Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: Child Development

Gratitude and Mental Health: Helping Children Practice Thankfulness

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In our busy lives, it can be easy to overlook the small things, but teaching kids gratitude is more than just good manners. It’s an effective way to support their mental health, build resilience, and help them develop a positive outlook on life. As parents, we can guide them toward noticing, appreciating, and expressing thankfulness in ways that really matter. Daily gratitude practice has been linked with better sleep, fewer aches and pains, and a more positive mindset.

Teaching thankfulness to kids can begin as early as the toddler and preschooler years. During this time, kids are naturally focused on themselves, but with simple guidance, they can start understanding the idea of being grateful. Some concepts to start with include encouraging your child to say “thank you” when someone helps them, telling your child why you are thankful for them (for example, “I appreciate how you helped your sibling tie their shoes”), and sharing aloud what you’re grateful for as a family. Participating in small acts of kindness, like donating toys or helping a neighbor, can help them connect gratitude with empathy and service. Consistency is key. Gratitude is a habit and not a one-time lesson. Reinforcing thankfulness in everyday life helps children internalize that thankfulness is part of how they treat themselves and others.

As kids get older, you’ll want to continue instilling habits that encourage thankfulness. Some ways to do this include: 

  1. Talk about things you’re grateful for each day, even the small things. You might want to consider having a family gratitude jar where you leave a collection of notes, each expressing something you’re thankful for. It’s also helpful to make it a bedtime habit. Before the lights go out, ask your child to name a few things they’re grateful for that day. Even when things are tough, finding something positive helps end the day on a good note and can improve mental health. 
  1. Celebrate kindness by helping others. Involving your kids in volunteer activities, like charity drives and helping a neighbor, helps them feel a sense of purpose and a link between giving and gratitude. It’s also a great way for them to grow their skills.
  2. Model gratitude through behavior and not just words. Thank your child for everyday things like helping or sharing.
  1. Highlight generosity. Notice when others go out of their way to help and point it out to your child to reinforce kindness. You’ll also want to do the same for your kids. Give them credit when you notice them doing an act of kindness. Showing your appreciation will encourage them to do the same.
  1. Make practicing gratitude a fun experience for your children. There are so many ways to practice it, and you can help your child find their own unique way. Whether it’s writing thank you notes and cards, drawing a picture, or baking cupcakes for someone, talk to your child about what activity to express thankfulness would make them feel good.

When we practice gratitude, we improve our own well-being and mental health, develop a more optimistic outlook, reduce stress, and build stronger relationships. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s emotions, stress, or mental wellness, please call our office and talk to our pediatrician. 

What to Know About Tylenol

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As a parent, you’ve likely reached for Tylenol (the brand name for acetaminophen) at some point, whether to ease your baby’s fever or soothe teething pain. Recently, some headlines and social media posts have raised questions about whether acetaminophen could be linked to autism or other developmental conditions. Understandably, this has caused concern for many families. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Tylenol is safe for children when used as directed, and there is no link between acetaminophen use and autism.

Decades of studies have shown that acetaminophen, when taken in the correct dose, is an effective and safe way to relieve pain and reduce fever in children. Millions of families have used it for more than 70 years, and it remains one of the most trusted medications in pediatric care.

Some recent claims online have suggested a possible connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy or early childhood and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, according to the AAP, these claims are not supported by credible scientific evidence. The research cited in those claims is inconsistent and does not demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship. In fact, when experts have reviewed all available data, the conclusion is clear: acetaminophen does not cause autism.

When a child is sick, comfort and safety are a parent’s top priorities. Acetaminophen remains one of the safest options for managing fever and pain relief, especially compared to other alternatives. It can be used for children of all ages, including infants, as long as the correct dose is given based on the child’s weight and age.

Here’s what parents can keep in mind for safe use: 

  •     Always follow dosing directions carefully. The right dose depends on your child’s weight, not just their age. Your pediatrician or the medication label can help guide you.
  •     Use the right measuring device. Household spoons are not accurate. Use the syringe or cup that comes with the medication.
  •     Keep track of timing and doses. Avoid giving more than the recommended amount within 24 hours.
  •     Consult your pediatrician if your child’s fever lasts more than a few days or if you’re unsure about dosing.

 

When used as directed, acetaminophen can safely relieve discomfort from teething, colds, ear infections, or even post-vaccine soreness. It’s also a recommended fever reducer for infants under 6 months old (since ibuprofen is not yet safe for that age group).

Some parents have also asked whether taking acetaminophen during pregnancy could affect a baby’s development. The AAP notes that current research does not prove a link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism or ADHD. Pregnant individuals are encouraged to discuss all medications with their healthcare provider, but acetaminophen remains one of the few pain and fever relievers considered safe to use when needed.

It’s easy for misinformation to spread quickly online, especially when it comes to children’s health. The AAP continues to closely review new studies, and its guidance is based on a careful scientific review, not trends or headlines. Your pediatrician is also here to help you navigate these questions and ensure your child gets the care they need. If you have questions about medications, dosing, or managing fever and pain at home, please contact our office. 

Mental Health and Emotional Development in Children and Teens

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Depression and anxiety have been on the rise in children and teens. Kids are facing all types of stressors that are impacting their mental health. Social media, upsetting news, peer pressures, academic pressures, and social exclusion are some of the things that can exacerbate mental health challenges. Fortunately, however, parents and families can provide their children with mental health and emotional development tools to build resilience and learn healthy ways to cope and thrive in tough situations. Below are 4 building blocks to support your family’s mental health. 

Supportive and Stable Relationships at Home  

Every child benefits from strong, stable, and healthy relationships at home. It’s important that kids feel secure and connected with a caring adult and that their home environment is a safe space for them. One way to help children experience stability and connection is to create structured routines. This can include establishing regular mealtimes for eating together, setting specific times for kids to work on their homework, involving children in regular chores to instill a sense of responsibility and belonging, and creating a bedtime ritual. Structured routines can help kids feel more in control of their lives, reduce stress through predictability, and ensure that they’re maintaining their physical health by eating and sleeping well. It’s also beneficial to carve out time for kids to play, relax, or engage in fun activities that give them joy. We recommend dedicating some time to family activities like game nights. 

Another tip to keep in mind is to use positive discipline strategies to teach kids how to manage their behavior. Set limits and consequences for harmful behaviors, and make sure to model the behavior you expect of your kids. Additionally, you’ll want to recognize positive behaviors to encourage your kids to continue them. 

Creating Space for Open Communication

When kids feel anxious or depressed, having a space to express their thoughts and feelings to a trusted adult can make a huge difference. To encourage open dialogue, practice active listening, and foster a supportive, non-judgmental environment so that your child feels comfortable sharing what’s on their mind or what they’re dealing with. It’s helpful to ask open-ended questions instead of yes-or-no ones to better understand your child’s struggles.

Teaching Kids How to Understand and Manage Emotions

Learning how to understand and manage emotions can prevent children from feeling overwhelmed, and you can help your child with the process. Start by acknowledging, naming, and validating their emotion without excusing inappropriate behavior. For example, if your child is lashing out at home, you can say something like, “I see that you’re feeling angry right now. I understand that you’re frustrated, and that’s ok, even though your behavior is not.” From there, you can share healthier ways for them to cope and techniques for calming down, such as deep breaths, muscle relaxation, and visualization, i.e., imagining they’re relaxing on a beach.  

Helping Kids Connect with Peers and Their Community 

Having a strong support system, including trusted friends, and being involved in a community is valuable to a child’s mental health and emotional development. Kids will feel connected to others and that they have a purpose. Starting at a young age, schedule playdates for your toddler so that they can start learning how to form friendships. For older kids, encourage them to invite their friends over or schedule times to meet up with them. Volunteering and participating in extracurricular activities like sports or school clubs help children develop empathy and respect for others. It also improves their self-esteem and confidence and can prevent suicidal thoughts. 

Although more kids today are experiencing mental health issues, these emotional development building blocks can help children overcome their challenges and develop resilience. In some cases, however, children may need additional support. If your child is struggling with depression or anxiety, call our office to speak with our pediatrician.