

Establishing a back to school routine for kids isn't just about the first day; it's about creating a sustainable lifestyle that supports learning and growth. By focusing on sleep, organization, and emotional health, you are giving your child the best possible start to their academic year. If you have concerns about your child's transition, don't hesitate to reach out to our office to Schedule an Appointment .

Back to School Routine Summary:

Gradual Sleep Shift: Move bedtimes 15 minutes earlier every few days starting two weeks before school.
Preparation is Key: Pack bags, choose outfits, and prep lunches the night before to reduce morning chaos.
Manage Anxiety: Validate feelings, visit the school early, and watch for physical signs of stress.
Health First: Ensure all well-child visits and school forms are completed before the first bell rings.
Consistency Wins: Keep routines similar on weekends to maintain the body's natural clock.

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Big Feelings, Growing Brains: Helping Children Learn Emotional Regulation

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:00:43 GMT

July 16, 2026

This week's newsletter focuses on emotional regulation, but first let's talk about the explosive diarrhea that's hitting your feeds.

What is emotional regulation in children?

Emotional regulation isn't something children are born with . It is a complex skill that develops over time, much like learning to walk or read. It is the internal process of managing one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a way that is socially acceptable and allows for productive life engagement. In the early years, children rely heavily on "co-regulation"—the process where a caregiver provides the calm and safety necessary for the child’s nervous system to settle. As they grow, and with consistent support, they transition toward self-regulation.

We often see families struggling when a child’s "big feelings" lead to meltdowns, aggression, or withdrawal. Understanding that these are often moments of skill-deficiency rather than "bad behavior" is the first step toward effective parenting and emotional growth. When a child is dysregulated, their "upstairs brain" (the logical part) effectively goes offline, leaving the "downstairs brain" (the emotional/survival part) in charge. Our job as parents is to help bridge that gap.

Why does my child struggle with big feelings?

It is perfectly normal for kids to struggle with emotional control. Their prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for impulse control and executive function—isn’t fully developed until their mid-20s. However, some children may find this more challenging than others. Factors such as temperament, sensory processing differences, and underlying conditions like ADHD or anxiety can make the world feel more overwhelming.

Common reasons for emotional struggles include:

Hunger, tiredness, or physical illness.
Overstimulation from noise, crowds, or screens.
Frustration from a task that is too difficult.
Transitions between activities or environments.
Feeling misunderstood or unheard by adults.

How do I teach a toddler to calm down?

Toddlers are famous for their tantrums because they possess huge emotions but almost no physiological way to manage them yet. At this stage, regulation is almost entirely about co-regulation. You are the thermostat for your child’s environment. If you get heated, they will likely get hotter. If you stay cool, you provide a target for them to aim for.

To help a toddler, try these strategies:

Name it to tame it: Validate their feeling by saying, "You look really frustrated that the block fell over."
Physical presence: Sometimes just sitting near them without speaking provides the security they need.
Simple breathing: Use "bubble breathing" where they pretend to blow a giant, slow bubble.
Sensory shifts: A cool washcloth on the face or a heavy blanket can help reset the nervous system.
Keep it brief: Use very few words when they are in the heat of a meltdown.

Supporting school-aged children's emotional growth

As children enter school, the social and academic demands increase significantly. They are expected to follow multi-step directions, wait their turn, and navigate complex peer relationships. This is often where we see mental health concerns or learning differences become more apparent. During these years, we move from doing the regulating for them to teaching them the tools to do it with us.

How can I help my school-age child manage stress?

By ages 6 to 12, children can begin to use more cognitive strategies to handle their feelings. They can understand the concept of a "worry" or a "mad" as something separate from themselves. At this age, you can introduce a variety of tools that they can keep in their "emotional toolbox."

Effective tools for this age group include:

The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique: Identify 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you can taste.
Positive Self-Talk: Help them develop a mantra like, "I can handle hard things."
Journaling or Drawing: Encouraging them to put their feelings on paper to get them out of their head.
Physical Activity: Jumping jacks or a quick run can burn off the "extra energy" of anger or anxiety.
Predictable Routines: Consistency helps the brain feel safe, reducing the overall level of daily stress.

Navigating teenage emotions and mental health

The teenage years bring a second wave of rapid brain development, similar in intensity to the toddler years but with much higher stakes. Hormonal shifts combined with social pressures make emotional regulation a high-wire act. This is a critical time to keep the lines of communication open and to prioritize well visits yearly where we can screen for depression or anxiety . If a screening suggests a concern, we'll recommend a follow-up appointment to explore it more thoroughly. Even if symptoms seem mild, it's worth addressing them early. Just as we treat physical illnesses before they become serious, identifying and supporting mental health concerns early can improve outcomes and help prevent a future crisis.

How can you support your teen at home?

Keep communication open. Let them know you're here to listen, and be sure to listen rather than advise until they ask for your advice. You may see the obvious answer, but their brain isn't there yet, and if you tell them what to do rather than let them figure it out themselves, you're taking the learning opportunity away and are risking them turning away from you.

Get curious and ask them questions, which allows them to discover the answers themselves.

Teenagers often need more autonomy in their regulation. Remember that even though they look like adults, their brains are still under construction, and they still need your steady presence as a safety net.

Why is parent self-care vital for child regulation?

You cannot pour from an empty cup. If you are constantly stressed, sleep-deprived, or emotionally overwhelmed, you will not have the patience required to co-regulate with a struggling child. Parent self-care isn't about spa days; it's about nervous system maintenance. It means knowing your own triggers and having your own set of tools to stay calm when the house is chaotic.

When parents model healthy emotional regulation—such as saying out loud, "I'm feeling a bit frustrated right now, so I'm going to take three deep breaths before we talk"—they are providing the most powerful lesson a child can receive. Children do what we do, not what we say. If you need additional support, our integrated behavioral health services are designed to help families find their balance.

How can our team support your family's mental well-being?

At Pediatric Partners, we believe in a holistic approach to healthcare. Physical health and mental health are inextricably linked. This is why we provide resources beyond the exam room. We want you to feel empowered as a parent, knowing you have a team of experts behind you.

We encourage you to utilize these resources:

Prioritize Annual Well Visits: We screen for mental health concerns at well visits, plus if your child or teen is struggling, it helps them open up if they're in a familiar setting. They will feel more comfortable if they've developed a relationship with us over the years. If your child is due, schedule a well visit today !
Meet Sean Haley: If your child is struggling with emotional regulation, Sean Haley , our clinical social worker, is here to help. He specializes in providing practical strategies for children and parents to navigate mental health challenges together.
Specialized Care: For specific concerns like ADHD, we offer comprehensive diagnosis and follow-up .
Dr. Stuppy’s Substack: Follow Dr. Stuppy’s Substack for in-depth articles on mental health, ADHD, parenting strategies, and pediatric insights. It’s a great way to stay informed on the topics that matter most to your family’s well-being.

Summary of Emotional Regulation Strategies

Helping your child learn to manage their emotions is a marathon, not a sprint. By focusing on co-regulation, naming feelings, and providing age-appropriate tools, you are building a foundation for lifelong mental health. Remember that progress is not linear, and there will be difficult days. What matters most is the consistent, loving connection you maintain with your child through the ups and downs.

Key Takeaways:

Emotional regulation is a learned skill that takes years to master.
Co-regulation is the essential first step for toddlers and young children.
School-aged kids benefit from physical grounding techniques and predictable routines.
Teenagers need a balance of autonomy and adult support to navigate social pressures.
Parental self-care is the "oxygen mask" that allows you to help your child effectively.

If you have concerns about your child’s emotional development or behavior, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at our Overland Park or Olathe locations to schedule a consultation.

Animals of the Brain

Dr. Stuppy loves to teach kids and teens (and their parents) about the animals of their brain to help them learn how their brain works. Check out her blog on the animals and follow her on Substack to keep learning with her.

What is Emotional Regulation and Why Does It Matter?

Emotional regulation is the ability to monitor and manage your internal states and reactions. For children, it means learning how to pause between a feeling and an action. It involves recognizing emotions, calming down after big feelings, and choosing appropriate responses to challenging situations or social triggers.

When we're unable to regulate our emotions, little triggers lead to big reactions. Kids, teens, and adults with emotional dysregulation may use unhealthy coping tools that increase risk, such as self-harm or substance use. Dysregulation may lead to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and/or eating disorders. Emotional dysregulation often leads to conflicts with friends and family and unhealthy relationships.

First: Prevention

Cyclospora is a tiny parasite that spreads through contaminated fresh produce like berries, bagged salads, herbs, and leafy greens. It is NOT spread person-to-person or from pets.

Here's how to protect your family:

✅ Wash all fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs thoroughly under running water before eating — even if the package says "pre-washed"

✅ Be aware that washing reduces risk but may not completely eliminate the parasite, since it's resistant to many common disinfectants

✅ Cooking to 158F kills this parasite, so cooking fruits and vegetables is a safe option

✅ Frozen fruits and vegetables are likely safe

✅ Stay updated on any FDA or CDC food recalls and avoid recalled products

✅ Practice good hand hygiene: wash hands with soap and water before preparing food, before eating, and after using the bathroom

✅ Keep your kitchen clean: wash cutting boards, counters, and utensils after preparing fresh produce

What to watch for

Symptoms usually start about 1 week after eating contaminated food.

Look for:

Watery diarrhea (sometimes very frequent or "explosive")
Belly pain or cramping
Loss of appetite
Tiredness or fatigue
Nausea
Low-grade fever
Weight loss

A hallmark of Cyclospora is that symptoms can come and go — your child may seem better for a day or two, then the diarrhea returns. Without treatment, symptoms can last weeks to over a month.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU NOTICE SYMPTOMS

Most children with mild diarrhea do not need to change their diet and electrolyte solutions are usually not needed. Water and regular foods are generally tolerated for most kids with diarrhea.
You can keep giving human (breast) milk, formula, or cow’s milk. However, if your child seems bloated or gassy after drinking formula or cow’s milk, ask us if these should be avoided.
Avoid sugary drinks, including juice. These may increase the watery stools.
Call for an appointment or come in to our walk in hours if watery diarrhea lasts more than a few days, your child has poor appetite or weight loss, or known exposure to a recalled food product with symptoms (as of this writing, no products have been identified and many people who are exposed do not experience symptoms and the infection is self-limited, so only those with symptoms require treatment).
Go to an Emergency Room if there are signs of moderate to severe dehydration as mentioned on the "learn more" page.

how we test for it

Testing is recommended if watery diarrhea lasts more than 7 days, including if it comes and goes over that period.
If we suspect Cyclospora, we'll order a stool PCR test that looks specifically for this parasite.
Sometimes more than one sample collected a couple of days apart may be needed to show Cyclospora.

how we treat it

The good news: Cyclospora is very treatable! The standard treatment is an antibiotic called trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole* (you may know it as Bactrim or Septra).

Most kids take it twice a day for 7 days and start feeling better within just a day or two.

While your child is recovering:

Push fluids! Offer water, diluted juice, or an oral rehydration solution (like Pedialyte)
Continue a normal diet as tolerated
Keep your child home from school or daycare while they have active diarrhea

*If your child has a sulfa allergy, let us know — we have alternative options.

bottom line

Cyclospora is uncomfortable but very treatable.

The key is knowing when to bring your child in so we can test for it specifically and get them the right medicine.

When in doubt, call us!

Our next edition will be all about back to school, but there are far too many things to cover. Help me decide what is most important to you with this quick poll . Poll will close July 26th and the edition will post July 30th.

Summer Ticks, Holiday Safety, and July 4th Office Hours

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:00:08 GMT

July 2, 2026

Summer is here, which means more time outdoors—and more questions about ticks ! We've received many calls recently about tick bites, so this newsletter covers what families in Kansas and Missouri should know, when to be concerned, and when to contact us.

We also have some important updates about pre-visit surveys , holiday safety reminders and office schedule updates for the July 4th holiday .

But first, I want to share some fun we had on the Friday before Father's Day.

Tick Bites: What Parents Need to Know

The good news? Most tick bites do not result in infection.

While ticks can carry diseases, the majority of children who are bitten by a tick will never develop a tick-borne illness.

Performing daily tick checks after being in areas where ticks may find you and removing them within 24 hours decreases risk.

Some families have told us they aren’t receiving their Phreesia pre‑visit check‑in texts. In many cases, this happens because your phone carrier mistakenly flags Phreesia’s automated sender numbers as spam or advertising. When that happens, the messages are filtered out before you ever see them.

Here are two quick steps that reliably fix the issue:

1. Add Phreesia’s Number to Your Contacts

Phreesia sends messages from short codes (5‑ or 6‑digit numbers) or rotating local numbers.

Adding the number to your contacts tells your phone it’s a trusted sender.

How to do it:

Open the most recent Phreesia text you did receive.
Create a new contact (you can name it “Doctor’s Office Check‑In”).
Save the number or short code.
Once saved, your phone is far less likely to filter future messages.

2. Check Your Spam / Blocked Messages Folder

Depending on your phone, you may need to manually mark these messages as “not spam.”

On iPhone (iOS):

Messages app → Filters or Unknown Senders → Find the Phreesia text → Tap it → Tap the banner at the top → Info → Add to Existing Contact or Create New Contact.

On Android:

Messages app → Three dots (upper corner) → Spam & Blocked → Find the Phreesia text → Tap Not spam or Unblock .

If you've previously opted out of our texts, you can opt back in!

To get back on our text list, just send UNSTOP to 866-467-1139. It’s quick, easy, and ensures you stay in the loop with everything Pediatric Partners is doing to care for your family.

Why This Matters

Pre‑visit check‑in helps you move through your appointment more quickly, reduces wait times, and ensures we have accurate information before your visit. Adding the number to your contacts is the simplest way to make sure you don’t miss these important messages.

Why You May Be Missing Pre‑Visit Check‑In Texts

— And How to Fix It

Common Tick-Borne Diseases in Kansas and Missouri

The most common infections we see or discuss in our region include:

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) – carried primarily by the American dog tick and other tick species.
Ehrlichiosis – one of the more common tick-borne illnesses in Missouri and Kansas.
Tularemia – less common but present in our area.
Alpha-gal Syndrome – a reaction to mammalian meat that can develop after bites from the Lone Star tick.
Lyme Disease – while common in parts of the Northeast and Upper Midwest, Lyme disease is relatively uncommon in Kansas and Missouri compared with those regions.

When Should You Suspect an Infection?

Most tick-borne illnesses do not cause symptoms immediately after the bite. Watch for symptoms that develop days to weeks later , including:

Fever
Headache
Fatigue
Body aches
Chills
Rash
Swollen lymph nodes
Nausea or vomiting

Contact us if your child develops these symptoms after a known tick bite or after spending time outdoors where ticks may be present.

What About the Tick Bite Itself?

A small red bump at the site of the bite is normal and does not mean your child has an infection.

Call us if:

The redness continues to expand significantly.
The area becomes increasingly painful, swollen, or drains pus.
Your child develops fever or other concerning symptoms.

How to Remove a Tick

If you find a tick attached to you or your child:

Use fine-tipped tweezers.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
Clean the area with soap and water afterward.

Avoid:

Burning the tick
Applying nail polish, petroleum jelly, or other substances
Twisting or crushing the tick during removal

You do not need to bring the tick to our office for testing.

Preventing Tick Bites

Use EPA-approved insect repellents. Find a list from the "Learn More" button below.
Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or playing in wooded areas.
Perform tick checks after outdoor activities.
Shower after coming indoors when possible.
Check pets regularly, as they can bring ticks into the home.

When Should You Schedule an Appointment?

Please contact our office if:

Your child develops fever, rash, severe headache, or other illness after a tick bite.
The bite site appears infected.
You are unable to remove the tick completely.
You have concerns after reviewing our website resources.

Many tick bites can be safely monitored at home, but we're happy to help when questions arise.

Holiday Safety Reminders

July 4th celebrations are a favorite family tradition, but they also bring some preventable injuries.

Firework Safety

The safest choice is to enjoy professional fireworks displays rather than using consumer fireworks at home.

Remember:

Never allow children to handle fireworks.
Sparklers can burn at temperatures hot enough to cause serious injuries.
Keep a safe distance from active fireworks.
Have water nearby if fireworks are being used.
Supervise children closely around all fireworks and bonfires.

Neighborhood Parade Safety

Many of our families participate in neighborhood bike parades and decorate bicycles, scooters, wagons, and battery-powered ride-on vehicles.

Before heading out:

Helmets First - Every child riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or ride-on vehicle should wear a properly fitted helmet.

Be Seen

Use bright colors and decorations.
Avoid decorations that block vision or become tangled in wheels.
Consider reflective materials if activities continue into the evening.

Ride Safely

Younger children should have close adult supervision.
Watch for driveways, parked cars, and uneven pavement.
Keep speeds appropriate for the rider's age and skill level.
Battery-powered ride-on vehicles should be operated only in safe areas away from traffic.

Stay Hydrated

Kansas and Missouri summers can be hot. Bring water and take breaks as needed, especially for young children.

Food Safety For Picnics & BBQs

Keep Cold Foods Cold: Pack perishables (like deli meats, potato/tuna salads, and dairy) in a well-insulated cooler packed tightly with ice or gel packs. Put cold bowls on top of ice at the picnic table to maintain temperature. If using a cooler, put drinks in a separate cooler than food because it is opened more often.
Keep Hot Foods Hot: If bringing hot foods (like fried chicken or casseroles), eat it within 2 hours. Keep items hot in insulated thermoses or chafing dishes. On a hot day (90 degrees or higher), don't let food sit out for more than one hour. Bacteria can multiply quickly on food left out in warm weather.
Less Perishable Foods: Some foods such as breads, rolls, chips, crackers, and cookies are okay to leave out but should be covered for freshness. Condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard are acidic, so they are okay to leave out for a picnic or barbecue.
Wash Hands to Prevent Illness

Wash hands with soap and water before and after preparing food, especially raw meats.
Everyone should wash hands or use sanitizer or disposable hand wipes before eating to prevent passing germs to food.

Looking for Answers? Check Our Resources First!

Did you know that many of the questions we receive every day are already answered on our website?

Before calling, we encourage families to visit our Resource pages, where you'll find information about:

If you still can't find the answer you need, our nurse triage team is always available to help guide you.

Thank you for trusting Pediatric Partners with your family's care. We hope you have a safe, healthy, and fun Independence Day holiday!

The Pediatric Partners Team
Helping children grow healthy, confident, and resilient every step of the way.

Don't miss an edition of GROWING TOGETHER WITH PEDIATRIC PARTNERS!

Raising Capable Kids: How to Build Independence and Resilience

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:00:26 GMT

If your family visits Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead this summer, be sure to look for the Pediatric Partners bench swing near the cow pen. We donated this swing as a place for families to rest, connect, and enjoy a few moments together while exploring one of our community's favorite destinations.

We've loved seeing photos of children and families sharing laughs and making memories on the swing already! If you stop by, we'd love to see your pictures too—tag Pediatric Partners on social media so we can celebrate your visit.

As you enjoy all the adventures summer has to offer, this month's newsletter focuses on another important part of growing up: helping children build the independence and resilience they'll need to thrive both now and in the future.

June 18, 2026

Swing by and Say Hi at Deanna Rose! ��

NEW benefit for Kansans!

Kansans can now find immunization records in the Kansas vaccine portal from WebIZ !

Have you heard about the free lactation support group?

Pediatric Partners is partnering with Infant and Toddler Services to offer a free monthly lactation support group for breastfeeding mothers and their infants. Join us in a welcoming and supportive environment to connect with other families, learn practical breastfeeding tips, ask questions, and receive encouragement from experienced professionals.

Whether you are new to breastfeeding or looking for ongoing support, all breastfeeding mothers are welcome — you do not need to be a Pediatric Partners patient to attend, so share this with a friend in need.

If you missed the announcement, listen to Dr Khaleghi's quick video about the relatively new lactation support groups.

As parents, it's natural to want to protect our children from disappointment, frustration, and failure. We want to help when they're struggling, solve problems when they're stuck, and make life easier when we can. But one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is not a life free of challenges—it's the confidence and skills to handle those challenges themselves.

Independence and resilience don't develop overnight. They grow gradually through everyday experiences, opportunities to practice, and the support of caring adults who believe in a child's ability to learn and grow.

What Are Independence and Resilience?

Independence is the ability to manage responsibilities, make decisions, and complete tasks without excessive reliance on others.

Resilience is the ability to recover from setbacks, adapt to challenges, and keep moving forward when things don't go as planned.

These skills work together. Independent children gain confidence through experience. Resilient children learn that they can survive mistakes and disappointments. Together, these traits help children thrive at home, in school, and eventually in adulthood.

Why These Skills Matter

Children who develop independence and resilience tend to:

Have greater confidence in their abilities
Show better problem-solving skills
Cope more effectively with stress and change
Develop stronger executive functioning skills
Take responsibility for their actions
Become more prepared for future academic, social, and workplace challenges

Research consistently shows that children benefit more from learning how to overcome obstacles than from having obstacles removed for them.

Start with a Growth Mindset

Children often believe that abilities are fixed—you are either good at something or you're not. A growth mindset teaches that skills improve with effort, practice, and persistence.

Try replacing:

"You're so smart!" with "You worked really hard on that."
"I knew you'd get it right." with "You kept trying even when it was difficult."
"Don't worry, I'll do it for you." with "Let's figure out how you can do it."

When children understand that mistakes are part of learning, they become less afraid of challenges and more willing to try new things.

Let Them Do What They Can Do

One of the most common barriers to independence is that adults often do things for children that children could learn to do themselves.

This might include:

Packing school bags
Keeping track of assignments
Ordering food at restaurants
Managing personal belongings
Resolving minor conflicts with friends
Communicating with teachers or coaches

While stepping in may save time in the moment, it also removes opportunities for learning.

Ask yourself:

"Is this something my child can do independently, with support, or with practice?"

If the answer is yes, consider stepping back.

Allow Developmental-Appropriate Responsibility

Children develop confidence by contributing and being trusted with meaningful responsibilities.

Young children can:

Put away toys
Feed pets
Help set the table
Sweep
Put clothes in the laundry hamper

School-age children can:

Make simple meals
Pack lunches
Help with household chores
Tell a server what menu item they want

Teens can:

Manage their schedules
Make appointments with guidance
Handle transportation planning
Learn to manage personal finances - dividing money earned into how much to spend, save, and give to charity
Take increasing responsibility for school and extracurricular commitments

The goal isn't perfection. The goal is practice.

If your child is not able to do what others their age can, offer more supports, such as written checklists, using pictures for children who are not strong readers. Put these in a highly visible area and celebrate when they check things off their list. If your child continues to struggle, schedule a visit with our behavioral health clinician to explore why.

Don't Forget the Lost Skill of Phone Communication

One important life skill that many children and teens are getting fewer opportunities to practice today is talking on the phone.

Texting, messaging apps, online scheduling, and social media have made communication easier in many ways, but they have also reduced the number of situations where young people need to speak directly with someone they don't know. As a result, many teens and young adults feel significant anxiety when faced with making a phone call.

The good news is that phone communication is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with practice.

Start Small

Young children can begin by making simple phone calls to grandparents, cousins, or family friends. These conversations help them learn basic skills such as:

Greeting someone politely
Starting and maintaining a conversation
Asking and answering questions
Ending a conversation appropriately

At first, they may need coaching or a parent nearby, but over time they become more comfortable speaking independently.

Gradually Increase Responsibility

As children get older, look for opportunities to let them handle real-world phone calls.

For example, middle school students might:

Call a friend to coordinate plans
Contact a coach with a question
Leave a voicemail message

High school students can begin taking on more adult responsibilities, such as:

Calling to ask about volunteer opportunities
Contacting an employer about a job application
Scheduling a haircut, oil change, or dental or medical appointments when appropriate
Contacting a pharmacy about prescription refill procedures

Coach, Don't Rescue

Many parents find it tempting to make the call themselves because it is faster and easier. However, every call a parent makes on a teen's behalf is one less opportunity for the teen to build confidence.

Instead of taking over, help your child prepare:

Discuss what they need to say.
Write down key points beforehand.
Practice through role-playing.
Help them think about possible questions they may be asked.

Then encourage them to make the call themselves.

Building Confidence for Adulthood

Many young adults arrive at college or their first job having never independently scheduled an appointment, called customer service, or spoken with a professional on the phone. These tasks can feel overwhelming if they haven't had opportunities to practice.

Each phone call helps children develop:

Communication skills
Self-advocacy
Problem-solving abilities
Confidence interacting with unfamiliar adults
Independence in managing everyday responsibilities

The goal isn't to eliminate technology—online scheduling and texting are useful tools. The goal is to ensure that children and teens also develop the communication skills they'll need when a phone call is the best or only option.

A simple progression from calling grandparents as a child to scheduling an oil change, medical appointment, or job interview as a teen can help prepare them for the many situations they'll encounter as independent adults.

Resist the Urge to Rescue

Watching children struggle can be uncomfortable. Yet productive struggle is often where the most learning occurs.

If you do the thing for them, you're implying that they can't do it . That's what they learn, even if it's not your intent.

When your child encounters a problem, instead of immediately providing the answer, try asking:

"What have you tried so far?"
"What do you think might work?"
"What are your options?"
"Who could help you with this?"
"What can you learn from what happened?"

These questions encourage problem-solving and help children discover that they are capable of finding solutions.

Let Natural Consequences Teach

Natural consequences can be powerful teachers.

If a child refuses to wear their coat, they will feel cold.
If a child doesn't eat their meal, they will feel hungry.
If a child leaves their bike outside, it may get stolen or suffer from weather-related damage.
If a teen spends money on an impulse buy, they will be farther away from having enough to buy the thing they were saving for.

Of course, parents should intervene when safety, health, or significant consequences are involved. But many everyday mistakes provide valuable learning opportunities.

Children often learn more from experiencing consequences than from repeated reminders. Resist the urge to say "I told you so." That turns the experience into a head-butting contest rather than a learning opportunity. Kids are smart. They'll figure it out without you harping on it.

Normalize Failure and Setbacks

Many children today feel intense pressure to succeed. They may avoid challenges because they're afraid of making mistakes.

Help your child understand that setbacks are normal.

Share stories about:

Times you made mistakes
Challenges you faced growing up
Skills that took practice to develop
Goals that required persistence

When children see that successful adults also struggle, they learn that failure is not a sign of inadequacy—it's part of growth.

Teach Emotional Resilience

Building resilience doesn't mean ignoring emotions. It means learning to manage them.

When your child is upset:

Validate their feelings
Listen before solving
Help them identify emotions
Encourage healthy coping strategies

Try saying:

"That sounds really disappointing."
"I can see why you're frustrated."
"It's okay to feel upset."
"Let's think about what you can do next."

Children who learn to tolerate uncomfortable emotions are better equipped to handle future challenges.

Encourage Healthy Risk-Taking

Children build confidence when they try new things and discover they can handle uncertainty.

Risky play in early childhood — such as climbing, rough-and-tumble, or using adult tools — is essential for childhood development. It allows children to test their limits, which builds self-confidence, emotional regulation, and critical risk-assessment skills. This type of play actually helps prevent future anxiety and leads to lifelong benefits.

Healthy risks for older children and teens might include:

Joining a new club
Trying out for a team
Speaking in front of a group
Applying for a job
Learning a new skill
Making new friends

Success builds confidence, but so does surviving disappointment and realizing life goes on.

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Perfectionism can undermine both independence and resilience. Children who fear mistakes often avoid challenges altogether.

Celebrate effort, persistence, and improvement, not the success itself.

Notice when your child:

Tries something difficult
Keeps going after setbacks
Takes responsibility
Solves a problem independently
Learns from mistakes

Progress may be slow, but every small step matters.

Independence Looks Different for Every Child

Some children naturally seek independence, while others need more support. Children with ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, or other challenges may require additional scaffolding and practice. If your child seems delayed in learning these skills compared to their peers, schedule a visit with our behavioral health clinician to explore why.

The goal is not to expect children to do everything on their own. The goal is to provide enough support for success while gradually transferring responsibility over time.

Think of yourself as a coach rather than a manager. Coaches provide guidance, encouragement, and feedback—but they don't play the game for their athletes.

Final Thoughts

Building independence and resilience requires patience. It can be tempting to step in, fix problems, and smooth the path ahead. Yet children become capable adults by facing challenges, making mistakes, and learning that they can handle hard things.

Every time you allow your child to solve a problem, recover from a setback, or take responsibility for a task, you send a powerful message:

"I believe in you. You are capable. You can figure this out."

That confidence—both yours and theirs—becomes the foundation for lifelong resilience and independence.

If you need more help, check out the Behavior Checker 's section on Independence or call to schedule a visit to talk about why your child is struggling with independence.

Our newsletter, Growing Together With Pediatric Partners , will be published twice a month. By signing up, you'll be the first to know about our latest office updates, exciting news, and healthy tips for families.

Sign Up To Stay In Touch!

To reduce your wait time we are transitioning from a traditional walk-in model to a scheduled spot-in-line system, starting with our Saturday Quick Care Clinic.

How It Works:

Reserve your place in line through our patient portal
Arrive at your assigned time
Be seen more efficiently

Important to know

Urgent medical concerns (like breathing difficulty) always come first and may impact your waiting time.
For active patients only (those who are up to date with their well visits).
Quick Care is for illnesses and concerns that have developed in the past week (including concerns associated with a chronic condition like asthma) and minor injuries.
Schedule with your usual provider for symptoms or conditions persisting longer than a week and behavior or mental health concerns. All routine follow up visits of a chronic condition (such as asthma, ADHD, anxiety) should be done with the person you usually see for that condition.

The following conditions are beyond our scope of care:

Anaphylaxis - severe allergic reaction with severe difficulty breathing, hives, and sometimes vomiting - call 911 . Use an Epinephrine autoinjector if available. We can see minor allergic reactions.
Unconsciousness - go to an Emergency Room, preferably one for children.
Broken bones that have broken the skin or with obvious deformity - go to an Emergency Room, preferably one for children.
Ingestions of poisons - call Poison Control 800-222-1222 .
Suspected child abuse - see the " What to do if you suspect abuse" tab on this page if you want to learn more .
Suspected rape - go to an Emergency Room, preferably one for children.
Trauma to the eye that might involve a puncture to the eye, change in vision, or broken bones of the face (we can see possible scratches to the eye, which are most common) - go to an Emergency Room, preferably one for children.
Burns of a large area of the body - call 911 and/or go to an Emergency Room, preferably one for children.
Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases - Limited testing is available in our office so call to see where the best location for your situation is.
Anything that appears life threatening: call 911 .

If there is here is a true medical emergency or life threatening condition, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

At your child’s well check, we love hearing how they’re growing, thriving, and changing. And if you bring up a new concern—an ear that’s been hurting, a rash that popped up, a medication issue—we’re always happy to help.

But here’s the part many families don’t realize:

When a new concern is addressed or a chronic condition is managed during a well visit, insurance requires us to bill an additional “sick visit” for that same day. This may lead to a copay or deductible.

⭐️ This is an insurance billing rule, not a Pediatric Partners policy.

Some concerns can be handled quickly during the well visit. Others—especially chronic, complex, or time‑intensive issues—need their own appointment so we can give your child the focused care they deserve.

If you’ve been holding onto a concern for months, please don’t wait for the annual check-up. Call us anytime to schedule a separate visit so we can address it sooner and more thoroughly.

We’re here to support your child’s health every step of the way.

Our offices will be closed on Saturday, July 4th, in honor of Independence Day. We will have normal business hours the Friday before and the Monday following the holiday.

As always, there is a person on call to answer the questions you cannot answer from the vast resources on this website.

What patient families say on Google Reviews

Dr. Khaleghi is truly amazing.

Every staff member my husband and I have encountered has been kind, patient, and attentive with my child, always taking the time to listen and make sure we feel comfortable and understood. As a parent, that means everything to me. You can genuinely feel how much they care, and it brings such peace of mind knowing my child is in such good hands.

I’m so grateful we found them. Highly recommend!

GINA SINHA RAY

tiffany burton

Nurse Shelby is our hero! My 10-year-old is terrified of needles and was stressed the morning of her appointment. Shelby was so patient, calm, and reassuring that my daughter got through both her finger poke and shot like a champ… no tears, no kicking, no screaming. By the end of the visit, she was even asking for Shelby again when we scheduled our next appointment.

I’m so grateful for the kindness and patience Shelby demonstrated. Experiences like this truly help build a child’s confidence and create a more positive attitude toward doctor visits and vaccinations in the future.

BEATA PESZAK

Dr Mellick always answers all our questions and has great approach to kids.

Pediatric Partners website has great additional resource for common questions and medication doses. I appreciate all treatment and recommendations are always based on most current medical knowledge.

Mrs. Loren was very helpful with taking test samples and showed lots of patience.

I strongly recommend this practice.

Summer Survival Guide

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:00:01 GMT

Screen Time, “I’m Bored!”, and Sleep

June 4, 2026

Summer brings longer days, fewer routines, and a lot more opportunities to hear:

“Can I have my tablet?”
“I’m not tired.”
“I’m boooored.”

The good news? Kids do not need a perfectly scheduled summer to thrive. In fact, some boredom, downtime, and unstructured play are healthy for developing creativity, independence, and problem-solving skills.

Here are a few practical ways to make summer smoother for everyone.

Screen Time: Aim for Balance, Not Perfection

Screens are part of modern life. The goal is not eliminating them — it is helping children use them in healthy ways.

Helpful Summer Screen Strategies

Create predictable screen times instead of all-day access
Keep devices out of bedrooms overnight
Encourage screen-free meals and family time
Prioritize movement, outdoor play, reading, creativity, and social interaction before recreational screen use
Use parental controls as support, not punishment
Model healthy screen habits yourself when possible

Try the “First, Then” Approach

Instead of constant negotiations:

“First outside time, then screens.”
“First reading, then gaming.”
“First chores, then YouTube.”

Clear expectations reduce arguments and decision fatigue.

Watch for Signs of Too Much Screen Time

Some children become more irritable, anxious, emotionally reactive, or have more difficulty sleeping after extended screen use.

If you notice major mood or behavior changes, consider scaling back gradually and increasing other activities.

If you're concerned about your child's emotional well-being or need help managing screen-related behavior, call the office to see if scheduling with our Behavioral Health Clinician, Sean , is right for your family.

What to Do About “I’m Bored!”

Boredom is not an emergency. Children often discover creativity, problem-solving, and independence after working through the discomfort of being bored.

Instead of immediately fixing boredom, try responding with:

“What are three things you could do?”
“Would you like an active idea or a creative idea?”
“This sounds like a good chance to use your imagination.”

Create a “Boredom List”

Before summer gets busy, work together to make a list of ideas children can choose from independently. Ideas might include:

Water play
Sidewalk chalk
Building forts
Reading
Cooking or baking
Craft kits
Obstacle courses
Bike rides
Library visits
Puzzles
Board games
Journaling
Music playlists
Volunteering
Neighborhood scavenger hunts

Younger children often do best with visual choice boards or jars filled with activity ideas.

Summer Bedtimes Still Matter

Even without school, children and teens still need sleep for mood regulation, attention, learning, growth, and mental health.

Summer does not require a rigid school-year bedtime, but completely abandoning routines can make the transition back to school difficult.

Tips for Healthier Summer Sleep

Keep wake times within about 1 hour of the school-year schedule when possible
Maintain a calming bedtime routine
Limit screens 1–2 hours before bed
Encourage daylight exposure and physical activity during the day
Avoid caffeine – especially energy drinks

How Much Sleep Do Kids Need?

Preschoolers: 10–13 hours
School-age children: 9–12 hours
Teens: 8–10 hours

Many teens naturally shift later in the summer, but extremely late schedules can worsen mood, anxiety, and daytime functioning.

To learn more about helping kids sleep, see our Insomnia Tips .

A Few Final Reminders

Summer does not need to look perfect on social media to be meaningful.

Children benefit most from:

Feeling connected
Having opportunities for play
Spending time outside
Getting enough sleep
Having supportive relationships
Learning how to manage downtime and boredom

Some days will feel balanced and productive. Other days may involve popsicles, pajamas, and more screen time than planned. That is normal.

Wishing your family a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer from all of us at Pediatric Partners!

Testimonials

1 week ago

TB

Nurse Shelby is our hero! My 10-year-old is terrified of needles and was stressed the morning of her appointment. Shelby was so patient, calm, and reassuring that my daughter got through both her finger poke and shot like a champ… no tears, no kicking, no screaming. By the end of the visit, she was even asking for Shelby again when we scheduled our next appointment.

I’m so g rateful for the kindness and patience Shelby demonstrated. Experiences like this truly help build a child’s confidence and create a more positive attitude toward doctor visits and vaccinations in the future.

KS

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.

4 months ago

4 weeks ago

BP

Dr Mellick always answers all our questions and has great approach to kids. Pediatric Partners website has great additional resource for common questions and medication doses. I appreciate all treatment and recommendations are always based on most current medical knowledge. Mrs. Loren was very helpful with taking test samples and showed lots of patience. I strongly recommend this practice.

Welcome to Summer

Thu, 21 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

May 21, 2026

Wishing you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend !

As we head into the unofficial start of summer, we hope you enjoy time with family, sunshine, and a little extra rest. We also pause to honor and remember the service members who gave their lives for our country.

Our office will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday . We’ll reopen on Tuesday, ready to care for your families. As always, our triage line is open for your urgent needs that cannot be found within our website's helpful resources .

Have a safe, relaxing holiday and a wonderful summer kick‑off.

School's out — which means more time outdoors, travel, and adventure for your family. At Pediatric Partners, we want every child in our practice — from your newest newborn to your college-bound teen — to have a safe and healthy season. Here are our top tips to make this summer the best one yet.

☀ Sun, Water & Heat Safety

Sunscreen & Sun Protection

• Use SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum sunscreen on all exposed skin — reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.

• Babies under 6 months: keep them out of direct sun entirely. If unavoidable, minimal SPF 30 mineral sunscreen on small exposed areas is acceptable.

• Dress kids in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats whenever possible.

• Seek shade during peak UV hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Water & Pool Safety

• Never leave a child unattended near water — not even for a moment.

• Designate a "water watcher" at every pool or beach gathering — one adult whose only job is watching the water.

• Life jackets (Coast Guard-approved) for boats and open water. Arm floaties are not safety devices.

• Swimming lessons are one of the most important safety investments you can make, even for toddlers.

• Hot tubs: children under 5 should avoid them entirely; older kids should limit time due to overheating risk.

Heat & Hydration

• Never leave a child in a parked car — temperatures can become dangerous within minutes, even with windows cracked.

• Encourage frequent water breaks — kids may not feel thirsty until they're already dehydrated.

• Signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, cool/pale/clammy skin, fast weak pulse, nausea, muscle cramps. Move to a cool area and hydrate immediately.

• Signs of heat stroke (a medical emergency): high body temp (103°F+), hot/red/dry skin, rapid strong pulse, possible unconsciousness. Call 911.

For more tips on keeping your family protected, visit our Safety resources page.

�� Age-by-Age Summer Guide

Summer fun looks different at every stage. Here's what to keep in mind for your child:

Newborns & Infants (0–12 months)

• Keep babies out of direct sunlight — shade, hats, and light clothing are your best tools.

• Heat regulation is immature in newborns; watch for signs of overheating (flushed skin, rapid breathing, no tears when crying).

• Breastfed babies don't need water supplements in the heat — breast milk or formula is sufficient hydration.

• Travel internationally? Schedule a pre-travel visit with us — even infants may need vaccines depending on destination.

Toddlers & Preschoolers (1–5 years)

• Water tables, sprinklers, and small pools are wonderful — but constant adult supervision is non-negotiable.

• Sunscreen should be part of the morning routine before any outdoor play.

• Carry water everywhere and offer it frequently — toddlers get distracted and forget to drink.

• Bug spray: DEET is safe in children over 2 months (up to 30%). Apply to clothing and exposed skin, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth.

• Playground equipment in direct sun can cause burns — check metal slides and surfaces before your child uses them.

School-Age Children (6–12 years)

• Now is a great time for swim lessons if they haven't had them — and a great time for kids to learn basic water safety rules.

• Helmet use for bikes, scooters, and skateboards — every single time, no exceptions.

• Encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, but watch for signs of overheating during vigorous play.

• Screen time naturally increases in summer — build in outdoor time and family activities to maintain balance.

• Sports physicals: if your child needs a sports physical for fall activities, schedule now before the back-to-school rush.

Tweens & Teens (13–18 years)

• Teens often resist sunscreen — remind them that UV damage accumulates and that even one blistering sunburn in youth significantly increases lifetime skin cancer risk.

• Driving safety: if your teen is a new driver, reinforce no phone use while driving, and be especially cautious in summer when pedestrian and bicycle traffic increases.

• Peer pressure around swimming and alcohol at summer parties is real — keep communication open.

• Energy drinks are not appropriate hydration for sports or outdoor activity — water and electrolyte drinks are better choices.

• Remind teens that heat affects athletic performance and that training in high heat requires extra caution.

Young Adults (18+)

• Heading abroad for a study program, service trip, or gap year travel? Schedule a travel medicine consultation 4–6 weeks before departure.

• Make sure routine vaccines (meningitis, HPV series, Tdap) are current.

• Sunscreen matters just as much at 19 as it did at 9.

• Mental health check-ins matter — summer transitions can be a stressful time for young adults.

We will continue to see you until you wish to transfer, turn 23 years old, or finish your undergraduate program, whichever comes first. When you're ready to find an adult care provider, please request that we transfer your records by completing this form and sending it to office@pediatricpartnerskc.com.

✈ Traveling INTERNATIONALLY? Plan Ahead!

⏰ Schedule your pre-travel visit 4–6 weeks before departure

Some vaccines require multiple doses or time to take full effect — the earlier you call, the better protected your child will be.

Traveling internationally with kids is an amazing experience — and a little preparation goes a long way. Depending on your destination, your child may need vaccines or medications not part of their routine schedule, including:

• Hepatitis A and Typhoid — recommended for most travel to developing countries

• Malaria prevention medication — recommended for many regions in Africa, Asia, and Central/South America

• Yellow Fever vaccine — required for entry into certain countries but only available at certified travel clinics

• Traveler's diarrhea guidance — what to pack, what to do if it happens

Where to research your destination's requirements:

• CDC.gov/travel - CDC's travel site searchable by destination

• Travel Health Pro ( travelhealthpro.org.uk ) — UK's national travel health resource, highly regarded and publicly accessible

Call our office to schedule a pre-travel consultation and we'll review your itinerary, your child's vaccine history, and any medications or health items to pack.

�� A Few Reminders

• When are visits recommended?

Well-child visits: Annual well visits or physicals are recommended once a year after 3 years of age and more often prior to that. Summer is a great time to schedule annual checkups but spots fill quickly. Schedule through your portal or call the office to schedule soon.
Sports and camp physicals can be done at your annual well child visit as long as they are completed during the timeframe required on the form. If your child has already had a well visit outside the timeframe and is not eligible for another well visit, call to schedule a sports physical. Learn more about well vs sports physicals .
Anxiety and depression that are managed medically require frequent follow-up visits with the prescriber until symptoms are stable. After that, follow-up with the prescribing clinician is usually recommended every 3–6 months. Some visits may be appropriate for telehealth. Therapy is recommended along with medication for the best treatment outcomes. Medications should not be stopped without a plan from the prescriber, and follow-up after stopping medication is important to monitor for returning symptoms. Working with a mental health professional for therapy is also recommended. We have a clinical social worker who is available. Learn more about our integrated mental and behavioral health services.
Asthma is a chronic condition that requires ongoing monitoring. Anyone using medication to control wheezing or breathing symptoms should be seen at least every 6 months while well to update their Asthma Action Plan and adjust or refill medications as needed.
ADHD requires regular follow-up to ensure adequate symptom control, whether a patient is taking medication or managing symptoms without medication. Patients taking stimulant medications should be seen at least every 3 months for monitoring and prescription management, in accordance with federal controlled substance regulations. Patients taking non-stimulant medications are generally seen every 3–6 months, depending on symptom control. Some ADHD follow-ups may be appropriate for telehealth.
When a child is sick or injured , a visit is needed to evaluate symptoms, make a diagnosis, and create a treatment plan. Phone calls and portal messages alone are not enough to safely manage most illnesses or injuries. We offer walk-in hours, scheduled visits, and telehealth when appropriate. Our staff can help determine the best type of visit for your situation.

• Health forms: Need health forms completed for summer camp or sports? Call ahead — we need at least 5 business days and a visit may be needed if your child's last annual well visit was outside the date range needed for the form. We require that the parent/student sections are completed before we will sign any form. Please complete your sections before sending us the form.

Wishing your family a safe, healthy, and joy-filled summer!

Welcome to "Growing Together with Pediatric Partners"

Sun, 10 May 2026 01:58:16 GMT

Our first edition marks the conclusion of the school year and the arrival of summer, featuring valuable tips on preventing summer brain drain and managing stressful transition periods for your family. We're also excited to invite you to a free online parenting summit happening this week. Over 35 parenting experts will provide insights and resources—Dr. Stuppy is just one of them, and she encourages you to explore all of the guest speakers.

To all of you who are mothers:

Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and all the little joys you deserve. Happy Mother’s Day! ��

A Quick Reminder: Schedule your Summer well visits asap!

For many, summer is also a time to come in for an annual well visit and to get forms for sports, camps, and school completed. If you haven't yet scheduled an annual physical, log into your portal with the button above or call the office to schedule it today! Summer spots fill quickly. Remember that these are times to check growth and development, do routine screenings, update immunizations if needed, and fill out needed school and camp forms. This is not the time to delve into things that are concerning you. A dedicated visit to address problems or concerns is best.

May 10, 2026

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 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.

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.

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! Ov er 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.

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!

How can parents help kids end the school year strong?

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

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.

K elley Self

Jacqueline Rutherford

Growing Together with Pediatric Partners

Fri, 01 May 2026 12:03:35 GMT

WELCOME TO

Growing Together with Pediatric Partners!

Growing Together with Pediatric Partners is our twice-monthly family newsletter designed to keep parents informed, supported, and connected. From newborn care to adolescent health, each edition shares trusted pediatric news, seasonal wellness tips, parenting guidance, behavioral health insights, and important practice updates—helping your family stay healthy and informed every step of the way.