As both a pediatrician and a mother of four, I know that giving our children independence can feel scary. Every instinct tells us to protect them. But one of the most important parts of parenting is gradually shifting from doing everything for our children to teaching them how to do things for themselves. Children gain confidence by practicing responsibility—not by being protected from every challenge.

If you’re reading this while holding a clingy toddler who suddenly refuses to eat anything except popsicles, it may that you are in the middle of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease season. Unfortunately, it is that time of year! As both a pediatrician and a mom of four, I can tell you: this virus is incredibly common — and it can make kids pretty miserable for a few days. The good news is that it’s usually harmless and gets better on its own with a little time, extra fluids, and

If you’ve ever been woken up in the middle of the night by a sudden, harsh “barking” cough, you know how alarming croup can feel. As both a pediatrician and a mom, I understand how scary it is to see your child struggling to breathe comfortably. The good news is that croup is very common, usually mild, and something we can navigate together with the right knowledge and support.

As a mother of 4 children, I agree...stomach bugs are the worst! If it feels like everyone has a stomach bug lately, you’re not imagining it. Viral gastroenteritis—often called a “stomach bug”—is very common in children, especially during the fall and winter months. Thankfully, most kids recover just fine with a little patience and supportive care at home. Here's what your pediatrician wants parents to know.