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

Coping with COVID-19 for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

July 21, 2020 – As a parent or caregiver of a child with an intellectual disability during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, your family may be experiencing significant changes. You can help your child navigate these difficult times by taking into consideration 

Benefits of Farm Fresh, Locally Grown Produce is Always Trending

July 09, 2020 – Not only does buying fruits and vegetables that are in season offer you the best value for your money as well as more nutritious for you, but it also supports our local farmers, the environment, and will help boost our local economy.

Why are Walnuts Good for Me?

June 11, 2020 – Walnuts are tasty nuts that deserve a place at your table, with 13 grams of polyunsaturated fats, 4 grams of protein, 4 grams of total carbohydrate, 2 grams of dietary fiber, 130 mg of potassium and 30 mg of calcium per ounce.

Tech-Free Entertainment

June 08, 2020 – These days, most children are hooked on technology. With social distancing recommendations and shelter-in-place orders becoming our new normal, it’s a challenge to keep kids off electronics. They’re on Zoom video conferencing for virtual school, completing assignments on the web, playing with apps on their tablets, and TV has become a way to pass #quarantinelife.

Keeping Our Children’s Eyes Healthy During Prolonged Use of Electronic Devices

June 02, 2020 – We all have had to make several adjustments during this new era of COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing. One of the most significant and unique impacts on our children in particular has been the transition to virtual schooling and an increased use of computers and electronic devices. Children in South Florida, across the country and around the world have been attending school virtually for the past two months with no clear end in sight.

All Snacks are Not Created Equally

May 19, 2020 – Understanding why you are snacking is as important as knowing what to snack on. So, let’s take a closer look at the science behind snacking. Research says – We snack to satisfy cravings, relieve hunger, increase nutrient intake, boredom, to deal with emotions and sometimes to replace meals. The go-to-snacks are usually something like chocolate, chips and/or cheese. Mindful Snacking – Is about paying attention to what you eat, why you eat it, and how you eat it. Understanding the purpose and intention of the snack.

Foods to Help Manage Stress

May 05, 2020 – Good stress or short-term stress is a healthy natural response that enhances the immune system. It is the long-term chronic stress that affects our ability to make healthy choices and to fight infections. To maximize the effects of "good stress," we need to find ways to cope with it fast. Fortunately, there are many things that we can do. Staying active and getting the right amount of sun is essential in managing stress. Check out the following tips that can help next time you find yourself in a stressful situation.

Supporting Children with ADHD While Social Distancing

May 01, 2020 – Children who have transitioned to the home-school or virtual-school setting may experience difficulties focusing. This can be especially true for a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Through structure, tailored behavior management plans, and reinforcement strategies, children with ADHD can thrive in this “new normal.”

Tips for Ordering Restaurant Meals

April 28, 2020 – Making healthful choices from restaurant menus can be challenging, and online menus can be more difficult since nutrition facts are usually hidden within the site, if available at all. Understanding the menu language will help you make smart food choices.

Five Tips on Meal Planning and Healthy Eating on a Budget

April 24, 2020 – Sometimes deciding what to cook is just a matter of asking your tummy, “What do you want to eat?” and sometimes it takes a short trip to the pantry or fridge to get inspired.