Recently, my son encountered his first playground politics. Continue reading
Playground Politics
1
Author Archives: My Two Hats
In Defense of Two-Year-Olds: Why The Twos Are Not So Terrible
People often ask how old my son is when we are out and about. When he proudly says, “Two!”, the most common response is a smile to him. . . and a knowing glance to me. This is often accompanied by, “Oooh, the terrible twos!”
I’m here today to stand in the defense of two-year-olds. Sure, they have their share of tantrums and the transition from infant to preschooler is sometimes a bumpy ride. But, it is also amazing. Two-year-olds are pretty darn cool. Here’s why. Continue reading
What Is Iron Deficiency Anemia and How Does It Affect Kids?
Based on recommendations from the AAP and risk factors in certain patients, many clinics screen infants for anemia around one year of age. Parents often have questions about why we need to draw blood (not an easy procedure at this age) and wonder what anemia really is. Here’s my answer with links to other good resources on this topic. Continue reading
Thank You For Listening
Some days as a physician are hard- busy, mired in paperwork, behind schedule. Then, there are moments that give you a jolt and make you remember why you are there. This was one.
Toilet Training, Part Two: There’s a Potty in My Purse
It’s been a long while since I have written about potty training. Initially this was due to well, lack of news. Lately I’ve been hesitant to write for fear of jinxing the progress we’ve made. But, after a few great weeks, I feel relatively safe in reporting that our little guy is now (mostly) dry during the day and naptime. Still working on nighttime, but that will come. Continue reading
Why Vaccinate for Varicella?
The other day the mom of one of my ten-month-old patients called and asked, “What do you think about me taking him to a chicken pox party instead of getting the vaccine?” This is a question that comes up occasionally, and has a clear, easy answer. Don’t do it! Vaccinate your kids against varicella. Here’s why.
The NeverEnding Bedtime
I am very excited to have Dr. Craig Canapari here on My Two Hats this week as the blog’s first guest. Dr. Canapari is a board certified pediatric pulmonologist and sleep specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, where he cares for children with sleep and breathing problems. He is here today with great advice regarding bedtime resistance in toddlers. I think his thoughts will prove very helpful for many families, as they did for us. So, check out the post, and then head over to his great blog for more fantastic tips about sleep and children.
Continue reading
All About Milk: From Breast Milk to Soy Milk and Everything in Between
I get lots and lots of questions about milk in clinic- breastmilk, formula, whole milk, soy milk. You name it. Especially during the first two years of their child’s life, parents think a lot about milk. So, I thought I’d round up some of the best resources I’ve found on this topic. Continue reading
A Story That Is Haunting Me
I recently read, as I’m sure many of you did, the New York Times story recounting the illness and death of Rory Staunton. It is a haunting story. . . one that keeps coming back to my mind. The tragic death of a previously healthy twelve-year-old child. A child full of life, cut short. Continue reading
7 Ways to Keep Kids Safe Around Medications
Children are innately curious and tend to explore their environment. Medications and other substances around the house can be dangerous for little ones if accidentally ingested or taken in inappropriate doses. Over 60,000 children visit emergency departments every year due to accidental medication poisoning. Here are a few tips to keep your kids safe. Continue reading
My Two Hats 