It's not perfect. It's parenting.
Sometimes you need answers to the little everyday things that parents encounter. And sometimes, you just need someone to encourage you through all of the craziness and challenges of parenthood. Welcome to Parent-ish, a blog from the experts at Children's Mercy.
Get updates
Have a parenting hack to share? Or a topic you'd like to see?
Stuck on ideas for your elf? We’ve got you covered!
Elf on the Shelf is a newer family tradition that some families participate in during the holiday season, and one that can cause a little extra holiday stress for parents. But a reminder – this tradition is supposed to be FUN, and a way to spark even more holiday magic in your household.
Growing your child’s emotional piggy bank
All humans have an emotional piggy bank, and throughout the day all your interactions result in a deposit or a withdrawal. All these little things add up, and if you’ve had more withdrawals than deposits, you may feel like you don’t have much left to give. As parents, you can make sure your children have plenty of deposits, so they can better deal with the withdrawals that come their way.
Coughs: What parents need to know
As a pediatrician, I understand how alarming persistent coughs can be for parents. Although many coughs are harmless and resolve on their own, some do require medical attention. Let's go through the common causes of long-lasting coughs, when to get professional care and how to ease symptoms at home.
How to come up with creative ways to give back
It’s giving season! Your family may want to find ways to give back this holiday season, but sometimes it can be hard to come up with unique opportunities that feel authentic to your family. But good news – there are so many ways to give, and you can even get a little creative!
Daylight Savings: reminders and tips for a clock change
With our phones, cars and computers updating automatically, daylight savings might seem like any other day of the year, so it’s easy for the clock change to slip your mind. But there are still objects around your house that might need to be updated manually.
All your frequently asked car seat questions answered
A car seat is one of the biggest purchases new parents make – and can be one of the most confusing. How do I know which car seats are safe? How do I install it? What size seat do I need? Should my kiddo be rear-facing? Forward facing? In a booster? And these questions, believe it or not, are just the tip of the iceberg. Keep reading for a car seat guide to ease your mind whether you’re welcoming a new baby or wondering if your child is ready for the next step.
COVID-19, RSV and the Flu: What you need to know
Viral respiratory season is quickly approaching. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory viruses seem to circulate in new patterns, so being prepared is important! According to the American Academy of Pediatrics last flu season was moderately severe for a lot of children, but there are steps your family can take to try and stay healthy. Keep reading for information on RSV, flu and COVID-19 for the 2024-25 respiratory virus season.
How to keep youth sports fun
This just in: Kids like to have fun. It shouldn’t be news, but in the current competition-crazy culture of youth sports, it is. “Fun” is the key idea parents should remember from the new State of Play Kansas City, a report and study by the Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program and a broad group of KC-area youth sports advocates (including Children’s Mercy Kansas City).
How to help kids adjust to new siblings
A growing family is a new experience for everyone, grown-ups and kids alike. Having a new baby around comes with lots of change, so big emotions are understandable. As a caring parent or caregiver, you can ease the transition for kids by listening, checking in and staying consistent. No change process is perfect, so it is important to go easy on yourself, too.
10 family-friendly activities to make this fall a ball!
Are you getting excited about the chilly mornings and changing leaves? Us too! If you’re looking for a fun fall outing for the whole family, we have ideas from Children’s Mercy families. Whether you prefer to get into the fall spirit at home or get out and about in the Kansas City area, keep reading for fun ideas!
How to talk with kids about cancer
Cancer is not an easy thing to talk about. It’s understandable why many parents and caregivers feel hesitant to talk with their kids about it. As uncomfortable as it may be, it’s important to be honest with young people about cancer. Talking openly helps relieve anxiety and builds trusting relationships. If someone in your child’s life is diagnosed with cancer, it will affect them. Whether that person is a close family member, a friend, someone at school or in their after-school activities, creating space to talk about cancer is beneficial for your child and for your relationship with them.
Emergency preparedness tips every family should know
Most parents don’t want to consider worst case scenarios. Thinking of your family encountering a natural disaster, fire or the like is scary, but a little preparation can ease worries and help make sure your family is ready to react quickly in a scary situation.
Teaching kids not to bully – and how to react if you find out they are
We all think the best of our kids – but that doesn’t mean at some point, they won’t exhibit bullying behaviors. Why does this happen, how can you teach your kids not to bully and most importantly…how do you react if you find out they’ve bullied a classmate or friend?
How to connect with your teen – authentically
It feels like there are a lot of tips to help you prepare for taking care of a newborn – but those newborns grow up and they turn into teenagers. It’s a different ballgame to try to connect with your teen as they are finding their own interests, likes and dislikes. If you’re looking for ways to connect with your teen but want to keep it genuine, while still respecting their boundaries and budding independence, we’ve got you covered with these 5 tips.
Tips to make your child comfortable during immunizations
Summer days by the pool are ending and the back-to-school to-do lists are being completed. In between supply shopping and meeting the teacher, make sure to schedule time for your child’s school immunizations. Whether your child is starting preschool or their senior year, shots can be nerve-wracking.! We recommend these resources to make immunizations less scary and start the school year off on a positive note.