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2020 has been a challenging year and many of us are looking forward to the cheer the holidays bring. Now that the fall semester of school is winding down, kids may be inclined to hang out in their rooms, watch TV or play on electronic devices. As parents, we know kids had plenty of that with the extended Spring Break and summer this year! Below are some ways to keep children’s minds and bodies engaged in learning while having fun and bonding as a family this holiday season.
Holiday decorating
It is important to...

In the wake of heightened racial tension and focus on the differences among us, we are left wondering how we can help our children adjust well and make sense of how race and other differences operate in our world. The Collaborative on Racial Equity and Inclusion for Black Youth (REI-BY) was established at Texas Children’s Hospital in June 2020 to support youth and their families in light of these circumstances. In collaboration with the hospital’s Child Life department, we created a virtual book reading and Q&A session with the author of “I’m Gonna Push...

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Thanksgiving is a special time of year for me and my family. We usually gather around the table to share memories, tell funny stories and, of course, enjoy our family’s traditional Thanksgiving feast of turkey, stuffing, green beans and other sides, including my sister’s homemade macaroni and cheese.
Many families like ours will celebrate Thanksgiving differently this year. Instead of large family gatherings, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to think about celebrations more creatively while keeping safety top of mind. This year, my...

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If your child suffers from multiple ear infections and medications haven’t provided relief, an effective option may be ear tubes, or myringotomy tubes. Below are the most commonly asked questions I receive on the topic.
How many ear infections need to diagnosed prior to recommendation for ear tubes?
If a child has at least four ear infections in six months or has had consistent fluid behind there ear drum for three months, then an ear tube may be recommended by an ear, nose and throat provider (otolaryngologist). ...

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Amid the COVID-19 global pandemic, children continue to deal with another crisis. Firearms, motor vehicle crashes, poisonings, drownings, and a lack of safe equipment and products which are taking their lives. Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for children 1-18-years-old. Every day, 20 children die from preventable injuries, resulting in more deaths than all other diseases combined. This is an unfortunate reality for children around the world, in the United States and especially here in our greater Houston community. The...