Written by Kaitlyn Robichaud, guest blogger to MVPediatrics We all know that my sister was an addict…But she was still my sister and my friend. We need more awareness, not just from preventing drugs, but how drugs can impact loved ones too. Over this past week, I have been thinking...
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By Oliver Vonnegut, 12th Grader Do you hope your young child will grow up to be an avid reader? Well, congratulations! You are a normal 21st century parent. Nearly every parent hopes their child grows up to love books instead of video games and television, and for good reason! The...
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By Jennifer Hooper Moore, CPNP-PC I have been around children my whole life and more recently have worked with babies and helped families grow comfortable taking home a premature newborn: how to change a diaper, prepare a bottle, breastfeed or swaddle tightly. I am often asked if I have my...
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By Hope Bresnahan, MSW, LCSW Over the past several weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed our daily lives and left many of us feeling overwhelmed. Whether your mind is bouncing around or you and your child are struggling to stay emotionally regulated, we could all use some extra coping...
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By Jessica Stuart-Shor, LMHC At a time like this most children will experience anxiety and need extra support. Children who were already coping with behavioral issues and their parents may feel overwhelmed. The structures these children and parents rely on throughout their week, like school, have either drastically changed, or...
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By Mark Vonnegut, M.D. For most people it’s like a bad cold but it can be dangerous for a few people. There have been no serious cases in children less than 16. Closing schools, avoiding large crowds, washing hands more often and the other changes we’re going through are the...
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By Whitney Kirchoff, MD We all know the slow, tired feeling we get in the morning after having to stay up especially late one night, but most of us are suffering similar effects from getting just slightly less sleep than we need on a daily basis. A study was done...
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By Barb Vonnegut, Mother of 11th Grader Visiting colleges with your teenager can be nerve-wracking. Try to stay quiet and let the process evolve. I worked in college admissions for 15 years and have been able to reassure most students (and parents) that they will be successful getting through the...
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By Sidra Eschauzier, 11th Grade It’s a little alarming that I’m almost old enough to go to college. The concept of full independence, though oftentimes desired, makes me nervous. My parents will no longer be there to remind me to do the laundry, or give me Tylenol when I need...
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By Jessica Stuart-Shor, LMHC and Mom of 4 children “What do I actually need?” As a counselor and mother of four young children myself, I have asked the very same question. We want to be prepared, yet items for babies are not only expensive but can take up so much...
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By Kristen Cowles, L.I.C.S.W., Behavioral Health Clinician Since I was a little girl I was taught when upset, sad or just not feeling well to go outside. In the winter we were told to bundle up in all our winter gear and play in the snow or take the dog...
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by Anne Marie Mingolelli, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APRN-BC, RN What is it about psychiatric medications that cause such discomfort? Is it the skeptical or disapproving looks you get from well meaning friends and family? Or the suggestions that you try something “healthy” like a vitamin or eating less sugar? Or the...
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by Mark Vonnegut, M.D. It’s now clear that electronic cigarettes, also known as vaping, are more addictive than regular cigarettes and a major personal and public health hazard. Electronic nicotine delivery systems were allegedly developed as a way to help adult smokers quit conventional cigarettes, but marketing has always been...
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by Mark Vonnegut, M.D. Sit quietly in a comfortable position. Close your eyes. Deeply relax all of your muscles, beginning at your feet and progressing up to your face. Keep your muscles relaxed. Breathe through your nose. Become aware of your breathing. As you breathe out (exhale), say the word,...
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by Mark Vonnegut, M.D. It’s hard to be a child. There’s a very real epidemic of anxious children. It’s not just that we’re noticing it more, more kids are in counseling or on psychiatric medications or both than ever before. Once upon a time pediatrics was mostly about ear infections,...
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By Stacey Stratton, Practice Administrator and Mom of 3 boys We all have had those days when there don’t seem to be enough hours, or even minutes to get all that we need to accomplish. As a working mom, some days seem overwhelming with the juggle and the struggle to...
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