Parenting teens is hard. But building resilience in your child doesn't require saying the right thing or fixing everything. You just have to show up. Here's a simple framework for doing exactly that—and the science behind why it works.

Nearly two-thirds of what American kids eat comes from ultra-processed foods—and the research on what that means for their health is growing. But before you spiral: this is not a reflection of bad parenting! Here's what a pediatrician actually wants you to know, and six realistic strategies for making small changes that stick.

Spring is finally here! And that first instinct to throw open the windows is completely understandable. But if your child has seasonal allergies, that beautiful fresh air comes with millions of invisible pollen grains attached. A pediatrician explains why keeping the windows closed is one of the best things you can do this allergy season, and what to do instead.

Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen Dosing Guides

That late-night spiral when the house gets quiet—the cough sounds worse, the fever came back too soon, and your mind goes straight to worst-case scenarios. Sound familiar? You're not alone, and you're not overreacting. Here's what pediatricians are actually watching for when your child is sick—and why choosing to wait is often the smartest, most active decision you can make.

One minute your baby has a runny nose. Thirty-six hours later you're drowning in mucus, watching every breath, and wondering if it's time for the ER. RSV moves fast—and the worry can be crushing. Here's a day-by-day breakdown of exactly what to expect, when things typically get harder, and the specific signs that mean it's time to seek care.

It never fails—kids always seem to pick a holiday to get sick. Fever at Grandma's. A rash right before the turkey comes out. Stomach bug on the drive home. Here's your pediatrician-approved playbook for the most common Thanksgiving-week symptoms: what to watch, when to worry, and when you can still make it to dinner.

It's 9pm, everyone's finally in pajamas—and suddenly the cough seems a million times worse, the fever spikes, and your kid who seemed fine at dinner is now miserable. You're not imagining it. There are real physiological reasons symptoms get worse at night, and understanding them will help you respond with a lot more confidence and a lot less panic.

Your child won't stop coughing, and that low-grade anxiety just won't quit. Is it serious? Should you go in, or wait it out? Cough is one of the most common reasons kids see a pediatrician—and most of the time, it's the body doing exactly what it should. Here's how pediatricians actually think through a cough, what the different sounds mean, and the specific signs that mean it's time to call.

102°F on the thermometer and suddenly you're Googling "can fever cause brain damage" at midnight. First step? Take a breath—fever is almost never the emergency it feels like. It's actually your child's immune system doing exactly what it should. Here's what a pediatrician wants every parent to know about fever: what the numbers actually mean, when to treat it, and when you can stop chasing it.

It's 7am, your child is sniffly and complaining of a stomachache, and you have back-to-back-to-back meetings. Sound familiar? The "should they stay home?" decision is one of the most stressful parts of the school year—and the answer isn't always obvious. Here's a pediatrician's clear guide to the easy calls, the gray areas, and the one question that cuts through all of it.

It’s that time of year for road trips! But, if your child suffers from car sickness, a road trip can be no fun.

However, there are things to do to help them feel better! Try these tips to manage:

Oh no. It’s that time of year again…tick season is back in Minnesota! 

If your family loves hiking, biking, or just playing outside, it’s important to know how to protect your kids from tick bites — and what to do if you find one of those gross little buggers!

How do yo know if that fall off the bike is a broken arm, or just a sprain?

You are anxiously awaiting the arrival of you new little one, and if you are like a lot of expectant parents, you feel the need to nest! But the market is over saturated with baby products, and the pressure to have it all is real! However, despite what people are telling you, there are only a few things that are absolutely essential! And the most expensive is not always the best choice! I’ll break it down for you and share some of my favorites!

As a general pediatrician I talked to families about eating at almost every visit. One of the most common questions I got was about dessert and sweets. Are they okay? How often should a parent offer them? 

When you find out you are expecting a second child, there are so many emotions. Of course, you are so ecstatic! Another baby is such a gift. Parents often feel more confident the second time round, so anxiety levels are often lower around the basics of feeding, bathing, and diapering (but not absent!).

June is here, and our sunny days are longer (thank goodness!). That, coupled with summer vacation from school, often means more outdoor time for kids. This is great, but we also have to be sure to protect them from the sun. Too much sun exposure can lead to sunburn, skin damage, acceleration of wrinkles and signs of aging, eye damage called “cataracts,” and skin cancer. 

We have all been there. We are exhausted from our day, and are just ready for our kids to go to bed! Our frustration tolerance is low, but our kids are bouncing off the walls and cannot settle down. Ugh!! 

This can be a common pattern at bedtime for a lot of school-aged children. Thankfully, there are several things that can help your child settle their bodies and brains, and get to bed!

Does your toddler have tantrums? Of course they do!! Tantrums are a normal part of childhood development. Arms and legs flail, bodies flop, and crying ensues (often from the child AND the parent!). They often start around age one and continue until about age four. Parents are often embarrassed by tantrums and are sheepish to talk about it. But, be rest assured that tantrums are super normal! And, they are NOT a sign of poor parenting!!