From boosting mood to improving focus and reducing stress, nature plays a meaningful role in how kids grow, think, and feel. And the best part? It doesn’t require anything fancy—just time, space, and a little intention.

How Getting Outside Supports Mental Health

Children are naturally wired to explore, move, and engage with the world around them. When that happens outdoors, the benefits multiply. According to the Kids Mental Health Foundation, time outside is good for children’s mental health in numerous ways. It:

• Reduces stress and anxiety while elevating mood.
• Boosts physical activity.
• Increases focus and evens out hyperactivity.
• Enhances social skills.
• Improves sleep quality.
• Lifts creativity and imagination.
• Instills resiliency along with self-confidence.

Whether it’s time in a park, biking around the neighborhood, or taking a hike, fresh air provides a mental reset. Being outside gives kids space to think, imagine, and decompress in a way that structured indoor environments often don’t.

The Screen-Time Tradeoff

Let’s be realistic: screens aren’t going anywhere. Between schoolwork, entertainment, and social connection, they’re part of everyday life. But when screen time starts replacing outdoor play, we often see the impact show up in mood, attention, and behavior.

The goal here isn’t about eliminating screens altogether, though. It’s about balance.

Even small shifts, such as encouraging outdoor play before or after screen use, can help reset a child’s energy and attention. Think of time outside as a natural “reboot button” for the brain.

What Outdoor Play Looks Like at Every Age

Helping families connect play and mental health doesn’t mean prescribing one specific activity. It simply means meeting kids where they are.

Young Children (Toddlers–Early Elementary)

At this stage, outdoor play is all about exploration. Kids benefit from unstructured time where they can run, dig, climb, and use their imagination. Simple activities such as playing in the yard, visiting a park, or even going for a short walk can support emotional regulation and reduce frustration. Nature also encourages sensory experiences, which are especially important for early development.

Elementary-Age Kids

As children grow, outdoor play becomes more social and skill-based. Games, sports, and neighborhood play all contribute to confidence and resilience. This is also a great age to introduce a bit of independence. Letting kids navigate play with peers—figuring out rules, resolving small conflicts, and adapting to change—supports emotional growth and problem-solving.

Tweens and Teens

Older kids may be less inclined to “just go outside,” but the need for outdoor time doesn’t go away. Often as children transition to young adults, that time to reset becomes even more important. For this age group, outdoor play can look different. It might include:

• walking with friends
• playing sports
• exercising outdoors
• simply spending time in a low-pressure environment

Time outside offers teens a break from academic pressure, social comparison, and constant digital input. It creates space to think, reset, and recharge.

Making Outdoor Time Realistic for Busy Families

For many families, the challenge isn’t understanding the importance of play and mental health; it’s finding the time. The good news is that outdoor play doesn’t need to be elaborate to be effective. It can look like:

• ten minutes outside before dinner
• a quick trip to a local park
• walking the dog together
• letting kids play while you supervise nearby

In Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs, spring and early summer offer ideal opportunities to get outside before the peak heat of the season. Even short bursts of outdoor time during milder parts of the day can make a noticeable difference in a child’s mood and energy. Remember: Consistency matters more than duration.

When Kids Resist Going Outside

If your child prefers screens or indoor activities, you’re not alone. The goal isn’t to force outdoor time; instead, it’s to make it feel approachable.

Start small and keep it low-pressure. Invite, don’t insist. Sometimes joining them in shooting hoops, going for a walk, or just sitting outside together can make all the difference.

Over time, as kids begin to associate outdoor time with feeling better, resistance often decreases.

The Bigger Picture: Build Healthy Habits

The connection between play and mental health may start in childhood, but it can continue throughout a person’s life. Many adults also feel the pull to spend time outside. It makes sense because children who begin life with regular outside time are more likely to:

• develop healthy coping mechanisms
• stay physically active
• build stronger social connections
• experience lower levels of stress over time

These habits don’t happen overnight. They’re built through small, consistent choices that become part of everyday life. And you as a parent can help as a role model, encouraging kids to appreciate the outdoors from a young age. After all, if you do it with them, they’ll see the benefits even more quickly.

Help Kids Reconnect with Something Simple

Outdoor play doesn’t need to be structured, scheduled, or perfect. In fact, its power often comes from its simplicity. A little fresh air, a chance to move, and space to think can go a long way in supporting a child’s emotional health.

In a fast-paced, always-connected world, stepping outside might be one of the easiest—and most effective—ways to help kids reset, recharge, and thrive.

We’re Here to Support Your Family

Do you have extra concerns about your child’s mood, behavior, or overall well-being? Our team at Community Choice Pediatrics is here to help support your child’s physical and emotional health. Schedule time with a CCP pediatrician now.

The post Outdoor Play and Mental Health: Why Nature Still Matters appeared first on Community Choice Pediatrics.

Why Resilience Matters

Resilient children are better able to manage stress, adapt to change, and recover from setbacks. Instead of viewing challenges as failures, they learn to see them as opportunities to grow. Being resilient doesn’t mean kids are insensitive or “tough”; instead, it means that they feel more capable, supported, and secure when things don’t go their way.

Brown University Health discusses the seven C’s of resilience and how to support them in children. These include:

• competence
• confidence
• connection
• character
• contribution
• coping
• control

When parents help their children learn about these skills and flex the muscle of resilience, they position them for success in overcoming all of the challenges that come with growing up—and beyond.

Teach Emotional Awareness Early

Younger children often lack the vocabulary to describe what they’re feeling, which can lead to meltdowns or shutdowns. Tantrums typically build out of frustration, and this is when many parents lovingly request children to “use your words.” But what if they don’t have words to use?

Acknowledging and naming emotions gives kids a framework of understanding. Parents can define feelings such as frustration, embarrassment, disappointment, and nervousness with examples: “Sometimes when that happens to me, I feel frustrated.” Then, as children grow, your conversations can shift and deepen into discussions about why certain situations feel hard and what they might need in those moments.

Sometimes, just talking about emotions can make a difference in how they’re handled. With awareness comes emotional regulation.

Normalize Emotions and Create a Safe Space

It’s important to respect all the emotions your children have, whether they make sense to you in the moment or not. However, it’s best to stop short of attempting to fix the problem. While parents naturally want to eliminate pain and frustration, removing every obstacle can unintentionally make setbacks feel scarier when they inevitably happen.

Reflect emotions back to your child: “I can understand why you’re upset.” This validates the experience without minimizing it. Create space before offering solutions. Ask questions that encourage reflection, such as:

• What do you think you could try next?
• Do you want help figuring this out?

A shift to acknowledging and reflecting emotions provides an opportunity for children to build confidence and problem-solving skills. It also teaches kids that it’s okay to feel things—even big things—and that they can always discuss those feelings with you. This will help kids build resilience with a bit of a safety net as they’re trying on new things and emotions.

Help Kids Build Resilience by Being a Role Model

One of the most powerful ways to help kids build resilience is to model it yourself. Children are always watching how adults respond to frustration, mistakes, and unexpected challenges. Therefore, when you calmly navigate obstacles, both small and large, your children will learn that it’s okay to have a bad day and that these things can be overcome. Even acknowledging mistakes out loud (“That didn’t go how I planned, but I’ll try again”) reinforces a growth mindset.

These everyday moments quietly shape how children learn to respond to their own disappointments.

Reframe the Meaning of Failure

A child who fears failing will stop taking risks. One of the most valuable lessons parents can teach is that failure isn’t final; it’s just a step in the process. Helping kids reframe setbacks as learning experiences can dramatically shift how they approach challenges.

After a disappointment, gentle reflection can help:

• What did you learn?
• What might you try differently next time?

These conversations gradually replace fear with curiosity and growth. Over time, children begin to understand that setbacks are steppingstones, not stopping points.

When Extra Support May Help

While struggles are a normal part of development, some children need additional support overcoming them. If your child has intense reactions to small setbacks, avoids challenges altogether, or seems unable to recover from disappointments, it may be worth seeking outside guidance. Remind children that asking for help is a sign of strength, and even Mom and Dad need help from time to time. The ability to seek support will go a long way to help kids build resilience.

Learning Moments Occur Daily

Being a parent means seeing the learning opportunities in everyday events. Resilience isn’t built through one big lesson. It develops gradually through daily experiences: trying again after a mistake, working through frustration, or feeling supported after a tough day.

By staying present, allowing space for growth, and modeling perseverance, parents can help kids build resilience in ways that shape their confidence and emotional wellbeing for years to come.

Community Choice Pediatrics is here to support your child’s physical and emotional development at every age and every stage. We encourage you to reach out to your pediatrician to schedule an appointment if you or your children are facing challenges that need a little “extra.” We can provide tools that will set you up for success. Plus, we have a network of resources should you need an outside referral. Contact us to learn more.

The post How to Help Kids Build Resilience When Life Doesn’t Go Their Way appeared first on Community Choice Pediatrics.

Spring allergies are especially common in the Midwest due to tree pollen, which tends to peak in early to mid-spring. Oak, maple, birch, and cedar pollen are frequent culprits in our area. For children with sensitive airways, these allergens can also trigger asthma symptoms, even if asthma hasn’t been formally diagnosed yet. This overlap is why understanding spring allergies vs. asthma is so important—particularly for younger children who may not be able to describe what they’re feeling.

Spring Allergies vs. Asthma: The Key Differences

Although symptoms can look similar, allergies and asthma affect the body differently.

Common Signs of Spring Allergies

Spring allergies (also called seasonal allergic rhinitis) are caused by the immune system reacting to specific allergens, such as pollen. Parents may notice:

• sneezing.
• runny or stuffy nose.
• itchy nose, eyes, or throat.
• watery or red eyes.
• mild cough (often from postnasal drip).
• symptoms that improve indoors or on rainy days.

Allergy symptoms are uncomfortable but typically do not interfere with breathing.

Common Signs of Asthma

Asthma affects the airways and can cause inflammation and narrowing, making it harder to breathe. In the case of asthma, parents may notice:

• wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing).
• shortness of breath.
• chest tightness or pain.
• frequent coughing, especially at night or with exercise.
• symptoms that worsen with activity, cold air, or illness.
• trouble keeping up with peers during play.

Asthma symptoms can be mild or severe—and they often require medical management. One can lead to the other, though, as allergies are a common asthma trigger, especially in children.

Why It’s Harder to Tell in Young Children

Confusion between spring allergies vs. asthma is especially common in infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. That’s because younger children can’t often put a name to their physical feelings, especially chest tightness or shortness of breath. They may also:

• cough instead of wheeze.
• have frequent colds that mask underlying asthma.
• appear “out of breath” during normal play.

If your child has recurring coughs every spring, frequent nighttime coughing, or breathing issues during activity, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician—even if symptoms seem mild.

A Quick Parent Checklist: Allergies or Asthma?

While this checklist isn’t a diagnosis, it can help parents know what to look for and what questions to ask when meeting with your child’s pediatrician.

More likely allergies if your child:

• has itchy eyes or nose.
• sneezes frequently.
• has clear nasal drainage.
• feels better indoors or after allergy medication.
• has symptoms mainly during pollen season.

More likely asthma if your child:

• wheezes or struggles to breathe.
• coughs at night or with exercise.
• complains of chest tightness.
• gets tired quickly during play.
• has symptoms that don’t improve with allergy treatment.

If you’re unsure, your pediatrician can help determine whether symptoms point to allergies, asthma, or both.

When Allergies and Asthma Overlap

Many children have allergic asthma, meaning allergens lead to asthma symptoms. In fact, most people who have asthma also suffer from allergies. The good news is that allergic asthma is most common in early childhood and decreases as children reach adulthood.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children, and early identification improves outcomes. Managing allergies can often help control asthma symptoms, which is why treatment plans sometimes address both.

When to Call the Pediatrician

Parents know their children best, and if you have any concerns about your children’s health, it’s a good idea to contact their pediatrician. When it comes to spring allergies vs. asthma, you’ll want to make the call if:

• symptoms persist beyond a few weeks.
• coughing or wheezing interferes with sleep or play.
• over-the-counter allergy medications aren’t helping.
• symptoms worsen with activity.
• your child has frequent springtime breathing issues year after year.

Bypass the pediatrician’s office and head right to the emergency room or urgent care if your child experiences:

• rapid or labored breathing.
• bluish lips or face.
• severe wheezing.
• difficulty speaking due to shortness of breath.

How Community Choice Pediatrics Can Help

Spring should be a time for kids to run, play, and enjoy being outside, not struggle with breathing or constant discomfort. Understanding the difference between spring allergies vs. asthma empowers parents to take the right next steps and get the appropriate care at the optimal time.

If you have questions or concerns, reach out to Community Choice Pediatrics. We support families through allergy and asthma season every year. Our team can:

• evaluate symptoms and patterns.
• help distinguish spring allergies vs. asthma.
• create or adjust asthma action plans.
• recommend allergy-management strategies.
• provide guidance tailored to our area’s unique seasonal allergens.

If spring symptoms have you wondering what’s normal—and what’s not—we’re here to help you feel confident and informed. Contact us to schedule your appointment.

The post Spring Allergies vs. Asthma: What Parents Should Watch For appeared first on Community Choice Pediatrics.

You may be wondering how you can help your children handle friendships while not getting either overly involved or being too distant as a parent. Honestly, the answer depends on age, stage, and the unique personality of your child. Let’s break it all down to provide a guideline that will support you and your children.

Why Social Pressure Feels So Big to Kids

Social pressure isn’t new to us as parents or for our kids, but the environment today amplifies that pressure. Peer expectations, academic demands, extracurricular activities, and digital communication all shape how children see themselves and their relationships. Kids of all ages may experience social pressure to:

• Fit in or be liked
• Act or dress a certain way
• Keep up with peers socially or emotionally
• Stay loyal to friends even when situations feel uncomfortable

Learning how to cope with these pressures is a skill, and like any skill, it develops with guidance and practice. The good news is that you can help your kids at any age or stage.

Helping Kids Navigate Social Pressure in Elementary School

In elementary school, friendships are often fluid and centered around shared activities. While social challenges tend to be simpler at this age, they can still feel very big to a young child. Some common challenges children face now include:

• Feeling left out of games or groups
• Early experiences with teasing
• Difficulty sharing or taking turns
• Big emotions tied to being “best friends”

Some tools you can use to assist kids to feel more in control include:

• Name the feelings. Help children put words to emotions, such as disappointment, frustration, or sadness.
• Practice social skills at home. Role-play scenarios kids face, including asking to join a game or responding to teasing.
• Normalize change. Explain that friendships can shift, and that doesn’t mean something is “wrong.”
• Encourage kindness over popularity. Focus on being a good friend, not on having the most friends.

At this stage, helping kids navigate social pressure often means building confidence and emotional vocabulary rather than solving the problem for them.

Middle School: Where Social Pressure Ramps Up

Middle school is a major transition for kids. Along with shifting hormones, social awareness increases, peer approval becomes more important, and comparisons often intensify. In grades six through eight, kids have a desire to fit in and may more often succumb to peer pressure. Group dynamics from elementary school shift and social media takes a bigger role in friendships.

While a parent wants to allow children at this age to gain more autonomy, they often need you to guide them in the right direction. To do that:

• Listen more than you fix. This can be challenging to do, but sometimes kids want validation and not solutions.
• Talk about boundaries. Reinforce that it’s okay to say no—even to friends.
• Discuss online behavior. Help kids understand that digital interactions can carry real emotional consequences.
• Highlight individuality. Reinforce strengths and interests outside peer approval. “Stay weird” is a daily send-off for some parents, and for good reason.

Middle schoolers benefit from knowing they have a safe place to talk—without judgment or immediate correction. They still need their parents, so let them know you’re there for them.

High School: Independence, Identity, and Intense Social Pressure

High school students are developing independence, figuring out their identity, and looking toward future goals, often while managing complex friendships and romantic relationships. As they maneuver the transition from childhood to young adult, they may experience:

• Social comparison and image pressure
• Academic and extracurricular competition
• Romantic relationships and breakups
• Fear of standing out or being excluded

Parents can continue to take an active role in helping kids navigate social pressure while giving them the space to find their own way. Some tools to try include:

• Shift from manager to coach. Ask guiding questions instead of giving directives. Let them know you’re on their side to help.
• Encourage healthy balance. Help teens prioritize sleep, downtime, and activities they genuinely enjoy.
• Talk openly about stress. Normalize that feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean they’re failing.
• Watch for warning signs. Withdrawal, mood changes, or sudden behavior shifts may signal deeper stress that needs to be addressed.

At this age, helping kids navigate social pressure includes empowering teens to trust their values while reminding them they’re not alone.

When Social Pressure Affects Mental or Physical Health

Social stress can sometimes show up in unexpected ways, including:

• Headaches or stomachaches
• Sleep problems
• Irritability or emotional outbursts
• Avoidance of school or activities
• Changes in appetite or energy

If social challenges begin affecting your child’s daily functioning, it may be time to seek additional support. Remember that children can feel uncomfortable vocalizing their feelings to Mom and Dad, and providing an alternative outlet, whether a family friend, grandparent, or a professional counselor, might be the perfect solution.

A Critical Note About Safety

If you ever worry that your child may be at risk of hurting themselves or others, seek immediate help.

• Call 911 in an emergency.
• Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 (available 24/7).
• Encourage your child to reach out to a trusted adult right away.

Getting help is a sign of strength, both for you and your family. Know that help is always available for all of you.

How Community Choice Pediatrics Can Support Your Family

Friendship challenges and social pressure are a normal part of growing up, but kids don’t have to figure them out alone. With open communication, age-appropriate guidance, and the right support, parents can play a powerful role in helping kids navigate social pressure and build resilience that lasts well beyond childhood.

At Community Choice Pediatrics, we understand that social pressure and friendship challenges are part of growing up, but they shouldn’t overwhelm your child or family. Our team can:

• Help assess whether stress is affecting your child’s health
• Offer guidance on age-appropriate coping strategies
• Support parents in having productive conversations with their kids
• Recommend additional resources when needed

If you’re concerned about how your child is handling social pressure, we encourage you to reach out. Early support can make a meaningful difference.

The post Helping Kids Navigate Social Pressure and Friendship Challenges appeared first on Community Choice Pediatrics.

Why Teens Experience Stress

Between the ages of 13 and 19, the brain and body are changing rapidly, while expectations are on the rise. Science confirms that today’s teens are experiencing more stress than prior generations. In fact, it’s gotten so bad that the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Children’s Hospital Association have declared a national state of emergency in children’s mental health. In addition to homework, sports, jobs, busy social lives, and too little sleep, teens today also worry about topics we read about daily: mass shootings, climate change, global instability, wars and conflicts, and political upheavals.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that 13–19% of children in the US struggle with mental health, emotional, and behavioral problems. But there are ways to approach and help. Teen stress relief can prevent burnout while helping to keep mood and performance on track.

How Mindfulness Supports Teen Stress Relief

Simply put, mindfulness means being focused on what is happening in the now without thinking about the future. The goal is to approach any noticed emotions with curiosity rather than judgment. For teens, mindfulness might mean noticing a racing heart before a test, the feel of their feet on the ground while walking to class, or the sound of music in their headphones without scrolling their phone at the same time. When incorporated into daily routines, mindfulness has been shown to improve focus, support emotional regulation, and make everyday stress feel more manageable.

In addition to reducing stress and anxiety in adolescents, mindfulness may also improve overall mood. When teens learn to slow their breathing, relax tense muscles, and redirect their attention, they are training the brain pathways that help them cope with pressure more effectively. Over time, these skills can improve sleep, school performance, and even relationships, because teens are better able to pause, think, and choose how they respond.

Stress-Relief Approaches to Try

While teens often are reticent to listen to Mom and Dad, it’s always good to have some tips up your sleeve. These can be shared directly and even modeled as you need them. Remember: stress happens to everyone, not just teens, and simple approaches to manage emotions benefit us all.

Body Awareness

How: Sit quietly or lie down and slowly notice each body part from toes to head, relaxing each while moving across the entire body.

Why: This works because it calms the nervous system and refocuses thoughts on the present, away from everything else. While this approach can be practiced at any time, it can be best right before bed when the mind is active and restless.

Controlled Breathing

How: Inhale for four seconds, hold for two seconds, and exhale for six seconds. Repeat this process three to five times.

Why: By controlling your breathing, you lower cortisol, slow your heart rate, and allow your thoughts to reset. This is a great practice prior to a big exam or when something makes you angry—kind of like counting to 10.

Nightly Calming Ritual

How: Every evening before bed, turn off devices, dim the lights, and do three minutes (or more) of a quiet activity, such as reading, drawing, or listening to calming music.

Why: Reducing screen time before bed helps transition the brain to rest mode, allowing for a better night’s sleep. This is great practice for the entire family.

Mindful Check-ins

How: Throughout the day, take short breaks from activity. This could be some stretching, a few deep breaths, or an internal assessment to test your emotions and stress, asking yourself, “What do I feel right now?”

Why: These microbreaks interrupt the stress loop and let the brain reset. They also improve focus and productivity while enhancing creativity and problem solving.

How Parents Can Support Teen Stress Relief

In addition to incorporating the above approaches and modeling them with your teens, there are plenty of other ways you can help your children better manage stress. Some things to try include:

Scheduling Stress Check-ins

Some families incorporate a “high/low” conversation into dinner; others talk about their days during school pick-up or while walking the dog. However you choose to do it is great. All you’re attempting to do with the check-in is to create a safe space for your teens to share with you how life is going. Listen, be present, and ask if or how you can help.

Encourage Healthy Habits

Sure, you’re up for modeling some good coping approaches to manage teen stress relief, but what about overall health? Create an environment where the whole family focuses on health and wellbeing. This includes balanced nutrition, good hydration, regular sleep patterns, and daily physical activity. These all contribute to lower stress levels and will help you and them cope better with busy days.

Limit and Prioritize

Life is busy, and no one knows that better than a type-A teen. Support your adolescent in choosing how to manage their time across all their responsibilities. Help them find balance between school, extracurricular activities, job, and social life. While some people thrive being constantly busy, it can be draining for others. Sometimes, the recentering happens in those quiet times, so make them a priority.

Provide Options for Support

As much as parents want to be able to provide everything for their kids, sometimes they need outside help. Be sure your teens know that you’re there for them, but there are other people who can help as well. Point out family friends, extended family, the school counselor, or their pediatrician. Stress that asking for help is a signal of strength, not weakness.

Signs That Stress Management Needs Extra Attention

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are helpful skills, but they aren’t the whole answer when stress begins to interfere with daily life. If you have concerns about your teen’s ability to proactively manage emotional challenges, it’s okay to say something and seek support. Some areas to notice include:

• Persistent sleep trouble (falling asleep, staying asleep)
• Mood changes (irritability, sadness, frequent tears)
• Drop in grades or withdrawal from friends/activities they used to enjoy
• Frequent headaches, stomachaches or other physical complaints without clear medical cause
• Statements such as “I can’t handle this,” “it’s too much,” or “nothing helps”

If you spot these signs, talk with your teen and share your concern. You might try an opening such as:

“I’ve noticed you’ve seemed really tired/quiet lately. How are you doing? Would you like me to help you find someone to talk with?”

Early discussion and referral can make a significant difference in teen wellbeing.

Community Choice Pediatrics Can Help with Teen Stress Relief

Growing up has its peaks and valleys, and it’s always okay to reach out to your pediatrician for help or with questions you have. While stress is certainly a common occurrence during the teen years, there are things you can do to help your children move through adolescence more easily. Your support now will help them better manage stress as they head off to college and the world of work, so take this role seriously! Community Choice Pediatrics helps all children, from birth into adulthood, and we’re here to support you and your teen at any point. Contact us to learn more.

The post Teen Stress Relief: Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques appeared first on Community Choice Pediatrics.

Social Media Safety in the News

Recent headlines have highlighted growing concerns about kids and social media:

SAFE for Kids Act

In September 2025, New York’s attorney general proposed updates to the previously established Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act. The act prohibits social media companies from using algorithms to serve up content for users under the age of 18 without parental consent. The goal is to limit addictive feeds and data tracking for minors.

The act also prohibits social media companies from sending push notifications to kids between 12 am and 6 am and allows parents to limit kids’ access to the platforms during the same time period.

Currently in effect in New York state, the SAFE for Kids Act is mirrored in the proposed national Kids Online Safety Act, which also focuses on limiting addictive feeds and prioritizing our children’s emotional and mental health and wellbeing.

Safety issues with smartphones and social media

A study released in July 2025 by the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities reports that using smartphones before the age of 13 can damage children’s mental health. Their use has been associated with suicidal thoughts, lower self-worth, and detachment from reality. This was found to be especially true with pre-teen girls.

Of course, it’s not just the smartphone use that’s concerning; it’s what kids are looking at, which is mostly social media. The researchers in the study actually made a global appeal to keep kids from using smartphones and social media, so clearly they see an issue.

While lawmakers and researchers continue to explore solutions, parents remain the first—and most powerful—line of defense when it comes to social media safety.

How to Help Your Kids Stay Safe Online

As a parent, your goal is to maintain an open line of communication with your children. Even before they join a platform, talk with them about what social media is and how it works. For younger children, focus on simple ideas such as kindness, privacy, and boundaries. And if you need to educate yourself about platforms you may not be using, including Snapchat and TikTok, do so.

Here’s how to begin that conversation:

• Ask what they know. Start by asking what their friends use and what they’ve seen. This helps you gauge their understanding.
• Explain real vs. pretend. Help kids recognize that people often share the best highlights of their life online, not everything that happens. If it looks too good to be real, it probably is, and they shouldn’t judge themselves based on what others post.
• Enforce kindness. Being respectful online is just as important as being kind in person. It’s not okay to bully or say rude things to people from behind a phone.

When you lay the groundwork, your kids will feel comfortable talking about their social media experiences. That means they’re more likely to come to you if they feel uncomfortable. And you’ll also be able to talk to them about what they’re seeing online.

Set Clear Rules and Expectations

Rules around technology aren’t about punishment; they’re about protection. Together, decide on guidelines that feel fair and easy to follow. These may include:

• Age-appropriate boundaries. Many social media platforms require users to be at least 13. Help your child wait until they’re ready—even if that means it’s after that thirteenth birthday.
• Start with a shared account. If your child wants to join a platform, consider starting together so you can model healthy habits. If you set up separate accounts, be sure you have access.
• Use privacy settings. Review who can see posts, comment, or message your child.
• Keep devices in shared spaces. Limit access to phones, especially at night. Some families collect all phones at bedtime.

You might also consider creating a family media-use plan, which allows everyone to be involved and holds kids and parents to similar guidelines.

Teach Kids to Protect Their Privacy

Regardless of what you and your children choose as guidelines for social media usage, one key to social media safety is to ensure that they don’t post personal information. This could be on their “about” section of their profile, in posts they share, or in direct messages (DMs). Sometimes, even if someone thinks they know who’s on the other side of the conversation, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Some things to warn your children about:

• Never post their full name, address, school, or phone number.
• Be cautious about sharing photos that identify where they are.
• Check with you before joining new apps or accepting friend requests.

Once something’s posted, it can be saved on the other side—even if your child deletes it. Make sure they know that posts live on forever.

Watch for Signs of Social Media Stress

If your child seems more withdrawn, anxious, or suddenly uninterested in offline activities, social media might be contributing. Studies show that children who spend excessive time online—especially on image-heavy platforms, which many social media sites tend to be—are at higher risk for anxiety and depression. Encourage balance for your children through these suggestions:

• Unplug regularly. Schedule screen-free family activities such as walks, game nights, or baking together. Step away from devices during meals.
• Check in emotionally. Ask open-ended questions: “How do you feel after using that app?” or “Do you ever see things online that bother you?”
• Lead by example. Model healthy phone habits yourself by disengaging with your phone or laptop and giving your full attention to real-world happenings.

When to Step In

If your child receives threatening messages, is bullied online, or shares something inappropriate, step in calmly but firmly. Document the situation, block or report the user, and, if needed, contact the school or authorities.

And if your child seems overwhelmed, reach out for professional support. At Community Choice Pediatrics, we understand how technology affects children’s development and wellbeing. Our providers can:

• Offer guidance on healthy screen habits.
• Help identify emotional or behavioral concerns linked to social media.
• Recommend safe online practices tailored to your child’s age.
• Provide referrals if additional mental health support is needed.

If you have concerns about your child’s screen time or social media safety, talk to your pediatrician. Together, we can help your child see the best side of online interactions while not missing a second of what’s happening in the world around them.

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To help your family stay as healthy as possible this season, here are some tips to keep everyone feeling their best. Plus, you’ll learn when you can handle things at home and when it’s time to call the pediatrician.

Everyday Cold and Flu Season Tips to Prevent Illness

A strong immune system and a few healthy habits can go a long way toward protecting your family. Here are some things you should remember during this season and year round.

Handwashing is powerful.

Teach your children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important before eating, after coughing/sneezing, and when coming home from school or activities. Hand sanitizer works in a pinch, but soap and water remain the gold standard.

Get enough (good) sleep.

Children need more rest than adults, but it varies based on age. Infants can sleep 12 to 16 hours a day, school-aged children need nine to 12 hours, and teens can get away with eight to ten. Adequate sleep keeps the immune system strong.

Focus on nutrition.

Balanced meals that include brightly colored fruits and vegetables, good sources of lean protein, and whole grains fuel the body to fight infections. They pack a punch with vitamins C and D, along with zinc. And remember to drink plenty of fluids!

Stay active.

Daily movement, whether it’s outdoor play or family walks, supports healthy immune responses. Turn it into a game by dancing or playing with your family to make activity more fun.

Teach “cover your cough.”

Encourage kids to use their elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing to reduce the spread of germs.

Cold and Flu Season Tips for the Home

While you can’t always keep your family safe from germs, there certainly are some things you can do at home to protect them. Some cold and flu season tips to incorporate into your regular routine include:

Disinfect high-touch areas.

Wipe down doorknobs, remotes, toys, and light switches regularly. Use a natural disinfectant, either purchased from your local retailer or made at home. Here’s a recipe for a nontoxic option that’s kid friendly.

Use separate cups and utensils.

Teach kids not to share drinks, straws, or snacks. Germs spread quickly when they’re sharing things like this.

Humidify the air.

A cool-mist humidifier can keep nasal passages moist, making it harder for viruses to take hold. These are cost effective and even act as white noise as children are falling asleep.

When to Keep Kids Home from School or Daycare

Most schools have specific guidelines about when children can’t attend and should, instead, stay home. These seem to be somewhat universal:

• They have a fever of 100.4°F or higher.
• They are too tired or uncomfortable to participate in normal activities.
• They are vomiting or have diarrhea.
• They have a persistent, disruptive cough.

Sending children to school sick not only delays their recovery but also spreads illness to classmates and teachers.

When to Go to the Doctor, Urgent Care, or Emergency Room

Knowing where to go first can save time and stress.

Call your pediatrician.

• If fever lasts longer than 3 days.
• Symptoms worsen, instead of improving, after a week.
• Ear pain, sinus pain, or persistent cough develops.
• You’re unsure what your child needs. Your doctor or on-call nurse is always a smart first line of defense.

Visit urgent care.

When your doctor’s office isn’t open, that’s when urgent care should be on your agenda. This would include non-life-threatening issues such as ear infection or worsening flu symptoms.

Head to the Emergency Room

• When your child is struggling to breathe or breathing rapidly.
• Lips or face appear bluish.
• If your child hasn’t urinated for 8 or more hours, has dry mouth, or doesn’t shed tears when crying, that’s a sign of dehydration.
• Seizures or sudden confusion could warrant calling 911.

When in doubt about what to do, trust your instincts. Parents usually have a strong intuition about their children’s care—and they’re often right.

Knowing Whether Your Child Has a Cold or Flu

Common cold symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, mild sore throat, sneezing, or low-grade fever. Colds require monitoring and managing discomfort. Flu symptoms, on the other hand include sudden onset of high fever, chills, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. These can sometimes be paired with cough or sore throat. A flu could escalate and require medical intervention.

One of the best cold and flu season tips is to get your child a flu vaccine every fall. Immunization reduces the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and complications such as pneumonia. It also helps protect newborns and vulnerable family members who may be at higher risk.

Both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend flu vaccines for everyone six months and older. Ideally, children should be vaccinated early in the season for maximum protection.

How Community Choice Pediatrics Can Help

Cold and flu season doesn’t have to derail your family’s routine. At Community Choice Pediatrics, we provide:

• Flu vaccines for children and parents.
• Same-day sick visits for when your child needs a quick evaluation.
• Guidance on symptom management at home.
• Clear advice for when to seek urgent or emergency care.

We’re here to help you navigate cold and flu season with confidence. If you haven’t scheduled your child’s flu shot yet, now is the perfect time. Schedule an appointment to discuss your child’s health with one of our providers.

The post Cold and Flu Season Tips for Healthy Families appeared first on Community Choice Pediatrics.

Understanding Exam Stress

It’s important to recognize the difference between healthy and harmful levels of stress. A little nervousness before a big test is expected, and in fact, it can help sharpen focus and boost performance. However, when that stress lingers for days or weeks, it can begin to affect sleep, appetite, energy levels, and mood. Teens who constantly feel pressure to achieve or fear letting others down are at greater risk of experiencing overwhelming stress.

The triggers can vary from one teen to another. For some, the challenge comes from balancing academics with sports, jobs, or extracurricular commitments. Others may struggle with time management, procrastination, or poor study habits. Social media often adds to the problem, as teens compare themselves to classmates or see only the highlight reels of their peers’ successes. Left unchecked, these stressors can build to a point where exams feel impossible to face.

Healthy Ways Teens Can Manage Stress

The good news is that there are effective ways to help teens cope during exam season. One of the most important strategies is to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Rather than facing an entire textbook the night before a test, studying in short, focused sessions over several days can reduce pressure and improve retention.

Self-care also plays a critical role. Sleep, in particular, is often the first thing sacrificed during exam preparation, yet it is one of the most powerful tools for memory and concentration. Encouraging your teen to maintain a consistent bedtime routine can improve their ability to retain information and stay calm under pressure. Balanced meals and regular hydration help stabilize energy levels, while even moderate physical activity—like a walk around the block—can lower stress hormones and improve mood.

Relaxation techniques can also be very effective. Breathing exercises, meditation, or simply pausing for a few minutes to stretch can calm racing thoughts. Some teens may find creative outlets, such as drawing, journaling, or listening to music, to be their best form of release. Encouraging short breaks between study sessions helps prevent burnout and reminds teens that they are more than their exam results.

Recognizing When Stress Is Too Much

Every parent expects a certain level of nerves during exam season, but there are times when stress moves beyond typical test-day jitters. If a teen begins withdrawing from friends and family, loses interest in hobbies they once enjoyed, or shows a sudden drop in school performance, these may be red flags that stress is becoming harmful. Emotional signs, such as frequent irritability, mood swings, or expressions of hopelessness, should not be dismissed as “just teenage behavior.”

Physical complaints are also common when stress becomes excessive. Persistent headaches, stomach aches, and trouble sleeping are all signals that the body is carrying more strain than it can handle. When these symptoms continue or intensify, they may indicate a deeper mental health concern, such as anxiety or depression. Parents should take these warning signs seriously and consider reaching out for professional support if stress is interfering with daily life.

How Parents Can Help

Parents play a vital role in helping teens manage stress in healthy ways. Creating a supportive environment at home can ease some of the pressure teens place on themselves. Simple reminders that self-worth is not tied to test scores can go a long way in reducing anxiety. When parents emphasize effort and persistence rather than perfection, teens are more likely to feel secure in their abilities.

Open and honest communication is also essential. Asking questions like, “How are you feeling about your exams?” can encourage teens to share what they are experiencing. The goal is not always to provide a solution, but to listen with empathy and without judgment. Sometimes, just knowing they are heard can relieve a great deal of stress.

It is also important for parents to recognize when stress has crossed into territory that requires professional attention. If a teen shows persistent sadness, ongoing anxiety, or any thoughts of self-harm, immediate help is needed. A pediatrician can guide families toward appropriate next steps, whether that means further evaluation, counseling, or other mental health resources.

Final Thoughts

Exam season can be stressful, but with the right balance of preparation, self-care, and support, teens can manage the pressure in healthy ways. Remember that tests come and go, but protecting mental health is a long-term priority.

If you are concerned about your teen’s stress levels or emotional well-being, schedule a visit with Community Choice Pediatrics Behavioral Health Center. Our team of expert mental health practitioners are here to provide guidance, resources, and support to ensure your child can thrive—not only during exams, but throughout their adolescent years.

The post Supporting Teen Mental Health During Exam Season appeared first on Community Choice Pediatrics.

The FDA responded to these reports, acknowledging ongoing studies but emphasizing that current evidence does not show a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Understandably, these headlines can be concerning for parents and expecting families.

At Community Choice Pediatrics, our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care and empower parents with clear, reliable information so they can make the best decisions for their families. In this article, we’ll address the recent news, provide context about autism, and share what the latest science actually tells us.

What is Autism and Why Are Rates Increasing?

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. While no single cause has been identified, research shows that genetics play a significant role, with twin studies suggesting 60–90% of autism risk comes from DNA. The apparent rise in autism rates is largely due to increased awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, earlier screening, and better access to services. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics adopted universal screening at 18–24 months in 2007, and the DSM-5 (2013) expanded the definition of autism to include related conditions like Asperger syndrome and PDD-NOS. As a result, more individuals are being identified across a wider spectrum.

Treatment Approaches

The primary evidence-based treatment for autism is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), with early intervention being crucial for the best outcomes.

Leucovorin as a Proposed Treatment

Leucovorin may benefit a small subset of autistic individuals, particularly those with antibodies against a folate receptor. However, research is limited and ongoing. Even experts like Dr. Richard Frye caution that leucovorin is not a cure-all and should be used alongside other therapies.

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and Autism

Acetaminophen has long been considered safe for use during pregnancy by major medical organizations. While some studies have found a correlation between prenatal Tylenol exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders, others—including a large 2024 Swedish study—found no such link. Importantly, correlation does not equal causation, and many studies have methodological flaws. The FDA states that a causal relationship has not been established.

Weighing Risks and Benefits

No medication is completely risk-free. Untreated maternal fever during pregnancy can pose significant risks to the fetus, including neural tube defects and preterm delivery. Alternative pain relievers like NSAIDs and opioids carry their own risks. Pregnant women should always consult their healthcare provider before taking any medication. Infection and Fever in Pregnancy and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Findings from the Study to Explore Early Development – PMC

Vaccines and Autism

Extensive research has shown that vaccines do not cause autism. Vaccines are essential for protecting children and pregnant women from serious diseases. Vaccination before and during pregnancy also helps protect the fetus and newborn.

Closing Thoughts

Autism is a multifactorial condition with increasing rates due to better recognition and broader definitions. Treatments like ABA are most effective when started early. While leucovorin and Tylenol have been discussed in relation to autism, current evidence does not support Tylenol as a cause, and leucovorin is not a universal treatment. Vaccines remain safe and vital for public health. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical decisions.

At Community Choice Pediatrics, we know parents want clear, trustworthy answers when it comes to their child’s health. Our team is here to provide evidence-based guidance and compassionate care, so you can feel confident in the decisions you make for your family. If you have questions about autism, pregnancy, or your child’s development, schedule an appointment to talk to one of our providerscontact —we are here to support you every step of the way.

The post Autism: Understanding the Condition and Recent News appeared first on Community Choice Pediatrics.

The Risk of Febrile Seizures

About 2–5% of young children (between 200 and 500 per 10,000) will experience at least one febrile seizure. These typically occur between 6 and 60 months of age, with the peak between 14 and 18 months. This timeframe overlaps with when the first doses of MMR and varicella are recommended.

Although febrile seizures are usually harmless and have an excellent prognosis, they can be frightening for parents to witness. With this in mind, our practice has always chosen to give the MMR and varicella vaccines as separate shots at the 12-month checkup. This approach helps reduce the potential risk of febrile seizures while still ensuring children are fully protected.

MMRV (ProQuad) for Older Children

When children are older—such as at ages 4–6 years—or receiving their second dose, the data shows no increased risk of febrile seizures with MMRV (ProQuad) compared to separate shots. Because of this, we recommend and use MMRV (ProQuad) for kindergarten vaccines at Community Choice Pediatrics.

Our Approach at CCP

• At 12 months: Separate MMR and varicella shots
• At 4–6 years (kindergarten vaccines): MMRV (ProQuad) preferred

This approach ensures children receive the safest and most effective protection at the right time. If you have questions about your child’s vaccine schedule, our providers are here to provide clear, evidence-based guidance.

👉 Contact us to learn more about vaccines at CCP

***Update 9-26-2025***

Recently, information was provided that indicated the MMR vaccine should be administered in multiple doses to ensure full immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella. It is important to note that the MMR vaccine is not available as separate shots for each disease; rather, it is formulated as a combined vaccine. This means that individuals receiving the MMR vaccine will be protected against all three illnesses through a single injection, repeated as necessary according to recommended dosing schedules.

The post Understanding MMRV (ProQuad) and Vaccine Choices at Different Ages appeared first on Community Choice Pediatrics.