I sing this song with my own kids every night. At ages 4 and 6, my boys still need help flossing their teeth, as well as a reminder to do so.

Flossing is just as important as brushing, since flossing prevents the buildup of sticky plaque between the teeth. And if not removed, plaque can cause tooth decay and cavities. It can also damage the gums and the roots below the teeth.

To read tips on how to teach your child to floss their teeth along with the various types of floss that are best to use, read my article on Web MD: Teaching Kids to Floss.

Does your child floss their teeth?  At what age did you teach them?

As nice as it is for me and my staff, I’m sure my patients’ parents are also thrilled that their children are comfortable and even happy about seeing the doctor. I share a few tips that you can use to prepare your child for his doctor’s appointments and encourage him to cooperate and enjoy the visit in my article on Web MD.

Dr. Tanya shares her expert advice on preparing your child to visit the pediatrician.

How does your child react to visiting the doctor?  What things do you try at home to prepare your little one?

As children get older, we teach them to say no if asked to do something they don’t feel comfortable with. And as adults we say no to avoid adding more tasks to our already hectic schedules. With young children, it’s very important to say no when appropriate — specifically when you mean it and in ways that will not discourage your children from communicating with you as parents.

Dr. Tanya shares her expert parenting advice on the teaching toddlers and preschoolers the correct meaning of the phrase NO!

1. Before admitting your child to any school, become familiar with the schools from which you can choose.
2. Get to know the adults who are in charge of your child during the day.
3. Get involved at your child’s school.

To continue reading Dr. Tanya’s 7 tips for making sure your child’s school meets his needs visit Web MD.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Breast milk is the perfect blend of nutrition for the optimal growth and development of your baby. For more details visit Sharecare.

Why is breastfeeding healthy for moms?

First of all, nursing is a wonderful bonding experience that only you and your little one can share.  Two hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, are released during breastfeeding which increase feelings of relaxation, nurturing and love.  Further, the health benefits of breastfeeding are numerous. Studies show that women who breastfeed have a decreased future risk of cancer and diabetes.  For more information visit Sharecare.

Why should I breastfeed?

Breast milk is truly best for your baby and you.  While breastfeeding can admittedly seem demanding because of the significant time commitment required, the benefits are well documented and the experience is priceless. To read more explanation continue to Sharecare.

How long should I breastfeed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly supports breastfeeding as the optimal source of nutrition through the first year of your baby’s life.  Continue reading full answer on Sharecare.

Can I breastfeed if I become ill?

Even if you become ill, you should absolutely continue to breast feed.  Your breast milk can actually help protect your infant from catching your cold. Extended details of the benefits of breastfeeding even while having a cold are explained on Sharecare.

Will my baby get enough Vitamin D if I breastfeed?

There’s no question that breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby, but it does not contain enough vitamin D.  For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies get supplemented with 400 IU of vitamin D every day soon after birth.  Find out how you can make sure your baby receives the right amount of Vitamin D by visiting Sharecare.

When should I call the doctor about my child’s fever?

The definition of fever for each age does vary slightly among pediatricians, but you can read some general guidelines regarding fevers on Sharecare.

How should I take my newborn’s temperature?

Rectal temperatures are the most accurate and preferred method in newborns. Although the idea may seem uncomfortable to you, it won’t hurt your baby.  For further instructions visit Sharecare.

Should I give my child medicine for a fever?

Check with your pediatrician before giving your newborn any fever-reducing medication.  For extended information about newborns with fevers read the full answer by Dr. Tanya on Sharecare.

Does teething cause a fever?

Although many parents sometimes notice that their child “feels warm” or “has a low-grade fever,” teething does not actually cause a true fever.  Dr. Tanya compares teething and fevers on Sharecare.

1. Prepare the night before. Make lunches and pack backpacks the night before so your necessities are all set when you get ready to walk out the door.

2. Get your kids to bed on time. Sleep is essential for growing bodies and developing brains. Ideally, school age children should sleep at least 10 hours a night. So if waking your kids up in the morning is a struggle, try giving them an earlier bed time.

3. Wake up earlier. Parents, this one is for you. Waking up earlier — before your kids wake up — and getting yourself ready first can help you avoid feeling so rushed.

Continue reading 9 tips to get your morning started off smoothly with your family on Web MD.

Read Dr. Tanya’s recommendations for reading with your children.

A Minute for Kids: Positive Food Messages from Healthy Children on Vimeo.

Important Points to Keep In Mind:

• Eliminate comments that are negative about food

• Do not make children always clean their plates

• Do encourage your child to eat breakfast, especially before school

• As often as possible have a traditional sit down dinner as a family.  Turn off the TV, mobile phones and enjoy talking with one another.

• Avoid negative comments about dieting, eating or food while at dinner

For more information talk with your Pediatrician or visit HealthyChildren.org

Every year over 70,000 Emergency Room visits are a result of accidental overdoses of medications in children.  Protect your children and keep all medications up high, out of a child’s reach and under lock and key.  Many accidental overdoses occur when parents leave medication out on the counter for convenience when a child is sick, so remember to put medication away every time you use it.  Always read and follow the label instructions on the product you are using and use the measuring device (such as dropper or cup) that comes with the medication.  Give the amount of medicine listed for your child’s weight–a much more accurate way to dose medication than by age.

Cough and Cold

Over the counter cold and cough medications are not approved by the FDA for children under age 4.  I know firsthand that’s it’s no fun for you or your kids when they have a cold.  Here are some tips to help everyone feel more comfortable.

• Runny nose: Suction.  Teach preschoolers to blow their nose, throw tissue in trash and wash hands.

• Stuffy nose: Use saline drops to loosen dried mucus, then suction or blow. Run a humidifier or vaporizer in room while sleeping.

• Coughing: Warm, clear fluids help.  Over age 1, can try a ½ teaspoon of honey as a natural cough suppressant. Use a humidifier or vaporizer.  Steam up the bathroom and spend 20 minutes playing in steam.

Fever

It’s easy to freak out when your child has a fever. Stay calm.  Parents often call me in panic mode….”Her temperature is 102!” And I say, “Ok, how is she acting?”  They say, “But doctor, maybe you didn’t hear me, it’s 102!.”

A fever isn’t a disease, just a symptom, or byproduct of an illness.  A fever is rarely dangerous and will not cause brain damage in an otherwise healthy child.  For a baby under 3 months of age, any fever of 100.4 or higher could potentially be a sign of serious illness so call your pediatrician or go to the ER right away.  If your child is over 3 months of age, it may not make much of a difference what the number on the thermometer reads.  What actually matters is how your child is acting or interacting, eating and sleeping and the other symptoms present.

New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend what most pediatricians have been saying for years.  You don’t need to treat the number on the thermometer.  And, you need not to wake your child up to give them a fever reducer.  If they are sleeping, let them sleep.  If your child has a fever and is uncomfortable, then a fever reducer may help them feel better and drink fluids.  Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (such as Motrin or Advil) are generally safe when given in appropriate doses.

It’s important for parents to know that Tylenol and other brands of acetaminophen are changing.  Previously there were two concentrations of liquid acetaminophen.  An infant concentrated form (80 mg per 0.8 ml) and a children’s form (160 mg per 5 ml).  Now most manufacturers will be only making one concentration–the children’s concentration (160 mg per 5 ml).  This children’s concentration (160 mg per 5 ml) will be packaged for infants AND children.  There will be dosing instructions on the package for a child’s weight.  This change will hopefully make dosing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) less confusing and therefore there will be less mistakes or accidental overdose.  In the meantime however, it maybe be more confusing as both the old and new forms of infant acetaminophen may be available.

If you have any questions about medication or dosing of medication, call your child’s pediatrician or ask your pharmacist.  Even in the middle of the night!