A Few Resolutions for Parenting in the New Year

Each January, many people take a second to evaluate their life, their goals, and what they hope to achieve in the upcoming year. 

For parents, the start of a new year can be a great time to set some fresh habits for your family. Here are a few ideas: 

• Set digital health limits for you and your children. Screen time is a part of life, but the new year can be a good time to evaluate what time limit works best for you and your family. Also, screen time doesn’t have to be a solo activity, and it can be a great way to spend time together as a family by watching a show together or playing a family game.

• Read to or with your child. No matter the age of your child, having a parent engaged with reading is great for brain development and communication skills. Read to babies and let them touch and feel the book. Reading books along with school-age children or teens can be a great bonding experience.

• Get outside. Sun, snow or rain can be a fun time for parents and children to play together. Getting outside gives your child a break from screen time, while also encouraging creative play.

• Cook together. If your child is old enough, have them pick a recipe, make the list of ingredients and involve them in the cooking process as much as possible. This can get your child excited about eating, and perhaps even encourage them to try new foods. 

• Let go of being perfect. No parent is perfect and no child is perfect. The important thing to remember with resolutions: Parenting is tough, so take it easy on yourself. 

Is your family embracing new year’s resolutions this year? Let us know yours at [email protected]!

Knowing When Ear Pain and Sore Throat Become Serious

Two of the most common complaints pediatricians hear in the winter are about ear pain and sore throats. It can be tough for parents to know when to see a doctor and when to treat symptoms at home, so HelpMommy has compiled a few tips. 

Ear Pain

Ear pain is a very common problem for kids. Often, parents will notice their baby pulling or tugging on their ears, while older kids can verbalize the issue. While many cases of ear pain or infection may resolve on their own, it is important to know when to seek medical attention. Delaying or avoiding treatment for ear pain or infection can lead to complications, including hearing loss and damage to the ear.

Here are some guidelines to help you determine when it is appropriate to seek medical attention for your child’s ear pain:

• High fever: If your child has a high fever in addition to ear pain, it is important to see a doctor. This could be a sign of a bacterial infection that requires medical treatment.

• Prolonged symptoms: If your child has been experiencing ear pain for more than a few days, it is important to see a doctor. Prolonged symptoms could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an ear infection or a foreign object lodged in the ear canal.

• Discharge or bleeding from the ear: If your child has discharge or bleeding from the ear, it is important to see a doctor. This could be a sign of a ruptured eardrum or an infection that requires medical treatment.

• Changes in behavior: If your child is experiencing ear pain and is showing changes in behavior, such as increased irritability or difficulty sleeping, it is important to see a doctor. This could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an ear infection or a ruptured eardrum.

• Recent trauma: If your child has recently experienced trauma to the head or ear and is experiencing ear pain, it is important to see a doctor. This could be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a concussion or a fracture.

• Chronic health conditions: If your child has a chronic health condition, such as a weakened immune system or a history of ear infections, and is experiencing ear pain, it is important to see a doctor. These conditions can increase your child’s risk of complications from ear infections or other ear-related conditions.

Sore Throat

A sore throat is another common symptom in children and is usually caused by a viral infection. While most sore throats will go away on their own within a week or so, there are some cases where a sore throat may be a sign of a more serious condition. Here are some guidelines to help you determine when it’s time to take your child to the doctor for a sore throat.

• Severe pain: If your child is experiencing severe pain when swallowing, it’s time to see a doctor. A severe sore throat could be a sign of strep throat, a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics.

• Lasts more than a week: If your child’s sore throat lasts more than a week, it’s time to see a doctor. While most sore throats will go away on their own within a week, a persistent sore throat could be a sign of a more serious condition.

• Fever: If your child has a fever along with their sore throat, it could be a sign of a bacterial infection that requires medical treatment.

• Difficulty breathing: If your child is struggling to breathe or is wheezing, seek medical attention immediately. This could be a sign of a more serious respiratory condition, such as croup or pneumonia.

• Other symptoms: If your child has other symptoms, such as a rash, ear pain, or swollen glands, along with their sore throat, it’s best to see a doctor. These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

If you are unsure whether your child’s ear pain or sore throat are serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and schedule an appointment. 

Your child’s doctor will be able to evaluate their symptoms, perform any necessary tests, and determine the best course of treatment. In some cases, your child may need antibiotics or other medication to help alleviate their symptoms. By seeking medical attention early, you can help your child get the care they need to feel better quickly.

Want to know more about ear pain, sore throats or any other illnesses, check out HelpMommy.com for information and advice from a pediatrician!

Mommy Minute: Are video games bad for my child?

When we’re all trapped inside due to the weather, parents can often turn to screens to help entertain their children. How much is too much screen time? 

Dr. James suggests limiting kids to 30 to 45 minutes of screen time a day. Check out this Mommy Minute video for a full explanation!

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