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Ask the Experts

We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything from dental visits and playdates to dance lessons, lawns and so much more! If you have a question that needs answering, get in touch.

Q. At what age should my child have his first dental visit? And should my child see a pediatric dentist instead of our regular family dentist?

“First visit by first birthday” is the general rule. To prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, usually between 6 and 12 months of age, certainly no later than his first birthday. Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health of young people. Following dental school, a pediatric dentist has two to three years of additional specialty training in the unique needs of infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health needs.

Dr. Jill Jenkins and Dr. Michael LeBlanc of LeBlanc & Associates Dentistry for Children

We are proud to be a leading pediatric dental practice in the Kansas City metro, including Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. 913.378.9610, KidSmileKC.com

Q. My child struggled with math last year. Should I get a tutor now or wait to see how she does for the first quarter?

At Sylvan, I receive this question frequently and respond, “Don’t wait until math struggles exist, because then you’re already behind.” While parents may encourage summer reading, many forget math, whether because of oversight or feeling ill-equipped to help. Summer learning loss is real, with up to six months of math knowledge lost. And this year, COVID-19’s impact on the spring semester will undoubtedly compound learning loss in math and other subjects—as well as raise uncertainties about school this fall. Consequently, proactively seeking a math tutor before troubles show up is imperative. Sylvan is prepared to assist your child during this unpredictable period.

Barbara Nickless, Center Director, Sylvan of Kansas City North

Sylvan offers a wide range of tutoring for every age and grade from pre-K through college, to meet your child’s individual needs and goals. 816.468.7900, https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/kansascity-mo

Q. Is it safe to have playdates with other children?

Opportunities for children to socialize and play are critical for their development and wellness. Allowing children to play with friends while promoting healthy behaviors that reduce spread of COVID-19 is key. Parents can do the following to decrease the spread of COVID-19: Encourage children to wash hands often and cover their coughs and sneezes, discourage the sharing of items such as food and toys with friends, play outside as much as possible, encourage masking and social distancing in older children, and make sure a child or parent exposed to COVID-19 or ill stays home. Consider limiting playdates to small groups.

Jennifer L. Goldman, MD of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Clinical Pharmacology, Children’s Mercy

Children’s Mercy is one of the nation’s top pediatric medical centers. With hospitals and specialty clinics in Missouri and Kansas, we provide the highest level of care for children. 816.234.3000, ChildrensMercy.org

Q. What are some of the best ways I can utilize the library’s online resources for my middle school son?

Mid-Continent Public Library’s homework help page, MyMCPL.org/homework, is a great place to start and can be used to access MCPL’s collection of free homework help resources for students. Need more hands-on help? “Live Homework Help” from Tutor.com offers assistance from actual tutors on a variety of subjects. Need to do some research? “Research for Middle Schoolers” features a collection of more than 400 topics, each with articles, images and primary sources. Age-appropriate book lists can also be found on the library’s online catalog, including those created specifically for middle school readers. Contact your local branch for more support!

Haley Lefholz, MCPL Youth Services librarian

Mid-Continent Public Library has 33 branches and serves more than 816,000 residents across Jackson, Clay and Platte counties, offering resources and services for all ages. 816.836.5200, MyMCPL.org

Q. When is too late to start dance lessons? My daughter is 11 and wants to take ballet, but I’m afraid she’ll be the oldest one in the class?

It is never too late to begin dancing! The age of 11 actually can be a great one to begin training because students are able to understand technique and have body awareness. Even though they don't have the benefit of the early years of classes, they are certainly able to grasp the foundational principles more quickly because of their age. If a student works hard, she can catch up during her teen years and find great success. TCH offers beginning classes for older age groups (including adults).

Mona Storling-Enna, Artistic Director, The Culture House

The Culture House Conservatory of Art (established 1996) has programs and performances in dance, theater, music and art (ages 3-20), as well as a professional dance division. 913.393.3141, CultureHouse.com

Q. What are some things I should do now to prep my lawn for fall and winter?

Spray weeds in August to eliminate root competition before fall seeding. September is the best month to put down grass seed in Kansas City. Cool air starts to set in, decreasing the stress on the new seedling, while the soil temperature remains warm, allowing grass seed to germinate and root quickly. In autumn, grass begins to store carbohydrates for winter, so it’s important to apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer. We recommend three applications, one month apart starting in September, to ensure the establishment of deep roots. When seeding and fall fertilizing, always keep your lawn well hydrated.

Jonah Nelson, Store Manager, Family Tree Nursery Overland Park

Family Tree Nursery is a team of passionate horticulturists, providing an unmatched selection of plants and gardening products for the KC area. 913.642.6503, FamilyTreeNursery.com

Are you an expert in your field with advice for our readers, contact editor@kcparent.com and we may consider adding you to our panel.

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