1 month ago
31
1. "Iron deficiency is a global issue. If everyone got enough iron (as well as other nutrients), we could raise the global IQ by 10 points! If you're breastfeeding, take your prenatal vitamins. Give your kids iron-enriched vitamins and/or make sure they eat enough iron-rich foods. It's especially important during infancy and childhood for proper brain development."
2. "There is nothing wrong with teaching your kids about their bodies. You don't have to go into super-deep conversations about it, but make sure your kid knows why their body does certain things, and that they can set boundaries around their body. Treating bodies like they are dirty secrets does no one any favors."
4. "Vaccines do save lives!!!! They are one of the most significant things that have helped reduce death, disease, and health care costs! As well as increase the average life span."
—Anonymous
"Vaccines don't cause autism. However, vaccine-preventable diseases can cause death and permanent disability."
—Anonymous
5. "Myth: Educational apps and videos are important to early development. Spending focused time with your child, even a little at a time, is so important to early development. Please don't just hand them a phone or iPad!"
—Anonymous, 59, New York
"Screentime is associated with developmental delay and behavioral issues. Please DON'T give your child a screen before bed. Stationary bodies don't mend calm brains!"
—Anonymous
6. "If you suspect your child has autism, ADHD, or another learning disability or mental illness, you should get them tested. If they do have it, you can get them the help and support they need as soon as possible."
7. "Watch excessive iron intake (too much milk can cause anemia!). The recommended daily amount of iron varies by age. Also, care for your young one's teeth, speak to them clearly, and don't ignore early fevers. Bottom line: Be proactive, ask questions, and fight for your child's health!"
8. "The internet and WebMD should be avoided at all costs. If you have a concern or question, call the doctor's office. They aren't there to judge, but they will educate. You'll most likely need to bring your child in, and that's why they are there."
—Anonymous, 56, California
9. "I'm a peds nurse. Other than not vaccinating your children, another huge mistake is not treating asthma more seriously. We have children come to the ER/hospital almost monthly with asthma exacerbation. Parents reek of cigarette/weed smoke, prescriptions don't get filled (we know), and more importantly, their medications are not given. The most important thing is a controller, which they take every single day, even when feeling fine. It prevents hospital visits."
"Asthma can kill your kid, and I wish parents took it much more seriously."
—Anonymous, 38, Canada
10. "Toilet training is actually optional! Through social interaction and just gentle parental teaching and encouragement, most kids will learn to use the potty. Formal systems or training plans aren't needed."
11. "Don't skip vitamin K, which is crucial for helping blood clot properly and bone development."
13. "Anything below 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is not a fever. It doesn't matter what you 'usually run' or if you have a low normal body temperature — 100.4 is the number."
—Anonymous, 33, USA
14. "There is little to no nutritional benefit to juice; it increases the risk of obesity and cavities, and when introduced under the age of 5 years old, it leads to picky eating."
—Anonymous
15. "I'm a pediatric occupational therapist. If your doctor suggests you 'wait and see' whether your infant's delays will improve, seek a second opinion or advocate for an OT/PT evaluation. The sooner delays are addressed, the better the outcome. I see so many 18–24-month-old toddlers, whose motor skills are at an age equivalent of 2–5 months."
"They will likely spend YEARS catching up to their same-aged peers, instead of months, if the delays had been caught in infancy."
—Anonymous
Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
English (US) 