POSTED BY:
Jonathan Miller, MD

Every spring and fall, parents brace for the same ritual: the clocks shift, and bedtime goes out the window. For a few groggy days, kids wake at odd hours, melt down at the dinner table, and generally remind us that their bodies haven’t read the calendar. And there’s yet another national proposal to stop the twice-yearly clock changes for good. Whether we keep the seasonal time switches or eventually lock in on a permanent time, the core issues for families are the same: children’s bodies run on internal clocks and sleep schedules don’t flip easily. Here are some potential impacts and how families can plan ahead. Why does sleep matter for children’s health? Sleep isn’t just “downtime” for children. It’s when their bodies grow, their brains consolidate learning, and their emotional regulation systems reset. When kids are well-rested, they are better able to focus, manage frustration, and bounce back from […]

An estimated 7 million children in the United States have an ADHD diagnosis, according to the latest data collected in 2024 from HRSA’s National Survey of Children’s Health and reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If your child has been referred for an ADHD evaluation — or you’ve wondered whether some of their behaviors might be explained by ADHD — you probably have questions. This guide walks parents through what ADHD is, how it’s diagnosed, what treatment options look like, and how pediatricians, families, and schools can work together to support your child. What is ADHD?    ADHD stands for attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder. ADHD affects how the brain manages attention, impulse control, and activity level. ADHD symptoms usually appear in early childhood (before age 12), though they may be recognized much later, especially in bright or quiet kids who learn to mask their struggles with attention, self-control, […]

The story of childhood vaccines is, at its heart, one of the great triumphs of modern medicine. For the better part of a century, parents have walked through the doors of pediatricians’ offices across the country and emerged with children protected against diseases that once claimed young lives by the thousands. Polio, measles, diphtheria — names that once inspired terror in households — have been pushed to the margins of American life largely because of the commitment clinicians and families have made to following evidence-based immunization schedules. And smallpox has been eradicated from the world. That legacy deserves to be honored and celebrated. In 2026, however, parents and pediatric healthcare providers are navigating a landscape that looks more complicated than it has in generations. Here’s what parents need to know about what’s affecting the landscape, the importance of vaccines, and how to make informed decisions. What’s different about the childhood […]

Every parent wants their child to grow up with a healthy smile, and fluoride plays a crucial role in making that happen. This natural mineral has transformed children’s dental health over the past eight decades, dramatically reducing cavities and preventing painful tooth decay. While fluoride works throughout life, it’s particularly valuable during childhood when teeth are developing and most vulnerable to decay. Understanding how fluoride works, where it comes from, and how to use it safely empowers parents to make informed decisions about their children’s oral health. Here’s what you need to know. What is fluoride? Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water and soil. Trace amounts of fluoride are found naturally in some foods. Fluoride is also found in toothpastes, mouth rinses, and supplements prescribed by dentists or doctors. Fluoride mainly supports dental health. The good news is that children absorb fluoride efficiently, as their teeth and bones […]

Eczema (EG-zeh-muh), also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects babies and young children, often improving naturally as children grow. However, it can sometimes persist into adolescence and adulthood. Eczema symptoms typically begin before a child reaches 1 year old, and up to 25% of children are affected. For parents, eczema often shows up as dry, itchy, or irritated skin that can be uncomfortable — and sometimes frustrating — to manage. The good news is that with the right care, most children’s symptoms can be well controlled. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released updated guidance for managing eczema in 2025, emphasizing proactive care, mental health impacts, and emerging therapies. Below, we answer common questions parents have about caring for a child with eczema and what these new recommendations mean for families. What causes eczema in children? Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic, […]

Spring 2026 is shaping up to be a tough allergy season based on January and February’s roller coaster temperature shifts from early warmth to sudden cold snaps, which set the stage for intense pollen production in some areas. And with tree pollen arriving weeks ahead of schedule and pollen counts predicted to spike rapidly across the East Coast, parents need to plan ahead to minimize seasonal allergy suffering. The good news? You don’t have to wait for the sniffles and sneezes to start. The best way to care for allergies in kids is to track what’s happening outside, get ready for pollen season inside, and see the doctor (if needed) to manage allergies early. By taking action before the pollen bomb hits in March and April, you can help your children breathe easier and enjoy spring the way it’s meant to be enjoyed. When is spring allergy season? In the […]