For many children, the transition into the 2021-22 school year may lead to emotions that are more intense than usual – eagerness, nervousness, and anxiety. Encompass pediatric professionals and parents share their perspectives and experiences on how parents and caregivers can support their children and each other, and how communities can help support families during this unusual back-to-school transition.

Kids and sleep – an age-old challenge for so many parents! Encompass pediatric therapists Missy Budworth and Kim Hall share invaluable tips for parents and caregivers to help promote healthy sleep habits.

There are many reasons why fathers and other male role models are important to a child’s development. We’ll be hearing just a few of those reasons from men that have played different roles in children’s lives, including fathers, grandfathers, coaches, and scout leaders; and we’ll be hearing these voices in both English and Spanish.

Hay muchas razones por las que los padres y otros modelos masculinos son importantes para el desarrollo de un niño. Escucharemos solo algunas de esas razones de hombres que han desempeñado diferentes roles en la vida de los niños, incluidos padres, abuelos, entrenadores y líderes scout; y escucharemos estas voces tanto en Inglés como en Español.

What is the difference between sympathy and empathy? Why is teaching children empathy important for their development? Encompass Behavioral Health Manager Megan Walsh provides valuable tips and information, and two parents share their perspectives.

Early literacy is about more than simply reading to your child – it’s also about engaging their senses in other ways. Encompass Bi-lingual Early Literacy Specialist Gloria Martinez offers some tips on incorporating art, music, and movement into reading with your child to promote early literacy and other skills. Two mothers also share their techniques.

All parents and caregivers have probably experienced Sibling Rivalry at some point – fighting, tattling, hitting, and attention-seeking behaviors. Encompass Behavioral Health Manager Megan Walsh offers some tips on how and when adults should step in, and when it’s best to let the kids work it out. And two parents share how they manage rivalry in their households.

Mindfulness – we hear a lot about it these days. What is mindfulness and how can we apply the ideas to parenting? Encompass Speech-Language Pathologist Kim Kanzler, and Encompass Bilingual Certified Counselor Rocio Collado, recently completed training to facilitate mindfulness classes and join us to share their insights. We'll also hear from two parents who discuss their experiences with the practice of mindfulness.

Most families have experienced disappointments and challenges, and with the continuing COVID19 health crisis, the school year and holiday season are likely very different than what was planned and expected. Two parents share how they’re handling the situation with their families, and two Behavioral Health experts from Encompass offer great tips on promoting resiliency in families.

Parents are very aware of the many products available that are promoted as helping to make parenting easier – such as activity centers and things to help babies sleep better. Developmental Pediatrician and Encompass Medical Director, Dr. Dan Tolson, and Encompass Pediatric Therapist, Kim Hall, share their expertise and insights on what parents should consider as they decide whether or not to buy a product.

Many of us know someone whose child has Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly called ADD/ADHD. Have you ever thought “Oh, boys will be boys”? Has anyone ever told you “She’s just lazy”? Recognizing October as National ADHD Awareness month, two mothers share their experiences—what led them to seek help and the treatments and strategies that continue to help their families. We’ll also hear from a developmental pediatrician offering tips on signs and behaviors to watch for as well as available resources for families.