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.
© Aaron Lindberg Photography
© Aaron Lindberg Photography Aaron Lindberg Photography is an experienced Kansas City-based commercial photography studio. www.aaronlindberg.com
Q. How can I help my child deal with discomfort from braces?
One of the biggest concerns of patients and parents is about the potential pain from braces. The pain from braces is a lot like a bruise on your arm: It only hurts when you touch it. When patients are chewing food, it is similar to touching a bruise and is uncomfortable. The good news is that the pain is not a continual, throbbing pain. Most patients spend most of the day with their teeth apart and are not in pain. Pain can be best managed with over-the-counter pain medicine like Tylenol or Advil. Chewing sugar-free gum is also a good pain management technique, as the gum will dissipate the pain quicker after appointments. Dr. Jeremy Fry Fry Orthodontics
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
J Robert Schraeder
Q. How do I know my home meets the licensing requirements to provide foster care?
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, we encourage you to reach out to a recruitment specialist to discuss options. During this process we will evaluate and discuss your home, how many children you are interested in fostering, and what state requirements need to be met. We can also assist with school and daycare enrollment, community resources for counseling, and where to access medical care for a foster child in your home.
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
Q. With summer approaching, what are some water safety tips to keep in mind?
Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 years, and children are more likely to drown at home. Drowning is also a top cause of death among teenagers. Some tips to help prevent drownings:
- Teach kids to swim. Most children are ready by 4 years.
- Watch the water. Active supervision is required for all children in pools and other bodies of water. Develop a “water watcher” system where adults take turns making sure at least one adult is watching and is within arm’s length of children.
- Wear life jackets.
- Fence with locking gate.
- Cover the pool.
- Get CPR certified!
- Install door alarms.
Brad Winfrey Manager, Center for Childhood Safety 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. How can I make sure my child is getting enough physical activity?
First, you should know how much exercise your child needs. Infants should spend at least 30 minutes doing tummy time daily. Toddlers and preschoolers should spend three hours of their day active, while older children need 60+ minutes daily. Starting in elementary school, three days of the week should include muscle/ bone strengthening as well. Exercise shouldn’t feel like a chore – make it a fun family event. For younger kids, a walk, bike ride or outside play are forms of exercise. With older kids, finding an activity that they enjoy and that facilitates socialization while keeping them moving is the key. Variety is also important, especially for middle schoolers – try multiple sports.
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.
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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Matt Rainey/AdventHealth
AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Birth Center
More families choose the AdventHealth Birth Center, formerly known as the Shawnee Mission Birth Center, to deliver their babies each year, not because of the amenities, but because of the outstanding doctors and dedicated nursing staff who ensure...
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AdventHealth Shawnee Mission
When you’re in need, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission's expert care teams help heal your body, ease your mind, and lift your spirit.
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AdventHealth Centra Care
AdventHealth Centra Care has been helping families feel whole for more than 35 years. Our urgent care clinics are open 7 days a week and have evening hours on weekdays. Walk in anytime, or make a convenient online reservation.
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Fry Orthodontic Specialists
Fry Orthodontic Specialists is a unique group of people that consistently follow a core ideology to better the lives of those around us. We create a warm, family environment while providing exceptional service and a commitment to caring.
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KVC Kansas - Kansas City Office
At KVC Kansas, our goal is to enrich and enhance the lives of children and families by providing services in family preservation and reunification, foster care, adoption, behavioral health and more.
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Children's Mercy Hospital
Every moment with your child is one to cherish. At Children’s Mercy, we fight to give families more of them.
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