Dietary Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers
Did you know the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) update the dietary guidelines for Americans every 5 years? These updates are based on new research conducted by an independent committee that strives to provide transparency and include public input when possible. The committee doesn’t just look …
Using Assertive Communication
People use different methods to communicate their perspectives and thoughts to others. Some styles of communicating are more effective than other styles, and how successful the communication is can depend on the style of communication used. There are three communication styles: passive, aggressive, and assertive. Each style assumes different levels of respect for the person …
Children under 24 months are sweet enough without added sugar!
Dietary guidelines for Americans are issued every 5 years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services. The 2020-2025 guidelines include updated information about added sugar for children younger than 24 months and recommend these children do not receive any added sugars. In addition, the U.S. Food and …
Promoting Healthy Behaviors to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19
As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, parents and families should remain diligent in modeling and promoting healthy behaviors that reduce the spread of COVID-19. Currently, a vaccine is not available to help minimize and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Fortunately, there are several strategies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention …
Talking to Children about Germs, COVID-19, and Practicing Proper Hygiene
With the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many children may have questions about the virus or germs in general. What are Germs? Germs are everywhere! They are small and can enter our bodies without us knowing. Some germs can live on surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, countertops) for a short period of time. Once they …
Recognizing and Managing Stress for Parents
Stress is an unavoidable part of life. Parents can experience stress related to a variety of situations. These situations can be ordinary, such as getting your children to school on time or rushing home from work to make dinner. On the other hand, they can be extreme, such as facing a serious illness or financial …
Helmet and Bike Safety for Children
Whether used for transportation or just for fun, bikes can be a great way to get outdoors and get some exercise! When parents encourage their children to practice helmet and bike safety, they can help prevent some injuries that can occur while riding, such as concussions. Most importantly, children and adults should always wear a …
How to Choose Between Store-Bought and Homemade Baby Food
Starting to feed your baby solid foods at around 6 months of age is an exciting time! When you start feeding your baby solid foods, you may think about whether homemade baby food is better than purchasing it from the store. Both of these are good options, but you may want to think about the …
