Dr. Amy E. Armada

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"I can see you do your potty dance, go sit on the potty."

"NOOO NO POTTY!!!"

*8 brutal minutes of negotiation*

“Okay FINE! Do what you want."

*Toddler p*es their pants.* 🆒🆒🆒

It's FRUSTRATING, right!? We can't even really identify WHY, but it pushes our parental buttons to the extreme, especially if we JUST told them to sit on the potty + they refused.

BUT (this is crucial): ✨The more you push, the more they resist.✨

Toddlers LOVE to be in control. The "NO!'s" and "I DO IT!" AND? In ALL my years working with kids + being a Mom, here is the big truth bomb: You can't force someone to do basic bodily functions like p*eing or eating. You can pick that kid up when it's time to leave the park, you can close the iPad when it's time to be done with screentime. But you just.can't.make.a.kid.p*e.on.the.potty.

So, when you see your kid doing the p*e dance, we want you to channel your inner IDGAF, I'm seriously sooo chill right now vibes and: PLAY IT COOL😎 The more you back off + lower that pressure, the higher success rate you'll see with this whole potty thing.

Here's how you prompt them, as soon as you see that p*e dance:
✨EMPOWER THEM✨
”Ok, listen to your body.”
Because, THIS is the true way they'll learn to potty train. The ultimate goal is to teach them to LISTEN to THEIR body, not by YOU dictating when they go.
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✨REMIND THEM✨
”When you feel the p*e coming, the potty is right over there.”
Make sure you ALWAYS show them exactly where the potty is.
⁠
✨PUMP THEM UP✨
”I know you can do it!”
When your kid feels confident, they're more likely to make it to the potty.

And? When your kid DOES have an accident (and they WILL, it's part of the learning process!), SAY THIS:
"You p*ed your pants. That feels yucky, huh? It’s ok to feel sad about p*eing your pants. Next time, when you feel it down there, run to the potty. I know you can do it!"

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Too much milk —> iron-deficient anemia —> short term issues with energy + long term issues with cognition, development.

You do not need to push for a certain number of ounces of cow’s milk each day.

What I tell parents & what we do at our hose—> offer milk (cow’s, almond, oat, etc.) at mealtime…one sippy cup full is plenty.

Rest of day, have water available for thirst.

“JUST TAKE ONE BITE!”
“See how YUMMY THIS IS?!?! OOOOH YUMMY! YOU'RE MISSING OUT. TRY IT! TRY IT!”

Real talk? We get it!! As parents, we are so desperate for our kids to eat, to be healthy and also to avoid that hangry meltdown if they DON'T eat.🌪️ That's why we're praising + celebrating the bite of broccoli, that's why we're TRYING to shift them away from sugar + why we're basically ESPN sportscasters of our kid's mealtime, giving a play by play of every ever loving thing going in their mouths.🏁

BUT Research shows that high parental involvement during mealtime actually leads to MORE picky eating. Yep, all of those desperate tactics you're using? Well, they're ACTUALLY what is causing the picky eating to begin with. We're ditching the old school ideas about eating +rolling with the new science, baby!👩🏻‍🔬👩🏼‍🔬

✨Say goodbye to:
👎 Praising vegetables + new foods ➡️ makes your kid think oohhh I DEFINITELY don't want these
👎 Talking negatively about sweets or junk food ➡️ You just made ‘em sound like something they NEEED to have
👎 Watching them eat + commenting on eating ➡️ So.Much.Pressure. For all things eating, remember this: The more you push, the more they resist. Even if you think you're not pushing, if you're commenting at all on their food intake, they feel it as pushing.

So, instead, you're gonna PLAY IT COOL😎
👍 Once you put that plate down, release + let go! ➡️ Less pressure feels safer for exploration
👍Talk about the day, tell jokes ➡️ Keep that atmosphere loving + light, and the focus OFF what they are (or aren't) putting in their mouths
👍 Allow her/him to eat as much/little as desired ➡️ They’re the keeper of their own body! Toddlers go through INSANE phases. Eating literally air for 3 days, then eating like a football player for 3 days. THIS IS OK.

Pro Tip: Always serve a “safe food” with every meal.

✨If you're struggling with picky eating, our course, Winning the Toddler Stage, is here to help. Our eating module was co-written by a registered dietician who specializes in toddler picky eating. Mealtimes don't have to be a battle. Let’s get you back to enjoying mealtime - you deserve it! For people with kids ages 1-6. Link in bio!✨

We're often asked it’s normal to keep coughing for weeks. Short answer: It can be.

Long answer:
Most viral upper respiratory infections start with one or more of the following symptoms: runny nose, sore throat, cough, fatigue and fever.

These symptoms are most prominent over the first 3-5 days, then start to resolve.

Fever should go away after the first 4-5 days. Fever generally is worst at night and can improve during the day. If you give acetaminophen or ibuprofen, it can lower the temperature, but the goal is not to make the fever go away completely. The goal is comfort. If a fever lasts more than 5 days, your child should be checked out to look for treatable reasons. Unless they are struggling to breathe or dehydrated, this can be done during regular office hours. Our local pediatric urgent cares and ERs are full - avoid using them if not a true urgent or emergent need.

Runny nose and congestion usually start improving by 10 days but the cough can linger for 2-3 weeks typically. If one has a history of asthma or wheezing, be sure to follow your Asthma Action Plan. If you don't have one, schedule a visit with your usual doctor to make one. As long as there's no difficulty breathing, shortness or breath, or limit to activity, the 3 week course of cough is not a concern. Some infections (notably COVID) tend to cause many months worth of cough and sometimes one infection is layered upon another, making the cough seem prolonged. Usually no specific treatment is needed, but if a cough lasts more than 3 weeks, have it checked by your regular doctor.

If kids are active and playful and seem to have their normal energy level, this is reassuring and they're on their way to recovery. 
The cough is annoying but it’s not dangerous if they're otherwise well!

Honey, saline and suction (or blowing if a child can blow their nose), and lots of water (to drink, and added to the air) are the standard treatments for upper respiratory infections.

Learn more about symptom management: https://pediatricpartnerskc.com/Resources/Is-Your-Child-Sick

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Step 1 of skin care routine. Find a hydrating, gentle cleanser. These are some of my favorite drug store brands.




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