All play is not equal. With the power of marketing, play has become increasingly associated with toys, electronic gadgets, television, and video games. Just think about the amount of ads for children’s toys over the holidays. Just think about the things your child might have asked for and the latest trends that become the new must-have of the season.Without realizing it, we may be intervening in a child’s most natural form of ...
Yolanda Wong, MD
Children who curse, and the power of words
Today was a rough day at work. My schedule of 10 patients for the afternoon rapidly ballooned into 17. People were sick and miserable. Those who were healthy were frustrated by the long wait. I heard myself apologizing over and over to each family.The day was mostly a chaotic blur. Babies crying, phones ringing, parents reprimanding children on the brink of a meltdown. I don't remember much of it, except ...
Let’s stop the war between breastfeeding and formula feeding
I am all for breastfeeding. Without doubt, breast milk is incredible stuff. And it's free. Who complains about free?Nevertheless, somewhere along the way, the campaign for breastfeeding has spun out of control. The topic has morphed into yet another competition in the arena of parenthood. Mothers boast about breastfeeding. Mothers compare how long they nurse. Mothers compare how much milk can be pumped in one sitting. Mothers are made ...
The relationship between parents and pediatricians
It's strange being on the other side for a change. I remember bringing my son to his first doctor's appointment. A new mom. No stethoscope around my neck. No patient schedule, replaced instead by the constant grind of breastfeeding.I knew it was just another routine newborn check for our pediatrician, but every maternal fiber in me believed that my son must be the cutest baby that ever walked through that clinic. ...
