Don't panic!

Kim Mangham, a Cook Children's pediatrician in Keller, said to get your kids outside even in the winter.

Spending time outdoors is a critical part of kids' fun, but it might also help promote a healthy and happy childhood.

The National Wildlife Federation points out that the decline in the average time kids spend outdoors correlated with escalating childhood obesity rates and Johns Hopkins researchers estimate that 1 in 10 U.S. children have a vitamin D deficiency, a vitamin they would naturally get from sun exposure. 

Numerous studies have concluded that Mycobacterium vaccae, a bacteria found in dirt, can help improve mood and brain function. 

There's also a reason mud makes your child so happy. Kids who play outside have higher levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain linked to good moods and reduced stress.

"Getting dirty is an important part of being a kid," Dr. Mangham said. "The things that don't seem like a big deal to adults are wonderful and fascinating to children. Letting them draw patterns in the dust, shaping mudpies and making a mess can be a magical part of growing up."

About the author

Kim Mangham, M.D., is a Cook Children's pediatrician at 1601 Keller Parkway in Keller, Texas. She earned her medical degree at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. She completed the pediatric residency program at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. Her interests include breastfeeding education as well as disease and injury prevention. Dr. Mangham is board certified in pediatrics.

This morning I seriously had a discussion with my 6 year old about how many times he can wear shorts without washing.

Him: “They don't look dirty.”Me: “But you sweat and they smell.”Him: “Mom only my head sweats.”

Ya right!

Today clean shorts are on my child. I won the battle, but my chances of winning the war against a smelly boy unlikely.

 And that's OK. 

As parents we all have battles with our kids, but I can’t help but wonder which ones are really worth the fight.  Which ones are worth the effort to bend your child to your way of thinking?

Some are easy. No brainers.  When it comes to safety we can feel confident that making our child sit in a car seat, wear a bike helmet or learn street safety are worthy the battle.

But others can sometimes seem less clear.  How important is it to have them eat healthy or go to bed on time or take a bath.  It may depend upon the day, or whether we are tired or whether our child is merely protesting or an epic meltdown is in process.

There are a couple I believe are worth the effort. 

Healthy foods and no sugar containing drinks should be fought for.  You will not succeed every time, but I see parents who have made the choice to take a stand on this and their success can and should be duplicated.

Teaching your children to be respectful and kind to others in words and actions is also worth it.  This can take daily and sometimes hourly intervention to achieve (Siblings fighting anyone? At my house just having them walk upstairs together without pushing sometimes requires serious parental guidance).  

Remind yourself parenting is not a sprint, it is a long journey.  Your kids will not remember every lesson, every time.  But trust me, they are learning and the lessons that you make a priority will stick.

So, as you can see clean shorts is not on this list, but still I tell my boys, no teacher wants to have a smelly kid in class.  That has worked for me so far.

Happy mom adventures to all of you this summer.

Dr C

About the author

Vanessa Charette, M.D., has been a pediatrician at Cook Children's for 10 years and is located in Fort Worth. Dr. Charette embraces the many components that contribute to health nutrition, physical activity, emotional, psychological stresses and the environment. As your pediatrician she will spend time with you discussing nutrition, child development and take the time to address any concerns you have about your child's health.