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Expert Advice

Expert Advice

If you've got kids, you've got questions. From bright-eyed toddlers to "big kids" transitioning to school, our experts give you the inside scoop as well as tips and trends to help every step of the way.

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My Grade School aged daughter has become obsessed with food. She wants to eat much too frequently and primarily un-healthy snacks. If I allow her to pack her lunch for school, she takes 100 more than she needs. Also, I have been finding her sneaking foods. She is slightly overweight and I don't want her to become obese. But, I don't want her to go the other direction and develop an opposite eating problem. What should I do? Pat, Berrien Center, MI
Jeff Winckler

Jeff Winckler, Educator, Father, says:

Healthy habits about diet and excise begin when a person is young. It's very important for school age children to learn how to apply portion control and eat in moderation, as well as understand the... See More Details
User Comments: (3) View Comments | Was this advice Helpful? (3 votes) (0 vote)
My daughter just turned 2, and I have noticed a BIG difference in her attitude in general. She is more aggressive and has started throwing more tantrums. Is there any advice about turning around these tantrums? Is there any kind of repercussions that are not too harsh for a 2 year old? I'm not sure what to do. Erica, Richmond, KY
Debbie Drown

Debbie Drown, Educator, Principal, says:

Tantrums in two year olds are not unusual, although can be difficult to handle. It is important for you to remain calm so that she doesn't get a reinforcing reaction from you. The first thing you... See More Details
User Comments: (0) View Comments | Was this advice Helpful? (0 votes) (0 vote)
My Grade School aged daughter has become obsessed with food. She wants to eat much too frequently and primarily un-healthy snacks. If I allow her to pack her lunch for school, she takes 100 more than she needs. Also, I have been finding her sneaking foods. She is slightly overweight and I don't want her to become obese. But, I don't want her to go the other direction and develop an opposite eating problem. What should I do? Pat, Berrien Center, MI
Debbie Drown

Debbie Drown, Educator, Principal, says:

As always, it is always a good precaution to consult your pediatrician to rule out any physical and/or emotional issues that may be causing the issue.

But, having ruled out physical or... See More Details

User Comments: (0) View Comments | Was this advice Helpful? (0 votes) (0 vote)
My oldest of 4 children will not eat ANY veggies and it is affecting my 5 year olds eating habits. How do I get my 9 year old to eat veggies? Becky, Myrtle Beach, SC
Jeff Winckler

Jeff Winckler, Educator, Father, says:

Having children eat vegetables can be a real challenge and one many parents face. I think that one good idea is preparing the vegetables(s) in a variety of ways. Serve broccoli with cheese (not too... See More Details
User Comments: (0) View Comments | Was this advice Helpful? (0 votes) (0 vote)
My daughter just turned 2, and I have noticed a BIG difference in her attitude in general. She is more aggressive and has started throwing more tantrums. Is there any advice about turning around these tantrums? Is there any kind of repercussions that are not too harsh for a 2 year old? I'm not sure what to do. Erica, Richmond, KY
Jeff Winckler

Jeff Winckler, Educator, Father, says:

Around the age of two, tantrums are more common in many children. This is typically because children become frustrated in their inability to communicate their wants and needs...or because they... See More Details

User Comments: (2) View Comments | Was this advice Helpful? (2 votes) (0 vote)
My oldest of 4 children will not eat ANY veggies and it is affecting my 5 year olds eating habits. How do I get my 9 year old to eat veggies? Becky, Myrtle Beach, SC
Debbie Drown

Debbie Drown, Educator, Principal, says:

There are several things that you could try:

  1. Explain that not eating veggies is not an option, but that he/she may have a choice of veggie each night.
  2. Have a fun veggie... See More Details
User Comments: (1) View Comments | Was this advice Helpful? (0 votes) (1 vote)
I have a child that gets so excited he lets off random screams. Meeting new people or new children sets him off to either scream or run away from me. What should I do to help him besides talking to him since I have already tried that? Amanda, Louisville, KY
Yinka Davies

Dr. Yinka Davies, Pediatrician, Mother of Two, says:

Toddlers express their excitement in various ways. When this tends to occur at either the park or meeting new people try guiding him towards his new friends and encouraging him to play. Getting him... See More Details
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My daughter is almost 9 months old and she is not crawling yet. She gets into a crawling position but then goes down on her belly and pushes herself backwards. She can't seem to get the hang of crawling or even wiggling forward on her belly. My nephew is a little older but he started crawling very early and started walking at 8 ½ months, which is my daughter's age now. Should I be worried? Brittany, Chicopee, MA
Jeff Winckler

Jeff Winckler, Educator, Father, says:

I think this is developmentally appropriate for a 9 month old. All of these attempts at movement are signs that your daughter is heading towards the crawling stage. Her posturing is on target for... See More Details
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How do I get my 5 year old to stop sucking his thumb? I have tried many different things and he still does it. Heather, Erie, PA
Debbie Drown

Debbie Drown, Educator, Principal, says:

Thumb-sucking may be just a comforting habit, or it may be stress or anxiety related. First try to determine if there are certain times that your child sucks his thumb. For example, does it... See More Details

User Comments: (1) View Comments | Was this advice Helpful? (0 votes) (1 vote)
My 27 month old son has started repeating a word 3 to 4 times. For example, if he wants to tell you that the dog is asleep he will say, "sleep, sleep, sleep" and point to the dog instead of saying "dog sleep." Or one time a man gave him a ball and he will show you the ball and say, "man, man, man." The only way we can get him to speak in a full sentence is if we have him repeat after us one word at a time. Should we be worried? He does this constantly. Carrie, Comanche, OK
Yinka Davies

Dr. Yinka Davies, Pediatrician, Mother of Two, says:

The time table for language development can be broad, and there can be a few stumbles along the way. Repeating words at 27 months of age can be a normal part of development. Your son is able to make... See More Details
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