Child Life Week: This week, we’re celebrating our Child Life Specialists at Cook Children’s who make an impact on the emotional safety of children and families in health care.By Lauren Bridge, MS, CCLS, AYA Child Life Specialist at Cook Children’s He...
By Ashley AntleThey grow up so fast. One minute you’re rocking your baby in your arms and breathing in their sweet baby smell from the top of their head, and the next you’re carting them off to the doctor for their teen physical and wellness check.In...
Child Life Specialist Series: We're diving deeper into children’s expression of emotions, the validation of children’s emotions and experiences (including tears), and what it looks like to advocate for our children in all settings.By Ashley Pagenkopf...
Listen to Episode 25 of the Raising Joy podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. The podcast is part of the JOY Campaign, which launched in April 2021 as a suicide prevention communication initiative, and aims to reach parents through ...
By Ashley AntleAs summer draws to a close, one mother, Dana Gage, is sharing her journey to making her son’s tragic drowning death matter.On Aug. 31, 2012, Dana's son, Connor, left for a friend’s birthday party at a rented lakehouse. Little did eithe...
Listen to Episode 24 of the Raising Joy podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. The podcast is part of the JOY Campaign, which launched in April 2021 as a suicide prevention communication initiative, and aims to reach parents through ...
Listen to Episode 22 of the Raising Joy podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. The podcast is part of the JOY Campaign, which launched in April 2021 as a suicide prevention communication initiative, and aims to reach parents through ...
By Ashley AntleOne day your baby is securely nestled into their rear-facing car seat with a five-point harness. The next, they’re 16 and climbing into the driver’s seat eager to conquer the open road. For parents, it’s a moment of both pride and shee...
Tune into our latest episode of the Raising Joy podcast. Go here to listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. You can also listen on our YouTube channel. The podcast is part of the Joy Campaign, which launched in April 2021 as a suicide ...
Your highly allergic child wakes up sneezing and congested. You think allergies are probably the cause. But if you’re worried about possible COVID-19 infection, an at-home test could help parents know for sure.A variety of brands on the market offer ...
Growing up in Cleburne, Texas, life was not always easy for Julia. As a young child with autism, she suffered physical abuse at the hands of her biological family. The violence was so bad, it left scars. She was placed into foster care, and at age 12...
It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year but, for many, the holidays can be a difficult season when feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, loss and grief are at an all-time high—and that’s in a normal year. But 2020 has been anything...
If your child plays sports, you may be worried about the long-term effects of COVID-19. Growing information in the medical community shows that concern may be warranted.
“We're learning more and more about coronavirus and how it affects the body i...
The number of patients admitted to Cook Children’s after attempting suicide continues to rise. In September, 37 children and teens were treated for suicide attempts, marking the worst month on record since at least 2015.“September of 2020 has been th...
With kids going back to school, new questions are coming up on when kids should be tested for COVID-19 and when they can return to school.
Keep in mind there are some conflicting and confusing pieces of advice out there and this is only promised t...
By John M. Robertson, M.D.
Moderate to severe asthma is a possible risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But a COVID-19 infection can cause a flare up of even mild asthma. COVID-19 is ...
By Michelle Bailey, M.D.
It’s a common question to ask your pediatrician. "What is the daily calorie need of your infant or child?"
Here’s a chart that covers the normal daily calorie need to sustain healthy growth. Average weight and lengths a...
By Michelle Bailey, M.D.
It’s natural for parents to want to protect their children when they are distressed. But when it comes to anxiety, taking kids out of anxiety-provoking situations may not always be the right answer.
In fact, we should m...
For parents who have a child starting school in person, it’s normal to have some anxiety about the entire process, staying informed and connected may reduce these feelings and can give you a way to express concerns that you have regarding practices a...
As the fall semester approaches we know how hard it has been for parents and families to decide the mode of learning for their children. Some school districts have opted for a hybrid model in which the school year will start with ALL students in the ...
Did you know that schools consider French fries and ketchup as vegetable servings in their cafeteria served lunches?! In just a few minutes in the evenings, you can prepare a more nutritious lunch for your kiddos.
You can prepare these meals even ...
Your child has ADHD, and you’ve gone through testing, 504 plans, in school accommodations, trialing of different medications and dosages. Now what?
ADHD is a difficult condition to treat because treatment has to be tailored to each child. Standard...
By Michelle Bailey, M.D.
Sleep, it’s important, right?!
Has your kid's new COVID-19 schedule got them going to bed after midnight and sleeping until noon?
Well it’s time NOW to start getting back into a normal sleep schedule for school, even...
By Michelle Bailey, M.D.
Is it necessary to get a sports physical this year?
After all, are we even going to have sports this year? Plus, in the age of COVID, you may feel hesitant to bring your child to a pediatrician’s office right now.
I ...
By Michelle Bailey, M.D.
Being a pediatrician is a special job. You get involved in not only a child’s life, but become a part of the entire family. I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 4, and this is the reason I became a pediatrician. My pe...
Recently, I wrote a post titled, “Is Going Back to School or Online Learning Best for Your Child?” A Pediatrician Shares what Parents Should Consider?”
Following that initial article, we received a lot of questions from you all. I wanted to take t...
By Justin Smith, M.D.
“What’s school going to look like in the fall?” “Should I send my child or keep them at home?”
These are the questions that every parent is probably already asking as school districts roll out their plans for re-opening sc...
As Texas enters Phase 3 of Governor Gregg Abbott’s plans reopen the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic, bars, restaurants, amusement parks and sports venues are working to welcome back patrons.
But for many parents, their biggest concern remains wha...
By Ramon Kinloch, M.D.A tie. A pair of slippers. Cuff links. A wallet. What do these things have in common? They’re all examples of gifts that I have given to my dad for Father’s Day. This year will be a little bit different because, for the first ti...
By Bianka Soria-Olmos, D.O., FAAP
As the tragic events of the past few days unfold across the nation, I can’t help but think when I first learned about race as a child.
My light skin and eyes may not give away my Mexican heritage. They may not ...