Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: Education & School Readiness

Helping Your Teen Decide on College

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Hearing back from college applications can cause a great deal of anxiety for adolescents and families. Kids might be worried that they won’t get accepted into the college of their dreams or feel uncertain about which college to choose when they receive acceptance from a few. After all, choosing the right college is a big step and can be overwhelming. To make this process easier, break down the different factors to help your child determine which path to take. 

One aspect to start with is your child’s academic, career, and life goals. Universities tend to have strong reputations in certain fields or have programs that are tailored to specific career endeavors. For example, some schools might be known for their science or business programs, while others might be known for art disciplines or sports. Consider your child’s specific goals and interests and decide on a college that is best aligned with them. It’s helpful to speak to a university’s program advisor and read through their course catalog to get a better sense of the school’s offerings and if they provide the learning value and experiences your child is looking for. 

The school environment is also an important factor to consider. Some kids might prefer large campuses, while others prefer smaller ones. Whether the school is in a metropolitan city or a small town can also matter. Talk to your kid about the type of environment that they would be most comfortable in and discuss the different lifestyles associated with each so that they have an idea of what to expect and can decide accordingly. 

For children with learning disabilities or special needs, finding a college that has the right accommodations and support systems is essential. Take a look at what the university offers in terms of academic resources and counseling, and make sure that they provide what your child needs.  

In addition to programs, location, environment, and resources, the cost of the university can also be a determining factor. While tuition is a major part of the cost, you’ll also want to keep in mind the other expenses, including housing, transportation, and supplies. You may find the tuition of a local school to be higher than a school that’s far away, but if your child does not need to pay for housing, the overall cost can even out, or the local school with the higher tuition may end up being less expensive. We recommend taking a look through financial aid options as well as scholarship opportunities available that can help with covering expenses. Whenever possible, it’s beneficial to have your teen visit college campuses and attend tours. They’ll get the opportunity to talk to other students and get a sense of the environment before deciding.

Keep in mind that while it’s helpful to guide your teen in their decision-making, let them take the lead. Ultimately, your child needs to decide what school is best for them and the life journey they wish to embark on. But let them know that if they are uncertain about what major they wish to study or have concerns that they won’t end up liking the university they select, they can transfer to another school later, change their major, or start as undeclared.

Lastly, sometimes hearing back from college applications can bring disappointing news when your child gets a rejection letter, especially if it’s from a university they were hoping to get accepted to. This is an opportunity to remind your child that setbacks are part of life, but don’t dismiss their feelings. Instead, you can help them reframe this experience by letting them know that this one decision won’t hinder achieving their dreams but rather present a different route. Acknowledge their accomplishments, skills, and potential, and encourage them to focus on these as they move forward. 

Finishing up the final year of high school and dealing with college applications can be both exciting and stressful and bring up a variety of emotions. We recommend checking in with your child often and making sure that they’re eating well and getting enough sleep. If your child is struggling, please don’t hesitate to call our office.




Choosing and Preparing Your Child for Daycare

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Are you looking for a daycare program for your child? Choosing the right one is an important decision to ensure that your child’s needs are met and that they have a positive experience. Daycare provides opportunities for children to connect with their peers, learn new skills such as language, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, and build routines in a safe, nurturing environment. It also gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your child is in good hands while you balance work and other obligations.

When it comes to finding the right daycare, you’ll want to start the search early, as some centers can have a long waitlist. Some factors to consider are safety, cleanliness, and qualifications of staff members, including being certified in CPR and first aid. Verify if the center is licensed or registered with the appropriate government agencies and if they’re currently accredited or in the process of becoming accredited. While accreditation is not required, daycare centers that are accredited offer higher quality of care and learning experiences. 

It’s always best to visit the center in person to get a sense of what the environment is like and to observe interactions between caregivers and children. You’ll get the opportunity to ask questions to determine if the daycare is the right fit for your family. It’s particularly helpful to inquire about the daycare’s policies on health, discipline, and communication with parents. You’ll also want to make sure that the child care center has measures in place for emergency preparedness and safety procedures. Other relevant aspects are the daycare’s hours and whether they align with your scheduling needs, costs, and payment methods. Confirm that the daycare has a qualified health professional who can address any health concerns and issues that may come up.

Once you have chosen your daycare, preparing your child to adjust to the transition is the next step. Most children adapt well, but some might struggle and feel upset. Being separated from family and in a setting with strangers can be distressing for kids, especially in the beginning. To help overcome this, talk to your child in advance of starting daycare and let them know what they can expect. Frame your language in a positive light to make the experience less scary. You can talk about how they’ll get to make new friends or play with new toys, for example. Reassure them that they will be back at home and that they will see you again soon. It might also be helpful to give your child a toy or a family photo to carry as a reminder of their home. If the center offers orientations, that can help your child develop familiarity before they attend the program. Additionally, there are many books about going to daycare that you can share with your kids to prepare them. 

If your child has any specific needs, developmental or learning disabilities, or health conditions, communicate about this to the caregivers at the center and ask for any accommodations that may be needed. For any questions or concerns about starting daycare, please call our pediatrician.



Executive Functioning Skills in Kids

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If your child has learning differences like ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developing executive functioning skills can be challenging. Executive functioning skills are essential brain functions that help children (and adults) plan, stay organized, control impulses, regulate emotions, and make decisions. Children who struggle with executive functioning may feel easily overwhelmed by everyday tasks, like finishing homework, keeping track of school assignments, or completing household chores

The good news is that there are several effective strategies to help children improve these skills and tackle tasks more confidently. Here are some helpful methods to support your child in building executive functioning skills.

Break Down Tasks into Smaller Steps
Breaking larger tasks down into manageable steps can help kids feel less overwhelmed. For example, if your child has a big project or a long list of chores, teach them to create a checklist of smaller steps. By tackling one step at a time, they’ll gain a sense of accomplishment and feel less daunted by the larger task. Checklists and clear steps make it easier to stay organized and keep track of progress.

Use a Planner or Calendar
A planner or calendar is a great tool for children who tend to forget deadlines or struggle to keep up with assignments. Encourage your child to get into the habit of jotting down homework, test dates, and other responsibilities in a planner. Having all their to-do items in one place helps them plan their time effectively and reduces the risk of missing important tasks. It’s also beneficial to set time limits for each task so that they can get a sense of how to map out their schedule.

Establish Routines
Habits take time to build, but once routines are in place, they can help children feel more grounded and organized. A consistent routine, including setting homework time, bedtime, or a chore schedule, provides structure and makes it easier for kids to manage their responsibilities and activities without becoming overwhelmed.

Find the Right Learning Methods
Every child has their own unique learning style, so finding methods that work best for your child can make a difference. Visual learners, for example, may benefit from using visual aids like charts or color-coded organizers. Some kids might also respond well to reward systems, where they earn incentives for completing tasks to keep them motivated.

Create a Distraction-Free Workspace
When it’s time to focus on homework, a distraction-free environment is key. Help your child set up a quiet, organized space for work that is free of screen devices (unless needed for homework), clutter, and noise. Making sure their workspace is comfortable and well-organized can go a long way in creating a positive environment for learning and concentration. All of these strategies can help your child build a foundation for strong executive functioning skills that will empower them to approach tasks with confidence. If your child has a learning disability and is still struggling with executive functioning skills, it may be helpful to reach out for additional support. Call our office for further guidance and resources to support your child’s needs.