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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.

J Robert Schraeder

Q. I’m interested in becoming a foster parent. How do I get started?

Start by asking yourself a few simples questions: Am I 21 or older? Do I have reliable transportation? Is my home a safe environment with enough space for another child (a separate bed for each child)? Do I agree to positive parenting techniques and non-physical discipline for children? Something else to consider is the financial aspect, but typically becoming a foster parent requires little to no cost. If you’ve answered yes, next steps include a background check and completing a 30-hour free training course, which helps you build skills for caring for children who have experienced neglect or abuse and, as a result, may have physical, emotional or educational difficulties. This is also a great opportunity to decide whether fostering is right for you.

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

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Q. Are energy drinks OK for kids?

Pediatricians agree that energy drinks are never OK. Sports drinks and energy drinks are everywhere, and it’s important to highlight their differences. Sports drinks contain carbohydrates with electrolytes for rehydration during vigorous exercise. Energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine and supplements that do NOT assist with rehydration. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends kids avoid energy drinks because the high caffeine content can lead to health complications such as heart arrythmias, high blood pressure, high heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, withdrawal symptoms (headache, fatigues, tremors, mood changes) and caffeine overdose (sudden cardiac death). Better to stay hydrated with water and save your health and your wallet!

Thuylinh Pham, MD, FAAP CHILDREN’S MERCY HOSPITAL

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

© Aaron Lindberg Photography

Q. My teen needs braces, but would like to get Invisalign instead. Will that work to correct his teeth?

Invisalign is a great option for teens! Twenty years ago, when Invisalign first began, many thought that Invisalign would only be an option for adults. Today, we find that teens actually have even higher success than adults! In comparing braces to Invisalign: 1) price is almost exactly the same, 2) results are equally great, 3) fewer appointments, which means less time missed from school, 4) easier to keep your teeth clean, and 5) less painful! Our doctors at Fry Orthodontics routinely recommend both options for teens in nearly every situation. Invisalign’s technology has come a long way in 20 years, and we recommend Invisalign over any of the other new aligner options with less technology.

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. What can I do to prepare my lawn for winter?

To prep your lawn for the winter months when grass stores nutrients, apply two applications of a quick-release, high nitrogen fertilizer in October and November for heavy root and stem development. These are important months of vegetative growth when grass typically grows roots, rhizomes, leaf blades, and crowns. During these months, proper fertilizing and watering produces thicker roots, stronger crowns, aggressive rhizomes, and lateral growth for a healthy, thick, winter-hardy lawn. Family Tree Nursery offers Solutions Winterizer, a quick-release, environmentally friendly fertilizer for the perfect lawn next spring. Remember, October and November are the perfect months to get your lawn ready for winter.

Jonah Nelson FAMILY TREE NURSERY

Family Tree Nursery is a team of passionate horticulturists, providing an unmatched selection of plants and gardening products for the KC area since 1964. 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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