News from AboutKidsHealth.ca

Toddler puts everything in her mouth

Dear Dr. Pat: My 2-year old puts everything in her mouth and I’m worried that this will make her sick. What can I do?

The pill: Myths and facts

Sorting out fact from fiction on one of the most popular contraceptives.

Family vacation health tips

From packing to transportation to sunscreen: how to keep the family healthy on vacation.

Child gets upset when separated from dad

Dear Dr. Pat: My son is very attached to his dad. How can I help him cope when his dad is away?

5-year-old is anxious all the time

Dear Dr. Pat: My 5-year-old has become more and more anxious over the last 3 months. How can I help ease her distress?

Blackout: electronics off, family on

The benefits of regularly turning off the devices as a family.

6 simple ways to bond with your child

Building a stronger relationship with your child may be easier than you think.

Raising “gender-neutral” children

Dear Dr. Pat: We are considering raising our baby as “gender-neutral.” What are the pros and cons of doing this?

Books for reluctant readers

Suggested books for children who don't like to read or who have difficulty with reading.

Bedtime routines for children aged three to nine

Dear Dr. Pat: How can I get the children into bed at a reasonable hour without a big argument?

Keeping the family healthy (and happy) in winter

Great advice on how to have an accident- and illness-free cold weather season

Smoking: 10 reasons for parents to quit

Incentives to help you keep from lighting up another cigarette.

Smoking and teens: 10 reasons not to start

Ten facts to convince your teen to stay smoke-free.

Baby bites hard

Dear Dr. Pat: My toddler bites, hard, and it is leaving bruises. What can I do to teach him not to do this?

Winter is here, might as well enjoy it

Looking for something to do this winter? Check out our Top 5 list of fun and inexpensive winter activities.

6 stubborn winter health myths (and 1 fact)

Can cold air give you a cold? And other winter health tales debunked.

Toddler throws food on the floor

Dear Dr. Pat: Our toddler enjoys throwing his food on the floor. He thinks it’s a joke and great fun. Is there anything we can do to discourage him from doing this?

How do I convince my parents to get a dog?

Dear Dr. Pat: I really want a dog but my parents told me we can't. My best friend has a dog and she is always bragging about it. I feel stressed. What can I do?

Top five family New Year's resolutions

Forget the "don'ts". Here are some "dos" for the coming year.

Dry air and little noses: How to clear your baby's dry, stuffy nose

Dry winter air and extra heating indoors may cause dry, stuffy noses in babies. Learn easy tips you can do at home to help.

Child’s brain tells him to do “bad things”

Dear Dr. Pat: My five-year-old is upset because his brain tells him to do "bad things" like steal toys and swing his friends around. Now he doesn't want to talk about it. What should I do?

School-Age Years: Developmental milestones

Is your child on track to achieving milestones specific to this developmental phase?

Teen cares more about sports than grades

Dear Dr. Pat: My teenage son used to get good grades but now his marks are slipping. He cares more about sports and says he just doesn't care about his grades. What can I do?

Expert Opinion: Helping the medicine go down

Dr. Bruce Minnes has considerably more advice than Mary Poppins on getting reluctant kids to take their meds.

Safe sex: Talking to your teen about sexually transmitted infections

HIV is one of many sexually transmitted infections (STI) that can be prevented by practicing safe sex. Find out how to start the ‘safe-sex talk’ with your teen.

Toy Hall of Fame honours the blanket

Use it to build a fort or wear it as a cape, there's more to the blanket than you may think.

When is the right age for a cell phone?

Dear Dr. Pat: Our daughter is in Grade 5 and we are considering getting her a cell phone for safety purposes. Is this an appropriate age?

Kids in motion: Enhancing movement skills in your child

FEATURE: Tips on how to help your child learn fundamental movement skills like throwing, catching, kicking a ball, and maintaining their balance and flexibility.

Sports build resilience in Aboriginal youth

Promoting healthy choices is part of this week’s National Aboriginal Addiction Awareness campaign. Playing sports may deter youth from smoking cigarettes.

Fewer gay teen suicides in supportive environments

When their schools and communities are supportive, gay teens and straight teens alike are less likely to commit suicide.