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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.

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Q. What are some good questions to ask when choosing an orthodontist? What percentage of your patients have braces twice?

This number should be very low, 5-10 percent. If that number is higher, there is a chance that there is excessive treatment being offered. At Fry Orthodontics, only 5 percent of patients need braces twice. If the orthodontics is completed prior to the payment plan being completely paid, will the braces be removed or kept on? At Fry Orthodontics, when the treatment is completed, the braces will be removed regardless of the balance on the payment plan. The payment plan can continue to be paid after the braces are off.

Dr. Jeremy Fry FRY ORTHODONTICS

At Fry Orthodontics, we have been providing superior service to patients of all ages for more than 40 years while helping them achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. 913.469.9191, FryOrthodontics.com

Q. My kids fight all the time! How can I help them to get along?

Sibling squabbles are normal and teach conflict resolution and forgiveness. But if your kids are fighting too much, here are some tips to help. Over several days, record when they get along, when they fight and what everyone is doing at those times. Provide frequent and specific praise when they play well together. Briefly remove access to objects they fight over (toys, tablets). With physical fighting, separate them immediately and put both in time-out; if there’s crying comfort briefly, saying, “Sorry, you are not getting along.” Wait before asking if they can resolve their arguments; if either says no, separate them briefly. Don’t ask who started it; both are culpable.

Rochelle Harris, Child Psychologist 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. Our nighttime routine takes forever! How can I get my kids to stay in bed at bedtime?

In general, children thrive on routine, and bedtime is no exception. Taking the same steps in the same order at the same time every night can help provide structure and set expectations. Often, toddlers will challenge bedtime, and routine becomes pivotal, as does flexibility. Talk about what happens next, set a timer for the next step, let your child make some choices (which books, in what order, brush teeth or read first, sing or read, etc.). Follow through on the plan calmly, gently redirect your child back to bed if he gets out, and praise him the following morning for staying in his own bed all night.

Rebecca Tusken ADVENTHEALTH

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission’s pediatricians and primary care providers offer compassionate, expert care for children of all ages. Find a provider at AdventHealthKC.com.

J Robert Schraeder

Q. What supports are available to foster families?

KVC is committed to every foster parent’s success and provides personalized support to your family. We encourage our foster parents to develop a support system around them and work with extended family, faith communities, employers, and friends to develop a network of care around the family, as any parent would. KVC provides ongoing training opportunities to address specific behavioral needs, working with birth families and navigating the child welfare system. Additionally, we offer access to a clothing closet, school supplies, holiday gifts and ongoing supports.

Megan Maciel KVC KANSAS

KVC Kansas provides heart-centered services to children and families through in-home family support, foster care, adoption, behavioral healthcare and children’s psychiatric hospitals. 913.499.8100, Kansas.kvc.org

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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