September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about mental health issues, particularly in children and adolescents. Children’s mental health plays a fundamental role in shaping their emotional, cognitive, and social development. A...
As a parent or guardian, your ultimate goal is to raise capable, self-sufficient individuals who can confidently navigate the complexities of life. The teenage years are a critical period for fostering independence and preparing your teens for adulthood. In...
VA-AAP member Dr. John Farrell‘s first foray into advocacy was an eyeopener: “I was naïve – If I went into it knowing what I know now, I would have doubted it could have been done!” But done it is –...
Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it’s important to keep in mind that infants and babies under 12 months require extra care and attention during this season. As a caregiver, there are several things you...
Although teen pregnancy rates in the United States have reached record lows, pregnancies under the age of 20 are still relatively common. If you learn that your teen is facing a pregnancy, the best course of action is to...
Reading to kids is one of the best things you can do as a parent. Reading helps with language development, boosts vocabulary, and builds early literacy skills. Plus, it’s fun! It’s never too early to start reading to your...
April is Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month along with National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is important to raise awareness about the prevalence of different types of abuse inflicted on children. Every year, millions of children are exposed...
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects approximately 1 in every 700 babies born in the United States. It is caused by an extra copy of the 21st chromosome which results in physical and mental developmental delays. Individuals...
February is National Heart Month, and it is a great time to educate ourselves about common health concerns related to children’s hearts. Heart conditions can be severe, and it is critical for parents to know the various heart conditions...
When my kids were younger, people would often ask me how I found books to read with them. There are tons of fantastic resources out there for book ideas: You can look at the booklists at Read Aloud Revival or Heritage Mom,...