ARTICLES RELATED TO:
Child Development

Summer is often viewed as a break from school and a chance to relax. But as the leader of a pediatric health system, I see summer as a stress test for the systems that support children’s health. When the structure of the school year falls away, we gain a clearer view of the factors that shape a child’s well-being: access to nutritious food, safe places to play, nurturing adults, learning opportunities, and stable family support. These conditions matter because medical care is only one component of health. Research consistently shows that the vast majority of health outcomes—around 85%—are shaped by the circumstances of daily life. Over the summer, dependable school breakfast and lunch give way to whatever a family can piece together. Built-in recess and physical education give way to unstructured hours, often leaving children to look for community spaces to play. The network of trusted teachers, counselors, and coaches […]

Before your child can read a single word, they’re learning to read the world. Your gaze, your voice, the way you answer their coos and cries — all of these inputs wire their brain for a lifetime of learning. It’s an invisible curriculum, delivered in the ordinary moments of daily life, and it’s the foundation upon which all language and literacy are built. It’s also, quietly and without much public debate, under threat. Learning Starts Long Before Reading As a pediatric surgeon and social scientist, my entire career has revolved around one central question: What do children need from the adults in their lives in order to thrive? Again and again, the science points to the same thing: Nurturing human interaction, and a whole lot of it. Not “educational” videos. Not apps. Not YouTube. Your words, your songs, your eye contact. This is why I’ve spent the last 15 years […]

A diagnosis of childhood lupus can feel overwhelming at first, for both children and the people who love and care for them. Because lupus can affect many parts of the body, and its symptoms may change over time, families often find themselves learning to navigate not only medical care, but also school, emotions, daily routines, and long-term uncertainty. The good news is that families do not have to face this journey alone. Whether you’re managing lupus symptoms, seeking lupus treatment, or still early in your child’s diagnosis and simply trying to understand what it means going forward, you need guidance. Along with support from their medical team, there are many organizations and communities that can offer practical help, trustworthy information, and meaningful connection. Connect With Support Groups Living with lupus can sometimes feel lonely, but families should know they are not alone. There’s a strong lupus community with many opportunities […]

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, […]

Choosing childcare can feel a bit like starting a big adventure, one filled with new places, new faces, and lots of big decisions. The good news? Your pediatrics team is here to help you every step of the way. Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow roadmap to help you find the best childcare fit for your family. Exploring Different Types of Childcare Options   When it comes to choosing a child or infant care provider, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The right fit for your family depends on factors such as cost, location, classroom size, accommodations, and specialized services. Childcare options may be run by schools, universities, churches, independent providers, employers, hospitals, and the military. There are also specialized childcare centers for children with medical or developmental needs. Here’s an overview of the types of settings where childcare is provided: Family Childcare Homes Smaller home-based settings run by 1–2 caregivers. This is […]

Adolescents are at a point in their lives where everything is (or simply feels like) it’s changing all around them. They’re gaining new skills as they learn and grow; they’re taking on new responsibilities as they gain more independence; and they’re navigating new social challenges — within their families, at school, and among friends as their peer group members also mature and grow. Meanwhile, their bodies are undergoing rapid physical, mental, and emotional development. When you put it all together, this can often lead to that feeling of uncertainty that most of us experienced growing up. This adolescent uncertainty leads to three core questions that almost every teenager goes to bed wondering: These questions are fundamental to an adolescent’s development and health, which is why there are differences in pediatric and adolescent medicine. Pediatrician checkups begin to change to include more questions about mental, emotional, and social well-being. Our goal […]