As we celebrate our fathers on Father’s Day, some dads are celebrating a life they’ve regained. These men are those who have conquered substance use disorders. Their numbers are many, yet they often go unnoticed. The Recovery Research Institute reports that one in 10 American adults are in recovery from …
Read More »Courtney McGee
Moving Beyond the Team Promoting healthy activity for kids who shy away from organized sports
In an era where family schedules are jam-packed, there is so much busyness in the name of being active. Why do parents sometimes feel as though a child who isn’t on a sports team is missing out on an experience compared to their peers? Not all kids enjoy organized …
Read More »Common Anomalies Understanding the risks of birth defects
Approximately 150,000 babies (one in 33) are born with a birth defect in the United States each year. Birth defects are a leading cause of infant mortality, and no parent is immune. The cause of some birth defects remains unknown despite research. While not all birth defects are preventable, …
Read More »Breakthroughs With Human-Horse Bonds Rose of Sharon Equestrian School promotes possibilities for children with special needs
There is magic in the moment when something reaches and teaches a child in ways typical school settings can’t. For some children with special needs, this breakthrough is found with horses. For almost 20 years, the nonprofit Rose of Sharon Equestrian School (ROSES) has provided equine-facilitated learning services that draw …
Read More »Only But a Dream Nightmares and terrors are common sleep disturbances for children
A wail for “mommy!” and pitter-pattering feet in the hall. Many parents know the sounds of sleep disturbances. Sometimes, dreams get scary, and children turn to parents for comfort. On average, people dream about two hours per night. SleepFoundation.org offers some theories about why we dream, including building memory, handling …
Read More »Sideline Sportsmanship Parent behavior sets an important example for young athletes
Brad Boarman has worn many hats—and skates—in ice hockey: player, coach, official and parent. His dad founded an ice hockey club in 1973. In 1975, 3-year-old Brad was already playing. As a teenager, he joined high-performance programs. After college, Boarman began coaching and became an official. He’s now in his …
Read More »Dramatic Rewards Participation in Theater Arts Can Benefit Children with Learning Differences
In a world where too many school systems undervalue the arts, beacons of hope and success show us how the arts can be presented. These schools realize the transformational power of bringing creativity into the curriculum, especially for children with learning differences, atypical development or disabilities. Theater, in particular, presents …
Read More »Tips to Make the Medicine Go Down Ease your children's fears so that they can feel better, faster
At some point during his or her childhood, your son or daughter will need to take some type of medication—vitamin D drops for breastfed babies, bubblegum pink amoxicillin for a bout of strep throat, acetaminophen for an occasional fever or prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions. If you’ve ever struggled …
Read More »Playing it Safe The benefits of participating in youth sports during Covid-19
During this pandemic, so many cherished routines have been sacrificed, and the loss of sports is one that really stings for lots of kids. Not only do sports provide a way to stay fit and have fun, but they are also sources of socialization and confidence. And, of course, they …
Read More »Keep On Keeping On Tips for the continual coping of pandemic parenting
In a full-blown global pandemic, I find myself wistful for this time last year, when a measles outbreak was the biggest health story around. The COVID-19 crisis is tough to write about because … well, because everything just seems harder right now. Things aren’t just changing week to week but …
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