Bedtime Routines

June 28, 2023

Having a consistent bedtime routine can help signal to babies that it is time to sleep, and help them to practice self regulation. Reminding parents to start a bedtime routine early, can be a beneficial habit to support self regulation as children grow. Hear from parents themselves:

Pacifier Weaning

June 21, 2023

Pacifiers are an excellent source of soothing, but eventually it’s important to limit their use to the sleep space in order to promote language development. This can also be a first step toward weaning the pacifier entirely, and finding new ways to help infants soothe themselves.

Stranger Anxiety

June 14, 2023

You may be their doctor, but you’re also likely a stranger to your youngest patients. Normalizing their difficult reaction to you at visits can help parents to understand that stranger anxiety is a normal part of development and to respond sensitively to a child’s distress.

Sunscreen Battles

June 7, 2023

It’s hard to get toddlers to cooperate with sunscreen. Try recommending that parents play a game by asking them to pick which body part to start with, and which to do next. Giving choices not only promotes autonomy, but can increase toddler compliance with frustrating tasks.

Responding to Children’s Comments

May 24, 2023

When children are accidentally insulting or rude, parents often turn to shaming. Instead, remind parents to separate what children say or do from who they are. While explaining why something may be hurtful, parents can reassure their child that it’s OK to make mistakes, and that they’re loved unconditionally.

A Great Exit

May 10, 2023

As you bid farewell to a caregiver today, try offering praise based on something you witnessed in the visit. Leaving them on a high note inspires confidence, helps them recognize what to do more of, and builds their connection to you and the healthcare team.

Tip of the Week