How to Parent Tips

Meet Enterovirus D68, the Potentially Lethal Virus

November 3, 2014 By Alex Leave a Comment

Every year we hear about a new virus–and every virus seems like it’s scarier than the last. My mom kept asking if I had heard about Enterovirus D68–a virus that started in the midwest and is slowly making it’s way across America, hospitalizing children along the way. I hadn’t heard a thing about it, and neither had the majority of my friends. It was time for Breezy Mama to do some investigating. We turned to Dr. Carol Wilkinson, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Kinsights, and a pediatrician at UCSF for some insight. . .

What is a enterovirus?

There are actually many different types of enteroviruses that infect children every year. The CDC estimates that there are 10-15 million enteroviral infections in children every year! Usually, these infections cause simple minor colds. However, this year, one specific enterovirus, Enterovirus D68, has been responsible for more severe [Read more…] about Meet Enterovirus D68, the Potentially Lethal Virus

Question of the Day: Explaining the Dangers of Strangers

September 8, 2014 By Alex Leave a Comment

Question of the Day is where Breezy Mama‘s Go-To parenting whiz, Dr. Fran Walfish, who is an Expert in Parents Magazine’s “Ask Our Experts” column, is here to answer your daily parenting questions. Make sure to send us what’s on your mind to alex@breezymama.com and Dr. Walfish will tackle it in a future Breezy post. Now on to today’s question. . .

How do I explain to my child the dangers of strangers without giving them nightmares?

Before talking to your children, you need a good “self thermometer” to make sure that you don’t have signs of fear or anxiety in your voice. If you do, you may [Read more…] about Question of the Day: Explaining the Dangers of Strangers

Tips on Getting Kids Ready for Preschool

August 18, 2014 By Lan Nguyen Leave a Comment

Breezy Mama Editor Lan has the scoop on tips for starting preschool!

From Lan:

If your family is like ours and has a child entering preschool for the first time, fall will be an exciting and stressful time. We asked Maria Dantos-Katsaros, director of the Upper Valley Preschool in New York City, for some tips on how to make the transition as smooth as possible. Start talking about all the exciting things they will do at preschool one month before the first day, recommends Dantos-Katsaros, who has worked as a classroom teacher and as educational directors for institutions like Bright Horizon and Sylvan Learning Center. Here are some more tips:

How do you prepare your child for preschool?
Talking to your child about their upcoming entry into preschool is a great way to prepare them for what is ahead. If possible, visit the school with the child ahead of time so that they can meet their teachers and know what to anticipate. Talk about the [Read more…] about Tips on Getting Kids Ready for Preschool

Question of the Day: My Child Keeps Using Bad Language!

August 11, 2014 By Alex 1 Comment

My child keeps using bad language. How do I explain that this is not okay?

Obviously there are words that most parents don’t want their children to use. They won’t get your children invited on playdates or into the sorority. First off, as a parent, you want to make sure [Read more…] about Question of the Day: My Child Keeps Using Bad Language!

5 Secrets for Ending Bed Wetting

August 6, 2014 By Chelsea Leave a Comment

Low and behold you are finally done with middle of the night feedings but NOW are being woken up because your child wet the bed! Scrambling in the middle of the night to change sheets, your child’s pj’s and throwing in a load of wash can throw your whole next day off. Breezy Mama joined Mary of the MamaMaryShow and Dr. Melinda Silva on Fox 5 San Diego this morning to discuss my favorite tips on how to stop a child from wetting the bed!

1. Stop all [Read more…] about 5 Secrets for Ending Bed Wetting