Articles tagged with 'parenting' | Checkup Newsroom

By Reilly TernanOver the past week, families have seen and heard the images of war overseas. The tragedy in Israel and Gaza hits home for many communities and families around the world, sparking fear, uncertainty, and worry. How can parents and …

By Ashley Pagenkopf, MS, CCLS, Child Life Specialist at Cook Children'sWe’ve all bought the desired backpack or lunch box, purchased the needed clothes and shoes, and reviewed class schedules and lists with a fine-toothed comb. As parents …

Story by Sydney HanesCook Children’s employees Ashley Pagenkopf and Danny Peltier were in for a big surprise Tuesday when Kidd’s Kids announced their families are going on an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World!Every year, Kidd’s …

By Hilary Pearson, M.D., pediatric sleep specialist, medical director of the Sleep Laboratory at Cook Children’sSummertime is the best time of year (in my opinion!). Schedules can sometimes be looser, we can be outside more and it’s great to have a …

By Jean YaegerEnrolling a child in day care might raise a few concerns or unknowns about the steps the facilities take to protect the kids they serve from illness and injury. It’s important for parents to know that the Texas Health and Human …

By Ashley AntleAhh, summer. It’s full of adventure. Or, if your kids are anything like mine — misadventure.Barely two weeks into our summer break this year I made a visit to urgent care with my 14-year-old to have a fish hook removed from his hand. …

By Jean YaegerFluffy pillows, soft blankets and stuffed toys look cozy and cute in a crib. But they can be hazardous for a sleeping infant.Safety experts say the only bedding to use is a tight fitted sheet around the mattress. Extra objects …

By Ashley AntleSunshine, outdoor adventure, new experiences, camaraderie and memories — it’s the stuff summer camp is made of.Each summer, more than 14 million kids and adults attend a camp. Doing so can contribute to a child’s love for nature, …

By Eline WigginsA case of measles was confirmed in a pediatric patient last week in Texas, according to Texas Health and Human Services. The last confirmed measles case in Texas was in 2019. Cook Children’s is sharing what parents and caregivers …

Story by Ashley Antle. Video by Tom Riehm.Kids everywhere are counting down the days until they can take their first leap into the water for summer swim season, which has parents on the hunt for the perfect swimsuit. But before you purchase those …

Three children were among the eight people killed in a mass shooting Saturday at the Allen Premium Outlets, according to news reports. This tragedy was close to home – it was a place that many people in North Texas frequent. The community of Allen …

Listen to Episode 44 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 …

By Ashley AntleIf you are the parent of a baby, you’ve probably been given the advice to sleep when the baby is sleeping. While well-meaning, it’s not always that easy.As a mother of twins, now 14, I often rolled my eyes when someone would tell me …

Written by Lee Mason, Licensed Behavior Analyst at Cook Children's Child Study CenterAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a life-long neurodevelopmental disability characterized by communication and social skills deficits, in addition to restrictive …

By Heather DugeSince the school shooting in Nashville last week, Lisa Elliott, Ph.D., psychologist at Cook Children’s, has seen an increase in conversation about school shootings with her patients and their parents who need help as well.“It’s on …

By Jean YaegerThe rising prices of eggs, meat and other foods can make the cost of groceries hard to swallow these days.But knowing some tricks for savvy shopping could help cut your grocery bill without sacrificing the nutritional value of the food …

The Raising Joy podcast is nearly one year old! We would love to hear from our listeners. This short 1 to 2 minute survey is anonymous and intended to help guide Cook Children's Joy Campaign and the podcast.Go here to complete this short …

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 …

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 …

The coldest temperatures of the season are headed to North Texas later this week with an Arctic cold front. The best thing you can do is to prepare you and your family to stay safe and healthy.Wind chills are expected to be below zero degrees on …

Child Life Specialist Series: In the coming months, we will dive 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 …

By Jean YaegerThe sunny personalities and determination of Sophie Worsham and Libby Sponsler shine through as the girls and their families deal with the physical challenges and developmental delays of Down syndrome. Sophie, who is 15 months …

Child Life Specialist Series: In the coming months, we will dive 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 …

Listen to Episode 26 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 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 Eline deBruijn WigginsChild Passenger Safety Week is Sept. 18 through Sept. 24. National Seat Check Saturday is Sept. 24, 2022.Choosing a car seat for your baby can be overwhelming. There are so many different colors, styles and price points. But …

Earlier this month, a 3-year-old Ohio girl made headlines after she swallowed a button battery and her mom gave her honey while they were on the way to the hospital.The family finished eating dinner when the girl told her mother, Katie Jacobsen, …

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 …

Child Life Specialist Series: In the coming months, we will dive 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 …

Fourteen in a series. Talking about hard things isn’t easy, especially for a child or teen. It’s scary to be vulnerable. But talking can bring clarity. Sharing your hurts, struggles and stress can be a release, and leaning on …