http://www.lebonheur.org Most Recent Practical Parenting Blogs en-US 2026-07-12T06:36:12 Traveling with a child who has complex medical needs requires extra preparation. Dr. Rebekah Shappley, medical director of the Complex Care Clinic at Le Bonheur Children’s, shares essential tips on packing, medical plans, and traveling with feeding tubes, wheelchairs, oxygen, or trachs. /blogs/practical-parenting/traveling-with-a-medically-complex-child-tips-for-families-and-caregivers 2026-07-09T10:00:00 Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can present in surprising ways, from persistent mouth sores to severe abdominal pain and bloody stools. At Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Dr. Jason Frischer, surgeon-in-chief and division chief of Pediatric Surgery, and Dr. Mark Corkins, division chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology, explain what parents need to know about this complex autoimmune condition. /blogs/practical-parenting/inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd-in-children-hope-and-healing-is-within-reach 2026-07-02T01:30:00 When we think of childhood illnesses, measles, mumps and rubella may feel like diseases of no concern, but they remain very real and, in some cases, very dangerous. These viruses can spread quickly through communities, especially where immunization rates are lower, putting children and vulnerable populations at risk. /blogs/practical-parenting/mmr-explained-protecting-children-from-measles-mumps-and-rubella 2026-06-25T11:30:00 With many community pools opening for the summer, it's important to remember to stay safe while in or around water. Children can drown in a matter of seconds. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children between 1 and 4 years old, according to Safe Kids USA. /blogs/practical-parenting/water-safety 2026-06-24T10:00:00 What do tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough have in common, and why should parents still be thinking about diseases that many assume are “a thing of the past”? In a recent Q&A, Dr. Margo Saharovici of Le Bonheur Pediatrics breaks down these serious, sometimes life-threatening illnesses. /blogs/practical-parenting/tetanus-diphtheria-and-pertussis-a-pediatrician-explains-the-risks-and-prevention 2026-06-11T10:00:00 When it comes to protecting your child’s health, it’s natural to have questions, especially about infections that affect the liver, like hepatitis A and hepatitis B. While both are preventable and manageable, they spread in very different ways and carry different risks for children. /blogs/practical-parenting/hepatitis-a-and-hepatitis-b-what-every-parent-needs-to-know 2026-05-21T11:00:00 The most effective way to keep kids safe from gun injuries is to have no guns in the home where children live or play. If you do have a gun in your home, follow these important tips to prevent accidental injuries. /blogs/practical-parenting/if-you-own-a-gun-prevent-accidental-injuries-by-following-these-safety-practices 2026-05-21T09:30:00 Potty training is one of those milestones that can bring equal parts excitement and anxiety. Every child is different, every family is different and the process rarely goes exactly as planned. Dr. Colby Butzon, a behavioral health consultant at Le Bonheur Pediatrics, helps families navigate this journey with less stress and more confidence. /blogs/practical-parenting/potty-training-without-the-stress-expert-tips-for-families 2026-05-07T10:00:00 Most parents expect some pushback from their kids. But, what if the resistance goes beyond typical defiance and shows up even when you suggest something your child actually enjoys? Dr. Donald Bearden, division chief of Psychology and Behavioral Health at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, helps explain what it is, how it differs from other conditions and what parents can do about it. /blogs/practical-parenting/is-it-defiance-or-something-else-understanding-pathological-demand-avoidance-pda-in-children 2026-04-30T08:30:00 Change is hard for everyone. But for children, whose brains are still developing and whose sense of security depends heavily on routine, even seemingly small transitions can feel overwhelming. Katelyn Dailey, a child life specialist at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, works with children and families every day to reduce stress and build resilience. /blogs/practical-parenting/helping-kids-navigate-big-changes-what-parents-and-caregivers-should-know 2026-04-22T09:00:00 It often starts small, like a red patch, a mysterious bump or a rash you didn’t notice the day before. In a blink, it’s itchy, irritated and leads to a visit to your child’s primary care provider. Dr. Stephen Bauch, MD, with Le Bonheur Pediatrics, breaks down what’s common and when to seek medical advice so you’re prepared when something unfamiliar pops up. /blogs/practical-parenting/bumps-and-rashes-common-skin-conditions-explained 2026-04-15T01:00:00 May is National Stop The Bleed Month. May 23 is National Stop the Bleed Day, an awareness campaign intended to encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. /blogs/practical-parenting/are-you-prepared-in-a-bleeding-emergency 2026-04-08T10:30:00 We are often left wondering, was there a point at which someone could have intervened? A relative? A friend? A neighbor? Reporting suspected abuse is mandated by law. /blogs/practical-parenting/preventing-child-abuse-and-neglect 2026-03-20T07:30:00 Red, crusty, itchy eyes? Your child may have conjunctivitis, more commonly known as “pink eye.” From a medical standpoint, pink eye is redness and swelling of the tissue covering the eye and the inside of the eyelids. /blogs/practical-parenting/pink-eye-101-what-every-parent-needs-to-know 2026-03-09T08:45:00 Knowing what a seizure is, how to respond safely and when to seek specialized care can make a critical difference for children. Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Sarah Weatherspoon of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital explains what families need to know about seizures and epilepsy. /blogs/practical-parenting/understanding-seizures-in-children-what-parents-need-to-know 2026-02-09T01:30:00 Take simple precautions such as adjusting your water heater and using the back burners on your kitchen stove whenever possible. /blogs/practical-parenting/4-simple-ways-to-prevent-burns-and-scalds 2026-01-27T10:30:00 Preparing your daughter for her first period and the many more that follow is no easy task. But it isn’t impossible. Be open and positive to make this new change in your daughter’s life as easy as possible. /blogs/practical-parenting/what-parents-need-to-know-about-first-periods-and-when-to-be-concerned 2026-01-16T08:45:00 At Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, the Sports Cardiology Program helps ensure young athletes can participate safely while performing at their best. /blogs/practical-parenting/keeping-young-athletes-safe-what-parents-should-know-about-sports-cardiology 2026-01-14T10:30:00 Accidental falls can result in serious injuries – from skull fractures, brain bleeds and facial fractures – to broken extremity bones. /blogs/practical-parenting/preventing-accidental-falls-in-children 2026-01-09T08:00:00 Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday life, and parenting is no exception. Dr. Jason Yaun, chief of Outpatient Pediatrics at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, shares his perspective on using AI in parenting and why it should never replace a trusted pediatrician. /blogs/practical-parenting/ai-and-parenting-why-technology-can-t-replace-your-child-s-pediatrician 2026-01-05T10:30:00 According to Safe Kids Worldwide, every day, six teens are killed in a motor vehicle crash in the U.S. What behaviors increase your teen’s risk for getting in a car accident? /blogs/practical-parenting/7-dangerous-things-teens-do-while-driving 2025-12-01T09:30:00 Dr. Webb Smith, clinical exercise physiologist at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, explains how physical activity not only prevents illness but can also be prescribed as part of a medical treatment plan for children, including those living with chronic conditions. /blogs/practical-parenting/exercise-as-medicine-why-kids-need-movement-for-lifelong-health 2025-10-30T10:15:00 ¶¶ÒõÂþ»­ sleep fuels a child’s body and brain. Different phases of sleep consolidate learning and memory, drive growth hormone release, regulate cortisol and inflammation and clean out the byproducts of normal thinking. In growing brains, that cleanup and regulation are essential, says Dr. Erick Vioritto, a pediatric neurologist and sleep medicine specialist at Le Bonheur Children’s. /blogs/practical-parenting/why-sleep-matters-for-kids-and-how-to-fix-common-sleep-issues 2025-10-23T11:15:00 Food, family, gifts and decorations are all highlights of the holiday season, and this year there is plenty to celebrate as we all gather together. The thing that can ruin all the fun is a home fire.  /blogs/practical-parenting/keep-the-cheer-ditch-the-flames-holiday-fire-safety-tips 2025-10-22T12:15:00 Dr. Donald Bearden, chief of Pediatric Psychology and Behavioral Health at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, discusses how parents’ mental and physical health affects their children’s development—and what families can do to create healthier patterns together. /blogs/practical-parenting/how-parents-health-and-habits-shape-their-children-s-well-being 2025-10-16T11:45:00 For children ages 5-19, unintentional pedestrian injuries are the fifth leading cause of death nationwide. Teenagers are at the greatest risk with a death rate twice that of younger children. At Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, we treat an average of 58 kids a year struck by cars while walking. This year, we have treated 24 kids so far. Whether your child is walking to school, the park or a fri... /blogs/practical-parenting/keeping-kids-safe-on-the-streets-essential-child-pedestrian-safety-tips 2025-09-24T09:15:00 Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 14, and the third leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 24. /blogs/practical-parenting/myths-and-facts-about-suicide 2025-09-01T09:00:00 Kerri Crawford, a child life specialist at Le Bonheur Children's, offers helpful advice surrounding teaching kids how to advocate for their medical needs to ensure they can navigate new environments away from home with both confidence and care. /blogs/practical-parenting/teaching-kids-how-to-advocate-for-their-medical-needs-when-away-from-home 2025-08-26T09:30:00 All-terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents are a common cause of Le Bonheur Emergency Room visits. Every year, Le Bonheur cares for more than 100 kids who have been hurt in an ATV accident. /blogs/practical-parenting/adventure-safely-atv-safety-tips-for-kids 2025-07-28T10:00:00 Dr. Colby Butzon, Behavioral Health Supervisor with Le Bonheur Pediatrics, shares helpful information such as common toddler behaviors, why they happen and practical, compassionate strategies to guide your child through them. /blogs/practical-parenting/addressing-behavioral-issues-in-toddlers-top-tips-from-a-behavioral-health-consultant 2025-07-24T10:30:00 Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are concerns this time of year. /blogs/practical-parenting/how-to-stay-safe-in-the-summer-heat 2025-07-14T10:30:00 Many summer celebrations wouldn’t be complete without fireworks. But when children are around it’s important to take extra precaution, as firework temperatures can reach extreme heights. /blogs/practical-parenting/fireworks-safety 2025-06-24T10:15:00 Fetal Cardiology is aimed to deal with heart problems in fetuses – giving an opportunity for the families to be prepared before the birth of the child. /blogs/practical-parenting/fetal-cardiology-what-is-it-why-is-it-important 2025-05-23T10:30:00 Childhood accidents occur daily, but few are as dangerous and fast-acting as button battery ingestions. Button batteries are small, round, shiny batteries found in everything from remote controls to musical greeting cards and even children’s toys. /blogs/practical-parenting/button-battery-ingestion-a-hidden-danger-every-parent-needs-to-know 2025-05-13T09:45:00 Dr. Price Edwards, pediatric gastroenterologist at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, discusses the causes, symptoms and strategies for preventing and treating constipation in kids so families can find relief and get back to focusing on the joys of childhood. /blogs/practical-parenting/is-your-child-constipated-expert-advice-from-a-pediatric-gastroenterologist 2025-04-16T12:00:00 Dr. Grace Nelson, a pediatric endocrinologist with Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, shares tips on navigating the ups and downs of puberty with confidence, knowledge and reassurance. /blogs/practical-parenting/navigating-the-puberty-journey-tips-for-parents-and-adolescents 2025-03-21T12:00:00 As of March 20, 2025, the U.S. has had 378 confirmed cases of Measles and 1 pediatric death. Confirmed cases are growing. We now have confirmed cases in Tennessee and Shelby County.  The best way to prevent this from happening is to make sure that children receive their vaccines on time. /blogs/practical-parenting/measles-understanding-the-symptoms-risks-and-prevention-strategies 2025-03-06T08:45:00 Dr. Madeline Davis, a pediatrician at Le Bonheur Pediatrics, addresses some common health concerns new parents have. /blogs/practical-parenting/a-guide-for-new-parents-expert-advice-from-a-le-bonheur-children-s-physician 2025-03-03T12:00:00 In 2024, 48% of the kids who were hurt in a motor vehicle collision (MVC) that Le Bonheur's Trauma Team treated weren't restrained or improperly restrained. Here are tips from Safe Kids Worldwide on ensuring children are safe when traveling in a motor vehicle. /blogs/practical-parenting/child-passenger-safety-tips 2025-02-28T09:00:00 Dr. Rudy Kink, Medical Director of Pedi-Flite and Pediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, offers important information for parents and caregivers. /blogs/practical-parenting/opioid-exposure-keeping-your-kids-safe 2025-02-25T02:00:00 Dr. Sandra Arnold, a Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases breaks down the differences between the flu, RSV and COVID-19 and offers guidance for when to seek care for your child. /blogs/practical-parenting/is-it-the-flu-rsv-or-covid-19 2025-02-03T11:00:00 Colby Butzon, PhD, a psychologist with Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, shares the signs of SAD in kids, its underlying causes and practical approaches to help them thrive even during the darker months. /blogs/practical-parenting/addressing-seasonal-affective-disorder-in-kids 2025-01-29T12:00:00 Mark Corkins, MD discusses the often-confusing world of vitamins and supplements for children, why these nutrients are vital for growth and development and the safest ways to incorporate them into their diet. /blogs/practical-parenting/do-kids-need-to-take-vitamins-and-supplements 2025-01-22T12:00:00 Safe Kids Mid-South, led by Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, offers cold weather safety tips while “At Home, At Play and On the Way.” /blogs/practical-parenting/winter-weather-safety-tips 2025-01-06T01:30:00 In Tennessee, more than 8,000 cases of maltreatment were reported, nearly half of which involved physical abuse. Dr. Erin Wade, board-certified child abuse pediatrician and member of the CARES team (Child Advocacy Resource and Evaluation Services) at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital shares important information surrounding child abuse and ways the community can help to recognize and prevent it. /blogs/practical-parenting/child-abuse-signs-prevention-tips-and-resources 2024-11-26T11:00:00 When your child is sick or injured, how do you know if it's time to call their pediatrician, go to urgent care, or head to the emergency department? It can be confusing to know which of these options is the best place to be. /blogs/practical-parenting/what-does-your-child-need-pediatrician-s-office-urgent-care-or-emergency-room 2024-10-23T12:00:00 The winter months are typically thought of as peak time for illnesses, but the truth is kids can get sick anytime of year. An especially tricky time is the back-to-school season when kids experience greater exposure to potential illnesses. How can parents best prepare? /blogs/practical-parenting/navigating-the-autumn-sickness-season 2024-10-09T01:00:00 Many children are picky eaters, refusing to eat things like vegetables or simply hesitant to try new foods. But when does pick eating turn into something more concerning? /blogs/practical-parenting/picky-eater-or-eating-disorder-understanding-arfid-in-children 2024-10-09T12:00:00 Young and younger- people are getting into the skincare game, which provides no shortage of options, many highlighted on social media by influencers. How do you know what’s safe (and what’s not) for your preteen? /blogs/practical-parenting/safe-skincare-for-preteens 2024-09-17T12:00:00 It’s devastating to lose anyone to suicide, but a child’s death is nearly unthinkable. Unfortunately, childhood suicide is on the rise. In 2022, one of the leading causes of death for teens and young adults was suicide. /blogs/practical-parenting/why-is-childhood-suicide-on-the-rise 2024-08-29T11:00:00