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Adult reading a picture book with a young child on a couch, illustrating early literacy development through shared interaction

AI and Your Child’s Literacy: What Every Parent Needs to Know

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 […]

Adult sitting with a child on a couch, offering comfort and support at home

Navigating Pediatric Lupus: Essential Resources, Support, and Tips

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 […]

What Is the Ginsburg Institute and Why It Matters for Families

There is a growing recognition across the country that children’s health cannot be separated from the communities in which they live, learn, and play. The Ginsburg Institute was founded on precisely that understanding — and it’s changing what pediatric health care looks like in practice. Centered on community impact and the relentless pursuit of breaking down silos, the Ginsburg Institute brings together leaders from community organizations, healthcare systems, public health, and education. These community health partners align efforts, share learning, and take coordinated action toward a shared Nemours vision: creating the healthiest generations of children. By fostering collaboration across traditionally separate sectors, the positive effects of this work manifest in programs and interventions that help children across the community thrive. The first in a series, this piece offers a closer look at the Ginsburg Institute: what it stands for, the remarkable opportunities it’s creating, and how its work is building […]

Tick hidden on a green leaf detail and little girl foots in sandals on a lawn outdoors.

Tick Bites and Lyme Disease: What Parents Should Know This Season

Warm-weather play brings more time outside — and more chances for tick bites. While most bites are harmless, some can transmit Lyme disease, the most common tickborne illness in the United States. With tick activity starting earlier and rising in 2026, it’s especially important for parents to stay alert. The good news: simple prevention habits, early detection, and prompt care can make a big difference in protecting your child’s health this season.

How Doctors Balance Care for Mom and Baby

Hearing that your healthy pregnancy is now considered high-risk can feel like the ground shifting beneath your feet. That moment when everything you imagined about this chapter of your life suddenly looks more complicated, and far more uncertain, than you expected. However, complex pregnancies are exactly what maternal-fetal medicine specialists — or MFMs — are trained for, and the care that surrounds your family in those moments is more thoughtful and more coordinated than you realize. In fact, it’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of families navigate this experience every year. So even when the stress is high, you aren’t going through it alone. Here are some things to know about the coordination and expertise that’s taking place within your maternal fetal health (MFH) care team to treat, support, and make decisions for both mother and baby. What should families understand about the decision-making process? One of the most remarkable […]

From Diagnosis to D.C.: Two Young Patients Advocate for Children’s Health

A middle-schooler who survived leukemia and a college student managing thyroid cancer traveled to Washington, D.C., to talk to members of Congress about the importance of pediatric healthcare that accounts for the whole child, and why federal support is essential.  When Leah Tomaszewski was 8 years old, climbing stairs and riding bikes started to become a struggle. She was getting bloody noses that would not stop, and at school she was falling asleep at her desk. Her parents, Jessica and Jeremy, recognized that something was not right and took her to her pediatrician at Nemours Children’s Health. After a few tests, her pediatrician recommended they head to the emergency room.   That night, the Tomaszewski family drove to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware.  “I definitely remember not feeling myself,” Leah said. “I remember thinking something’s wrong.”  Her intuition was correct. Within days, she was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She was in third grade.   Two years later and nearly a thousand miles away in Lakeland, Florida, 17-year-old Sunny Iskra was sitting at a coffee shop during her senior year of high school. Her mom, Liz, reached across the table and […]

Closeup of little girl putting fluoride toothpaste on a toothbrush.

Fluoride for Kids: Benefits, Safety, and Guidelines for Parents

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 […]

Mother and daughter sit together on a bed holding hands as they have a supportive conversation.

PCOS Is Now Called PMOS: What You Need to Know

Parents with teen daughters often describe the same experience: their daughter receives a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and suddenly a constellation of symptoms — irregular periods, persistent acne, unexpected weight changes — finally has a name. There’s relief in that moment, but still some confusion. And now, you may start hearing a new name: polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). This new name is far more than a simple rebranding, however. It signals a profound evolution in how clinicians understand what’s actually happening in the bodies of millions of girls and women living with this condition. For parents especially, the new name can help make sense of symptoms that may have felt disconnected from one another. Whether your daughter has already received a PCOS diagnosis or you’re still searching for answers, here’s what this change means, and what you need to know. Why is PCOS now called PMOS? For […]

Close up of a girl holding her stomach indicating indigestion.

The Benefits of a Low FODMAP Diet: A Guide to Better Digestive Health

Does this story sound familiar? Your child just ate lunch and is going about their day when symptoms suddenly hit. They feel bloated and gassy, their stomach starts to cramp, and they may even experience diarrhea or constipation. You see how these symptoms disrupt their day, but nothing you’ve tried seems to help. For many children and teens with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other dietary sensitivities, certain carbohydrates can cause more trouble than they’re worth. The low FODMAP diet for beginners can help calm this digestive discomfort by identifying which foods may trigger symptoms. Learn how to help your child feel more comfortable and confident around food. What are FODMAPs? In 2005, researchers in the Department of Gastroenterology at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia identified a group of short-chain carbohydrates found in food that are either poorly absorbed in the small intestine or impossible to digest. The team named […]

A woman smiles as she discusses her feeling with a doctor.

Maternal Mental Health After a Fetal Diagnosis: Finding Stability Amid Uncertainty

When expectant parents receive news of a fetal diagnosis or structural difference during pregnancy, the experience can feel overwhelming. The journey that once seemed straightforward suddenly becomes filled with medical appointments, difficult decisions, and sometimes significant uncertainty. The impact of a fetal diagnosis on maternal mental health is profound. What many parents don’t realize is that while their emotional responses are an individual reaction to a challenging new time for their family, these emotional responses can simply be part of the drastic deviation from the expected, or they can be signs and symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders — which are more prevalent in expectant parents facing care in a fetal center. In addition to having an informed awareness of risk factors for perinatal mental health disorders, recognizing the unique emotional challenges families face is a centerpiece of a fetal center’s collaborative care. Mental health screening is a stepping […]

Eczema rash on the back of baby's knees

Eczema in Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Symptoms, Triggers, and Care

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, […]

Little boy in glasses and suspenders looking up as if he is pondering something.

How to Choose the Best Childcare for You and Your Family

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 […]

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