Parents Connect Blog

The official blog of Nicklaus Children's Hospital, written by parents for parents.

A space where families share their experiences and inspire hope as we aim to raise happier, healthier children. Contributing bloggers include parents and medical experts who together serve as a voice for families everywhere. We invite you to join our online community and connect with us on the parenting journey.

 

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Latest Blog Posts

Keeping Safe this Summer

July 02, 2018 – Making sure that someone is always paying attention to the water or to the children is a huge way to avoid a drowning event. To help you with this, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is distributing free Water Watcher badges to families in the community. 

From Babbling to Words: How to Stimulate Your Child’s Language During the First Year of Life

June 20, 2018 – The first year of a child’s life is full of wonderful firsts: The first nerve wracking car ride home after the hospital, the first time he or she smiles, the first time a child actually sleeps through the night (yay) and, of course, the first time you hear your child’s voice. Your child will begin to communicate with you and express himself long before you even hear his first word.

The Definition of Motherhood

May 18, 2018 – My family and I recently relocated to Birmingham, Al. One of the many things on my to do list was to find a counselor in this new city. In one of our first sessions together, she asked me this seemingly simple question. “What does it mean to you to be a mother?”  I started to answer by listing off things that I do as a mother, tasks that I assume as my son’s mother, but that’s not what she asked me. I had to stop, take a breath, and answer as honestly as I could.

Caring for Rare

February 27, 2018 – In honor of Rare Disease Day 2018, I’m sharing with you my experience so far in raising a child with a rare diagnosis. So rare, in fact, he shares the diagnosis with approximately 50 other people worldwide. For us, this means many things physically, and emotionally. It requires patience, the ability to acquire and hold on to new knowledge, the openness to learn how to care for your child in a way that does not come naturally, and making peace with unknowns. Let’s dive in.

No such thing as planning in parenting

January 31, 2018 – It’s always a good idea to educate yourself and try to prepare for the challenges that parenthood will inevitably bring. There are various parenting self-help books available and, of course, an experienced mom or dad may be able to offer a pointer or two. But even if you do access all your resources – guess what? You’re going to make mistakes because you’re human and child-rearing is not a perfect science. I promise that nobody has it completely figured out.

Ser mamá de 3

January 29, 2018 – Una pregunta bastante común en estos días es ¿qué se siente ser mamá de 3? Y con el corazón en la mano y muchas ganas de compartir esta aventura, les contaré lo maravilloso y lo complicado que es.
Yo soy hija única, crecí sin hermanos y sin primitos, por lo que siempre soñé con tener una familia grande. Después de tener a mi primera hija, estaba segura que quería tener otro bebé y sin dudas ni miedos, buscamos a mi pequeña Sabrina.

Holidays in the Hospital

January 23, 2018 – ’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring because we were stuck in the Special Care Unit at our local children’s hospital fighting a terrible trifecta of pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and gastrointestinal issues. What a vacation, right? Five days of respiratory support, holding feeds, and sleeping on a couch did not really meet our expectations for a Christmas holiday this past year, but it’s where we ended up.

Tough Love

December 20, 2017 – Sometimes it seriously feels like my child hates me, and I know I am not the only mom to ever feel this way. I love that kid more than I could ever adequately express in words, and every single thing that I do, I do with the intention of providing the best possible childhood for him.

"Priorities"

December 13, 2017 – Having a kid with multiple chronic health conditions has given me a whole new outlook on prioritizing. And I don’t mean the more obvious “putting your children’s needs before your own” kind of priority, I’m talking about the minuscule tasks and goals that need to be prioritized each and every day. 

A Mother's Oath

November 22, 2017 – As mothers, we sometimes assume all responsibility for our children’s pain. We forget that it’s not only impossible to absorb or prevent all of their suffering, but it may also be detrimental to their well-being. Sure, we want to eliminate whatever stressors we can, but some obstacles will not be removable. And sometimes, just because a challenge can be avoided, doesn’t mean that it should be.